Use and Care Guide
4
BASIC INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE – CONTINUED
CLEANING GLASS
WEATHERSTRIP
Inspecting and maintaining weatherstrip can help avoid costly
structural damage from water leakage and energy loss due to air
and/or water inltration. 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
• 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 allow solvents or silicone to touch wood or clad surfaces
around weatherstrip.
• Do not use abrasives, sanders, or 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. Test on inconspicuous
area rst. If denatured alcohol doesn’t work:
1. Clean with small amount of lacquer thinner on soft cloth.
Follow all instructions.
2. Repeat if necessary.
3. Clean with mild soap and water, then rinse. If unsuccessful,
consider replacing weatherstrip.
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.
EXTERIOR SIDING JOINT
A proper seal of the joint between the window and the exterior
surface of the structure will provide a proper shield from the
elements and will keep water and/or air from leaking into the
home.
1. Inspect sealant in the joint for:
• Cracks
• Voids
• Deteriorating areas (e.g. loss of adhesion)
2. 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.
GUTTERS AND OVERHANGS
Gutters and overhangs protect windows from excess exposure to
water. Clear at least once a year.
GENERAL CLEANING
Prepare cleaning solution (1 tsp baby shampoo to one gallon of
water or 1 1/2 cups vinegar to one gallon of water).
1. Rinse surface with clean water from top to bottom.
2. Clean with mild soap and water and sponge or soft brush with
uniform pressure horizontally, then vertically.
3. Promptly rinse thoroughly with clean water (sponging while
rinsing may be helpful; do not allow cleaning solution to dry on
the surface or collect and puddle).
4. Wipe dry with lint-free dry cloth.
5. If necessary, repeat steps above until clean.
6. Dry window frame and sill with separate cloth.
LABEL REMOVAL
Slowly peel from one corner. If label tears or sticks, moisten with
soapy water and gently scrape with plastic putty knife. Stubborn
labels can be soaked with soapy water and covered overnight with
plastic wrap. Gently remove with plastic putty knife.
PAINT REMOVAL
1. Soak dried latex paint drips with warm water and baby
shampoo solution.
2. Wipe with damp cloth or sponge.
If needed,
3. Scrape gently with plastic putty knife. Repeat soak and scrape.
4. Repeat if necessary.
Note! For oil-based paint drips, consult a paint professional.
Some window sashes may be manipulated for easier access to the exterior surface. If not done properly, there is a risk of product damage
and/or personal injury. Review all safety information and complete instructions in the appropriate product guide before beginning the
cleaning process.
Custom and premium wood products are available with optional Neat
®
glass. Neat glass stays cleaner longer with less maintenance and needs
no manual activation. Visit www.cardinalcorp.com for more information.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Wood Windows and Patio Doors (JCM003)