Gas Strut & Motorized Window | Care and Maintenance

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Care and Maintenance PDF Download 

 

Window Maintenance Checklist

Regular maintenance will help keep your OPTVUE™ windows operating smoothly. Use this checklist as a regular maintenance reminder.

 

GAS STRUTS​

Don't

• Do not apply solvents to the gas struts as this can wash the lubricating oil off the piston rod and also degrade the seals, which can cause the seals to fail prematurely.

• Do not paint the gas struts as this could transfer onto the piston rod which may pass the main rod seal of the gas spring and cause the seals to fail.

• Do not grip the piston rod in any way as grooves or damage can cause oil and gas to leak out of the gas strut.

• Do not apply anything to the piston rod as this can cause the main rod seal to fail during cycling.

• Never pierce or heat gas springs as they act as a pressure vessel. When used correctly and manufactured to our vendors strict manufacturing and engineering procedures, gas springs are very safe.

• Never attempt to adjust, remove, or replace your gas struts when the window is in the closed position.

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GENERAL

• Make sure the weatherstrip is still effective. If not, contact us about acquiring replacement weather-stripping.

• Examine the window's interior and exterior finishes. Occasional repair to a damaged finish may be necessary.

• Don’t let paints, stains and varnishes come in contact with the weatherstrip. Solvents can damage the weatherstrip’s performance.

• Trim any old, loose caulking and seal any gaps with an appropriate, high-quality caulk.

• Make sure all exposed hardware screws are tightened securely.

• Clean sand, dirt or dust from sills and tracks.

• Check window for smooth operation.

 

Note: Location plays an important role in how often you should clean and maintain the exterior of aluminum clad windows and doors. A coastal home exposed to harsh elements may need cleaning four or five times a year, while in a drier climate, once or twice a year may be sufficient.

 

Safety Precautions

• Be careful when using ladders.

• Wear protective eyewear and clothing.

• When working with primers, paints, stains, cleaning solutions, etc., follow all manufacturer's instructions for safe use and disposal.

 

Cleaning

 

How to clean glass

• To avoid streaking, it is best to refrain from cleaning tinted and coated glass surfaces while they are exposed to direct sunlight.

• When cleaning windows, it is recommended to begin from the highest level and work your way down.

• Prior to applying any cleaning solution with a non-abrasive applicator, ensure that the glass surface has been soaked in clean water to remove any dirt or debris.

• Take care not to leave any abrasive particles on the glass. Once the cleaning solution has been applied, use a squeegee to quickly remove it from the glass surface while being mindful to avoid contact between the glass and any metal components of the cleaning equipment.

• Chemical-based cleaning solutions with high alcohol content should be avoided as they can cause damage to the glass components.

• After cleaning, wipe any remaining traces of cleaning solution from the window and frame to prevent deterioration from dampness.

• It is important to avoid using abrasive cleaning solutions or materials, allowing metal parts of cleaning equipment to touch the glass, and the use of any kind of scrapers.

 

Approved Cleaners

• Glass Plus® Glass Cleaner

• Sprayway® Glass Cleaner

• Green Works® Original Scent Glass & Surface Cleaner

• Rain-X® Automotive Glass Cleaner

• Spray-X® Foaming Glass Cleaner

• Windex® Glass Cleaner with Ammonia

• Windex® Original

• Windex® Powerized Original

• Zep® Ammonia-Free Concentrate Glass Cleaner

• Zep® Foaming Glass Cleaner

• Zep® Streak-Free Glass Cleaner

General Purpose Cleaners

• Amaz Clean & Green™ Water Stain Remover

• Dawn® Simply Clean, Original Scent (1% in Water)

• Formula 409® Original

• Goo Gone® Spray Gel

• Ivory® Ultra Dishwashing Liquid, Original Scent (1% in Water)

• Murphy® Oil Soap Liquid Wood Cleaner

• Soft Scrub® All Purpose Cleaner Lemon Scent

• Spic and Span® Sun Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner

• Tide® Detergent Original Scent

• Vinegar, Distilled White (5% Acidity)

• Windex® Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner

• Zep® Multi-Surface Cleaner

Outdoor House Cleaners

• Home Armor® EZ House Wash™

• Home Armor® EZ Deck, Fence & Patio Wash™

• Rejuvenate® Outdoor Cleaner

• Savorgran™ TSP Trisodium Phosphate

• Spray & Forget™ House and Deck Cleaner

• Wet & Forget® Moss Mold Mildew and Algae Stain Remover

• Windex® Hose End Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner

• Zep® All-in-1 Pressure Wash*

• Zep® House and Siding Pressure Wash Concentrate*

*Although overspray of these solutions is safe, never use a pressure washer directly on any part of a window or door.

 

 

Wood Surfaces

 

How to maintain wood surfaces

• To prevent wood from being exposed to the elements due to failing caulk or cracked, peeled, or bubbled paint, it is important to remove surface dirt and inspect the exterior of your wood windows at least once a year.

• To get rid of superficial surface dirt on painted wood exteriors, use a long-handled brush with soft bristles (similar to those used for washing cars) and water to wash them. A toothbrush is a useful tool to eliminate buildup from cracks and crevices.

• It is important to rinse off detergent solutions or cleaners thoroughly with clean water to prevent any potential damage to the finish if left unremoved.

• In the case of grease or oily substances, more potent cleaning compounds may be necessary. However, it is important to avoid using solvents or abrasive cleaners. Harsh cleaning substances such as strong detergents, ammonia, or chemicals should not come into contact with finished exterior surfaces as they can cause damage.

• Nicks and scratches in a painted finish can be touched up with a matching, high-quality latex primer and paint. Contact your local paint supply store for product recommendations and instructions.

• If you have a brand new, bare wood or primed window or door, you must finish it immediately to prevent possible damage to the wood. Please view Painting and Staining for instructions.

 

How to Paint Wood Surfaces of OPTVUE™ Windows

• A new OPTVUE™ window, whether it is primed or bare wood, must be painted immediately to prevent possible damage, even if the window is already primed. Primers function to maximize adhesion between the wood and the paint, but do not offer protective qualities.

• Immediately after installing, clean and dry bare wood surfaces before applying paint or finish. Remove handling marks, debris, or moisture damage by sanding lightly with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper.

• Paint windows with sash or panels opened and do not close until thoroughly dry.

• Paints, stains, and varnishes contain solvents that should not come into momentary contact with plastics and vinyl used in weather stripping to avoid damage.

• Do not apply paint to weatherstrip, aluminum, metal or any other non-wood parts, which can be damaged by solvents in the finishes.

• Use a high-quality primer to ensure good paint adhesion.

• Apply one coat of primer and two coats of high-quality oil-base or latex paint, following the paint manufacturer's instructions.

• Do not use cleaners containing abrasives or solvents. Use an approved cleaning solution.

• High humidity considerations: In addition to OPTVUE’s General Painting and Staining instructions, products installed in high humidity and high moisture environments should have a paint or finish applied to all accessible wood portions prior to installation. Use paint or finishes of a grade sufficient to protect the units from moisture damage, providing water shedding properties while allowing water vapor to diffuse to the exterior.
   

Note: Failure to retreat properly or adequately voids warranty.

• Windows with wood exteriors should be inspected and repainted periodically. Repair any blistering, peeling or cracking in the finish quickly to protect the underlying wood.

• Caulk any cracks prior to repainting, using a high-quality caulking material or a paintable grade caulking compound.

 

How to stain wood interiors of OPTVUE™ windows

 

A new OPTVUE™ window with bare wood must be stained immediately to prevent possible damage.

• Clean and dry wood surfaces before applying stain or finish. Remove handling marks, debris, or moisture damage by sanding lightly with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper.

• Stain windows with sash or panels opened and do not close until thoroughly dry.

• Paints, stains, and varnishes contain solvents that should not come into contact with plastics and vinyl used in weather stripping to avoid damage.

• Do not apply stain to weatherstrip, aluminum, metal or any other non-wood parts that can be damaged by solvents in the finishes.

• Do not use cleaners containing abrasives or solvents. Use an approved cleaning solution.

• High humidity considerations: In addition to OPTVUE’s General Painting and Staining instructions, products installed in high humidity and high moisture environments should have a paint or finish applied to all accessible wood portions prior to installation. Use stain or finishes of a grade sufficient to protect the units from moisture damage, providing water shedding properties while allowing water vapor to diffuse to the exterior.

• OPTVUE™ recommends following stain manufacturer recommendations, including following with at least 2 coats of clear polyurethane finish.
   

Note: Failure to retreat properly or adequately voids warranty.

• Caulk any cracks prior to refinishing, using a high-quality caulking material or a paintable grade caulking compound.