PVC-U WINDOW & DOOR FRAMES

 

Wash frames with a soap and water solution at least:

 

a)    Every three months in areas of heavy industry

b)    Every six months in rural locations

If required clean with a non-abrasive cleaner, suitable for plastics, using a soft cloth.

  In the event of unusual heavy staining, advice should be sought from the installer.

  NOTE:  Avoid all solvent based or abrasive cleaners. Take care not to disturb silicone pointing sealants.  

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CONSERVATORY & PORCH ROOFS

  Polycarbonate roofing panels fitted to these structures must be cleaned in a similar manner to PVC-U frames.

 

Every autumn, clear gutters of leaves and debris, to avoid overflow of rainwater and ensure unobstructed drainage.

  Wash roof panels with a soap and water solution, at least every four months, to remove grime and atmospheric deposits.

NOTE:  Do not walk on conservatory roofs. Avoid all solvent based or abrasive cleaners. Take care not to disturb silicone sealants.

Generally, there is no maintenance required for window and door handles other than normal cleaning  

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BRASS FURNITURE

Brass furniture is fully protected with lacquer and through normal wear and tear, this lacquer may peel or become tarnished.

 

NOTE:      Your installer cannot accept responsibility for this natural occurrence. 

To refurbish brass work, carry out the following procedure: -

You are advised to protect the PVC-U surfaces from chemicals etc, by masking off an area around each piece of brass work, or removing the item to be refurbished.

Remove old lacquer with nail polish remover or paint stripper.

Clean and polish with a propriety brass polish.

Carefully re-lacquer with a good quality product.  

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SILICONE SEALS

 

  NOTE:      Some discolouration of the silicone pointing sealant is a natural occurrence and cannot be avoided.

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GLASS

 

Heavy external grime should be removed with a solution of soap and water .

Any propriety household glass cleaner may be used with a soft cloth.

Laminate glass, or glass containing Georgian bars, is cleaned in the same manner.

 

NOTE: The glass, used h most double glazed units, is easily scratched and it is therefore recommended that hand jewellery is removed prior to cleaning.

  LEADED GLASS

Take care when cleaning leaded lights as excessive pressure can dislodge the lead from the glass surface.

  Warm soapy water moderately applied with a cloth, will prove an adequate cleaning method.

NOTE:     Externally exposed lead will oxidize, this is a natural phenomena and cannot be avoided.  

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  GLASS SCRATCHES

If scratches occur, most can be removed with jewelers rouge available from your local glass supplier, or an equivalent rubbing compound. Alternatively seek professional advice.

Replacement of sealed units should be carried out by professionals in accordance with BS6262, the units complying with BS5713.

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PVC-U PROFILES

  PVC-U requires no maintenance other than cleaning.

  In the event of damage seek advice from the installer.

Periodically where accessible, clear drainage holes which can be seen when you open the windows and doors.

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GASKETS

  If the gaskets are broken or damaged and draughts are felt around the unit, ensure prompt replacement by contacting your installer.

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HARDWARE FITTINGS

 Oil or light grease should be applied to mechanisms and keeps once a year.

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A thin film of oil applied to friction stays will enhance their corrosion resistance.

Residential door hinges require no lubrication.

Vertical slider spring balances are pre-lubricated and should require no maintenance.

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  SECURITY

  Prevention is better than cure and your double glazed windows and doors have been design with security features to protect your home and family against intrusion.

  A number of sensible precautions are to be recommended to take full advantage of the security features available with your double glazed windows.

 

Never leave a window open when your home is unattended.

Accessible windows should not be left in the night vent position when the house is unoccupied.

For added protection, lock all windows in the closed position and remove the keys.

To provide adequate means of escape in the event of any emergency, we recommend that keys are located adjacent to windows, but out of external view.

When leaving the house unattended, or at night, ensure door handles are fully lifted and that the keys are turned, this will ensure that the door is locked and you are fully secure.

Locking handles are fitted to the majority of double glazed windows. Most burglars enter houses by a small fanlight or window. Many thefts of computers, televisions and stereo equipment result from leaving keys where they can be easily found by burglars. Hiding all door and window keys while away will in many cases force burglars to exit by the same route that they entered, leaving behind items unable to fit through a small opening

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Condensation

Condensation is moisture-laden air converted into water. The atmosphere in which we live is generally invisible.

The warmer the air is the more moisture it can hold, when its limit is reached and the warm air makes contact with cold non-absorbent surfaces, it becomes chilled and sheds the surplus moisture in the form of water droplets, usually on a glass surface.

 

Causes and Cures

 

In the Living Room

Allow the room's warmth to reach the windows by positioning the curtains approximately l5Omm from the glass.

Where possible, avoid glazed or non-absorbent wall coating.

 Where flues have been blocked oft wall vents are most helpful.  

Vent holes below gas fires help to facilitate ventilation. Open windows for short periods each day to allow air-exchangers.

  The Bedroom

 

The prime cause for condensation in the bedroom is not allowing for the night-time drop in outside temperature.

  Extend the central heating programme or other heating system according.

Ventilate by opening the windows at least once a day to allow air-change.