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Replacing the windows on your home with vinyl replacement windows are the perfect way to give that little touch up it needs to make a huge difference on the look and feel of your home. No matter what kind of windows you decide to replace your old ones with, there is always something simple that can be done to make sure you get the very best quality out of them and make them last for as long as possible. For typical glass windows, all you really need to do in order to keep them clean and vibrant is use a good glass cleaner and a soft cloth. But keeping your windows and doors clean means more than just the glass. Here are some helpful tips for cleaning the PVC frames and sashes of your vinyl replacement windows effectively without damaging them. The simplest thing you can do is clean your windows and doorframes with a mixture of mild dish soap and water, wiping them with a clean rag. To avoid causing permanent damage to the frame finish, it is not recommended that you use abrasive or caustic cleaners or solvents. For most dirt and stain removal, a mild, nonabrasive soap is a safe and effective solution. Always test the cleaner you want to use in an inconspicuous area first. Rinse the surface of your windows and doorframes with clear water and immediately wipe dry to avoid streaking. If you have stacked windows, there may be weep holes between the units. Check to make sure that drainage or weep holes are clear of dirt and obstructions. Check both the inside and outside of the window or door in the bottom of the frame. To keep your windows and doors operating smoothly, follow these helpful maintenance tips. They will help to ensure that your windows and doors open, close, lock and unlock easily for years to come. Start by lubricating the moving parts in hardware components, tracks and rollers periodically according to the instructions from the manufacturer. If you live in an area that has a larger amount of salt-air, your windows may require more frequent care. Check weather stripping around operable window and door panels and be sure it seals evenly. Make sure the track areas on sliding doors and windows are kept clean and free of debris. Adjust sliding door rollers for proper height clearances. Remove the caps over the access holes on the exterior of the door. Use a Phillips screwdriver to adjust the rollers manually. The best way to begin is to turn the screw all the way to the left to even the rollers. As you adjust, you will feel the screw "click" with each turn. Most windows and doors have a “weep” system designed directly into the product. A weep system is a simple drainage system that keeps moisture from getting through and damaging the frames. In order to function properly and effectively, these water drainage pathways must be kept clean and clear of any dirt, stucco, sand or building materials. Use a small, soft bottlebrush to clear the openings. Wind driven rain will often accumulate in the sill or track area of the window. This is perfectly normal. With the weep system, the water is intended to drain to the outside as water builds up or outside pressure subsides. Here are some simple rules to follow when cleaning your windows and doorframes: 1. Clean the frame surfaces of your windows and doorframes without the use of razor blade, putty knife or abrasive pad. 2. User a simple glass cleaner or mild detergent, but not one that contains petroleum-based cleaners or solvents. 3. Clean the tracks and weep holes. Do not use an oil-based lubricant because this will clog and damage the weep hole covers and baffles. 4. Check the weather stripping and hardware on your windows and doorframes, and make sure you are using higher grade hardware for maximum performance. 5. Don’t forget to clean the insulating glass with proper cleaning agents as well. Do not add any attachments to your windows or glass without getting the approval from the window manufacturer. 6. Choose to install certified windows and exterior glass doors on your home instead of settling for products that do not meet important air, water, structural, forced entry and thermal performance standards.
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