Maintenance

General Maintenance Requirements – Windows
Window and Door Hardware Maintenance
General Maintenance Requirements – Doors
Finishing Instructions – Windows and Doors
Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products
Quick-Reference Guide to Cleaning Architectural Glass Products

Thank You!

Thank you for choosing McLeod Windows and Doors for your home. We are a quality window and door manufacturer whose products are produced to meet the stringent requirements of CSA® and Energy Star®. From Searing Summer Heat to Glacier Cold Winters, our windows and doors are built to withstand Canada\’s harshest weather while keeping you comfortable in your home. Keeping your windows in original condition and performance requires simple but necessary maintenance efforts. Please familiarize yourself with the following periodic inspections, cleaning and maintenance to prevent costly repairs that will ensure the full effectiveness of your Warranty.

General Maintenance Requirements – Windows

Maintenance Schedule

The Following items should be done Annually

Clean Glass Surface
Clean Slider / Single Hung sash tracks
Clean Frame and Screen
Lubricate Hardware
Inspect Weather-stripping
Wash and wax Exterior Vinyl Painted surfaces

The Following should be done every 2-5 years

Paint or Stain wood Jambs or Extensions
Paint or Stain Door slabs

CAUTION!

When cleaning the exterior of your windows, do not use High Pressure water spray in direct contact with the window or door. The pressure and volume exceeds the normal ability for the window or door to shed water and will result in either damaged product or water infiltration in your home. Use of High Pressure water spray can VOID YOUR WARRANTY

Unsafe Cleaners – DO NOT USE

Do not use Cleaners containing aggressive organic solvents because they could affect the surface appearance of the vinyl. Examples of such cleaners are:

Chlorine Bleach
Liquid Grease Remover
Nail Polish Remover
Furniture Polish and Cleaner
Xylene
Toluene
Lacquer Thinner
Solvent Based Paint Remover

Suggested Safe Cleaners to use on Vinyl Products

BUBBLE GUM – Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
CRAYON – Lestoil®
DAP (oil based Caulk) – Fantastik®
GRASS – Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
LIPSTICK – Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®
LITHIUM GREASE – Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®, Lestoil®
MOLD AND MILDEW – Fantastik® Windex®
MOTOR OIL – Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
OIL – Soft Scrub®
PAINT – Brillo Pad, Soft Scrub®
PENCIL – Eraser, Soft Scrub®
RUST – Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Windex®
TAR – Soft Scrub®
DIRT/SOIL – Fantastik®, Murphy Oil Soap®, Lestoil®

Cleaning Glass Surfaces

Apply mild soap or vinegar based cleaner to the glass being sure not to over saturate the glass surface. Be sure to read all directions and precautions when using manufactured cleaners. Wipe the surface of the glass in a circular motion applying light to moderate pressure. Using a lint free cloth, wipe dry the glass surface. If streaking appears, rinse surface with clean water and repeat.

CAUTION!
Do not use harsh abrasives steel wool or solvents on any part of the glass or frame. Do not wash windows in direct sunlight as soaps and cleaners may leave a hard to remove residue.

Window and Door Hardware Maintenance

To ensure long life and smooth operation of your window\’s ability to open and close smoothly, annual cleaning and lubrication is required.

Sliding Windows

Lift and remove sash
Clean rollers with diluted household cleaner. See above for cleaner choice.
Lubricate rollers with silicone based spray.
Remove and clean slider track.
Check for obstructions in drainage holes and replace track.
Replace Sash.

Single Hung Windows

Lift Sash past half way and tilt towards you.
Clean sash balance hardware with diluted household cleaner. See above for cleaner choice.
Lubricate sash balance hardware with silicone based spray.
Tilt sash forwards to re-engage.

Casement / Awning Windows

Unlock and open sash with rotary operator.
Clean hardware with diluted household cleaner.
Wipe clean operator, hinges, tracks, arms and handles.
Lubricate rotary operators with Lithium Grease or Petroleum Jelly.
Lubricate all other moving parts with silicone based spray.

Screens

Remove screen and lie flat on out door surface. Spray and soak with cleaning solution for one minute and rinse with clean water from a garden hose.
Alternatively, lightly vacuuming with brush attachment is sufficient for interior mounted screens.
Use caution when removing and replacing Insect screens. Torn Screen mesh is not covered by the warranty.

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General Maintenance Requirements – Doors

Entry Doors

Lubricate Hinges with silicone based spray.
Clean hardware with diluted household cleaner.
Wipe clean operator, hinges, tracks, arms and handles.
Lubricate rotary operators with Lithium Grease or Petroleum Jelly.
Lubricate all other moving parts with silicone based spray.
Adjust door sweep by removing interior cover strip (in-swing doors only) and loosening screws. Push sweep down to make contact with sill, tighten screws and replace cover strip.
To adjust striker plates, loosen screws and move striker plate one notch at a time.

There should be sufficient pressure on the weather strip to have to push the door slab with some force. This will ensure proper compression against the weather-stripping.

Patio Doors

Lubricate rollers with silicone based spray.
Open and close sash several times.
Clean track of collected dirt or debris.
Clean and then lubricate lock with silicone based spray.
To adjust sash, use appropriate screwdriver to turn the adjustment screws located at the ends of the operating patio door sash.

Insect Screens

Remove screen and lie flat on out door surface. Spray and soak with cleaning solution for one minute and rinse with clean water from a garden hose.
Alternatively, lightly vacuuming with brush attachment is sufficient for interior mounted screens.
Use caution when removing and replacing Insect screens. Torn Screen mesh is not covered by the warranty.

CAUTION!
Insect screens are not intended to prevent or restrain children and pets from exiting. Never leave a child or pet unattended near an open window or door.

Finishing Instructions – Windows and Doors

Wood Window and door Extensions

McLeod Windows uses Pacific Hemlock wood Jamb Extensions. They are not primed.
Mask all areas you do not want painted or stained.
If required, sand all surfaces. Newly constructed homes can add humidity and subsequently raise the grain on the wood extension.
To paint, ensure primer is used first and then two coats of high quality paint.
If staining, Sand and then apply sanding sealer prior to staining to prevent blotching.
Apply two coats of stain and finish with a top coat of lacquer or varnish.
Be sure to follow all manufactures instructions on the type of paint or stain you are using.

Door Frames, Jambs and Brickmould

Mask all areas you do not want painted or stained.
McLeod Windows and Doors uses paint grade door frames and brickmoulds. These are factory primed and ready for painting. Use two coats of high quality paint ensuring all exposed surfaces are coated. Do not close door until dry.
If Stain Grade door frame option is supplied follow the next steps.
Sand and then apply sanding sealer prior to staining to prevent blotching.
Apply two coats of stain and finish with a top coat of lacquer or varnish.
Be sure to follow all manufactures instructions on the type of paint or stain you are using.

CAUTION!
Do not paint or stain hardware or weather-stripping.

Steel Insulated Door Slabs

McLeod Windows steel insulated door slabs are factory primed and required painting within 90 days of installation.
Mask hardware and remove door sweep from the bottom of the door.
NOTE: All Six (6) sides must be painted to maintain factory warranty.
To promote good adhesion, the surface should be lightly sanded with 200 grit sandpaper on flat surfaces and 0000 steel wool on the embossing.
Clean with TSP, rinse and dry thoroughly with lint free cloth.
For best results use high quality Acrylic Latex, Alkyd or two part urethane paint, following the manufacturers application procedure.
Do not close door until dry.

CAUTION!
It is not recommended to paint doors in black or dark colors due to the possibility of warping due to excessive heat absorption. This can also occur for doors behind storm doors. Possibility of thermal Bowing or deformity and is not covered by the warranty.

Fibreglass Insulated Door Slabs

McLeod Windows steel insulated door slabs are not primed and required painting or staining within 90 days of installation.
Mask hardware and remove door sweep from the bottom of the door.
NOTE: All Six (6) sides must be painted or stained to maintain factory warranty.
To promote good adhesion, the surface should be cleaned and roughened with 3MTM Scotchbrite pad and Mineral Spirits.
Dry thoroughly with lint free cloth.
For best results use high quality Gel Stain or heavily pigmented oil based stain, following the manufacturers application procedure.
Do not close door until dry.

Door Lite Insert Frames

White

Mask all areas you do not wish to paint.
White door lite frames Supplied by McLeod Windows and Doors do not require painting. However if you wish to paint, follow these simple instructions.
Roughen the frame with 3M® Scotchbrite pad and solution of TSP and Water.
Rinse with denatured alcohol or acetone and dry with lint free cloth.
Use bonding primer for plastics, let dry and then paint using High quality exterior acrylic latex or alkyd paint.

Almond

Almond frames must be stained or painted within 90 days of installation.
These frames are designed to accept paint or stain.
Wipe frames with lint free cloth and denatured alcohol or acetone.
If painting, Use High quality exterior acrylic latex or alkyd paint.
If Staining, Use Gel Stain.
Follow manufacturers application guide.

CAUTION!
It is not recommended to paint door lite insert frames in black or dark colors due to the possibility of warping due to excessive heat absorption. This can also occur for doors behind storm doors. Possibility of thermal Bowing or deformity and is not covered by the warranty.

Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products

Architectural glass products play a major role in the comfort of living and working environment of today\’s homes and commercial office spaces. By providing natural daylight, views of the surroundings, thermal comfort and design aesthetics, glass usage and condition often affect our selection of where we live, work, shop, play and seek education.

Architectural glass products must be properly cleaned during construction activities and as a part of routine maintenance in order to maintain visual and aesthetic clarity. Since glass products can be permanently damaged if improperly cleaned, glass producers and fabricators recommend strict compliance with the following procedures for properly cleaning glass surfaces.

As dirt and residue appear, interior and exterior glass surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned. Concrete or mortar slurry which runs down (or is splashed on) glass can be especially damaging and should be washed off as soon as possible. Before proceeding with cleaning, determine whether the glass is clear, tinted or reflective. Surface damage is more noticeable on reflective glass as compared with the other glass products. If the reflective surface is exposed, either on the exterior or interior, special care must be taken when cleaning, as scratches to the reflective glass surface can result in coating removal and a visible change in light transmittance. Cleaning tinted and reflective glass surfaces in direct sunlight should be avoided, as the surface temperature may be excessively hot for optimum cleaning. Cleaning should begin at the top of the building and continue to the lower levels to reduce the risk of leaving residue and cleaning solutions on glass at the lower levels. Cleaning procedures should also ensure that the wind is not blowing the cleaning solution and residue onto already cleaned glass.

Cleaning during construction activities should begin with soaking the glass surfaces with clean water and soap solution to loosen dirt or debris. Using a mild, non-abrasive commercial window washing solution, uniformly apply the solution to the glass surfaces with a brush, strip washer or other non-abrasive applicator. Immediately following the application of the cleaning solution, a squeegee should be used to remove all of the cleaning solution from the glass surface. Care should be taken to ensure that no metal parts of the cleaning equipment touch the glass surface and that no abrasive particles are trapped between the glass and the cleaning materials. All water and cleaning solution residue should be dried from window gaskets, sealants and frames to avoid the potential for deterioration of these materials as the result of the cleaning process.

It is strongly recommended that window washers clean a small area or one window, then stop and examine the surface for any damage to the glass and/or reflective coating. The ability to detect certain surface damage, i.e. light scratches, may vary greatly with the lighting conditions. Direct sunlight is needed to properly evaluate a glass surface for damage. Scratches that are not easily seen with a dark or gray sky may be very noticeable when the sun is at a certain angle in the sky or when the sun is low in the sky.

The glass industry takes extreme care to avoid glass scratches by protecting all glass surfaces during glass manufacturing and fabrication, as well as during all shipping and handling required to deliver the glass to the end user. A large percentage of damaged glass results from non-glass trades working near glass. This will include painters, spacklers, ironworkers, landscapers, carpenters and others who are part of the construction process. They may inadvertently lean tools against the glass, splash materials onto the glass and/or clean the glass incorrectly, any of which can permanently damage glass.

One of the common mistakes made by non-glass trades people, including glass cleaning contractors, is their use of razor blades or other scrappers on a large portion of the glass surface. Using 2, 3, 4, 5 inch and larger blades to scrape a window clean carries a large probability for causing irreparable damage to glass.

The entire industry of glass manufacturers, fabricators, distributors, and installers neither condones nor recommends widespread scraping of glass surfaces with metal blades or knifes. Such scraping will often permanently damage or scratch the glass surfaces. When paint or other construction materials cannot be removed with normal cleaning procedures, a new 1″ razor blade may need to be used only on non-coated glass surfaces. The razor blade should be used on small spots only. Scraping should be done in one direction only. Never scrape in a back and forth motion as this could trap particles under the blade that could scratch the glass. This practice may cause hairline concentrated scratches, which are not normally visible when looking through the glass, but may be visible under certain lighting conditions.

Jobsite storage and construction conditions can lead to stains on the glass surface. Cleaning and removal of such stains may require the use of a more aggressive cleaning solution and procedure. If conditions are found that cannot be cleaned using the above procedures, contact the glass supplier for guidelines on stain removal.

Members of the Glass Association of North America (GANA) publish information relating to jobsite protection and cleaning of architectural glass products. In order to ensure long-term performance of the glass in a building, GANA encourages glazing contractors, general contractors, building management and owners to be aware of conditions that can damage glass and to follow the handling and cleaning guidelines provided by their glass producer and fabricator.

Consult the GANA website (www.glasswebsite.com) for additional information on glass and glazing applications and links to members providing additional technical resources.

The Glass Association of North America (GANA) has produced this Glass Information Bulletin solely to provide general information as to basic proper procedures for cleaning architectural glass products. The Bulletin does not purport to state that any one particular type of glass cleaning process or procedure should be used in all applications or even in any specific application. The user of this Bulletin has the responsibility to ensure the cleaning instructions from the glass supplier are followed. GANA disclaims any responsibility for any specific results relating to the use of this Bulletin, for any errors or omissions contained in the Bulletin, and for any liability for loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of this Bulletin.

Quick-Reference Guide to Cleaning Architectural Glass Products

The following “Do’s” and “Do Not’s” are offered as a supplement to the Glass Association of North

America (GANA) Glass Informational Bulletin – Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products:

To DO:

DO clean glass when dirt and residue appear
DO determine if coated glass surfaces are exposed
DO exercise special care when cleaning coated glass surfaces
DO avoid cleaning tinted and coated glass surfaces in direct sunlight
DO start cleaning at the top of the building and continue to lower levels
DO soak the glass surface with a clean water and soap solution to loosen dirt and debris
DO use a mild, non-abrasive commercial window cleaning solution
DO use a squeegee to remove all of the cleaning solution
DO dry all cleaning solution from window gaskets, sealants and frames
DO clean one small window and check to see if procedures have caused any damage
DO be aware of and follow the glass supplier\’s specific cleaning recommendations
DO caution other trades against allowing other materials to contact the glass
DO watch for and prevent conditions that can damage the glass
DO read the entire GANA bulletin on glass cleaning before starting to clean glass

NOT to do:

DO NOT start cleaning without reading the entire GANA bulletin on glass cleaning
DO NOT use scrapers of any size or type for cleaning glass
DO NOT allow dirt and residue to remain on glass for an extended period of time
DO NOT begin cleaning glass without knowing if a coated surface is exposed
DO NOT clean tinted or coated glass in direct sunlight
DO NOT allow water or cleaning residue to remain on the glass or adjacent materials
DO NOT begin cleaning without rinsing excessive dirt and debris
DO NOT use abrasive cleaning solutions or materials
DO NOT allow metal parts of cleaning equipment to contact the glass
DO NOT trap abrasive particles between the cleaning materials and the glass surface
DO NOT allow other trades to lean tools or materials against the glass surface
DO NOT allow splashed materials to dry on the glass surface