Prevention is better than cure
Your double glazed windows and doors have been specifically designed to include a variety of security features to protect your home and family against intrusion.
However, we recommend taking sensible precautions at all times.
Float glass, used in most double glazed units, is easily scratched and it is therefore recommended that hand jewellery is removed prior to cleaning.
Any proprietary household glass cleaner may be used with a soft cloth and it is recommended that heavy external grime be initially removed with a solution of soap and water.
In this type of double-glazing, lead strips are bonded to the inside and/or outside of the outer pane of the unit in a variety of patterns.
Note: external lead will oxidise. This is a natural phenomenon and cannot be avoided.
Take care when cleaning leaded lights as excessive pressure might dislodge the lead from the glass surface.
The use of warm soapy water and a soft cloth, moderately applied, will prove an adequate cleaning method.
If scratches occur, most can be removed with jewellers rouge, or an equivalent rubbing compound.
Wash frames with a soap and water solution, periodically as required, to remove any grime and atmospheric deposits.
If required clean with a non-abrasive proprietary cleaner, suitable for plastics, using a soft cloth.
Polycarbonate roofing panels fitted to these structures must be cleaned in a similar manner to PVC-U frames. Clean gutters of leaves and debris as required, to avoid overflow of rainwater and ensure unobstructed drainage.
Wash roof panels with a soap and water solution, every four months, to remove grime and atmospheric deposits.
Your double glazed products are designed with an in-built drainage system, comprising slots within the thresholds that allow any water ingress to flow to the outside. To ensure an efficient system these slots must remain unblocked.
Periodically, remove dirt, clear drain holds and check drainage operation by flushing through with water.
Please note that some discoloration of the silicone is a natural occurrence and cannot be avoided.
For lubrication of hardware etc., use light machine oil (e.g. 3 in 1 or WD40) lubricant for moving parts and petroleum jelly where indicated in the specific product lubrication instruction.
In general climatic conditions water vapour is continually present in the atmosphere. In the home this natural water content is increased by normal living activities that create steam, such as cooking, breathing, washing, boiling a kettle etc., plus the basic activity of breathing. The water vapour remains undetectable while floating in warm air; but upon contact with cold surfaces, windows, mirrors, tiles etc., condensation occurs and the vapour turns to water droplets.
Fitting double glazing does not necessarily solve underlying condensation problems.
Traditional house construction allowed the escape of this water vapour through natural ventilation - open flues of coal fires, air bricks and ill-fitting windows and doors. The drive to conserve energy and reduce heating costs has led to the sealing of homes, resulting in trapped water vapour and the increased problems of condensation.
Provide natural ventilation whenever possible by:
Maintain some permanent heat in the house during cold weather. Marginally increase the temperature in areas where condensation is a particular problem.
Keep internal doors to kitchen and bathroom closed and draught sealed, where possible, to prevent the excessively most air in these rooms being transferred to other areas of the house.
Bedroom windows should have a night ventilation facility, to provide air movement, and ideally, if bedroom doors are closed, a ventilation grille should be installed in or above the door.
To ensure airflow in the vicinity of windows, curtains should be a minimum of 150mm (6") away from the window, with suitable gaps top and bottom to allow circulation