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Back to 20s

01 Jan '18

FOLDINGCITY Windows/doors maintenance manual

Posted by Back to 20s Corp in folding city, foldingcity window manual, foldingcity windows

Annual Window and Door Maintenance Checklist

Regular maintenance will help keep your FOLDINGCITY windows and doors operating smoothly. Use this checklist as an annual maintenance reminder.

  • Weatherstrip is a resilient material designed to act as a barrier in the space between the sash and frame to reduce air and water infiltration. Make sure it is still effective. If not, contact your FOLDINGCITY retailer.
  • Examine the window's interior and exterior finish. Occasional repair to a damaged finish may be necessary. (See Maintaining Wood and Painting and Staining for more details.) Also, remember to be careful when using paints, stains and varnishes to make repairs. Never allow these solvent-containing materials to come into contact with weatherstrip. Solvents cause weatherstrip to lose its flexible qualities.
  • Inspect the exterior caulking around the outer edges of the window frame. Trim off any old, loose caulking and seal any gaps with a good quality caulk.
  • Check that all hardware (locks, opening mechanisms, etc.) operates smoothly.
  • Make sure any exposed hardware screws are tightened securely.
  • Clean any sand, dirt or dust from door and window hinges, sills and tracks.
  • Check any energy panels and storm and screen combinations to make sure screws in turn buttons are securely fastened.
  • Check doors for smooth operation. Wood doors require a stabilization period after installation, sometimes taking up to a year to adjust to humidity levels and other environmental factors.

When performing maintenance, always consider your safety first:

  • Use caution on ladders, and always wear protective eyewear and clothing.
  • When working with primers, paints, stains, cleaning solutions, etc., follow all recommended safety precautions and dispose of these materials according to manufacturer's instructions.

Cleaning Glass

Keep your FOLDINGCITY windows and doors looking their best with regular interior and exterior glass cleaning.

  • Glass Cleaning
  • The Do’s and Don’ts of Glass Cleaning
  • Removing Labels from Glass

For best results, do not clean glass when it is exposed to direct sunlight.

  1. Start cleaning glass at the top of the building and continue to lower levels.
  2. Soak the glass surface with a clean water and soap solution to loosen dirt and debris.
  3. Use a mild, non abrasive window washing solution and apply with a non abrasive applicator.
  4. Immediately after washing the glass, remove all of the cleaning solution with a squeegee, taking care not to allow any metal surface of the cleaning equipment to touch the glass surface.
  5. Dry all cleaning solution from window gaskets, sealants and frames. Also, make sure that no abrasive particles are trapped between the glass and the cleaning material. Window and door gasket, sealants and frames are susceptible to deterioration if the water and cleaning solutions are not dried away immediately after cleaning.

Use of razor blades or knifes is not recommended on any coated glass such as Low E II. However, if paint or other construction residue cannot be removed from any non-coated glass surface with normal cleaning, a new 1" razor blade may need to be used on small areas only! Scraping should be done in one direction only. Never scrape in a back and forth motion, this will only trap debris under the blade and permanently scratch the glass.

 

Aluminum Clad

FOLDINGCITY's clad-wood windows feature a low-maintenance extruded aluminum cladding with a commercial grade finish that offers you a beautiful, low-maintenance exterior.

  • Washing Cladding
  • Removing Mildew
  • Removing Caulk

Washing Cladding

Light surface dirt is usually washed off by normal rainfall. Surface dirt can also be removed with a wash and rinsed with clear water. Use a soft brush such as a long-handled car washing brush.

If you wish, you can use a mild detergent (such as dish soap) to remove any bugs, grime, dirt or dust that may gather on the aluminum cladding. To be sure your cleaning solution will not harm the factory-applied clad finish, test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before washing cladding.

A thorough, clear water rinse should follow. After rinsing well and drying, you can use car wax to add shine.

Over-cleaning or scrubbing a coated metal surface can do more harm than good to its surface life. Do not use solvents or abrasive-type cleaners on any coated surface.

Information regarding cleaning and maintenance recommendations for clad product installed in coastal areas is available in the Aluminum Clad Products in Coastal Environments section of the Service and Maintenance section.

Exterior Mildew Removal

The presence of mildew on your exterior can be confirmed by placing a drop of household bleach on the suspected mildew area. If small gas bubbles develop in the droplet of bleach and the area bleaches out, mildew does exist and should be removed from the exterior of your windows or doors.

Use this basic solution for removing exterior mildew.

  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) powder laundry detergent
  • 2/3 cup (155 ml) trisodium phosphate (TSP), such as Soilex
  • 1 quart (1 liter) household bleach
  • 3 quarts (3 liters) water

Please note: A stronger concentration of cleaner can damage the coating surface or finish.

  1. Always wear protective eyewear and skin protection when using harsh cleaning compounds.
  2. Apply the solution with a soft bristle brush using medium pressure.
  3. Rinse the finish well with clear water after cleaning.

Removing Caulk

Caulking tars and similar substances can be removed with mineral spirits. Use a soft bristle brush with medium pressure. A clear water rinse should follow. Be sure to follow label directions for use and disposal of mineral spirits, and wear protective eyewear and clothing.

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