ALUMINUM WINDOW CARE AND MAINTENANCE

To keep your new windows looking good and functioning well, they need to be properly maintained and cleaned. Follow these steps to ensure your windows last a long time.

Cleaning
A solution of mild dish soap and water applied with a soft cloth will remove most dirt from the surface. After applying soap, rinse with water. Never use harsh solvents, abrasives, or pressure washers to clean windows. Use of these products may permanently damage components and void the warranty.

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
Clean the screen by first removing it and washing it on a flat surface with a mixture of mild soap and water. Rinse, wipe, dry and reinstall. Insect screens are not designed to prevent children or other objects from falling through open windows.

DO NOT SPRAY LUBRICANTS OR OILS ON ANY GLASS SURFACE

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

• Lubricate all controls, hinges, and rails with silicone spray or light oil at least once a year
• Do not use abrasive materials or detergents to clean glass or surfaces. Use mild soap or vinegar and water and a soft, non-abrasive, absorbent cloth
• Clean aluminum surfaces with mild soap and water
• Care should be taken not to paint over weatherproofing films and accessories. This may affect the product and void the warranty.
• In winter, remove internal grilles to reduce the risk of condensation forming on the glass surface.

Today's building practices and better building products provide homeowners with homes that are denser and warmer than in the past. These advancements help trap moist air in your home. Condensation occurs when moist, warm air hits a cold surface. We've all experienced condensation when drinking ice-cold drinks in the summer. We've all experienced condensation when drinking ice-cold drinks in the summer. Condensation can form on the outside of the water glass when warm, moist air comes into contact with cold glass. The same principle also applies to homes with large indoor and outdoor temperature differences in winter.

One of the best steps to prevent condensation is to control the humidity in your home. When the outside temperature drops to -17°C, the relative humidity should not exceed 25%. At higher values, condensation can form on the surface of the glass frame, which can lead to fungal growth over time.

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 

• -28°C Not Over 15%
• -28°C to -23°C
• -23°C to -17°C
• -17°C to -12°C
• -12°C to -6°C
• -6°C to -4°C

Relative Humidity

• Not Over 20%
• Not Over 25%
• Not Over 30%
• Not Over 35%
• 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
Window Lounge uses warm edge technology to combat condensation issues. The spacer between the two panes of glass is made of non-conductive material, thus ensuring that the glass surface is as warm as possible. The warmer the glass surface, the lower the risk of condensation forming.