How to Care for Your New Windows
Window Care and Maintenance
Your new windows and doors will service you well for many years. They have technical advancements which will improve both your home and comfort.
As you would expect, your windows and doors come with a comprehensive product and service guarantee. There are steps that you can take to keep them looking their best for years to come. It is also important that you follow the guidance laid out below to ensure that the guarantees are maintained.
Below we have detailed:
- How to apply effective care and maintenance
- How to achieve optimum performance and longevity from our products
Your Window Warranty
You can read our comprehensive guarantee here. In summary, you benefit from:
1 year guarantee for the mechanical operation of the window and door hardware against defective materials and workmanship.
5 year guarantee for defective sealed units as a result of seal failure.
10 year comprehensive product guarantee covering the PVC profile and panels against cracking, flaking and discolouration.
25 year maximum guarantee on the paint finish on aluminium frames, except in hazardous environments e.g. coastal locations.
Specialist items such as sprayed frames and painted panels carry specific guarantees. For more information please refer to your contract or ask us for more details.
Stay Safe and Secure
Our uPVC window range is internally beaded as standard. This means that we install and bead the glass from the inside for additional security.
Your windows come with a facility to lock them whilst slightly ajar. Always fully close your windows and and engage the multi point locks if you leave your home.
How to Care for Your Windows
We’ve put together the below checklist to provide you with a quick reference guide for what you should do and should not do to care for your home improvements and keep them working optimally.
Care and Maintenance
With a minimal amount of care and maintenance your windows and doors will stay looking good and performing superbly for many years to come. Our products are easy to use and simple to care for and maintain.
Lubrication of Window Locks and Moving Parts
All moving mechanical parts require lubrication. Your windows and doors are no different. The hinges, locks and keep plates will benefit from a small application of light oil. We recommend lubrication of these parts once every six months. It is also vital to ensure that the hardware and groove that the hardware sits in is cleaned regularly using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any debris which may affect the operation of the window.
Adjustment of Friction Stays
A friction stay is a type of hinge that controls the opening of the window so that it stays open where you want it to. It won’t close under its own weight and should never been too difficult to open and close. This hinge is factory set, and after continued use it may become loose. Should this occur, you can use a small flat headed screwdriver to turn the brass screw which is located on the friction hinge clockwise. This will increase the amount of friction and tighten up its operation. If the window becomes too stiff, you can perform the reverse action and loosen this screw by turning it anti-clockwise. The same adjustment should be made to both hinges, either side of the window.
Condensation
In certain circumstances if the surface of your frames is cold enough and there is enough moisture in the air, then condensation can occur. Due to advances in glazing technology, not only is it possible to experience condensation on the inside. Condensation may also form on the outside of the glass. This does not mean though that your windows are faulty. You can read more about the causes and how to combat condensation here.
Leaded Glass Units
We use natural lead for our stained and lead patterned units. It will remain shiny on the inside of the units, but any lead exposed to the air will oxidise. Oxidation consists of a film forming on the surface of the lead which consists of a layer of insoluable lead salts. These may vary in colour and on occasion a white deposit may form. This is not harmful and does not affect the function of the windows. It can be removed for aesthetic reasons if you wish. Use a mild detergent and pan cleaner, although you should take great care to avoid scratching the glass.
Cleaning Your Windows and Glass
White uPVC Windows
Under normal circumstances windows can be washed with diluted washing up liquid and warm water. Occasionally, where more stubborn stains build up, it may be necessary to use a non-abrasive liquid cleaner designed for uPVC. Apply the cleaner using a dry cloth, use sparingly in small circular motions, and then buff back to a shine.
Woodgrain, Colour Painted uPVC and Aluminium Windows
Use only diluted washing up liquid and warm water. Do not use any cleaning fluid on windows made from woodgrain, colour paint or aluminium profile.
Insulated Glass Units
You can clean the glass with any proprietary brand of glass cleaner, or warm water. The only exception to this is self or easy cleaning glass, which should only be cleaned with warm, soapy water.
We recommend that you clean both the inside and outside of the windows at least once every 6 months. Aluminium in coastal locations should be cleaned every 3 months. Do not use metal or abrasive cleaners, ammonia based cleaning fluids, or high pressure or steam cleaners on the frames or hardware or you will invalidate your guarantee.
You have the benefit of our ten year warranty on your windows and doors, and we are happy to attend to any problem you may encounter. Please do not personally attempt repairs to your windows and doors other than the general care explained above, as you may inadvertently invalidate your warranty. We have experienced fitters and service engineers that will be happy to assist you with any repair issues you may experience. You can book an appointment with a service engineer below.
