Crucial collaborates on Coopers Yard
In the heart of Holmfirth, an old tool hire station underwent a conversion into a food hall & bar with outdoor seating called Coopers Yard, bringing a sense of community and new social location to the town.
The construction work was carried out by NU Construction, and Crucial Engineering secured the contract for the façade element of the project. This was another great project collaboration between our glazing and aluminium departments, the double-glazed units were handmade in-house by our expert glass team, the aluminium was supplied by system supplier Exlabesa which was then fabricated in-house, into the frame sizes needed. By combining departments we can offer hugely improved lead times from start to finish.
The plan for Coopers Yard was to create an industrial aesthetic which ties into the street food vibe, multiple original features of the building were kept such as the tiles and brick work. Crucial were asked to strip out the old style Crittall steel windows and timber doors in order to replace them with much more thermally efficient Exlabesa KT51 tilt n turn windows, KSF doors/framing, and Xlafold bi-folding doors.
By adding more glazing we allowed much more light to flow through which brightened the space and gave a fresher feeling. All the aluminium was finished off in RAL 9005 Matt powder coating to rejuvenate the exterior with a more modern, clean look.
Coopers Yard is now a wonderful food hall and bar that is open to enjoy, we are sure it will make a positive impact on the local community, and it’ll be a fantastic, shared space. This project was a joy to work on with NU Construction and we look forward to collaborating again in the future.
Crucial Engineering are proud to work with customers all over the UK within multiple different sectors. We are experts in Aluminium, Automation and Glazing, specialising in creating safe and secure access solutions. We secure your world.
Why is aluminium the material of choice in the commercial sector
Aluminium is now widely used throughout the building industry due to a series of natural properties and commercial benefits. It has become the dominant material in many aspects of building construction because of its flexibility and ability to meet highly custom requirements.Many new building developments including office space, public buildings and shopfronts will now feature aluminium throughout the structure including aluminium windows and doors, roofs and walls. It could also be the dominant material in stairs, railings, shelves and gates - plus many other applications.
This is due to the benefits that aluminium offers in building construction:
Aluminium is lightweight and strong
Aluminium has an excellent weight to strength ratio so it’s ideal for many purposes. Aluminium window frames are thin but also incredibly strong so they can comfortably and securely hold large windows in place. This makes aluminium ideal for modern building design including curtain walling and entrance doors.
Due to the strength of aluminium doors and windows, frames can be made much thinner than more traditional materials such as timber or PVC. This allows more space for glazing which brings further benefits such as increased natural light and eye-catching aesthetics.
Create a modern and eye catching building design
The fact that aluminium looks fantastic makes it an extremely popular material with architects and building designers. Adding aluminium window frames and doors instantly creates the look of an incredibly modern building with clean lines and flexible finishes.
This gives building designers much more freedom to create original structures that can include imaginative curves and angles. Aluminium is flexible enough to bring any idea to life and can be coloured matched to perfectly fit with a company’s branding.
Aluminium is naturally resistant to outside elements
Aluminium naturally has weather resistant properties which makes it highly durable compared to other materials. Timber and other materials are likely to warp or change shape when exposed to long periods for direct sunlight or moisture from rain.
Changes in shape such as warping or damage from corrosion can firstly make doors and windows hard to open, but can also lead to expensive repairs and maintenance. Once manufactured and installed Aluminium will look great and not lose quality with only minimal checks.
Aluminium can be recycled without losing quality
If a commercial building development is conscious about its impact on the environment then aluminium should be the material of choice. Not many people know that aluminium is 100% recyclable and can be re-used for any application many times without losing quality.
Using sustainable materials is important in today’s society and the use of aluminium is a guaranteed way to reduce the overall carbon footprint.
Aluminium increases energy efficiency
Aluminium is not only fantastic at keeping elements out, it is also a fantastic insulator so will keep heat in, and make indoor temperature regulation much easier. So in addition to low maintenance, this makes it highly cost effective through further cost savings from reduced energy costs.
The team at Crucial Engineering are national commercial aluminium fabricators. We manufacture, install and maintain commercial aluminium products to create high quality and secure access solutions. When you work with us you can be sure of a fantastic long term relationship including expert aluminium fabrication services alongside the very best customer service.
The perfect partnership Unite Students x Crucial Engineering
Unite Students are experts in student accommodation. They have been providing safe and secure homes for students for 30 years. At one of their sites in London, the timber framework around the windows in part of the building had become tired and in need of replacement. Understanding not only the importance of safety for their residents but also how this could impact the warmth of the building, they began to research for a supplier to restore both the framework and windows in these areas.
The many benefits of curtain walling for buildings such as the Unite Students site, are why increasing numbers of developers and architects are opting to use it as part of their building designs. Unite Students did their research to find that not only does aluminium curtain walling have superior strength and durability, but that it also has excellent thermogenic properties, is highly economical and is an environmentally friendly choice since aluminium and glass can be recycled easily and repeatedly.
Having made a decision about the type of glazing required as part of the window restoration, Unite Students felt that Crucial Engineering were the perfect choice for the work required. As specialists in aluminium curtain walling and with a portfolio of well-respected clients, it was clear that Crucial could fulfil the brief to a high standard.
Upon visiting the Unite Students London site, The Crucial Engineering team quickly identified that the existing timber frame was rotten in various sections and that the glazed units weren’t performing as they should be. Curtain walling would be the perfect choice for the sizes and space of the restoration work required with the benefit of providing light and warmth in open and communal areas of the building. Manufacturing and Project planning of the aluminium curtain walling commenced.
The promise of good quality, safe and warm accommodation that Unite Students provides is one of the reasons why they are a trusted partner of over 60 Universities in the UK. They understand that for many students, feeling at home during their years at university can be the difference between achieving moderate results to excellent ones, knowing that much of a student’s study is conducted within their residence. For this reason, the timeframe for the restoration work to be completed by the Crucial Team was super important to ensure minimal disruption to the students’ home and studying.
The Crucial Team went onsite with a plan to install the aluminium curtain walling to span 4 floors of the building in three separate areas. To stay within the projected timeframe, excellent project management of the task was required. The team got to work and efficiently delivered installation of the aluminium framework and curtain glazing.
The resulting finish is one that is sympathetic to the building’s existing aesthetic and colour scheme. Bringing a wealth of light into the building, the aluminium curtain walling will help create well-being for the students who live in the building. In addition, the spaces with the curtain glazing will be energy efficient and well protected from any adverse weather conditions.
An added benefit of the aluminium curtain walling for Unite Students is that it does not require specialist cleaning or maintenance. Any window cleaner can be used, which reduces any extra hidden costs that comparable materials for this type of work might incur.
Unite Students were very satisfied with the work carried out by Crucial Engineering and with the finish of the aluminium curtain walling. The building has had a face lift and now has a chic, modern feel as well as being secure, warm and economic.
Top benefits of aluminium doors for commercial buildings
Commercial aluminium doors are now one of the most popular choices for building installations, and for good reason. If you’re involved in any kind of industrial or commercial property development then you’re likely already familiar with aluminium doors.When it comes to building aesthetics it’s surprising how often the entrance doors are overlooked. Entrance doors to any retail business or office block are not just a pathway in and out, they can also have a positive (or negative!) impact on things like ventilation, available space and general building design. The doors can very much set the tone of any building and you’ll want to make a bold statement.
Aluminium offers a series of advantages when compared to other materials. As a leading aluminium door manufacturer, we’ve put together the top benefits of investing.
1. Aluminium doors are strong whilst also being lightweight
Aluminium offers an excellent strength to weight ratio compared with virtually any other materials used for manufacturing doors. This makes it an excellent choice for any business premises as it can withstand a fair bit of punishment without showing signs of damage. It’s the go to choice for building designers or planners because it’s highly versatile and strong.
2. Aluminium is a highly durable material
Aluminium is not easily corroded. Changes in temperature as well as other outside elements such as wind and rain don’t have anywhere near the same effect as it has on other materials. Other options such as iron or wooden doors can easily change shape when exposed to the elements which quickly makes them hard to open and close.
Plus, continuous exposure to any moisture can result in the corrosion of iron or the warping of wood. These can lead to expensive repairs. With aluminium you don’t need to worry about these factors.
3. Aluminium doors are robust and provide high grade security
Aluminium doors introduce a robust and secure entrance to any commercial building. For enhanced protection, they can also be used in conjunction with aluminium windows or curtain walling. When compared to wood and or uPVC, aluminium doors really are the best option for security.
4. Aluminium doors are easier to maintain
Compared to most other materials, aluminium is easy to maintain. For example, wooden doors need to be regularly checked to prevent warping or rotting. Plus, any change in temperature can cause wood to expand or contract, which results in needing regular repairs. Iron doors can easily be corroded due to moisture, which again requires regular maintenance.
Aluminium does not require any polishing or painting and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. When you utilise aluminium doors there’s no need to worry about time consuming or costly maintenance.
5. Aluminium is the eco-friendly choice
In today’s eco-conscious society it’s important that any new commercial building or installation use sustainable materials where possible. The use of aluminium reduces the overall carbon footprint as it is 100% recyclable. It can also be reused many times over without losing any of the original quality.
The team at Crucial Engineering are aluminium fabrication specialists. We manufacture, install and maintain commercial aluminium products to create high-quality and secure access solutions.
Why you should use automatic car park barriers
By 2020, 68% of the UK’s working population commuted by car which is perhaps a surprising fact given the push in recent years towards having more accountability for our carbon footprints. And in the last 20 years, the number of cars on the road in the UK has increased by 5.5 million.. Understandably, the growth in the number of vehicles on the road has had the knock-on effect of a demand for more parking spaces.
The pursuit for appropriate parking exists for a variety of reasons. Be it a shopping trip in a City Centre, a visit to the hospital, a day at work or meeting a friend for lunch. Whatever the reason, most drivers will be all too familiar with the frustration of searching for a parking space which can be time consuming and in extremely busy locations, lead to an increase in fuel consumption. Here we examine a variety of car parking scenarios and the benefits of automatic car park barriers for both business and consumer.
The company car park
For most employees, having an allocated or private car park is a huge perk. It provides a safe and secure environment for their vehicle, removes stress and can offer time back in their day. As long as the entry and exit from it is easy.
For many companies, these car parks are controlled by a member of staff which then relies on them turning up to work, being on time, staying alert and being available. It also relies on them being able to check that the person trying to park has the correct ID and then if not, acquiring the appropriate permissions to allow them to enter. This can cause queues, a reduction in the turnover of parking spaces and huge frustration for workers. In this instance, the installation of an automatic barrier would be the perfect car parking solution.
Barrier systems are sturdy, safe and can be fitted with access controls to allow staff to enter and exit the car park with ease by scanning an ID card. Moreover, the longer term saving on investing in an automatic car park barrier vs staffing a car park is a of huge benefit to the business.
The pay and display car park
Everyone has been to a pay and display car park and driven around it for what seems like hours on end, only to find that there are no spaces and have to leave. Moreover, if you do find a parking space, there is the additional annoyance of then finding the pay machine, having the correct change, waiting for a slow contactless or credit card machine or having to download an app in order pay for your parking. Of which you have to estimate a time for. If you end up going over the allotted time, you are then required to either run back to pay for more parking or incur a fine.
The benefits of implementing automatic car park barriers here are huge for the consumer. The addition of traffic controls in this situation can provide the user with valuable information about space availability and whether it is worth waiting for a space. For people whom time is of an essence, such as those visiting a hospital or health centre, the use of an automatic barrier can provide more instantaneous information about whether they can or can’t park for a given amount of time or whether there are any available spaces. In addition, if their appointment runs over or they are in a waiting room for longer than expected, a ticket system which calculates the fee for parking upon exiting removes any stress about getting back for an allocated time.
The shopping centre car park
Many shopping centres or stores have complementary car parks for their customers. Some provide parking that is on a pay and display basis, sometimes with the addition of a traffic control warden or security cameras, recording the coming and going of every vehicle that enters and exits the car park. For the latter, many land owners are searching for more suitable car parking solutions in order to protect the profit from car park users.
Many drivers use these car parks without paying and displaying, particularly in car parks that don’t operate a security camera alongside them. An automatic car park barrier here would be a simple installation that would provide more safe and secure entry and exit to the designated parking areas. The initial investment of this type of parking system is worth it for the longer-term revenues from guaranteed customer payments.
Crucial Engineering
If you own a business and are looking for car parking solutions, get in touch with Crucial Engineering. Whatever industry your business belongs to, Crucial will be able to provide expert and sound advice. With a wealth of experience, and exceptional client recommendations behind them, they are an excellent choice. Contact us today to discuss your requirements in confidence.
The advantages of using aluminium in construction
Aluminium is quickly becoming the dominant metal used in exterior building design. Due to its lightweight properties and durability it’s now the ideal material for doors and window frames, along with modern exterior structures such as curtain walling. If you’re not familiar with its use then it’s now likely you regularly see examples of aluminium in a host of large or commercial building structures.
Aluminium is a natural occurring material that is readily available - it’s the third most common element in the Earth’s crust (after Oxygen and Silicon), and the most common metal on the planet. It's non flammable and resistant to corrosion.
These and other benefits of aluminium make it the number one choice in modern and efficient building design - and here’s why:
Highly versatile and flexible
Aluminium can be used in a wide variety of ways and can be efficiently engineered to meet specific requirements such as tight curves or colour choices. Working with aluminium will create fantastic aesthetics and gives architects and designers the freedom to create beautiful structures.
Aluminium introduces virtually limitless design potential and is flexible enough to bring any idea to life.
Lightweight and strong
Aluminium is a third of the weight of steel which makes it easier to both work with and transport. It’s also incredibly strong so is ideal for a host of purposes including features such as window frames as it will securely hold very large panes of glass. Due to the it’s strength, door and window frames can also be made thinner which can further boost the look of a building.
Long lasting and resistant to corrosion
Aluminium is a natural material and therefore has inbuilt resistance to inclement weather and corrosion that other materials lack. Other commonly used construction materials such as timber and steel can change shape when exposed to varying temperatures, or degrade from moisture or just have more limited lifespans – especially when not regularly maintained.
Once an aluminium solution has been engineered and installed it’ll not only look fantastic but it’ll also only need limited checks to maintain the same quality.
The environmentally friendly choice
The commercial construction trade is increasingly becoming more conscious of a project’s impact on the environment. Creating buildings that are “green” that both reduce waste and boost energy efficiency are vital – and using sustainable materials is a key part of this.
It’s not widely known that aluminium is 100% recyclable, and can be re-used for any purpose without losing much of the original quality.
Aluminium is also a fantastic insulator and will both withstand outside elements and keep heat inside, making indoor temperature regulation much easier and efficient.
The team at Crucial Engineering are a national commercial aluminium fabricator. We manufacture, install and maintain commercial aluminium products to create high quality and secure access solutions. When you work with us you can be sure of a fantastic long term relationship including expert aluminium fabrication services alongside the very best customer service.
A complete aluminium package for KFC
As specialists in aluminium engineering, Crucial were commissioned by the principle contractor for a KFC in 2022 to provide the supply and installation of a full aluminium package for their new restaurant.
Understanding the many benefits of using aluminium for a shop fit out, KFC appointed Crucial to undertake the project. With many years of expertise and a host of big named brands already under their belt, Crucial were a reliable and well-respected choice.
KFC electing aluminium for a variety of applications within the project was a calculated decision. With a stringent budget, there is much to be achieved with the use of aluminium. As a super strength, yet lightweight material, it is frequently chosen by property planners to form many parts of building projects. Compared with other materials, aluminium is hard wearing and durable, excellently withstanding weathering and high traffic usage.
The brief required Crucial’s dedicated team to install attractive aluminium doors to the ground floor and glazed screens to the restaurant. These not only needed to provide a welcoming feel to the outlet but also be hardwearing to ensure superior longevity in what was to be a high influx area of the build. Floor to ceiling glazed aluminium windows and doors allowed a huge amount of light to enter the building, creating a fresh, clean feeling environment.
In addition, Crucial installed multiple aluminium windows across the 1st and 2nd floor of the restaurant along with full height aluminium curtain walling, spanning both floors. Furthermore, aluminium was an ideal choice for a low maintenance building material here. Virtually impervious to changes in temperature and high levels of moisture, it doesn’t incur a costly preservation schedule or require specialist cleaning.
The final touch to the restaurant, was the drive-thru area. Crucial’s installation of aluminium sliding windows provided a solid, secure and sleek appearance to the building.
Having already completed successful projects for many leading brands, Crucial had a solid grasp of working with prominent business’ like KFC. Being a high profile, household name, it was imperative for the Crucial Team to ensure brand integrity with the colour match and design of the aluminium work provided.
The outcome of the project was a major success. The excellent aluminium work supplied was delivered within highly structured timelines and within budget. The client, KFC, are very pleased with the work carried out, the craftsmanship and the management of the project work.
Crucial are proud to say they are now in negotiation with the principal contractor and KFC about further projects, which highlights a great team effort from everyone involved.
Aluminium doors – The new norm for commercial buildings
A metal that has seen a surge in popularity over recent years is that of aluminium. Not only does it provide a whole host of benefits, but it has also become much more competitively priced in the marketplace too.
For many commercial properties now, aluminium is the first choice when it comes to the installation of windows and doors.
Aluminium entrance doors especially are vastly becoming the most popular choice for businesses across the UK. In this post, we explore the reasons why this shift in popularity has occurred as well as why you should make aluminium the material for your commercial installation projects.
Benefits of Commercial Aluminium Doors
Durable
Aluminium is renowned for being sustainable and extremely durable. It is free from rust and also corrosion resistant due to its protective oxide coating. Making it perfect for entrance doors and windows, providing excellent water resistance, and maintaining its quality even in the harshest of weather conditions, aluminium can be the ideal choice for the best finish to the exterior of your building.
You also have the option to protect aluminium windows and doors further with a range of coatings. These can be anodised, powder painted, or lacquered. And can be made available in a variety of colours and with the option of a metallic finish (if you’re looking for the ultimate customisation).
Versatile
Aluminium can be fabricated very easily (trust us, at Crucial Engineering; we’re the aluminium fabrication experts!). Melted down and moulded into various shapes and sizes, numerous times, aluminium will never lose its quality.
Through aluminium fabrication, the material can be moulded and shaped into any specific requirements, allowing you to create some of the most visually impressive building facades out there.
This level of versatility means aluminium can ultimately be used to create windows, doors, and curtain walling (check out our article on “What is Curtain Walling”). Due to its incredible strength to support large panes of glass, you also have the option of choosing single, double, or even triple glazing.
Recyclable
Aluminium is also much more environmentally friendly compared to its metal counterparts, as the material itself is 100% recyclable.
During the fabrication process, when it is re-melted, it only uses 5% of the energy used in the initial production process.
Quality is never affected during the re-melting and recycling process, and it can be remoulded several times.
Reduce your carbon footprint by choosing aluminium frames for your commercial glass doors.
Energy Efficient
Aluminium can significantly reduce heat transmission, helping you to lower energy bills throughout the building, making it much more cost-effective to run, manage, and maintain.
Aluminium windows and doors are primarily designed with high levels of insulation, helping to keep warm air in and cold air out.
For large corporate commercial buildings with glass fronts, aluminium is an excellent choice to help improve overall energy efficiency levels.
Secure
When aluminium windows and doors are installed by professionals (like the professional installation team at Crucial Engineering), you can have complete peace of mind that they will provide high levels of security.
If your chosen windows and especially glass entrance ways are combined with reinforced glass as well as high tech locking systems, you can achieve much higher levels of security, meeting all security standards and credentials with ease.
Most commercial properties will be home to secure, valuable equipment and data; with this in mind, you must take all of the appropriate security measures available to help reduce the chance of break-ins.
Aluminium windows and doors can provide that level of protection and so much more.
Known as the go-to material of the future, it comes as no surprise that Aluminium is now the first choice for commercial properties and high-rise buildings throughout the UK.
As one of the leading aluminium door suppliers, let Crucial Engineering bring your building into the 21st Century.
For your FREE, no-obligation quote and to chat through your requirements further, call us on 03451 930 420 we’d be happy to help.
Different Types of Aluminium Doors
When looking at new doors and windows for your home, different types of aluminium doors might never have been considered. Not because aluminium isn’t as good compared to wood or UPVC (quite the contrary in fact) but because customers often feel limited when it comes to styles and types of aluminium doors available.
The good news is, things have changed. Today, you will find a much wider selection and choice of aluminium doors and windows, including a range of colours.
Trust us – there is a window and door style and design suited to everyone, and in this post, we take you through some of the most popular styles and trends in aluminium doors right now.
Aluminium door types trending now!
Slide and Fold
These are great doors for home renovations, providing you with the feeling of being outside without actually stepping out.
Available in a range of configurations, this style of door offers a great deal of flexibility, allowing you to be creative with where they are placed.
Providing a feeling of open space, these doors can also let in an abundance of natural light.
Slide and fold doors are stackable folding doors with multiple panels. Folding doors work by opening the doors and folding them back by their sections/panels. (This is similar to stack away doors, which are ideal for large openings, letting you open up the space to let the great outdoors in. The doors operate by using an overhead sliding track, where the partial opening or closing of the doors can be easily achieved).
This type of door can help to reinvent your interior living space, as they don’t take up too much room, they open up the space available, and can be head-turning in their design.
Aluminium Sliding Doors
Mainly found leading out onto a patio or decked area, where doors can be left open, providing an unobstructed view of the outside, aluminium sliding doors can be incredibly modern. The doors are easily opened by sliding the door to the desired side and can offer ease, convenience, and act as a great space-saving option.
They also offer a degree of flexibility when it comes to being able to fix blinds and curtains.
Sliding doors are seamless, yet fully controlled when it comes to the opening and closing functionality. They consist of one fixed panel and a sliding panel, which, when moved back and forth on the rollers on the track, the door can be opened and closed.
This style of door can also be automated for workplaces and manual for the home, again providing you with choice and flexibility in design.
Some sliding doors can also offer a tilting window where you can let the fresh air in without sliding the door fully open.
Casement Doors
A stunning feature to entrance doors, casement doors generally comes with large glass panels that are attached to the mainframe. Grand in their appearance, they offer the perfect view to the outside world.
Trending currently is a modern style casement door with a traditional twist.
Note: Top hung casement designs allow for windows/doors to be open, even when it’s raining outside.
Tilt and Slide
These doors are ideal when space is limited. Typically found in many modern style homes, these doors come with a high-quality mechanism that makes the door extremely easy to operate.
There are no hinged or folding mechanisms to these doors; however, they do offer a high level of security for homeowners.
Benefits of Aluminium Doors
- Can come with advanced hardware and mechanisms for easy handling
- Easy to operate doors once they are installed
- Offer high levels of security
- Durable and robust against the elements
- Aluminium doors offer strength, maximising your safety and security
- Resistant to corrosion
- Environmentally friendly as they’re also recyclable.
If you’re thinking about renovating or upgrading your homes windows and doors and you think aluminium could be for you, contact the team at Crucial Engineering, we’re on hand to help you with your window and door investment.
Our range of windows and doors are crafted to the highest quality, using only the best on the market. We also measure, order, supply, and install all aluminium windows and doors.
One design does not fit, nor suit all, and that’s why you’ll now find a wide range of window and door choices.
Aluminium Door Maintenance Tips
Aluminium doors offer homeowners durability, reliability, and robustness that can’t be found in wooden counterparts. However, for these types of doors to stay in good shapes, like anything, they must be maintained with some care and attention needed to ensure their long and healthy lifespan.
Aluminium door maintenance will vary depending on location, elements the door will face, type of aluminium door you have opted for, and much more.
In this post, we provide some of our top tips on how to maintain your doors and ensure you keep them in perfect working order.
Cleaning
Keeping aluminium doors, including their frames, clean, is vital in helping them to continue functioning correctly.
There’s no specialist cleaning products or solutions required, just water, a mild detergent, and a clean cloth or rag will work wonders.
However, it’s important to note that some aluminium doors and frames will come with manufacturing guidelines. In these instances, these guidelines, including care and maintenance instructions, must be followed for warranties and guarantees to remain intact.
Scratches
Sometimes (and very rarely might we add) aluminium can get scuffed and scratched.
For scuffs and small marks, non-abrasive liquid cream or paraffin cleaner should be used and will remove such marks effectively.
For deeper scratches found on the surface of the aluminium frame, oxidation can occur, which will then act as a seal on the exposed aluminium, preventing further corrosion from happening. Re-touching the paintwork in these cases can be carried out; however, we’d always recommend speaking and working with a professional first.
In each situation, these scuffs and scratches won’t affect the lifespan of the aluminium.
For those aluminium frames that have an anodised finish rather than painted, any marks that do make an appearance on this type of door or frame can be removed relatively easily using an ink rubber or eraser.
Bi-Fold and aluminium sliding doors
Due to their sleek design and sophisticated style, sliding and bi-fold aluminium doors have grown in popularity.
However, these doors do require a little extra maintenance because they use tracks, runners, or rollers, in order for them to open and close.
The tracks of these types of doors need to be kept clean and free from debris and dirt to ensure their functionality at all times.
To help:
- Remove all debris and large items from the tracks i.e., pebbles, rubble, etc
- Hoover the track regularly (we’d recommend once per month)
- Lubricate the track now and then using a silicone spray.
Note: If your door is suffering a little wear and tear and not operating properly, and the above cleaning tips don’t make a difference, then you need a specialist team to help.
Locking Systems
The locking mechanisms on aluminium doors are designed to last and therefore require very little attention. However, lubricants can be used to help keep locks fresh and moving.
To keep the inside of the lock clean and lubricated, you can apply a little bit of oil to the key before use (we’d recommend this cleaning procedure every three months, helping to keep the locking cylinders clean and healthy).
In extreme external environments and weather conditions, extra care and attention may be required.
Cleaning substances to avoid
There are some solutions out in the market that doesn’t react well to aluminium and should be avoided at all costs.
These are mainly strong solvents containing:
- Chlorine
- Esters
- Hydrocarbons
- Ketones
(Ultimately, any product that is found to be particularly abrasive!)
Timescales
Cleaning timescales can be very subjective and dependent on several factors. In highly polluted areas we’d recommend a cleaning regime of every three months, for example. However, in rural areas and quiet residential areas, once per year can often be enough.
For things such as hinges, handles, friction stays restrictors, cylinders built-in hinges, etc. periodic maintenance should be carried out, again depending on how often the door is being used, the style of door, and where it is located.
Industrial cleans
Aluminium doors can have specialist cleaning and maintenance carried out if required, and these methods can be ideal for:
- Face fixed closes
- Tilt and turn windows or patio doors
- Panic bars and exit devices
- Gears on sliding doors
- Magnetic locks
- Top arms and bottom pivots
- And more
Professional door suppliers and maintenance should be sought if you have:
- Automatic doors (sliding or swing)
- Floor swings
- Window winding gear
- Remote control systems
- Glass doors with patch fittings
As the aluminium door and window specialists, Crucial Engineering is here to help. Available to answer your questions, as well as supply and install the perfect aluminium doors for you, we also carry out aluminium door repairs and regular maintenance checks too! Call 03451 930 420 for more information.