Maintenance for Your Vinyl Siding or Windows
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009Accurate Home Inspection of Atlanta asked:
Cleaning and care of your vinyl replacement windows is a simple procedure that can keep your windows with a permanent new look.
If you find any tape or labels on your window that did not come off completely use an alcohol based cleaner on small glass areas only. When you are done with the removal process make sure you thoroughly wet the glass and rinse with plain water.
Ammonia-based glass cleaners or regular glass cleaners can be used to clean the glass.
Refrain from using any solvents, paint removers or sharp objects to clean your windows and patio doors. PVC (vinyl) products should be cleaned with mild soap and water.
In the event of heavier cleaning is needed use commercially advertised household cleaners that are non abrasive.
Should your window have condensation on the inside of your window, try to control the overall humidity in your home. This is your responsibility and has nothing to do with the quality of the window. The only time the manufacturer should be responsible is when the condensation is visible between the glass panes. This is a good indicator that the seal has been broken and the glass pack has to be replaced.
Mildew can become a problem when the humidity is too high for a long period of time and should be removed with an appropriate cleaner or mildew controller that can be acquired at your local store.
Vinyl windows are solid in color throughout making painting and varnishing a thing of the past. Keep in mind by doing so you will most likely void your warranty.
Also remember that the tracks of sliding and double-hung windows are exposed to outside environment, which can leave abrasive elements such as dirt, leaves, sand, grease, soot, etc. in them. If not removed they can cause groves in the vinyl tracks when operated. It is recommended to clean them semi-annual. Use a small, stiff nylon brush for cleaning and a soft cloth to wipe them down. If needed use silicone spray lubricant on the tracks of the sliding window and on the balance shoe track of a double hung vinyl window. This will keep the operation of the vinyl window smooth without leaving oily residues that tends to collect more abrasive elements.
Do’s and Don’ts for your vinyl windows
Do’s to know about vinyl windows:
• Do open the bottom and Top window for improved air ventilation.
• Do use both hands to hold the window when it is tilting inward for cleaning
• Do always support the inward tilted windows when they are in the cleaning position
• Do make sure that the tilt latches are fully engaged after you are done cleaning and bringing the window in its original position.
• Do make sure you have your top window (double-hung) moved all the way up before you try to lock your window.
Don’ts to know about vinyl windows:
• Don’t forget to leave your lock in the open position until your windows are closed and ready to be locked. Leaving the lock in the locked position while the window is open can damage the keeper when you attempt to close it.
• Don’t try to remove the windows on a double hung vinyl window
• Don’t use WD40 or other oil based lubricants, they only attract dirt. Silicon spray should be used for lubrication.
• Don’t leave the center section of a Swing & Clean sliding vinyl window open without the proper support or you will risk damaging the functionality of your window.
• Don’t try to move sliding window sash of a Swing & Clean when the pivot hardware is locked.
• Don’t use cleaners that are abrasive to clean the vinyl or the glass of the windows
• Don’t use any solvents to clean the windows
• Don’t forget to unlock your casement windows before operating the crank to open them up
• Don’t use a high pressure hose to clean the outside of a vinyl window
• Don’t forget to add enough support to your vinyl window when installing a window air conditioning unit
• DON’T PAINT OR VARNISH vinyl windows! This will void your warranty
Bradley
Cleaning and care of your vinyl replacement windows is a simple procedure that can keep your windows with a permanent new look.
If you find any tape or labels on your window that did not come off completely use an alcohol based cleaner on small glass areas only. When you are done with the removal process make sure you thoroughly wet the glass and rinse with plain water.
Ammonia-based glass cleaners or regular glass cleaners can be used to clean the glass.
Refrain from using any solvents, paint removers or sharp objects to clean your windows and patio doors. PVC (vinyl) products should be cleaned with mild soap and water.
In the event of heavier cleaning is needed use commercially advertised household cleaners that are non abrasive.
Should your window have condensation on the inside of your window, try to control the overall humidity in your home. This is your responsibility and has nothing to do with the quality of the window. The only time the manufacturer should be responsible is when the condensation is visible between the glass panes. This is a good indicator that the seal has been broken and the glass pack has to be replaced.
Mildew can become a problem when the humidity is too high for a long period of time and should be removed with an appropriate cleaner or mildew controller that can be acquired at your local store.
Vinyl windows are solid in color throughout making painting and varnishing a thing of the past. Keep in mind by doing so you will most likely void your warranty.
Also remember that the tracks of sliding and double-hung windows are exposed to outside environment, which can leave abrasive elements such as dirt, leaves, sand, grease, soot, etc. in them. If not removed they can cause groves in the vinyl tracks when operated. It is recommended to clean them semi-annual. Use a small, stiff nylon brush for cleaning and a soft cloth to wipe them down. If needed use silicone spray lubricant on the tracks of the sliding window and on the balance shoe track of a double hung vinyl window. This will keep the operation of the vinyl window smooth without leaving oily residues that tends to collect more abrasive elements.
Do’s and Don’ts for your vinyl windows
Do’s to know about vinyl windows:
• Do open the bottom and Top window for improved air ventilation.
• Do use both hands to hold the window when it is tilting inward for cleaning
• Do always support the inward tilted windows when they are in the cleaning position
• Do make sure that the tilt latches are fully engaged after you are done cleaning and bringing the window in its original position.
• Do make sure you have your top window (double-hung) moved all the way up before you try to lock your window.
Don’ts to know about vinyl windows:
• Don’t forget to leave your lock in the open position until your windows are closed and ready to be locked. Leaving the lock in the locked position while the window is open can damage the keeper when you attempt to close it.
• Don’t try to remove the windows on a double hung vinyl window
• Don’t use WD40 or other oil based lubricants, they only attract dirt. Silicon spray should be used for lubrication.
• Don’t leave the center section of a Swing & Clean sliding vinyl window open without the proper support or you will risk damaging the functionality of your window.
• Don’t try to move sliding window sash of a Swing & Clean when the pivot hardware is locked.
• Don’t use cleaners that are abrasive to clean the vinyl or the glass of the windows
• Don’t use any solvents to clean the windows
• Don’t forget to unlock your casement windows before operating the crank to open them up
• Don’t use a high pressure hose to clean the outside of a vinyl window
• Don’t forget to add enough support to your vinyl window when installing a window air conditioning unit
• DON’T PAINT OR VARNISH vinyl windows! This will void your warranty
Bradley
