Aluminium Window Maintenance Guide for Cape Town Homeowners
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your aluminium windows and doors performing optimally in Cape Town’s challenging coastal environment. This comprehensive guide helps you maintain your investment and prevent costly repairs.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters in Cape Town
Cape Town’s unique climate creates specific maintenance challenges:
- Salt spray: Coastal properties need regular cleaning to prevent corrosion
- Strong winds: Check and tighten fixings regularly
- UV exposure: Seals and weatherstripping degrade faster in intense sun
- Sand and dust: Tracks require frequent cleaning
- Winter storms: Test weatherproofing before rainy season
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
- Cleaning: Wipe down frames with mild soap and water
- Coastal rinse: Rinse with fresh water if near the ocean
- Track cleaning: Remove dirt and debris from sliding tracks
- Glass cleaning: Clean glass with standard glass cleaner
- Operation check: Test all opening/closing mechanisms
- Visual inspection: Look for any damage or wear
Quarterly Maintenance Tasks
- Lubrication: Apply silicone spray to hinges, tracks, and moving parts
- Weatherstripping check: Inspect seals for wear or gaps
- Hardware tightening: Check and tighten all screws and fixings
- Drainage holes: Clear drainage weep holes in frames
- Lock testing: Ensure all locks function properly
Annual Professional Servicing
We recommend annual professional servicing which includes:
- Comprehensive inspection of all components
- Adjustment of doors and windows for optimal operation
- Replacement of worn weatherstripping
- Re-sealing if necessary
- Hardware lubrication and adjustment
- Glass inspection and cleaning
- Written report on condition
Common Maintenance Issues in Cape Town
- Sticking doors/windows: Usually dirt in tracks – clean and lubricate
- Water leaks: Check weatherstripping and sealant
- Corrosion spots: Clean immediately and apply touch-up paint
- Drafts: Replace worn weatherstripping
- Difficult operation: Adjust rollers or hinges
Maintenance Products We Recommend
- Cleaning: Mild dish soap and water (avoid abrasives)
- Lubricant: Silicone spray (not WD-40)
- Glass cleaner: Standard window cleaning products
- Touch-up paint: Powder coating touch-up in matching color
What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
- ❌ Don’t use petroleum-based lubricants
- ❌ Don’t paint over powder coating
- ❌ Don’t force stuck doors or windows
- ❌ Don’t ignore small problems – they become big ones
Professional Maintenance Services
Walden Aluminium offers comprehensive maintenance services throughout Cape Town:
- One-time service: R800 – R1,500 per visit
- Annual service plan: R1,200 – R2,500 per year (includes 1-2 visits)
- Emergency callout: Available for urgent issues
- Parts replacement: At cost plus labor
Benefits of Regular Maintenance
- ✅ Extends lifespan of windows and doors
- ✅ Prevents costly repairs
- ✅ Maintains warranty validity
- ✅ Ensures smooth operation
- ✅ Preserves appearance and value
- ✅ Identifies small issues before they become big problems
Book Your Maintenance Service
Contact Walden Aluminium for professional maintenance services in Cape Town.
Call us or email info@waldenaluminium.co.za to schedule your service appointment.
Serving all Cape Town areas: Brackenfell, Bellville, Somerset West, and throughout the Western Cape.