Repairs & Maintenance

Maintenance will need to be carried out on your PVC-U products from time to time. Here are some quick and easy tips to keep your new PVC-U windows, doors, conservatories, cladding, fascias and soffits looking and functioning like the day they were installed and help you get the best from your investment.

Frames

Wash with warm soapy water about every four to six months to remove grime and atmospheric deposits. Never use abrasive cleaners as these will damage the surface and may alter the gloss finish. Whilst cleaning always make sure the external drainage slots are clear.

Glass

Glass can be cleaned using any household glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Take care, when cleaning leaded windows as excessive pressure might dislodge the leading from the glass surface.

Weatherseals

Clean with a mild non-abrasive detergent and ensure that the weatherseals fitted to your doors and windows do not become dislodged from their grooves during cleaning. Should this occur, slide back into position immediately to avoid damage when the window or door is closed. If the weatherseals are broken or damaged and draughts are felt around the window or door contact us for advice.

Silicone Seals

Some discoloration of the external silicone seal is a natural occurrence and cannot be avoided.

Friction Hinges

Keep the friction hinges free from dirt and grime and keep the hinge mechanism clean. Lubricate metal parts regularly, with all purpose oil or WD40, concentrating on the pivot points.

Gutters and Boxgutters

On a conservatory the guttering is laid level, this is normal and in accordance with BS 63 67: 1983 Code of Practice for Drainage of Roofs. At times you will notice standing water in your gutter system. It is important that all gutters and outlets are regularly cleaned to prevent excessive build up of water and / or airborne debris such as leaves.

Note: Never walk directly on a conservatory roof, always use crawl boards to spread the load. Do not lean ladders against the PVC-U frames or glass.

Handles

To remove dust and grime wipe all window and door furniture with a damp cloth and then dry thoroughly. Do not use liquid or abrasive cleaners on any hardware. Handles should be checked periodically to ensure that the screws holding them to the opening part of the window or door are tight. If required tighten using a suitable screwdriver. Do not overtighten as this may impair the operation of the locking mechanism.

Patio Doors

Tracks should be kept clean for smooth running and the drainage channels kept clear.

Locks

Maintenance of the locking system is simple: apply a little all purpose oil or WD40 to the moving parts once a year. Similarly, a little grease should be applied to the locking slots to facilitate smooth running.

 

GENERAL MAINTAINANCE

DO

• Carry out routine maintenance at least twice a year, although this may need to be done more frequently in areas of high exposure especially near the sea.
• Wash down the uPVC and all parts exposed when the window or door is closed with warm soapy water and wipe dry.
• Wipe clean all parts exposed when the window or door is open and remove grime from old lubricant, airborne debris and remains of insect life etc.
• Pay special attention to keep the drainage channels free and clear of blockages.
• Look after all moving parts and fixings as detailed in the leaflet given to you at installation.
• Regularly check that weatherseals have not become dislodged from their grooves.

DON’T

• Use any type of bleach or solvent and avoid ammonia and abrasive cleaning agents, particularly on woodgrain products, handles and other metal fitments.
• Paint uPVC window frames.
• Use any high water pressure jet washers on uPVC frames and particularly on a conservatory roof