ALUMINUM WINDOW CARE AND MAINTENANCE
In order to keep your new windows looking and performing their best, proper maintenance and cleaning must be adhered to. Please follow the steps below to ensure your windows last a lifetime.
Cleaning
A mild dish soap and water solution applied with a soft cloth will remove most dirt from surfaces. After application, rinse soap off with water. Harsh solvents, abrasives or pressurized washers should never be used to clean your windows. Use of these products can permanently damage components and void warranties.
Screen Cleaning
Clean screen by first removing then washing on a flat surface using a mild soap and water mixture. Rinse, wipe, dry and resinstall. Insect screens are not intended to stop children or other objects from falling out an open window.
Lubricating
Operating components (hinges, hide arms, track and rotor gears) should be inspected and lubricated using silicone release spray or light machine oil (3 in 1) on a yearly basis.
DO NOT SPRAY LUBRICANTS OR OILS ON ANY GLASS SURFACE
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
- Lubricate with silicone spray or light oil, all operating hardware, hinges and tracks a minimum of once a year
- DO NOT clean glass or finishes with abrasive material or cleaners. Use mild soap or vinegar and water with a soft, non-abrasive absorbent cloth
- Clean aluminum surfaces with mild soap and water
- Care should be given to ensure weather-stripping and hardware is not painted over. This could affect the product and void the warranty.
- Remove internal screens during winter months to reduce the chance of condensation forming on glass surfaces.
Contact us today for more information.
Condensation on your windows?
Today’s building practices and better building products have given homeowners a tighter sealed and warmer home than in past years. These advancements have contributed to moist air being trapped inside the house. When the moist warm air touches a cold surface condensation will occur. We have all experienced condensation in the summer when drinking ice-cold drink. We have all experienced condensation in the summer when drinking an ice-cold drink. Condensation forms on the outside of the drinking glass where the warm, moist air comes into contact with the cold glass. The same principle applies in a home during the winter moths when there is a greater difference between the inside and outside temperatures.
One of the best steps in preventing condensation is to control the humidity levels inside your home. When the outside temperature dips to -17°C, the relative humidity should not exceed 25%. Anything higher will result in condensation forming on the glass frame surface, which over time may lead to fungus growth.
CAUSES OF CONDENSATION
- Day to Day living – 4 occupants will create 1-1/2 gallons of moisture daily
- Drying of building materials, concrete, drywall, paint, etc
- Frequent/extended use of humidifiers
- Hanging clothes to dry inside your house/condo unit
- Use of gas appliances (stoves, fireplaces, dryers)
- Boiling water from a pot
- Use of a hot tub or spa
- Bathing/showering without fan
- Large number of plants inside house
- Aquariums/water fountains inside house
- Moisture from dishwashers
- Heavy curtains or shutters restricting airflow around windows
Maximum Humidity Levels
| Outside Temperature | Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| -28°C | Not Over 15% |
| -28°C to -23°C | Not Over 20% |
| -23°C to -17°C | Not Over 25% |
| -17°C to -12°C | Not Over 30% |
| -12°C to -6°C | Not Over 35% |
| -6°C to -4°C | Not Over 40% |
CONTROLLING MOISTURE
- Improve air circulation in your home to keep the warm air moving
- Open windows slightly throughout the home for a short period during the winter months to allow humid air to escape
- Heat registers in front of windows should remain unobstructed and clear
- Add ventilation fans in high humidity areas such as laundry, kitchen and bathrooms and leave running
- Open blinds, draperies, interior shutters during the night and/or day to allow air to circulate near glass surface
- Turn off furnace and humidifiers (if applicable)
- Run a dehumidifier if necessary
- Remove interior screens on windows during winter months
- Install an in-house air exchanger system (HRV) (if applicable)
- Turn on furnace fan only to circulate air in the home/condo unit
Warm Edge Spacer
Newmar utilizes “warm edge” technology to combat condensation issues. The spacer bar between the two glass panels is non-conductive material, providing the warmest glass surface possible. The warmer the glass surface, the less potential for condensation to form.
To reach us regarding service related issues email service-aluminum@newmar.com.