Handy Maintenance Guide
Simple ways to help maintain your new windows, doors or conservatory.
We have put together this handy guide of easy ways to keep your ZEN products looking great and working perfectly for years to come
Cleaning Glass Surfaces
You should aim to clean glass surfaces every 3–6 months to keep them looking like new!
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. Glass featuring decorative Georgian bars can be cleaned in exactly the same manner. It is recommended that hand jewellery is removed prior to cleaning to avoid scratching the glazed units.
LEADED GLASS CLEANING
If your glazing products feature decorative leadwork patterns (example. diamond / square patterns or lead in combination with stained glass patterns). These patterns are adhered to the glass with lead pattern strips bonded to the face(s) of the glazing. Take care when cleaning these leaded glazing units 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 for heavy soiling, again followed by proprietary glass cleaner.
Please note: external lead will naturally oxidise over time. This is a natural phenomenon which cannot be avoided and in fact serves to create a natural and authentic appearance.
Do
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Use a soft cloth or sponge
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Remove all jewellery
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Keep any cleaning products away from skin or eyes
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Dry with a clean lint free cloth
Don't
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Use abrasive cloths or cleaning products
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Use bleach or solvent based cleaning products
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Use excessive force when cleaning
Cleaning uPVC Surfaces
You should aim to clean uPVC surfaces every 4-6 months to keep them looking great.
Wash frames with mild soap and water solution (eg mild soap granules dissolved in warm water) to remove any grime and atmospheric deposits. If required, clean with a non-abrasive proprietary cleaner, suitable for plastics, using a soft cloth. If necessary for WHITE uPVC products, use a strong, non-abrasive, proprietary cleaner such as a cream type cleaner, to remove any stubborn blemishes.
Please note cream cleaners should only ever be used for solid white uPVC products but should not be used if the product features any kind of "woodgrain effect" including "white woodgrain" in which case this finish is what we call "foiled". Please see below for safe cleaning of all foiled products.
Do
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Use a soft cloth or sponge
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Remove all jewellery
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Keep any cleaning products away from skin or eyes
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Dry with a clean lint free cloth
Don't
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Use abrasive cloths or cleaning products
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Use bleach or solvent based cleaning products
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Use excessive force when cleaning
Cleaning Foiled Surfaces
You should aim to clean foiled surfaces every 4-6 months to keep looking great.
External Foils
External "foiled" surfaces (uPVC frames that have a decorative veneer such as a woodgrain effect) should be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution (eg mild soap granules dissolved in warm water) to remove any grime and atmospheric deposits and to keep them looking great.
Internal Foils
Internal foiled surfaces require the minimum of maintenance and should not require regular attention. If light cleaning is required, take care not to scratch the surface. Take particular care around any joints or edges.
Please note: Avoid all solvent based or abrasive cleaners when cleaning foiled uPVC products.
Do
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Use a soft cloth or sponge
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Remove all jewellery
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Take additional care when cleaning foiled surfaces
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Dry with a clean lint free cloth
Don't
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Use abrasive cloths or cleaning products
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Use bleach or solvent based cleaning products
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Use excessive force when cleaning
Cleaning Aluminium Surfaces
You should aim to clean aluminium surfaces every 4–6 months to help maintain their condition.
Clean with a mild soap and water solution (eg mild soap granules dissolved in warm water). Aluminium products that are exposed to salt water should be cleaned with fresh water at more regular intervals to remove any salt deposits.
Powder coated aluminium can scratch, so please take extra care when cleaning these products.
Do
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Use a soft cloth or sponge
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Remove all jewellery
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Only clean when required & treat aluminium with care
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Dry with a clean lint free cloth
Don't
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Use abrasive cloths or cleaning products
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Use bleach or solvent based cleaning products
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Use excessive force when cleaning or clean too regularly
Door & Window Furniture General Care
Window and door furniture should be cleaned regularly to maintain it's appearance.
When cleaning window and door furniture, use a mild concentration of warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Any moving parts should be lubricated at least twice a year.
Do
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Use a soft cloth or sponge
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Remove all jewellery
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Protect hardware when cleaning other surfaces
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Use silicone or PTFE lubricant on moving parts
Don't
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Use abrasive cloths or cleaning products
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Use bleach or solvent based cleaning products
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Use excessive force when cleaning
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Attempt to remove any window or door furniture to clean
Composite Door Cleaning
Coloured composite slab doors can be safely cleaned with luke warm, soapy water. Note: use gentle soap granules dissolved, not washing detergent as it's too aggressive.
Do
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Use a soft cloth or sponge
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Remove all jewellery
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Protect hardware when cleaning other surfaces
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Use silicone or PTFE lubricant on moving parts
Don't
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Use abrasive cloths or cleaning products
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Use bleach or solvent based cleaning products
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Use excessive force when cleaning
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Don't use washing up detergent!
Lubricating locking mechanisms
Multipoint locking lubrication
Ultion cylinder lubrication
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IMPORTANT
If you have an Ultion lock, do not use WD-40, oil or a general-purpose lubricant in the cylinder.
Ultion recommends using its specially formulated micro-graphite lubricant to help keep the lock operating smoothly, and to lubricate every 6 months.
Condensation on External Glass Surfaces
External condensation (dew) might occur on highly insulating glass units. This normally happens on cloud-free nights where there is little or no wind and usually when a warm front follows a dry spell.
You may occasionally notice condensation on the outside of your double-glazing, especially on cool, clear mornings. This is perfectly normal and is actually a sign that your windows are insulating your home effectively!
Modern energy-efficient glass, including Low-E glass, is designed to keep more warmth inside your home. Because less heat escapes through the glass, the outside pane stays colder. When this cold surface meets moisture in the outside air, condensation can form (on the outside), much like morning dew.
You may notice that some windows are affected while others remain clear. This is simply due to differences in temperature, position and local weather conditions.
External condensation is usually temporary and will disappear naturally as the temperature rises. It isn't a sign of a problem with your double-glazing, rather it is actually a sign that your glazing is working effectively to keep you comfortable inside!
INSTALLATION & AFTERCARE
And remember, we’re still here!
Whether you need some friendly advice, a small adjustment or replacement parts, or you’re thinking about new windows or doors, just get in touch with the ZEN team.
We’ll be happy to help keep your home ready for the months and years ahead.
Warm regards.
The ZEN Windows and Conservatories Team
