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What you need to maintain
Unless correctly maintained,
there is a resonable chance thatanything in a
product thatcango wrong will go wrong. It is therefore
necessary to check all aspects of a window. The
most important elements to maintain are the coating
system and the hardware. However, it is advisable
to check the whole window (interior and exterior)
including the glazing unitand weatherseals, for
any signs of deterioration. If there are any causes
for concern, follw these guidelines. If the problem
persists, contact the window manufacturer.
The type and level of maintenance
required will depend on the windows location and
exposure to the weather. A window in a south facing
position in a coastal area will deterirate far
quicker than one that is facing north and sheltered
from the wind and rain.
It is important to remember that
regualr, minimal maintenance will make re-decorating
the window a far easier job. |
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Mould and Algae |
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All windows can suffer from
mould and algae caused by airborne spores,
which settle on the surface ( which is why
exterior plastic products go grey over time). |
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To remove mould and algae,
wash with a solution of one part bleach to
two parts water, and leave for 20 minutes
to work. Then rinse, if the blemish is stubborn,
scrub with a stiff nylon bristle (not metallic)
brush. |
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Cleaning and Washing |
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Wash with hot water and
liquid detergent every 6 months. Rinse with
clean water. During this process it is advisable
to inspect all components of the window for
defects and take action if necessary. |
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Exuding Natural Resin |
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Wait until dried to a white
crystaline resin before you attempt to remove
it. If the resin is particualrly stubborn,
you may need to carefully use a scraper and
remove surface deposits. Do not use a metal
scraper as this will damage both the coating
and the underlying timber substrate. Use a
hot air stripper to soften the exuded natural
resin and to draw as much as possible from
the underlying timber, Do not overheat as
this may damage the coating system. Remove
with a lint-free cloth dampened by methylated
spirits to clean any remaining resin residue
from the timber surface. Apply a suitable
base stain or primer to bare timber areas.
Then bring forward these areas with one coat
of finish, before applying afurther coat of
finish overall. |
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Damage |
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If any part of the windows
coating system is damaged to the point of
showing bare-timber, contact the manufacturer
to find out which is the appropriate coating
material to use and their practical instructions
on how to maintain it. |
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| It is necessary to maintain
all hardware regularly in order to ensure
it works and lasts. |
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General |
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Wipe away all dirt
and debris, especially on moving parts.
Check all screws are tight. |
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Handles |
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Wipe clean with a
damp cloth. Do not lubricate. |
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Window Door Locking
Systems |
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Apply petroleum jelly
to all locking bolts, guide slots (on
frame) and striker plates. |
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Hinges |
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Add the minimum amount
necessaty of light machines oil to pivots.
Wipe away excess. Follow the maufacturers
instructions for pivot windows. |
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Ventilator and Canopy |
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Wipe clean with a
damp cloth. Clean away blockage. Do
not lubricate. |
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| Check for defects. Pay particualr
attention to looking for cracked glass, misting
of the unit and shrinking of the glazing material.
For cracking and misting, contact the window
manufacturer (or glazier if the window was
not supplied factory glazed. If the glazing
material has shrunk and the glazing system
has not failed, ensuring the window is completely
dry, it may be possibleto cap the original
glazing material with silicon or polysulphide
sealant. It may be more difficult to overcoat
silicone sealants, especially if using water-based
paint or stains. Although much slower cure,
polysulpghide sealants can be overcoated much
more succesfully. If the glazing system has
failed, then the glazing unit should be completely
replaced. |
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| Check that the weatherseals
have not moved or been pulled out. If they
have simply push back into place. If torn,
replace with new weatherseals of similar size
and type. Paint or stainon weatherseal will
cause it to become rigid, reducing its effectivness.
If the weatherseals have been over-coated,
scrape off the coating with a plastic scraper.
Ensure that they return to their original
shape and compress when the window is closed.
If they do not return to their original shape,
replace with new weatherseals of similar size
and type. Any stubborn water-borne wood stains
or paints may be removed by wiping down with
a cloth dampened by methylated spirits. |
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| Repairs should be carried
out as and when necessary in order to make
the job easier when it comes to the planned
maintenance and re-decoration. Bycarrying
out these checks before the problem gets worse,
and re-decorating in accordance with the manufactures
instructions, a quality timber window will
last for a lifetime. |
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| Hardware |
| Whenever necessary and at
least once a year |
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| Other Components |
| Whenever necessary and at
least every five years. |
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