Use and Care Manual

3
Care & Maintenance
VinylWindows&PatioDoors
BASIC INSPECTIONS & MAINTENANCE – CONTINUED
SASH/PANELINSPECTION
Inspect sash or patio door panel annually (monthly for coastal
areas). If the window has a removable sash, it may be helpful
to remove it before inspection.
• Inspectstilesandrailsfordamage(cracksorsplitsinvinyl
surfaces).
• Checkglassforcracks.Ifcracked,callyourlocalglass
supplier for replacement.
• Forinsulatingglassunits,lookformoistureorfogging
between glass panes (most likely to occur on cold
mornings). This may be an indication of seal failure. Call
us for recommendations.
WEATHERSTRIP
Inspecting and maintaining weatherstrip can help avoid
costly structural damage from water leakage and energy loss
duetoairand/orwaterinltration.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
• Werecommenddenaturedalcoholfornonwater-
soluble cleaning. Lacquer thinner may be used in small
amounts, but only as directed. Thoroughly rinse any vinyl
surfaces that come into contact with lacquer thinner.
Other 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use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. If denatured
alcohol doesn’t work:
1.Cleanwithsmallamountlacquerthinneronsoftcloth.
2. Repeat if necessary.
3.Cleanwithmildsoapandwater,thenrinse.If
unsuccessful, consider replacing 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.
GUTTERS & OVERHANGS
Gutters and overhangs protect windows and patio doors from
excesswaterexposure.Clearatleastonceperyear.
WEEPSYSTEM
Vinylwindowsandpatiodoorsarenotsubjecttomoisture
damage;however,damagecoulddevelopinthestructure
around the unit if water does not drain properly from the sill
areatotheexterior.
Interior weep holes are
usually a rectangular or
round hole cut in the vinyl in
the bottom of the sill track
or in the face of a vertical
member of the sill near the
bottom.Weepholesmay
be covered by a sill insert or
roller track. Access to these
weep holes may require removal of the sash or panel and then
removalofthesnappedinsillinsertorrollertrack.Sash/panel
removal can be awkward, see the appropriate product guide at
www.jeld-wen.com/resourcesforsafetyrecommendationsand
the proper procedure for removing the sash or panel.
Exteriorweepholes
are usually a round or
rectangular hole cut in the
exteriorfaceofthevinylsill.
Thesemayhaveasmallap
orbafecoveringthehole.
1.Regularlycleansill
track with vacuum or
wipe thoroughly with
damp cloth. Thoroughly
remove any blockage in
thecornersandfromtheexteriorweepholescausedby
caulking, masonry or stucco products or a piece of trim.
2.Poursmallamountofwater(1cup)intointeriorsilltrack.
If water does not drain quickly from the sill through the
weep system, insert a thin wire into weep hole to clear
theblockage.Whenclearingexteriorweepholes,the
passages through the inside of the frame may be slightly
offset to the left or right. Do not insert the wire farther
than necessary because the insulating glass unit may be
damaged. Call us if unsure. Repeat until water runs clear to
theexterior.Ifnotsuccessful,callaservicetechnician.
EXTERIORSIDINGJOINT
Apropersealofthejointbetweenthewindowandthe
exteriorsurfaceofthestructurewillkeepwaterand/orair
fromleakingintothehouse.Inspectthesealantjointfor:
• Cracks
• Voids
• Deterioratingareas(e.g.lossofadhesion)
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.
Bottom weep hole
Inside face weep hole
Exterior
weep holes
Interior sill track