Use and Care Guide
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Aluminum Windows and Patio Doors (JCM001)
HARDWARECLEANING
HARDWARELUBRICATION
Cleaning and lubrication help to maintain and restore smooth operation to movable parts of windows and patio doors and, in most cases, offer
corrosion protection. Always thoroughly clean hardware before lubricating.
Maintain hardware any time windows are not opening or closing
properlyoratleastbi-annually(monthlyforcoastalareas)for
thefollowing:
• Cleandirt/debris
• Tightenloosescrews
• Replacedamagedhardware
PRECAUTIONS
Thefollowingsubstancesmaydamageprotectivehardwarenishes.
Do not use:
• Vinegar-basedcleaners
• Citrus-basedcleaners(lemon,etc.)
• Paintremovers
• Windowcleaners
• Brick/sidingwashes
• Anyotherindustrialorabrasivecleaners
Use caution with silicone-based sprays. Apply only in small amounts
anddonotoverspray.Wipeoffexcesslubricanttoavoidstainingand/
or damage to other window or patio door parts. Silicone may cause
some hard plastic parts to become brittle.
HARDWARETYPES
Metal hardware offers functionality, aesthetic appeal and
resistancetocorrosion,butisnottotallycorrosionproof.Replace
corrodedhardware.
Plastic hardwareoffershighresistancetotheelements;however,
over time, can deteriorate from ultraviolet light, heat, cold, and
chemicalexposure.
General Cleaning
1.Removehardwareforeasiercleaning.
2.Usemildsoapandwateronasoftclothorsponge;rinseandwipe
dry. For stubborn dirt, use a soft bristle brush to gentlyscrub.
3.Applyseveralcoatsofhighquality,non-abrasivecarwax.
4.Reinstallhardware.
Heavy Cleaning
Solvents, abrasives, and other cleaners could cause damage to
protective coatings on hardware. If the general cleaning procedure is
notsufcient,callusforrecommendations.
Suggested Lubricant Types
Different hardware parts need different types of lubricants.
White or Lithium Grease:
Protects metal surfaces against corrosion, reduces friction and wear
onmovingparts,andisanexcellentmulti-purposelubricant.
Light Oil (such as 3-in-One
®
):
Useforslidingorrotatingjoints.
Graphite (spray black carbon powder):
Use for door lock key ways and hinges.
Note! Use care when applying graphite to prevent possible
staining of parts.
Spray Silicone:
Useforslidertracks,jamblinersandweatherstrip.
Note! Do not spray directly onto hardware surfaces. Spray onto
clean cloth to apply.
Plastic Hardware
Most hard plastic hardware parts
(e.g.sashretainerlatches)require
periodic cleaning for smooth
operation and do not require
lubrication.
Butt Hinges
Note! Butt hinges are located on
swinging patio doors and some
window styles. Lubricate hinges with
lightoil(3-In-One
®
oilorequivalent)
annually or when noisy.
HorizontalSlidersandSingle-HungWindows
There are two different single-hung windows. One offers a side-load
sashidentiedbyametalclipandtheotherutilizesaxed,screwed
in balance rod.
1.Vacuumtrackorsidejambsthoroughly(checkforobstructionssuch
asrocks,pethair,etc.).
2.Wipewithsponge,mildsoapandwater.
3.Rinseandletdry.
4.Applysiliconespraytodry,softcloth;wipeontrackorsidejambs;
do not apply silicone to weatherstrip.
5.Installsash(ifpreviouslyremoved).
6.Slidesashbackandforth(upanddownonsingle-hung)to
checkoperation.
...Continued
HARDWARECLEANINGANDLUBRICATION
RetainerLatch
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