Lanai Doors Maintenance

With simple maintenance, you can extend the life of your Lanai Door. Door hardware is subject to wear and tear, deterioration or damage by everyday use, corrosion and other conditions. Maintenance of hardware is much more important in coastal marine or industrial and chemically aggressive environments. Any metal, including stainless steel products, require maintenance to prevent or reduce wear and tear or deterioration.

Minimum requirement for the maintenance of lanai door hardware:

Track & bearings

Using a spatula or similar (not your finger), apply a small amount (typically a 1/4 teaspoon) of white petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or similar lubricant to the inner lip of each side of the track. Ensure that the wheels pass through the lubricant and it is distributed evenly along the track. Put additional lubricant around bearings. Lubricant reduces wear, improves smoothness and further protects against corrosion of the track and bearings. Remove all surface contaminates by wiping all visible track surfaces with a damp soft cloth and a mild detergent, then wipe clean with a clean cloth. In severe environments, apply a thin film of corrosion preventative such as CRC marine 66 or Innox, by wiping with a soft cloth moistened with one of these products.

Stainless-steel bearings are manufactured from hardening-grade stainless-steel and although this material performs considerably better than steel, it is still susceptive to corrosion unless maintained as described above.

Hangers, pivots and brackets

A light spray application of a corrosion preventative such as CRC Marine 66 or Innox, followed by a light wipe with a dry cloth to remove excess, is recommended to all hangers, pivots and brackets. Exposed surfaces should first be wiped down with warm soapy water and a soft rag, and then rinsed clean before applying preventative.

Hinges

Wipe down the visible surfaces with warm soapy water on a soft rag and then rinse off by wiping with a clean damp rag. Application of a thin film of light machine oil or one of the corrosion preventative sprays mentioned above will help to maintain the original luster of the metal finish. Be careful not to get these compounds on the timberwork itself as they may cause staining.

Flush bolts

Spray application of a suitable lubricant such as CRC Marine 66or Innox, to the sliding pin inside the bolt and to the lock cylinder is recommended. A tube attached to the nozzle will help to concentrate the spray where you want it to go. There are access holes or slots on all flush bolt products so that this can be done without removing the locks from the doors.

Solid Brass

Polished solid brass is supplied as a natural, unlaquered finish. The finish can either be left to develop a naturally aged patina or polished with any commercial brass polish.

Frequency

The procedures mentioned above need to be carried out as often as is necessary to prevent deterioration in the installed environment, however we recommend the following minimum frequency of application.

General environments - 6 monthly

Marine and Industrial environments - 3 monthly

Regular maintenance is required to all hardware, even stainless steel; otherwise the manufacturer's warranty will be voided.

Aluminum and Clad Units

Any breaches in the exterior paint coating, such as scratches, chips or areas of abrasion, must be repaired immediately. Under no circumstances can the metal be left exposed. Use only high quality materials and apply finish coat to all exposed wood surfaces as directed by the manufacturer of the finished materials. Include these unseen areas: Top of sash, Bottom of sash, Inside of handle and lock holes. Avoid applying sealers and paints to any vinyl or non-wood parts. Avoid materials that do not seal the pores of the wood. Apply at least two coats of topcoat finish.

Wood Units

Do not use waxes over the exterior finish. You should apply a sealer to the top and bottom of the door(s) every 6 months or sooner depending on the degree exposure and the climactic conditions in your area. Also, under a normal exposure it may become necessary to apply another coat of finish over the entire door once a year. We recommend that you use a lemon oil to clean the surface of the door and thereby also extending the life of the finish and door.

Glass

Glass care is more important than ever. Insulated and lowE glass require proper maintenance to ensure their complete effectiveness.

Never use any petroleum-based cleaners or caustic chemicals on your glass. Never use a razor blade, putty knife or abrasive pad to clean the glass.

Vacuum dirt from sill and track before washing.

Do not use a high-pressure spray nozzle when rinsing your windows after washing.

Clean glass with a mixture of mild dish soap & water. Rinse completely with clear water then wipe dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots.

Abrasive or caustic cleaners are never recommended because they might cause permanent damage to the finish or the glass.

With proper care and maintenance, your beautiful Lanai Door will give countless years of smooth operation and enjoyment.

If you should have any questions regarding the maintenance of you Lanai Door system, please contact our corporate office at:

941 N Elm St, Ste C
Orange, CA 92867
866-907-DOOR (3667)

According to the National Institute of Standards & Technology, some door and windows systems can last up to 50 years. Some of the factors that go into the determination include:

  • Frame material
  • Quality construction practices and building style
  • Product quality
  • Climate and exposure
  • Routine care maintenance
  • Replacement of parts that wear with use