Maintaining Your Aluminium Windows and Doors: A Seasonal Checklist
Aluminium windows and doors need far less upkeep than timber or steel — but far less isn't none. A quick seasonal check keeps them running smoothly for decades.
One of the reasons homeowners choose aluminium is that it doesn't rot, warp, or rust the way timber and untreated steel can. That durability sometimes leads to the assumption that aluminium windows need no maintenance at all — which isn't quite true, just a much lighter lift than other materials.
Before monsoon, check that drainage channels along the sill aren't blocked by dust or debris — aluminium frames are designed to channel water out, but only if that path is clear. A blocked drainage slot is the most common cause of water pooling on a sill that otherwise sheds it fine.
Twice a year, wipe down tracks and hinges and apply a light silicone-based lubricant to rollers and hardware — this is what keeps sliding windows gliding smoothly and casement hinges from developing a stiff, forced feel over time. Avoid oil-based lubricants, which attract dust rather than repel it.
Rubber gaskets and weatherstripping are the one component that does wear out — typically over eight to ten years depending on sun exposure — and are worth inspecting for cracking or hardening. Replacing a worn gasket is a small job that restores most of a window's original seal performance.