Installing new windows and doors is a great way to improve your home and you’ll want to keep them looking and functioning at their best. Fortunately, unlike traditional wooden frames that require regular intensive maintenance such as painting, UPVC windows only necessitate basic procedures to ensure years of trouble free service.
Maintenance for UPVC windows and doors falls into four basic categories that should be carried out on an occasional basis; Cleaning frames and glass to remove dirt and grime; Lubrication of hardware (hinges, locking systems etc) to keep moving parts running smoothly; Drainage - a visual check to ensure the built in drainage system is kept clear of debris; Gaskets and seals - again a visual inspection that makes sure the weatherseals are undamaged and have not become dislodged.
Glass and glazing: Warm soapy water or a quality glass cleaner is adequate to remove dirt from all variations of glass sealed units, including low emissivity glass such as “SGG Planitherm” To prevent scratching of the the units, the use of a soft cloth is recommended. Either the use of gloves, or the removal of all hand jewellery is advised to prevent unecessary scratching of the glazing.
UPVC frames: Maintenance of the UPVC profile should consist of a regular clean with a mild non-abrasive detergent solution. For stubborn dirt and marks, use a suitable cream cleaner. Abrasive cleaners should never be used and on NO ACCOUNT should steam cleaning be used. For woodgrain effect finishes or coloured profile, simply wash the frames with warm soapy water. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners as this may affect the overall finish of the woodgrain and on NO ACCOUNT should steam cleaning be used. Your double glazing is designed with an internal drainage system to help water flow to the outside. make sure that the exterior drainage slots remain clear.
Conservatories and Porches: Polycarbonate and uPVC roofing may be cleaned using a mild soap solution, DO NOT use cleaning agents containing organic solvents, ammonia or anionic surfactants. Ensure that gutters and drains are clear of leaves and wash the roof panels every four months with soap and water to remove grime.
Gaskets and seals: Clean the gasket regularly with a mild non-abrasive detergent. Following cleaning, check that all gaskets and seals are correctly located araound the frame and openers. All gaskets and weather strips can be replaced without the removal of the window or sash. This should only be carried out by the installers using quality materials recommended by Plastmo profiles.
Windows: All hinges and locking points should be kept clean and clear of dirt. A quarterly application of light oil such as "3 in 1" is recommended. The tightness of all screws and fittings should also be checked. The scissor mechanism of friction hinges should be periodically cleaned and lubricated, as should all pivot points and the moving parts of espagnolette locks.
Residential and French Doors: All moving areas of the lock should be given a quarterly application of light oil. The keeps (located within the frames) should be given a coating of petroleum jelly or similar. The locking cams can be adjusted to improve sealing. Clean and oil all external metal parts quarterly. Hinges and letter plates should also be given an annual application of light oil. DO NOT lubricate the locking cylinder (where the key is inserted) as it is packed with special grease.
Sliding Patio Doors: Lightly oil locking cam slots and ensure that the bottom sliding track is is clean of dirt and debris. DO NOT lubricate the actual track! DO NOT lubricate the locking cylinder (where the key is inserted) as it is packed with special grease.
Locks and Hinges: All hardware products require maintaining at regular intervals. It is recommended that al locks and hinges are lightly lubricated after cleaning of the frames. Use a light machine oil such as “3 in 1” for hinges, make sure that all parts are clean and free of obstructions. Apply one drop of oil to each pivot and wipe away with a clean dry cloth. Clean locking mechanisms in the same way.
Glass Cleaner, UPVC Cleaner and Lubrication Oil now on sale at our showroom.
Although your GRP roof is designed to be maintenance free you may want to wash it from time to time to maintain an ‘as new’ appearance. Assuming it’s safe to do so, the easiest way to clean your fibreglass flat roof is with a mop and bucket or a long handled brush and your garden hose. Alternatively you could also use a pressure washer if you have one (we would recommend you avoid using a hot steam pressure washer).
If you have steps or balconies repaired with fibreglass, again a stiff brush or pressure washer is ideal for removing mud and dirt from their textured coatings.
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