Window Maintenance

We carry the top brands in windows and doors and we're dedicated to protecting your purchase. Below are some tips and instructions for keeping your purchase looking and working like new.

How do I remove stickers from the glass?

The manufacturer stickers should remove easily without leaving any residue. If it does not, wet the glass with soapy water using a sponge or spray. Using a sharp scraper, or razor blade scrape under and remove the sticker. After the sticker is removed use a degreaser to remove any glue left over. Finish by cleaning the glass with the cleaning procedure noted below.

How should I clean the glass on my new windows?

You may clean the glass surface with any commercial glass cleaner or a mild detergent. A soft cloth or paper towel will do the job. If you use a squeegee, please make sure there aren't any metal edges as this will permanently damage the dirt repelling coating and scratch the glass.

How do I clean the vinyl?

Vinyl is easy to clean and never need painting. We recommend wiping with a damp cloth and dishwashing soap in water. Do not use a high pressure sprayer or abrasive cleaning agents to clean your windows and doors. For stubborn dirt use non-abrasive sink and counter cleaning creams or specialized vinyl cleaning agents. Do not use solvents or stripping compounds.

How do I clean the screens?

Simply remove the screens and hose them off with water. Do not use a high-pressure sprayer or any cleaning solvents.

I have condensation on my windows. Is this normal?

Condensation forms when the inside window surface temperature falls below the dew-point temperature of the room. Condensation on your window surfaces is not an indication that the glass or insulating unit is defective; they simply are doing what they're meant to do. By keeping the warm air in your home the windows also stop the humidity from escaping and that humidity becomes visible on the glass. Poor air circulation in the home, high humidity levels, and temperature are some of the factors that could lead to condensation on your windows.

The tighter a home is, the more likely it is that humidity generated inside will remain inside and cause problems—unless the home is properly ventilated. But even if moisture levels stay constant, condensation can occur if surfaces get very cold, as they often do in the depths of January nights. Finally, adding moisture to the air will raise indoor humidity levels and make condensation more likely.

Air movement also influences moisture problems. In the winter, the warm air inside the house has a natural tendency to rise. Warm, moist air leaves the house through the attic or the upper story and is replaced by dry, cold air pulled in through the lower level. This is called the stack effect. The stack effect causes moisture problems to be most pronounced in the upper stories of a house. For example, the windows on the lower level may be clear while the second story windows are frosted over.

Remedies

    • Lower or turn off your furnace humidifier.
    • Raise the temperature on your furnace.
    • Vent clothes dryers, gas burners, etc. to the outdoors.
    • Don't hang clothes to dry indoors.
    • Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
    • Open blinds, shutters or curtains to allow warm air to circulate around your windows.
    • Don't dry firewood in the house.
    • Repair plumbing leaks and leaky roofs.
    • Ensure that gutters are properly drained away from the house.
    • Seal ductwork in damp basements or crawl spaces especially the ducts that return cold air.