External door operation instructions
External door operation instructions: advices and recommendations
Entrance doors are the important parts of any building, providing safety and protecting against external factors. However, to ensure their long service life, several rules must be observed in operation and maintenance. This publication describes key recommendations for proper operation and maintenance of aluminium doors.
Optimal operating conditions
Aluminium doors are appropriate for operation at any temperatures. However, air humidity in a room must be taken into consideration: in winter, it must not exceed 30…45% at +20…22°C; in summer, 60% at +22…25°C. To avoid problems with condensate, ventilation and heating system must be properly engineered and installed. To preserve aesthetic appearance for many years, a special canopy should be set above the entrance door: it will withstand weather impacts and UV radiation.
Installation and protection against damages
Never install doors before completion of all construction works resulting in higher humidity in a room. This is important because high humidity can adversely affect metal elements and finished surfaces. Also, avoid door installation nearby the sources of open fire or devices that can heat the door leaf. Heated floor, if used, shall be configured with an interval at least 20 cm from the entrance door.
Avoiding problems with door opening and closing
If you see that the door is opened or closed hardly, it may be due to problems with hinges. In such a case, lubricate the hinges according to the maintenance instructions. Ignoring these problems can result in more serious damage.
Careful handling
Avoid contacts with sharp objects and chemicals that can damage the door leaf. Also, be careful to prevent your door impacts against jambs or walls: they may harm the door appearance. Avoid door closing with latches in their outer position: they may be broken in such a case.
Taking care of locks and seals
When you use locks, never insert damaged keys or any other objects into keyholes. Also, locks should not be dismantled or assembled by customers: locks can be broken as a result. When you close a door, ensure that carpets or other objects are located properly, not hindering a door leaf position in a door case, and the key is turned smoothly.
Threshold
While your door is in operation, ensure that there are no accumulations of dirt or ice on the threshold or aluminium case. Ice accumulation prevents the door from complete tight closing and hinders the door sealing material from taking proper shape. As a result, hinges are affected by higher loads that can result in their deformation and distort the geometry of the structure as a whole.
Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure long service life for your door. Lubricate door hinges with intervals not longer than half a year; use special lubricants for this purpose. In offices and commercial premises, these intervals should be shorter. To clean a door leaf, use slightly moist soft cloth; never use abrasives.
Pay attention to the condition of the sealing contour: it should be treated with silicone lubricant twice a year. It will keep your door tight and prevent draughts. If the door handle becomes loose, tighten the locking screw; otherwise, the handle can be broken.
These easy recommendations, if observed, contribute to your door’s long service life and keeping its functionality. Proper handling and regular maintenance not only ensure your home safety but also preserve its aesthetic appearance. Remember that taking due care of the door parts is the precondition for your door’s long and reliable service.
