Aluminium units last for decades — but only with simple regular care. Most issues people bring to us — stiff operation, draughts, dull finishes — are not defects but the result of years without maintenance. Here is a practical routine for apartment owners, facility managers and building operators.
Profile finish
Aluminium profiles are powder coated or anodised. Both are durable, but dust, soot, salts and construction dirt settle on them, spoil the appearance over time and can damage the surface.
How to clean:
with clean water or a mild pH-neutral detergent;
with a soft cloth, sponge or natural-bristle brush;
rinse with clean water afterwards to avoid streaks.
Avoid: abrasive powders and pads, solvents, acidic or alkaline cleaners, close-range pressure washers, and cleaning in direct sun when the surface is hot.
How often: in urban settings QUALICOAT recommends washing powder-coated finishes at least once a year. Near the sea or industrial sites the atmosphere is more aggressive and the interval is shortened — to once every few months. For such buildings choose suitable finish specifications at design stage: a seaside grade for powder coatings, a thicker film for anodising.
Hardware
Hardware is a mechanism and needs lubrication. Hardware manufacturers recommend, at least once a year:
Lubricate all moving parts and locking points with acid- and resin-free oil (do not use silicone-based products on mechanisms unless the instructions allow it).
Check locking parts for wear and make sure hardware components are firmly fixed.
Test every handle position: turn, tilt, micro-ventilation.
Adjust sash compression if needed — most systems allow seasonal winter/summer adjustment.
If a sash starts to catch the frame or the handle turns stiffly, do not force it — it needs adjustment.
Gaskets
EPDM gaskets provide air and water tightness. Once a year:
wipe gaskets clean with a damp cloth;
treat them with a gasket care product (for example silicone oil or talc — per the manufacturer’s instructions);
check for tears and make sure the gasket sits firmly in its groove.
Drainage
Aluminium frames have drainage holes to remove water that enters the rebate. If they are blocked by dust or debris, water builds up and can get inside. In spring and autumn check and clean the drainage channels and external caps.
Glass
Clean glass with ordinary glass cleaners. Do not use metal scrapers on coated glass, and remove stickers and protective films soon after installation — sunlight cures the adhesive and makes it hard to remove.
Sliding systems
For sliding doors also:
keep the bottom track free of sand and debris;
check that rollers turn freely;
do not grease the track with heavy lubricants that attract dust unless the instructions require it.
Facades
For facades of public and apartment buildings, plan cleaning together with access: cradles, rope access, maintenance systems. The facade cleaning regime is usually provided by the coater or system supplier — keep it and log the work done.
Yearly calendar
Spring: wash profiles and glass after winter, clean drainage, check gaskets.
Summer: seasonal sash adjustment to “summer” if needed.
Autumn: lubricate hardware, clean drainage again, adjust to “winter”.
Winter: watch indoor humidity — excessive moisture causes condensation even on good windows.
After construction works
Most finish damage happens not during use but before it — during fit-out. A few rules for the general contractor and owner:
keep the protective film on profiles while plastering and painting nearby, but do not leave it in the sun longer than the manufacturer recommends;
wash off mortar, plaster and cement splashes with water immediately — once dry they can damage the finish;
do not use profiles to support ladders or scaffolding;
after the works, clean drainage holes and sliding tracks of construction dust;
adjust the hardware before handover — sashes often go out of adjustment during construction.
Summary
An hour’s inspection twice a year adds years to a unit’s life. For heavily used buildings — hotels, schools, shopping centres — a service contract makes sense. Warranty terms are on the Warranty page.