Use and Care Guide

2
Care and Maintenance
Vinyl Windows and Patio Doors
PRECAUTIONS, SAFETY AND CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS
NEEDED MATERIALS AND TOOLS
PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY
• Some windows have opening control devices installed to
help prevent falls, while allowing full operation when
manually released. Know how to operate these devices before
an emergency occurs. See the full Safety and Operating
Instructions at www.jeld-wen.com.
• Window insect screens are not security devices and will not
prevent a child or anyone from falling through.
• Never mix cleaners or solvents. This may be dangerous as well
as ineffective.
• Use help when working with a large window sash or patio door
panel to avoid injury.
• Use proper/safe equipment and precautions when cleaning and
servicing the exterior side of windows above ground level.
• If using commercial cleaning or nishing products or solvents,
carefully read and follow safety instructions, warnings, cautions
and disposal instructions on manufacturer’s labels. Wear
appropriate safety gear (e.g. clothing, goggles, gloves) and
provide plenty of ventilation.
• Immediately clean spills.
• Most solvents are ammable and/or toxic and must be handled
with extreme care. Do not use near open ame, sparks, or
electrical motors.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Do not power-wash windows or use a garden hose; this can
cause seal failure and allow water to enter the structure.
• When cleaning exterior, multi-story windows, begin with the
upper story and work down.
• Avoid using metal tools, razor blades, or other sharp objects
and abrasive cleaners. They can damage window surfaces,
scratch glass and remove exterior glass coatings.
• Aggressive cleaners or solvents can damage vinyl surfaces and
may cause yellowing. Immediately rinse and dry.
• Do not allow cleaners to puddle or collect at glass edges near
glazing materials.
• Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight or in temperatures too hot or
too cold.
• Avoid excessive rubbing and over-cleaning.
• Do not scour.
• Clean and rinse one area at a time.
• Clean twice a year (monthly in coastal areas) or when dirty.
• After-market tints and lms are not recommended, as they may
cause damage to the glass and/or sealant.
• Baby shampoo or mild soap and water or vinegar and water
• Several clean, soft, non-abrasive, absorbent Chamois or lint-
free dry cloths
• Soft bristle brush
• Spray bottle
• Vacuum cleaner
• Sponge
• Appropriate solvent (for hardware only)
• Commercial glass cleaning products or solvents (for stubborn
stains)
• Plastic putty knife (for paint or label removal)
• Plastic wrap (for label removal)
• Spray silicone
BASIC INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE
INSECT SCREENS
1. Inspect for the following:
• Cuts, scratches, or holes
• Looseness; tighten excessively loose screws.
2. Maintain:
• Lightly lubricate tracks with silicon spray.
• During freezing, optional retractable screens should
be fully retracted.
• Clean tracks with a vacuum.
3. Replace or repair damaged screens; if replacement is
necessary, contact a local supplier for repair or replacement
information.
Your local hardware or home improvement store is a good source
for supplies and information on screen repair.
Cleaning
1. Remove screen and place screen into tub or shower if indoors;
on lawn or hard surface if outdoors (avoid exposure to dirt).
For retractable screens, clean in place.
2. Gently spray with water and brush lightly with soft bristle
brush until clean (use gentle spray nozzle setting).
For stubborn dirt,
1. Gently scrub with soft bristle brush with mild soap and
water.
2. Rinse clean.
3. Reinstall screen when dry.
Tips for best operation of optional retractable patio door screens
• Use caution when moving heavy objects over tracks.
• If additional magnetic force is required, adjust strike plate so
that at side faces magnets.
• Do not apply excessive pressure to the screen handle; check
for obstructions or misaligned tracks.
• If screen binds, try slightly loosening track screws, and/or add
a lubricant such as silicon spray.
Note! Screens may not be covered under manufacturer’s warranty.
To be sure, ask your supplier or distributor.