maintenance tips

on the inside

Easy to Open Windows

Apply a light lubricant such as our Teflon spray to the rivets of window stays, followed by opening and closing the window about 10 times, to maintain ease of opening. Regular lubrication of pivot points will also prevent the corrosion that leads to leaking, whistling and even complete breakdown in older windows.

Fixing Catches and Handles

The main problem with catches and handles occurs when the pivot point becomes too loose. The window will not seal correctly and the handles will eventually break off. Lubricate regularly, and replace as required.

Maintaining Sliding Doors

Rollers are made of nylon and will dry out and crack with age. Do not oil them, this will only attract dirt to both rollers and tracks. Instead give them a good wash with hot soapy water. Replace rollers as soon as you notice any problems with them - continued use of damaged rollers will cause irreparable damage to the track.

Older sliding doors can rattle when the felt wears down. This can usually be replaced with mohair, and will make the door tight and more resistant to leaks and draughts.

Upkeep of hinged doors

Bent hinges, unsquared openings and dropping door panels are the main problem areas for hinged doors. Replacement hinges are available, and we can correct panel drop and unsquared openings.

on the outside

Maintaining powder surfaces

Powder-coated surfaces require regular cleaning. In rural areas, every six months should be sufficient. In industrial and seafront environments, more frequent cleaning is necessary - three monthly or even monthly.

Use a solution of liquid detergent in warm water

Use a soft bristle brush or cloth. Do not use abrasive tools on the coating.

Rinse the surface thoroughly with fresh water.

Do not use strong solvent cleaners. Where the use of solvents is required (e.g. for removing paint spills), use nothing stronger than mineral turpentine or methylated spirits, and ensure the solvent is thoroughly rinsed from the surface. Test a small area first to ensure that no damage or colour change occurs.

Caring for anodised surfaces

Regular cleaning is needed to keep these surfaces looking good. Metal polish can safely be used, but an even simpler way of improving the appearance of the surface is to abrade it carefully with ultra-fine-grade green Scotchbrite pads. The pads can be lubricated with soap or a light oil. Then polish the surface using pumice or metal polish to restore some of its lustre. Metal cleaning pads should not be used.

Replacing vinyl wedge rubbers

With age and exposure to sunlight, rubber will discolour; it may even pull out at the corners or shrink back. While these gaps should not affect performance, they look unsightly and can compound any existing leaks and draughts. We can supply a range of replacements.

security

Keep intruders away

About 85% of burglaries are committed by the 'amateur' looking for easy access to homes via open or unsecured windows and doors, and most happen during daylight.

Securing your doors and windows with dead locks is a simple and effective way to reduce the chance of being burgled. Exceed supplies and installs quality locks, like the 'Albany day latch' for sliding doors or the 'Lockwood Paradigm dead lock' for entrance doors. We have dead locks for all types of aluminium or timber windows and doors, including bi-folds, and to make things easier, your door locks can be keyed to use the same key as your front door.

timber joinery

Checking putty

If your window has been reglazed recently, ensure that the rebate has been primed. Wait for about three weeks after reglazing for the oil to dry from the putty before applying primer. Old putty can be removed and replaced if your windows have become dried and cracked.

Keeping hinges moving

Lubricate the butt hinges on wooden windows, but do not paint them. If a window starts 'catching', do not plane off the offending edge. The 'catching' is usually caused by stiff or corroded hinges distorting the frame.