Getting The Most Out Of Your Windows and Doors
Mike Sanicky
CARE AND MAINTENANCE TIPS
What a difference between your new windows and doors compared to your old. Isn’t it amazing, how new windows can give your home a face lift. Want to keep your investment looking good as well as perform like new, follow these simple cleaning and maintenance routines:
Let’s start with your WINDOW FRAMES: How to clean and care
Aluminum and vinyl window frames can continue to look and operate like new, even years down the road, with regular care and maintenance.
Frame Cleaning DO’S
DO clean window and door with a mixture of mild dish soap and water.
DO test cleaners in a small inconspicuous area first.
DO rinse completely with clear water, then wipe dry with soft cloth.
DO clean tracks and weep holes.
DO check weather-stripping and hardware.
Frame Cleaning DON’TS
DON’T use any petroleum-based, abrasive or caustic cleaners or solvents because they might cause permanent damage to frame finish.
DON’T add attachments to window or glass unless approved by the window manufacturer
DON’T live with poor performing components.
How to Clean and Care for Your Glass
Periodically cleaning your windows will keep them looking beautiful. Let’s not forget; insulated, low-e or heat reflective glass requires proper maintenance to continue working properly.
Glass Cleaning DO’S
DO clean glass with a mixture of mild dish soap and water.
DO rinse completely with clear water, then wipe dry with soft cloth to avoid water
spots.
DO remove screens before cleaning window. Same options may be used to clean
screen.
Popular glass cleaner for cleaning windows: Windex
Glass Cleaners DON’TS
DON’T use petroleum-based cleaners, or caustic chemicals on your glass.
DON’T wash glass in direct sunlight.
How to make sure Windows and Doors are operating properly for years to come
Keeping a window and door operating system working smoothly with regular care and maintenance.
Keep your track area clean, vacuum any dirt, grim regularly, before each washing.
Check over your windows, keep an eye out in certain spots such as: weep holes,
drainage holes are clear of dirt or obstruction. Weep holes are found on the
outside bottom of the windowCheck over hardware components, tracks and rollers. These operating areas should be lubricated regularly. In salty-air environment, this can mean monthly. Lubricant options : Aluminum-Wax is preferred.
Check weather-stripping around operable window and door panels to be sure seals are evenly displaced around glass.
Adjusting your Sliding Glass Door
Adjust sliding glass door rollers for proper height clearances. Doors are suppose to roll easily cross tracks without any hick ups or pause ups. If your Sliding Glass Door is having a tuff time, your doors height is probably unlevel. Doors can be adjusted with a screwdriver through access holes on either end at the bottom of the door panel. Be sure to lift the panel to take the weight off the rollers during roller adjustment. Also add a spray of lubricant on the wheels to help with roller movement. Rolling screen doors are adjusted the same way using a screwdriver. After making roller adjustments your lock strike placements might be off, this can also be adjusted using a screwdriver by loosing the screws and gingerly moving lock into necessary spot, and then re-fasten, or call Mike.
How to Maintain Aluminum Windows in Coastal Areas
If windows are new and have not yet been exposed to corrosive environment:
Use light soap to wash and rinse periodically as salty-air plays as a corrosive agent against your windows and doors.
Apply a light car wax to the extrusion window FRAME. Do not apply wax without cleaning your window first. This is important to remember, if applied without cleaning the window frame first, the corrosive agent, little salt deposits may be sealed to the extrusion by the wax, this would be known a corrode to extrusion.
If windows are already installed and have been exposed to the elements:
Use mineral spirits to remove any salt deposits, dirt, etc.
Use light soap and water solution to wash windows, and rinse well.
Apply light car wax solution to window extrusion (frame), important to clean window frame before applying.
Living off the coast brings corrosive agents at your door. No problem though, just regular rinse your windows to reduce salt deposit build ups and ease annual cleaning process.