Everything lasts better if it is well looked after and
given the right kind of TLC. Double glazing is no different – an
annual ‘spring clean’ will keep your windows
in good working order.
While PVCu and aluminium frames are virtually maintenance-free
they do need a little attention as outlined below:
Hinges and mechanical parts such as locks will
need an annual clean and light lubrication
Do not use oil to lubricate squeaky hinges (or any nylon
moving parts), use a furniture aerosol wax spray instead,
which contains silicon.
Never use washing-up liquid in the water when cleaning
your windows as it attacks and degrades the seals Use
a special cream cleanser to wipe down white PVCu (no abrasives
should be used on woodgrain), following the instructions
on the container
Keep sliding patio door tracks brushed clean of mud, grit
and dust but do not lubricate the track.
Make sure there is a key in each room for undoing security-locking
windows in the event of an emergency.
Timber frames will need re-painting every three to five
years or, if you are using hardwood, oil or varnish as
appropriate.
Silver aluminium can be cleaned with Solvol Autosol aluminium
polish, available from motor accessory shops.
Touch up damaged white aluminium with Humbrol white paint.
Scratches on double-glazed sealed units are bad news and
can be dealt with by:
Filling in the scratch in with a resin (try
the kits sold in motor accessory shops to deal with windscreen
scratches)
that has the same refractive index as the glass,
so the scratch no longer shows.
Polishing the scratch out with a very fine abrasive such
as Ceria (cerium oxide) or jeweller's rouge (iron
oxide). Never use products like Brasso Duraglit or any kind of
abrasive papers.
