Warranty
Window Care and Maintenance
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
WINDOW SCREENS
Use caution when removing window screens and cleaning screens. Bent screens or torn screens are not covered by warranty. A good way to clean screens is to lay them on a flat non-abrasive surface, use a mild cleaning solution and let it soak for a few minutes. Wash off the screen using water at low pressure. A garden hose would be suitable for the job. Let the screen dry standing up and reinstall only when completely dry. You can also vacuum screens with a soft brush attachment and wipe them with water and mild soap on a cloth.
HARDWARE - (LOCKS, HINGES, OPERATORS, ARMS, HANDLES)
Lubricate and clean your window hardware often so that excessive wear does not occur to the cranks and gears. Use a diluted all purpose cleaner to wipe the hardware. Wipe off cleaner to remove all leftover cleaning solution.
- Lubricate the gears on all operators using lithium grease, automotive grease or petroleum jelly. Check lubrication every 6 months. Check more often if the window is opened and closed often.
- Lubricate all hinges and rollers using a silicone-based lubricant. Petroleum-based lubricants can cause wear and other negative effects.
GLASS
Use vinegar based or a mild soap cleaner when cleaning glass surfaces. Window cleaner from Pioneer will work well as it is made for cleaning glass. Wipe the glass with a non abrasive lint free cloth in a circular motion. Rinse with water and wipe dry to prevent streaking. Wipe along the frame surrounding the glass to prevent damage from prolonged exposure to cleaner residue. Follow all cleaning solution recommendations for handling and storage. Do not use ammonia or alcohol based cleaners. Do not use excessive amounts of cleaner. Damage may occur to the sealed units, frames, or any other finish on the window. To clean a stain (grease, tape, oil, marker, or crayon) use a mild abrasive such as VIM and rub only the affected area.
FRAMES
Most often periodic rainfall will remove most dirt on exterior surfaces. If excessive dirt accumulates on exterior surfaces cleaning will reduce wear on the frames. Use a mild soap or detergent diluted with water to clean. Warm water is suggested. Wipe surfaces with a soft cloth or brush gently. A pressure spray cleaner at low pressure will also work. Any excessive pressure may cause leaks (through the windows drainage system) or damage to the window. Rinse all cleaning solution off with water and wipe dry.
CONDENSATION
TROUBLE WITH CONDENSATION?
Each person has his or her own preference regarding the humidity level in his or her home. If the occupants insist on a high level of humidity within the house, surface condensation must be expected when outside temperatures are low. Because windows are often the coldest component of a building enclosure they can be an indicator of humidity problems. Because condensation occurs on inside window surfaces whenever the surface temperature falls below the dew point temperature of the room air, window condensation may signal a need to reduce the humidity level in your home.
MAXIMUM HUMIDITY LEVEL TO PREVENT CONDENSATION
Inside temperature of 21°C| Outside Air Temperature (include wind chill) | Maximum Indoor Relative Humidity |
| -29°C (-20°F) or below | 15% |
| -23°C (-10°F) | 20% |
| -17.5°C (0°F) | 25% |
| -12°C (10°F) | 30% |
| -6.5°C (20°F) | 35% |
| -1°C (30°F) | 40% |
| 4.5°C (40°F) | 45% |
Triple glazed windows will allow you to increase the humidity in your home more than double glazed. Other factors can change the maximum indoor relative humidity to prevent condensation on windows.
CONTROLLING HUMIDITY
Remember that the humidity in some rooms (kitchens and bathrooms in particular) can be higher than in other areas of the home, thus encouraging condensation to form on the windows in the cooler rooms. Using gas appliances, cooking, Showering, and limiting air flow all contribute to moisture build up. Some windows in the home may be protected by other buildings, trees, etc., which form a windbreak while others are completely exposed to the wind and, therefore, are colder.
Ventilation is the most effective means to remove moisture from your home. By exchanging some of the drier outdoor winter air for warm humid interior air, the moisture level inside the house will be reduced. Most builders install a fresh air intake into the cold air return duct of the heating system. Make sure that the intake damper is open and that there are no obstructions to prevent airflow. If you do not have a fresh air intake, have one installed. Here are some other useful tips to reduce the humidity level of your home:
- Open a door or window for short periods to allow moisture to escape.
- Be sure to run your kitchen fan while cooking. Vent the kitchen fan directly to the outside to achieve the desired effect.
- Keep bathroom doors shut and run the exhaust fan to eliminate moisture.
- Clothes dryers should be vented to the outside. Hanging up wet clothes to dry inside your home can add significant moisture to your home.
- Shut off the furnace humidifier and any other humidifying device in the home.
- If you have a fireplace, open the damper occasionally to allow moisture to escape.
- Do not cover hot or cold air registers with furniture or appliances. Leave bedroom and bathroom doors open.
- Keep the temperature of all rooms at a minimum of 10 C (50 F), even if unoccupied. Condensation will occur in an unheated room.
- Wipe up any tracked in snow before it melts and evaporates.
- Run exhaust fans (bathroom and kitchens) while floors are wet.
- Avoid washing floors on extremely cold days.
- Drapes and blinds should be left open during the daytime. At night, raise blinds at least 100mm (4"") up off the frame to allow air to flow against the glass.
- Fabric blinds that are designed to fit from jamb to jamb must be left partially open to ventilate the window cavity. Failure to do this can cause extreme temperatures between the blinds and the glass. Glass breakage or warping of PVC can occur, which can void warranties.