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Doors and/or Windows

Housekeeping and Maintenance

Gwidders started this discussion 12 years 8 months ago

Hi all,

I'm an Industrial design student studying doors and windows in multi-occupancy accommodation as a final year project.
I was wondering if anyone would be able to share with me some knowledge on the maintenance of doors and/or windows. In particular I would like to know is;
-what breaks first on a door?
-what breaks first on a window?
-What causes damage to the doors? (eg damp, residents, age)
-How long do doors typically last? (internal and external)
-How long do windows typically last?

Any information would be handy.

I'm looking to find the key problems with doors and windows and better design them in order to extend lifespan and maintenance costs.

Thanks
Greg

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rjd1983

12 years

Well, hostels are a little different from your average multi-occupancy accommodation, due to the high volume of people, and people often not caring about the place as it's a hostel.

-what breaks first on a door? Door handle
-what breaks first on a window? Window handle/hinges
-What causes damage to the doors? (eg damp, residents, age) Residents kicking doors down when they are drunk!
-How long do doors typically last? (internal and external) Doors, if properly maintained, can last for decades
-How long do windows typically last? If properly maintained, same as doors - decades. But single, double, or triple glaze windows all have varying life spans, and it depends what your windows are made out of, and your climate.

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Rucksack Brian

12 years

We recently replaced some wooden doors and windows. The originals lasted about 80 years before we got rid of them. Pretty respectable lifespan, I’d say! The door handles had probably been replaced a few times, and due to years of expanding, contracting, and the building settling the doors didn’t close with a tight seal. The wooden molding that held the windowpanes in place was missing in several places due to loss and breakage while replacing broken glass. Aside from that they held up amazingly well.

The new windows and doors are all double glazed thermopane, with the windows opening both horizontally and vertically. The hinges sometimes slip out of alignment and we end up with the window trying to open in both directions while hanging on by one hinge. Aside from the hinges, the handles on both the doors and the windows are the first things to break because they are made of plastic and people try to force them open and closed. The doors have a 5-point locking mechanism to seal out the weather. It is activated by lifting the door handle up. It takes some strength to lock the doors and even more to unlock them. I’m expecting to replace a lot of handles.

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nick25

11 years

Keeping your windows and doors clean means more than just the glass. Here are some helpful tips for cleaning your window and door frames effectively without damaging them. Vacuum dirt from sill track areas before washing, clean window and door frames with a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Because all firstly break in window or door is Glass.So we have to take care of it first.

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