When Should An Aluminium Door Be Replaced?
Ten signs that your aluminium door needs replacing.
1. Your door is old and has an outdated locking mechanism.
2. Your door doesn’t fit properly into its frame.
3. Your door is warped or deformed.
4. Your door is difficult (or impossible) to lock and unlock.
5. Your door doesn’t offer enough insulation.
6. Your door doesn’t provide adequate weather protection.
7. Your door isn’t durable enough.
8. Your door is difficult to open or close.
9. Your door’s hardware needs replacement.
10. Your door’s window isn’t sealed properly.
What is the lifespan of an aluminium door?
Normally, aluminium framing for doors is considered the most durable and long-lasting frame material available in modern housing design. Aluminium framing is largely maintenance-free.
Powder coating technology now used on aluminium windows and doors completely coats the metal framing in a polyester colour, protecting the metal frame from the external environment.
Aluminium doors are expected to have a life expectancy of 45 years, compared with uPVC frames which have a life expectancy of only 25-35 years depending on the level of maintenance given to the windows or doors.
How to replace an aluminium door?
The first thing you have to do is remove the old door. That way, it will give space for the new door to be fitted in.
Insert the frame
Insert the frame into the opening and using a spirit level, ensure the frame is level, vertical and not twisted before wedging into position. Centralise it and insert packers underneath to level it and maintain the 5mm expansion gap.
Affix new frame
Remove any packaging from the new frame and screw the cill onto the bottom of the frame. Make sure you select a screw that doesn’t penetrate the inner skin of the frame. 2. Seal the ends of the cill and frame to prevent moisture tracking along the cills into the brickwork. 3. Position the frame into the prepared aperture. Centralise it and use packers to ensure that it is level and to maintain a 5mm expansion gap. 4. Once the frame is level drill fixing holes into the frame sides. These should be drilled 150mm from the top and bottom corners and 600mm in between (a minimum of 2 fixings per side).
Fix the side of the frame to the wall. To avoid distortion to the frame and maintain the 5mm expansion gap use packers (do not overtighten the fixings). 6. On wider frames ensure you fix the top and bottom of the frames. Ensure that the top and bottom fixings are sealed with silicone to prevent moisture absorbing into the brickwork. 7. When finished ensure you clean any brick dust from your new frame. 8. For optimum thermal and acoustic performance, it is critical that the gap between the door product and the aperture is fully insulated using a suitable expanding foam or expanding foam tape.
Glaze door
Starting with one of the longest beads first, remove the glazing beads by pushing a sharp chisel or a rigid paint scraper between the bead and the frame joint at approximately the centre point. A sharp tap on the butt of the tool should allow the bead to be freed. It is most important to refit the beads in the same positions as they were removed, they may vary in length slightly, due to the manufacturing process. 1. Place into position the glass packers approximately 100mm in from each corner (intermediate packers should be used if the double glazed unit is wider than 1200mm). 2. Place the double glazed unit into the frame ensuring correct positioning on the glass packers. 3. Starting on one of the shortest lengths, fit 3 of the beads moving around the frame using a rubber mallet, finally fitting the last bead by bending it into position.
The installation time for an aluminium front door can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and any additional features like sidelights. Generally, installation can take anywhere from 2-6 hours.
If your clients are looking to replace their aluminium doors, please contact us today.