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The following information has been provided to assist in preserving
the integrity and reliability of your windows.
INSTALLATION
Your product should be inspected and installed following the
steps described in the supplemental instruction pamphlet provided
with your Windsor unit. Improper installation may cause your unit to
perform poorly, which could reduce the life expectancy and/or void
the warranty.
FINISHING
Surface preparation – Prior to finishing, all surfaces should be
dry, clean, free from mold and mildew, dust or any other form of
surface contamination. An exterior topcoat or interior finish should
be applied while the sash/panel is open or removed from its frame,
to ensure complete coverage. The finish should be allowed to dry
completely prior to placing it into contact with any other
window/door component.
All exposed wood surfaces must be sealed or finished following
installation. The only exception to this is the edge of the double
hung sash that makes contact with the jambliner.
Exposure to the elements for an extended period of time will
cause deterioration of a factory-applied primer, allowing the wood
to absorb moisture and subject it to the harmful effects of
ultraviolet light. As it absorbs moisture, the wood’s natural color
leaches out resulting in a gray weathered appearance. The periodic
absorption of moisture and subsequent drying will also cause the
grain to rise, increasing the possibility of checking. Ultraviolet
light breaks down lignin in the wood (lignin holds the wood fibers
together) allowing moisture to infiltrate, further promoting fungal
decay or wood rot.
Interior finishes - Apply a top quality primer to any bare wood
surfaces that will be painted. When applying a topcoat paint finish,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Latex flat wall paints are
not recommended, as they do not provide adequate protection from
moisture penetration.
If a stain is applied as an interior finish, 2-3 coats of a top
quality clearcoat finish (varnish or urethane) should follow its
application.
When using darker stains, a sanding sealer or pre-stain is
recommended. Pine will tend to absorb stain at an uneven rate
resulting in an inconsistent appearance.
Exterior finish – Prime Products – Apply at least two coats of a
top quality house and trim paint to the exterior surface of your
Windsor primed product. A factory applied primer will accept the
application of either a latex or oil based finish. Windsor
recommends the application of lighter gloss paints. Dark colors tend
to absorb a greater amount of solar heat, which can cause wood to
expand and contract excessively. This expansion and contraction can
result in cracking and premature failure of the paint film. This, in
turn, will also allow moisture penetration causing paint peeling and
possible wood deterioration. While painting the exterior surfaces,
pay particularly close attention to any joints where sash or frame
parts butt into each other. The paint must bridge any gaps created
by these joints.
Consult your local paint supplier when selecting an interior or
exterior finish. Follow paint manufacturer’s recommendations for
surface preparation and top coat application.
DO NOT PAINT HARDWARE OR WEATHERSTRIP.
We do not recommend painting the exterior of aluminum clad products.
Painting will void the warranty.
DO NOT PAINT ANY VINYL SURFACES.
Paint may seriously affect the operation and/or the performance of
the unit.
CLEANING
Glass – Any standard glass cleaner can be used to clean the
interior/exterior glass surface. Try to avoid glass cleaners that
are ammonia or alcohol based. These may leave streaks. Using a clean
lint-free cloth or paper towel, wipe the surface clean. To remove
grease sealant from the glass, use mineral spirits sparingly, then
wash with a vinegar based solution (10% vinegar and 90% water).
Screens – Remove the screen from the opening, wash with a mild
detergent and water. Follow by rinsing with clean water.
Salt Spray Environment – If your unit is located in a salt spray
environment, a quarterly rinse of the exterior window/door surface
and operating hardware with fresh water is recommended.
Brass Handle Set – Clean handle set with a solution of mild soap
and water. Do not subject to harsh abrasives or solvent based
cleaning products. Due to normal wear and tear through everyday use,
certain brass hardware may lose their protective coatings and begin
to tarnish. This is not a manufacturer’s defect and does not affect
the operation the hardware.
Casement/Awning Hardware – Clean dirt and grime from window
hardware. Particular attention should be paid to the hinge track.
Clean water should be used to rinse debris away. A solution of mild
soap and water can be used to loosen stubborn dirt. Always rinse
with clean water. Allow to dry completely before lubricating.
Never use cleaners with the following: vinegar base, citrus base,
abrasive or industrial type cleaners. These types of cleaners may
not only remove or break down lubricants; they can also diminish the
effectiveness of corrosive resistant coatings.
Double Hung/Glide-By – Clean sill track and jambliner with a
solution of mild soap and water.
Vinyl Slider/Sliding Patio Sill Track – These two products have
similar design concepts. The sash/panel must first be removed
allowing access to the sill track. To do this, refer to the
"Sash/Panel Removal" section of this guide. Once the panel is
removed you can proceed with the removal of the sill track. A gap
has been provided at each end of the sill track for its removal.
Using your finger(s) or some type of hook, pull up on the end of the
sill track. Remove the sill track. Clean any dirt or debris from the
sill. Pay particular attention to the weep holes. These must be from
free from any obstructions. Replace the sill track, centering it in
the opening. Replace the sash/panel.
INSPECTION
A yearly inspection of your window/door unit should be performed.
Special attention should be made to:
Sealants – inspect sealants for any cracking, peeling or gaps,
which may have opened up over time.
Paint – check for damage, deterioration, checking or peeling.
Finish – check for deterioration of interior topcoat wood
finishes and finishes applied to hardware.
Glass – check for any cracks or fogging between the panes on an
insulated glass.
Hardware – check for any dirt or grime build-up which may cause
poor operation or excessive wear.
Door sills – check for any dirt or grime build-up, which may
cause poor operation or excessive wear.
Gaskets – check frame corner gaskets for any voids or
deterioration.
MAINTENANCE
Interior Finishes – Typically any varnish or urethane topcoat
will require a re-application over a period of time. Wipe away any
flaking topcoat material, and any other dust or debris, from the
sash. Sand the surface with a fine grit sandpaper. Wipe the surface
with a tack cloth. Apply a topcoat, following the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Exterior Finishes – Prior to any repair; the surface to be
finished must be clean and free from moisture.
Wood – If paint has peeled from the primer, the primed surface
should be lightly sanded with a fine grit sandpaper and have a
topcoat reapplied. If the paint and primer has pulled from the
window surface, leaving bare wood exposed, the surface should again
be lightly sanded and reprimed. Only after the surface has been
primed should a topcoat be applied.
Aluminum Cladding – Unsightly dings and dents to aluminum clad
units can be repaired by: cleaning the surface, lightly sanding the
affected area, applying a body filler if necessary (sanding smooth
if used), priming, lightly sanding, and applying a color match touch
up paint.
Brass Finish – You can refurbish and protect any tarnished brass
surface by:
1) Removing the hardware.
2) Brushing the parts with a lacquer remover, following the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
3) Using a 000 steel wool to wipe the finish from the parts.
4) Rinsing off the parts with a mild soap solution.
5) Applying a quality, nonabrasive, polymer-based auto wax to seal
the surface. Re-apply periodically.
Casement/Awning Hardware – After the hardware has been cleaned,
or as a yearly maintenance practice, it should be lubricated to
restore smooth operation. The following are recommended lubricants
and their applications: Operator: Lithium grease, Automotive grease,
Petroleum jelly. Hinges, locks: WD40®, CD2®, 3 in 1 oil, graphite.
Possible staining may occur if any of these
products make contact with wood frame or sash members.
Avoid the use of silicone-based lubricants as they may result in
causing some plastic parts to become brittle.
Door Hardware – Shoot some dry graphite into the lock cylinder
keyway once or twice a year.
Double Hung/Glide-By – If difficulty in the operation of your
unit develops, an application of a paste wax or silicone spray may
be warranted.
If your Double Hung sash travels with little or no pressure or
operates with difficulty, an adjustment to the balance.
CONDENSATION
During the process of creating a tighter, more energy efficient
home, an increase in elevated indoor humidity presented itself.
Older homes had been unwittingly designed and constructed with
random gaps, which would allow for the release of warm moist air and
the replacement of cool, drier air. Newer construction methods do
not allow for this natural air-to-air exchange, thus trapping any
internally created humidity within the structure. Elevated amounts
of humidity can cause condensation to form on cold surfaces. Sweaty,
frosted or icy windows are all forms of condensation problems. Most
assume that these are a problem with the window but, in fact, these
are a symptom of excess humidity in the home. Condensation on your
windows could be an indicator that other moisture problems could
develop, including mold or mildew on cold exterior wall surfaces,
peeling paint, wood rot and the failure of wall insulation.
Relative humidity is a measure of how much moisture air will hold
relative to the maximum it could hold at a given temperature. Warmer
air can hold more moisture than cool air. When warm, moist air comes
into contact with a cold surface it takes on its liquid form, much
like a glass of ice water on a hot summer day. Indoor humidity must
remain at a level which will not permit air to condense on the glass
surface.
Indoor humidity level should be monitored to eliminate the
possibility of condensation. The chart below illustrates recommended
winter humidity levels:
Outdoor Temp. Indoor Humidity@70ºF
-20ºF or below not over 15%
-20ºF to -10ºF not over 20%
-10ºF to 0ºF not over 25%
0ºF to +10ºF not over 30%
+10ºF to +35ºF not over 35%
These are the recommended humidity levels, and may not be
applicable for every household. Differences in glass types (lowE vs.
clear) will allow for variances in humidity levels. Window
condensation is a good indicator as to the maximum allowable
humidity level. If your windows begin to sweat, the humidity in your
home is too high. |
