FRAME SURFACES

When cleaning the glass, don't forget the frame surfaces! That's like cleaning your car's windshield but letting the body go. Airborne contaminants, coastal spray, wind blown dirt and sand will age your frames prematurely unless these eroding elements are periodically removed.

Remove all stickers and labels (except AAMA Certification label in frame pocket) immediately by soaking them first with water from a spray bottle. Remove moistened labels with a soft cloth. Never use a razor blade, putty knife or abrasive pad to clean your frame or glass. You risk leaving permanent scratches. Use glass cleaner or a mild detergent mixed in water to clean your glass and frames. Wipe dry with a soft cloth. Wax your aluminum frames with a high quality car wax. This is very important in areas within 10 air miles of the ocean because salt-laden air may corrode or stain aluminum surfaces left unprotected.

Remove dirt or smudges from your vinyl frame with mild soap and water. Never use any petroleum-based cleaners, solvents or caustic chemicals on your window frames or glass. Use of such cleaners or solvents will void the warranty. Check periodically for condensation. If you do notice condensation promptly wipe dry. Condensation is a natural phenomenon caused by environmental conditions. Interior humidity as well as interior or exterior temperatures may be the cause for condensation to occur. Excess humidity caused by cooking, showers, a crowded room or other factors in the building may be the reason for condensation. A window with continuous condensation occurring should have the environmental factors examined. Windows are typically the coldest surfaces in a wall and thus may show the first evidence of excess humidity; however, this may not be the only location that is allowing condensation. Improving air movement in some cases will help alleviate condensation in much the same way as the defroster in a car removes the fog forming on the inside of a car's window.

Mold is another natural phenomenon that homeowners must be careful to avoid. Some molds may cause health problems even in normally healthy people. Mold is formed when it has a food source and water. A food source could include wood, dirt, dust, food, paper, drywall and books. The water source may be supplied through water trapped in a dirty sill or regularly occurring condensation. If mold is found, care must be taken while cleaning the mold off a surface.