>> Cleaning Glass Surfaces
>> Cleaning of Aluminum Surfaces
>> Condensation
>> Sealant Care & Maintenance
>> Hardware Care & Maintenance
>> Patio Door Adjustment
>> Glass Cracking

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Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Glass can be cleaned with regular or ammonia based glass cleaning agents or clean cold or lukewarm water with one half cup of vinegar added for each gallon of water.

Avoid cleansers that leave a film or residue on the glass after cleaning.

After washing, and rinsing if required, the glass should be dried with a clean squeegee, a clean soft cloth, or be left to dry naturally. Pressure washing and use of mild acids for cleaning must be avoided.

Cleaning of Aluminum Surfaces
Occasional cleaning of aluminum surfaces will help maintain the luster of the original finish.

• Use a mild soap with water to clean the aluminum surfaces. Stubborn stains may be removed using mineral spirits. Using tools or abrasive cleaners on any stains and deposits is NOT recommended as they may damage the surface.
  
  
• Ensure you clean the condensation channel at the bottom of your windows and patio doors at least twice annually and ensure any drain holes are unobstructed.
  Use a diluted ammonia or bleach solution to eliminate mildew.
  
  
• Use a soft brush or vacuum brush attachment to remove dust and other accumulations from door and window tracks.

Condensation
Condensation is the word used to describe what occurs when water vapor in the air is changed into liquid water on a cool surface. Air can hold only a certain amount of water vapor at any given temperature. If the temperature is lowered by a surface which is cooler than the air's maximum water-vapor holding capacity, condensation will occur.

Interior surface condensation can appear on many different cool surfaces in your home, such as bathroom mirrors, door hinges, windows, and poorly insulated walls.
When condensation occurs on your windows, the immediate thought is that the window performance is inadequate. In reality, the culprit is not improperly installed or leaky windows, your windows are warning you of a possible excess of humidity in your home.

Sealant Care & Maintenance
Factory applied sealant is used to seal miter corners and other joints on aluminum windows.

• Check for cracks in the sealant where water might leak, especially at the bottom corners of the window on a semi-annual basis.
  
  
• When cleaning, ensure that the sealant is not accidentally damaged or removed.
  
  
• One way to check for leaks in this sealant is to close off the drain holes and fill the condensation channel with water. If the water dissipates quickly without leaking out the drain holes, the sealant should be repaired.

Hardware Care & Maintenance
The operating hardware of your AWD window has been designed for years of trouble-free operation with regular maintenance.

• Apply a light coating of silicone (e.g. WD40) or similar lubricant annually to the window and door sliding tracks after cleaning as well as hardware pivot points on handles and hinges to ensure free and easy operation.
  
  
• Avoid using lubricants such as oil or petroleum jelly as they stay wet and will attract more dirt. Areas with harsh environments (coastal or high levels of dust, dirt, or sand) will need cleaning and lubrication more often.
  

Patio Door Adjustment
Your patio door is equipped with adjustable rollers to ensure proper installation and operation. If your patio door becomes difficult to operate you may need to adjust the screws located on the front and rear vertical frame panels.

• Turn the bottom screws clockwise to raise the door panel and counterclockwise to lower the door panel.
• Adjust screws so door panel runs with as little clearance as possible from the sill member for more efficient weather protection.

Glass Cracking
Window glass can crack when a mechanical force is applied to it. Mechanical forces include flexing of the window frame due to house settling or excessive construction or hammering close to the window.

Cracking can also occur by a thermal force which is caused by excessive differences in temperature between one part of the window and another. Thermal stress is created by a temperature difference between the center of the glass and the edge. Normally, a temperature difference of 30° C is needed to cause cracking.

Many environmental factors can cause such a temperature variation. Of particular concern are internally or externally applied films or coatings on the window and reflective or light colored Venetian blinds which do not allow space on the sides and bottom for air movement.
Also, a cold night followed by a bright sunny morning can heat up the center of the glass very quickly.

The above types of cracks are extremely hard to predict and the cause is practically impossible to determine. As such, the glass industry, and therefore the window industry do not provide a warranty to cover window cracking.