How to Maintain Aluminium Doors and Windows in the UAE

Powder-coated aluminium does not rust, warp or fade, which is why it is the right material for the Gulf. What it does collect is sand — in tracks, on seals and in rollers. A few minutes a month keeps bifold, sliding and French doors running like new for decades.

Monthly: tracks and thresholds

Vacuum or brush sand out of the bottom track and the drainage slots, then rinse with clean water. Do not use oil or grease in the track — it holds sand and makes a paste. If a door has a floor guide or flush track, run a soft brush through it after every sandstorm.

Monthly: glass and frames

Wash frames and glass with warm water and a little mild detergent, rinse and dry. Avoid abrasive pads, solvents and strong alkaline cleaners, which dull powder coating. Tinted and low-E glass is coated on the inside face of the sealed unit, so normal glass cleaner on the outside is fine.

Every three months: seals, rollers and hinges

Wipe the rubber and brush seals with a damp cloth and check they sit flat. Rollers and hinges are sealed stainless bearings and need no lubrication; if a panel drags, the roller height may need adjusting — a two-minute job with the adjuster screw, shown at handover. A light silicone spray on lock cylinders and hinge pins keeps them smooth in humidity.

After a sandstorm or heavy rain

Rinse the exterior, clear the track drains and check the weep holes are open so water is not trapped in the frame.

Locks and handles

Multi-point locks should engage with one easy turn. If they become stiff, the door has usually dropped slightly; adjust the hinges or rollers rather than forcing the handle. Never oil a cylinder — use a dry graphite or PTFE lubricant.

When to call us

Misted double glazing, a cracked pane, a seal that has come away, or a panel that will not adjust back into line are service jobs. Bifold UAE installations carry a 10-year warranty on frames and hardware; contact customer care and we will book a visit.