Window & Door Maintenance Guide

Correct adjustment is the foundation of window and balcony door care. Plastic windows have three positions: summer (normal compression), winter (increased compression for sealing) and ventilation. Plastic balcony and terrace doors are adjusted on a similar principle — hinges and hardware are periodically reset so that the doors open easily and close tightly.

If a window or door starts sticking, is harder to open or a draft appears, that is a sign it is time for window adjustment or door adjustment. We recommend adjusting plastic windows and doors twice a year — before winter and before summer. This ensures optimal sealing all year round and protects the hardware from premature wear.

The first symptoms often appear almost unnoticed — the handle starts turning stiffer, balcony doors no longer close as easily as before, or a slight chill is felt around the window.

Window and door gaskets — rubber or polyurethane foam profiles — wear out over time, harden and lose elasticity. Worn window gaskets are one of the main causes of drafts and heat loss, both in windows and in balcony or terrace doors. Professional gasket replacement or window sealing restores full airtightness.

How to recognise worn gaskets? Press the edge of a sheet of paper into a closed window or door and pull — if it slips out easily, the gaskets have lost their elasticity. Average service life: 8–12 years. Balcony and terrace door gaskets often wear out faster due to more intensive use and the greater weight of the sash.

Window and door hardware (hinges, handles, locking mechanisms, stoppers) requires regular lubrication. Dry hardware operation causes increased wear and noise. Professional cleaning and lubrication is done with special silicone lubricants — never use WD-40 or grease-based oils, as they attract dust and quickly damage the mechanisms.

Even simply cleaning the hardware and periodic lubrication can significantly extend the service life of the mechanisms. Special attention should be given to balcony door hinges — because of the greater load they wear out faster. Recommended once a year.

Before winter: switch windows and balcony doors to the winter position, check the condition of the gaskets, lubricate the hardware, and check whether condensation has appeared between the glass panes (this indicates a damaged glass unit). Door stoppers and hinges should also be lubricated before the cold months, because in winter they carry the greatest load.

Before summer: return to the summer position, clean the drainage slots from dirt accumulated over winter, and check whether the ventilation system works properly. Balcony and terrace door mechanisms should be checked additionally — after the winter load, mechanisms often go out of adjustment.

Properly performed seasonal window and balcony door adjustment for winter and summer helps maintain optimal sealing, protects the hardware from higher loads and ensures smooth operation of the mechanisms throughout the year.

Wooden windows require more intensive maintenance than plastic ones. Every 2–3 years the wood must be painted or varnished with a protective coating that prevents moisture penetration. In summer, check whether there are any cracks or areas of peeling paint — these allow moisture to penetrate and cause rot.

Annual adjustment is especially important because wood changes its dimensions seasonally. Before winter the hinges often need to be tightened, before summer — loosened. We also perform adjustment and sealing of wooden balcony and terrace doors.

Aluminium windows are more resistant to corrosion and require less maintenance than wooden ones, yet their hardware still needs periodic lubrication and adjustment. External profile surfaces are cleaned with mild agents — do not use abrasive cleaners.

Plastic balcony and terrace doors wear out faster due to frequent use — an annual check-up is recommended. The most common problems: doors that are hard to open or slam, don't close tightly, drafts around the frame. Timely door repair and adjustment prevents the more expensive replacement of hardware. Terrace doors with a large glass unit are especially sensitive to cold — winter adjustment is essential for them.

Well-chosen accessories improve the daily use of windows and doors. Mosquito nets allow rooms to be aired without letting insects in, a ventilation system helps control humidity, and burglar protection reinforces the most vulnerable areas of windows and doors.

Door accessories: a balcony door stopper protects against uncontrolled slamming and reduces the load on the hardware. Standard handles, handles with a lock and hidden hinges are the simplest way to refresh the look and functionality of windows and doors.

A homeowner can carry out simple lubrication and external cleaning. But window and door adjustment, gasket replacement, glass unit replacement and hardware repair require specialised tools and knowledge. Improperly performed adjustment can worsen operation even further or damage the hardware.

Clear signs that you need a professional: window or door starts sticking or is harder to open, drafts and wind noises appear, condensation between the panes, a broken or hard-to-turn handle mechanism, a damaged frame or sash, balcony doors that slam or don't seal properly.