Care and Maintenance
EXTERNAL MAINTENANCE OF TIMBER
We recommend that you wash the frames and sashes twice a year to remove dirt and other kinds of impurities. Use water, mixed with a mild household cleaning product.
A visual inspection should also be carried out once a year, to check the external surfaces are free from any splits or cracks in the paintwork or timber. UV rays from the sun can also effect the surface treatment - especially on south and west facing elevations. Properties without overhanging eaves will also be more exposed to the UV rays. Any cracks in the paintwork or timber, will allow moisture to penetrate into he product and over time cause decomposition of the timber.
When carrying out remedial works to your windows and doors make sure that the humidity of the timber is between 15% to 18% and the ambient temperature between 10 to 20°C. To avoid the effect of dew also avoid early mornings and later in the day, to enable paintwork to dry.
EXTERNAL MAINTENANCE OF ALUMINIUM
Windows with external aluminium cladding require minimal maintenance, and cleaning externally twice a year.
If the window has been subject to vandalism or any other kind of physical damage, small scratches can be repaired using a polish. In cases of deep scratches, oxidation will automatically close ”the wound” and prevent corrosion. Damage like this can be difficult to repair without leaving a ”scar”, so the advice is to leave the scratch; it will not affect the life span of your window.
INTERNAL MAINTENANCE OF TIMBER
The internal part of the window is virtually maintenance free although it may be necessary to wash grease or smoke off the frame and sash from time to time. Clean the frame and sash with a cloth and mild soapy water.
MAINTENANCE OF RUBBER GASKETS
Rubber gaskets are maintenance free apart from ordinary cleaning, with a cloth and soapy water.
When carrying out remedial works be careful not to get paint on the rubber gaskets as they will lose their flexibility, and compromise the seal and tightness of the window when closed.
CLEANING THE GLASS
Glass labels on new windows can be removed by soaking them in water. Label residues on the glass can be removed by gently using a cleaner designed for ceramic hobs.
Although your windows may be cleaned at regularintervals, as a minimum the glass should be cleaned approx. 4 times per annum. When cleaning we recommend using a soft brush, a squeegee and some mild soapy water. Add some rinse aid to prevent chalky marks.
LUBRICATION OF HARDWARE
Window hardware will need occasional care. Werecommend that you oil all mobile hardware parts twice a year with acid free oil to keep them moving smoothly. Use oil intended for sewing machines, WD-40 or similar.
Windows situated in exposed areas, particular coastal locations (within 5 miles), must be oiled more often. Under extreme conditions it will be necessary to check if hardware is still fully functional more regularly.
Furthermore, make sure that any gliding tracks onwindows are kept clean and free of dirt.
