To keep window and door furniture looking its best, whatever the colour or type, wipe over with a virtually dry soft cloth only.  Abrasive liquid or powder cleaners must not be used. In terms of glass cleaning, any proprietary brand of domestic glass cleaner is suitable for use. With decorative glazing, such as leads, stain glass overlays and bevelled glass, it helps to pay particular attention and cleaning right into the edges and corners to keep them looking great. Cleaning the external frame surfaces can be achieved by using warm soapy water with a mild detergent.

Window and Door Rebates
The rebate area within the window is utilised to locate the friction hinges, the high security keeps (which work in conjunction with the main lock set in the opening sash), and the channel to the drainage slots.  In the case for doors, only the latter two items apply.  However, this area i.e the drainage channel should be  kept clean and free from dirt or leaves etc. and you may find a small relatively stiff brush is ideal.

All window and door products have both drainage channel and drainage slots
Check occasionally to ensure that the channel and slots do not “clog up”. Any blockage can be cleared by simply blowing air through a straw followed by pouring a few tablespoons of water into the slot so as to flush out any debris.  Repeat as necessary. At the same time, or at least annually, make sure that drainage paths are not blocked by airborne debris or other “foreign” bodies. Sometimes, after a heavy shower of rain, you may find some water collecting in the bottom channel of your door and window frames.This is a normal occurrence and will drain away over a short period of time.

Looking after frame gaskets and seals
Maintenance should consist of regular cleaning in conjunction with the frames using mild solution of washing up liquid. Please note that some discolouration of the mastic seal is a natural occurrence and cannot be avoided.

TROUBLESHOOTING
Prompt replacement of faulty or damaged parts should be carried out by an experienced person using the correct parts. Failure to do so may invalidate your product guarantee.

Condensation
Unfortunately, condensation is a fact of life and wherever there is moisture in the atmosphere and substantially differing temperatures on either side of the glass surface, degrees of condensation will occur.The effect will be directly proportional not only to this temperature variation, but also to the amount of water vapour present.  You can generally expect windows in kitchens, bedrooms and lounges to be most affected. Double glazing will no doubt, in most cases reduce condensation, but it cannot be claimed to cure the problem.  One thing is certain, however, that double glazing will not cause condensation provided the air is allowed to circulate within your property.

Ventilation and circulation
Provide natural ventilation whenever possible.  Air changes within rooms and dwellings are important when combining with ventilation, i.e. opening of a bathroom window after showering or opening a bedroom window first thing in the morning.  In both instances the period of time need only last 10-15 minutes. Water vapour will easily drift on convection currents far from where it originated.  Keep internal doors to kitchen and bathroom closed when possible to prevent the excessively moist air in these rooms being transferred to other areas of the house.

Heating
Maintain some permanent heat in the house during cold weather.  Marginally increase the temperature in areas where condensation maybe a potential problem. (If new radiators are being fitted locate under windows maintain the temperature of the inside pane of your double glazing

Looking after a Conservatory Roof and/or  Bow Canopies
These should be cleaned outside as and when necessary with a mild solution of washing up liquid and warm water.  Apply with a soft broom or mop and hose down to rinse.  All gutters and downpipes should be checked annually and kept clean in order to avoid blockages.

HARDWARE
The hardware fitted to Aluminium Window and Door products don’t need “calendar” servicing but should be maintained on an “as necessary” basis.  Thus items such as door locks, friction hinges, and reversible window gear which have been lubricated in manufacture and/or installation should be treated with the appropriate lubricant when they show signs of stiffening up in use or they have been left unused for a considerable time. 

LUBRICATION
A list of appropriate lubricants is given below.

Hinge pivots, Handles, Locks                      Light Machine Oil, Silicone Spray

Hinge channels                                           Vaseline

Cylinder Locks                                            Graphite or PTFE based Lubricant

VSW Balances                                            Torso – Castral Rustilo DWF

                                                                    Others – Multipurpose grease

For further advice on looking after your windows please contact 01895 271061 and ask for Customer Services

However, should you wish to "pass" on any of the above, we now offer an annual maintenance service. Please contact 01895 271061 and ask for Customer Services.