Use and Care Guide

SASH/PANELINSPECTION
Inspect sash or patio door panel annually (monthly for coastal areas). If
the window has a removable sash, it may be helpful to remove it before
inspection.
• Inspect optional opening control devices for proper operation.
Contact us if not operating properly.
• Inspect stiles and rails for damage (cracks or splits in vinylsurfaces).
• Check glass for cracks. If cracked, call your local glass supplier
forreplacement.
• For insulating glass units, look for moisture or fogging between
glass panes (most likely to occur on cold mornings). This may be an
indication of seal failure. Call us for recommendations.
WEATHERSTRIP
Inspecting and maintaining weatherstrip can help avoid costly structural
damagefromwaterleakageandenergylossduetoairand/orwater
inltration.Replaceweatherstripthatismissing,torn,cracked,brittle,
discolored, gummy, or that has no “bounce back” when pressed down.
Call us for replacement instructions.
Precautions
• Werecommenddenaturedalcoholfornonwater-solublecleaning.
Lacquer thinner may be used in small amounts, but only as directed.
Thoroughly rinse any vinyl surfaces that come into contact with
lacquer thinner. Other solvents such as mineral spirits or petroleum-
based products may damage or dissolveweatherstrip.
• Whenusingalcohol,alwaystestsmallarearsttoavoid
productdamage.
• Do not use anything sharp near weatherstrip.
Light Cleaning
1.Cleanwithdampclothormildsoapandwater.
2.Rinseanddrythoroughly.
3.Repeatifnecessary.
NonWater-SolubleCleaning
Clean with denatured alcohol on soft cloth. If denatured alcohol doesn’t
work:
1.Cleanwithsmallamountlacquerthinneronsoftcloth.
2.Repeatifnecessary.
3.Cleanwithmildsoapandwater,thenrinse.Ifunsuccessful,consider
replacing weatherstrip.
Repair
If weatherstrip is loose or falling out of the kerf:
1.Carefullyremoveweatherstrip.
2. Apply thin bead of silicone sealant into kerf.
3.Reinstallweatherstrip.
4. Hold in place with tape for 24 hours.
5. Carefully remove tape.
GUTTERSANDOVERHANGS
Gutters and overhangs protect windows and patio doors from excess
water exposure. Clear at least once per year.
WEEPSYSTEM
Vinyl windows and patio doors
arenotsubjecttomoisture
damage; however, damage
could develop in the structure
around the unit if water does
not drain properly from the sill
area to theexterior.
Interior weep holes are usually
a rectangular or round hole cut in the vinyl in the bottom of the sill
track or in the face of a vertical member of the sill near the bottom.
Weepholesmaybecoveredbyasillinsertorrollertrack.Accessto
these weep holes may require removal of the sash or panel and then
removalofthesnappedinsillinsertorrollertrack.Sash/panelremoval
canbeawkward,seetheappropriateproductguideatwww.jeld-wen.
com/resourcesforsafetyrecommendationsandtheproperprocedure
for removing the sash orpanel.
Exterior weep holes are usually
a round or rectangular hole
cut in the exterior face of the
vinyl sill. These may have a
small ap or bafe covering
the hole.
1.Regularlycleansilltrack
with vacuum or wipe
thoroughly with damp
cloth. Thoroughly remove
any blockage in the corners
and from the exterior weep
holes caused by caulking,
masonry or stucco products or a piece of trim.
2.Poursmallamountofwater(1cup)intointeriorsilltrack.Ifwater
does not drain quickly from the sill through the weep system, insert
athinwireintoweepholetocleartheblockage.Whenclearing
exterior weep holes, the passages through the inside of the frame
may be slightly offset to the left or right. Do not insert the wire
farther than necessary because the insulating glass unit may be
damaged.Callusifunsure.Repeatuntilwaterrunscleartothe
exterior. If not successful, call a service technician.
EXTERIORSIDINGJOINT
Apropersealofthejointbetweenthewindowandtheexteriorsurface
ofthestructurewillkeepwaterand/orairfromleakingintothehouse.
Inspectthesealantjointfor:
• Cracks
• Voids
• Deteriorating areas (e.g. loss of adhesion)
Repairdamagedsealantwithabestqualitysealant.
Note! Do not apply sealant to areas where installer or contractor
did not originally seal. Seek professional advice from an installer or
contractor if unsure.
Whenrepairingasealantjoint,100%siliconesealantisthe
mostdurable,butitcannotbepainted.Use100%polyurethane
sealant if painted. Follow sealant manufacturer’s instructions for
properapplication.
BASIC INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE - CONTINUED
Bottom weep hole
Inside face weep hole
Interior sill track
Exterior
weep holes
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Vinyl Windows and Patio Doors (JCM002)
12/17
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