Malaysia experiences high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, with abundant rainfall. In addition, due to salt erosion (in coastal areas) and the impact of typhoons, doors and windows are exposed to wear and tear for a long time. Many homeowners have found that even if they choose high-quality doors and windows, if they ignore daily maintenance, problems such as switch jamming, seal failure, and surface corrosion can occur in just a few years. In fact, as long as you master the maintenance skills that are suitable for the local climate, you can effectively extend the service life of doors and windows and maintain their stable performance. This article summarizes the maintenance points of mainstream doors and windows such as aluminum alloy and UPVC, covering the entire process of transportation, storage, and daily cleaning, helping you easily cope with the challenges of local environment on doors and windows.
1、 Basic Protection: Key Considerations for Transportation and Storage
The “life loss” of doors and windows often begins before installation, especially in the humid and hot environment of Malaysia, where improper transportation and storage can lead to irreversible damage such as deformation and corrosion. Following the following points can avoid initial risks:
-Transportation protection: Choose covered, dry and clean transportation vehicles to avoid direct exposure of doors and windows to rainwater and direct sunlight. During transportation, it is necessary to use soft materials to separate door and window profiles to prevent friction and scratches, while firmly fixing them to avoid deformation caused by bumps. When unloading, it is necessary to inspect the packaging on site. If moisture, damage, or shortage is found, it should be immediately noted on the transportation documents to avoid subsequent disputes.
-Storage standard: Before installation, doors and windows should be stored in a dry, ventilated, and clean room, away from corrosive materials such as chemicals, cement, lime, etc. Aluminum alloy doors and windows should be placed horizontally, and the layers of profiles should be separated and supported with soft cardboard to avoid uneven deformation under stress; The storage environment temperature should be controlled between 5 ℃ and 35 ℃, away from heat sources such as radiators and lighting fixtures, and avoid direct sunlight – ultraviolet rays can accelerate the aging of protective films and the deterioration of rubber accessories. In addition, do not touch uncoated aluminum alloy profiles with bare hands. It is recommended to wear gloves to prevent sweat from causing corrosion.
-Protective film treatment: The protective film on the surface of door and window profiles needs to be removed within 3 months after delivery. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and high temperatures may cause chemical reactions between the protective film and the coating, resulting in adhesion or discoloration that is difficult to remove.
2、 Material based maintenance: targeted techniques for aluminum alloy and UPVC doors and windows
The characteristics of doors and windows made of different materials are different, and the maintenance focus also needs to be differentiated, especially to adapt to Malaysia’s humid and hot climate:
1. Aluminum alloy doors and windows: corrosion-resistant and smooth
Although aluminum alloy is corrosion-resistant, it still needs to be protected in the sea salt environment in coastal areas and the acidic and alkaline environment in industrial areas
-Cleaning tips: For daily cleaning, use mild soapy water and a soft cloth to wipe. Avoid using cleaning agents or abrasive tools containing alcohol, acid, or alkali, which can damage the paint surface and oxide layer; If it comes into contact with alkaline building materials such as cement and lime, it should be wiped clean with clean water in a timely manner to prevent coating corrosion. Coastal areas are recommended to clean once a month, while inland areas can clean once every three months.
-Maintenance of moving parts: The guide rails, hinges, locks and other moving parts of sliding doors and casement windows need to be regularly cleaned of dust and debris to avoid jamming. After cleaning, apply silicon-based lubricant or PTFE dry lubricant to maintain smooth sliding, and be careful to avoid using corrosive lubricants. It is recommended to maintain it every 6 months, and high-frequency usage scenarios such as schools and hotels can be shortened to 3 months.
-Corrosion treatment: If spots or oxidation are found on the surface of the profile, a special aluminum alloy cleaner can be used to wipe it in mild cases. In severe cases, professional personnel should be contacted for treatment to avoid corrosion diffusion.
2. UPVC doors and windows: anti deformation, protective sealing
Although UPVC doors and windows require low maintenance, they are prone to deformation in high temperature environments, and the sealing strips also need to be carefully cared for
-Cleaning and protection: Wipe the frame with a mild neutral cleaner, avoid using acetic acid or acidic sealants and cleaning agents, and prevent the profile from aging and cracking. Keep the gaps between doors and windows clean, promptly remove dust and accumulated water, and avoid affecting the sealing performance.
-Hardware inspection: Regularly check the fixing screws of hinges, handles, and locks. If they are loose, tighten them in a timely manner, but do not tighten them too tightly to avoid damaging the profiles; Check the hardware wear and tear once a year, and replace it promptly if any damage is found. The maintenance of moving parts is consistent with that of aluminum alloy doors and windows, using acid free and resin free lubricating oil.
-Avoid deformation: Do not hang heavy objects on door and window frames, and do not hit them with sharp objects; In the open state, it should be firmly fixed to avoid deformation caused by wind blowing during typhoon weather.
3、 General maintenance: daily care of glass, seals, and mosquito nets
Glass, sealing strips, and mosquito nets are important guarantees for the performance of doors and windows, and maintenance cannot be ignored
-Glass cleaning and protection: To clean glass, first use a soft cloth to remove floating dust, then wipe it with soap water or specialized glass cleaner in a circular manner, and finally wipe it dry with a wiper or lint free cloth to avoid water stains; Do not wipe with newspaper, ink may contaminate the border; If there are stubborn stains on the glass, use a new straight blade and cleaning agent to gently scrape them off to avoid scratching. In addition, do not casually stick insulation film or reflective film on the glass, as it may cause thermal stress rupture and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
-Sealing strip maintenance: Sealing strips are the core of waterproofing, sound insulation, and energy saving for doors and windows, and need to be regularly inspected for aging, cracking, and detachment. Apply a small amount of silicon-based lubricant in daily life to maintain elasticity; If damage is found, it is necessary to replace the rubber strip with the same specification in a timely manner to avoid rainwater leakage. It is recommended to check once a year before the rainy season.
-Mosquito net maintenance: Mosquito nets in Malaysia are frequently used and need to be regularly removed and rinsed with clean water. If there are stains, they can be cleaned with mild soapy water and dried before installation; Check if the mesh is damaged, and if there are any openings, repair or replace them in a timely manner to ensure the effectiveness of mosquito prevention.
4、 Special scenario protection: emergency measures for typhoon season and rainy season
Typhoons and rainstorm frequently occur in Malaysia, and protection in advance can reduce the damage of doors and windows:
-Before the arrival of the typhoon: check whether the doors and windows are closed and locked, confirm that the locks are in place for sliding doors, and install temporary reinforcement strips for casement windows; Clean up debris around doors and windows to avoid being blown by the wind and hitting them; Check if the sealant is intact, and repair any gaps with waterproof sealant in a timely manner.
-After the rainy season: Clean up the accumulated water and debris in the door and window guide rails and drainage holes in a timely manner to ensure smooth drainage; Check if there is water leakage at the connection between the glass and the frame. If there is any leakage, it may be due to aging sealant or installation issues, and it needs to be dealt with in a timely manner.
