Care and Maintenance
Entranova architectural elements are more than just part of a building – they are a long-term investment in the safety and aesthetic refinement of your home. We are committed to uncompromising quality, which is why we have prepared these guidelines to help you maintain their flawless appearance and functionality for decades to come.
Golden Rules of Care
Before starting maintenance, read these essential rules to prevent permanent damage to materials:
Recommended
- Use mild, pH-neutral cleaners (pH approximately 5–8)
- Clean at surface temperatures no higher than 25 °C, never in direct sunlight
- Always rinse the surface with water first, then wipe (dust acts like sandpaper)
- Use soft microfibre cloths and non-abrasive sponges
- Maintain hardware with lubricant as recommended by the manufacturer (acid-free oil or grease). For the lock cylinder, follow the cylinder manufacturer's instructions exclusively (e.g., synthetic lubricant or dedicated maintenance product).
- Always test new cleaners on an inconspicuous area before use
Prohibited
- Avoid polishing matte and textured finishes, as this may permanently alter the surface appearance
- Do not use abrasive cleaners, wire mesh, or coarse sponges
- Do not use strongly acidic or strongly alkaline cleaners; maintain pH range of approximately 5–8
- Do not clean "dry" without first rinsing with water
- Do not use universal oil sprays in the cylinder unless specifically designed for cylinders. Use lubricant according to the cylinder manufacturer's instructions.
Required Tools and Materials
| Tool | Usage | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Microfibre cloth | For all surfaces | Must be clean |
| pH-neutral cleaner | Aluminium profiles | Dilute according to instructions |
| Hardware maintenance lubricant | Hinges, locks, moving parts | Use acid-free oil or grease; do not apply to tracks |
| Cylinder lubricant | Lock cylinder | Use according to manufacturer instructions (synthetic or dedicated spray) |
Maintenance Frequency
Recommended maintenance intervals depend on the environment where the products are installed:
| Environment | Cleaning | Hardware | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal (inland, urban) | 2× yearly | 1× yearly (2× if needed) | Every 2–3 years |
| Coastal area (marine climate) | 4× yearly | 1× yearly (2× if needed) | Every 1–2 years |
For stainless steel surfaces, always wipe in the direction of the grain (brushing direction) to prevent visible scratches.
Entrance Doors
Entrance doors are the most heavily used part of any building. Besides cleaning the profiles, proper care for hinges and locking mechanisms is essential.
Cleaning
Clean aluminium surfaces with water and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner (pH approximately 5–8). Do not clean in direct sunlight or on heated surfaces; the recommended surface temperature is maximum 25 °C. Remove dust and dry particles before wiping, then rinse and gently wipe dry with a soft cloth to prevent micro-scratches. Always wipe stainless steel surfaces (handles, decorative elements) in the direction of the grain.
Hardware and Locking
Maintain moving hardware parts at least once yearly with appropriate lubricant (acid-free oil or grease), following the hardware manufacturer's instructions. Apply lubricant sparingly – excessive use can attract dust. Dry lubricants (PTFE sprays) are also recommended, as they do not attract dust. For the lock cylinder, always follow the manufacturer's instructions: some recommend synthetic lubricant, others a dedicated maintenance product. Never use universal oil sprays, as they attract dust and impair performance.
Seals and Fixings
Clean seals with a mild cleaner and treat them with seal conditioner as needed. Once yearly, it is advisable to protect seals with appropriate lubricant (silicone spray) to keep them supple and airtight. Also check the tightness of handles and visible screws, gently tightening if necessary.
Troubleshooting
Door does not close properly or sticks
Check hinges and lubricate with acid-free oil. If the door sags or rubs against the frame, hinge adjustment is required – this should be done by a professional.
Key is difficult to turn in the lock
Use a dedicated cylinder care spray or synthetic lubricant, following the manufacturer's instructions. Never use universal oil sprays, as they attract dust and impair performance.
Brown spots on stainless steel handle
This is "flash rust" (fine metal particles from the air). Remove with dedicated stainless steel cleaner and a soft cloth. Always wipe in the direction of the grain (brushing direction), not across.
Windows
Modern windows feature a drainage system (drainage openings) that helps safely channel water away from the frame. Regular checks for blockages are therefore very important.
Drainage Openings
When you open the window, you will notice drainage openings at the bottom of the frame. These must always remain clear. Vacuum or clean them with a cotton swab once yearly to remove dust and insects. Blocked drainage openings are a common cause of water ingress during heavy rain.
Hardware
Maintain window hardware (scissors at top, locks on sides) at least once yearly with lubricant as recommended by the hardware manufacturer. A drop of acid-free oil on all metal-to-metal contact points ensures smooth handle operation.
Glass
Condensation (fogging) on the inside of glass is not an actual product defect, but rather a physical phenomenon caused by high indoor humidity and insufficient ventilation. Clean glass with standard glass cleaner and a soft, clean cloth. For stubborn stains, use dedicated cleaning products.
Troubleshooting
Water penetrates around window frame during heavy rain
A common cause is blocked drainage openings in the bottom frame. Clean them with a vacuum or cotton swab.
Condensation (fogging) appears on inside of glass
This is not a product defect. Increase room ventilation and reduce humidity.
Panoramic Sliding Doors
Panoramic sliding doors (lift-and-slide system) are a technically sophisticated product that glides on precision guides. Cleanliness of the floor track is essential for long service life.
Floor Track
The floor track (rail) made of stainless steel must always be clean and dry. Do not apply grease or oil to the track, as this binds sand and dust, increasing wear and impairing the sliding mechanism. Regularly vacuum the bottom profile and track with a powerful vacuum cleaner.
Mechanism
Clean guides with a damp cloth and lubricate moving mechanism parts as needed with acid-free oil (lubricant must not contain acids or resins). Do not lubricate wheels or the track surface, as lubricant attracts dust and sand.
Seals
Panoramic sliding doors have large seals that ensure airtightness. Regularly inspect and clean them to prevent debris from sticking. Once yearly, treat them appropriately to maintain flexibility.
Troubleshooting
Panoramic doors squeak when opening
Clean the floor track with a vacuum to remove sand. If squeaking persists, check the rollers.
Glass Facades
Glass facades are exposed to extreme weather conditions. Due to their large surface area, a specific approach is required.
For cleaning glass facades above 3 metres height, we recommend a professional cleaning service with appropriate safety equipment. Working at height without proper protection is extremely dangerous.
Cleaning
Always clean glass from top to bottom so dirty water does not run down already cleaned surfaces. Facade sealant joints are made from specialist materials. Do not clean these joints with coarse cloths and avoid aggressive solvents.
Annual Inspection
Once yearly, visually inspect external drip edges and gaps at the base of the facade, removing any leaves or moss.
After Installation and During Construction
Remove construction material residues (dust, plaster, paint, adhesives) as soon as possible, before they dry. Once contaminants dry, more aggressive methods are often required, which can damage surfaces. Clean gently and promptly. When using stronger cleaners, always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Need Assistance?
For any questions or to schedule professional servicing, our support team is at your disposal. We are committed to ensuring that your installed architectural elements continue to perform as flawlessly as the day of installation. To maintain optimal functionality and protect your investment, we recommend professional maintenance service every 2–3 years. This service includes renewal of hardware lubricants and protective seal treatment, safety inspection of all fixings, and precision calibration of mechanisms as needed to preserve the feeling of effortless, silent, and fully controlled movement that defines premium architectural elements.