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Maintenance and Care

Image by Nick Romanov
Use these simple guidelines to keep your windows and doors operating smoothly and looking their best.

If you have a question about your specific product or finish, please contact our service team.

  • Keep tracks and sill areas clean and dry.

  • Use mild soap + water for routine cleaning.

  • Avoid abrasives, harsh chemicals, and pressure washing on frames, glass, or seals.

  • If something feels stuck or out of alignment, do not force anything and please contact our Service Department.

Once or twice per year, use this checklist to keep your windows and doors operating smoothly:​

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  • Check that windows/doors open, close, and lock smoothly.

  • Make sure the weatherstripping is still effective (and not torn, brittle, or loose).

  • Inspect interior and exterior finishes: touch up or repair any damaged areas as needed.

  • Keep paint, stain, and varnish off weatherstripping. Avoid getting solvents on weatherstripping.

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

  • Check for excess silicone sealant around the edge of the glass. If present, you can carefully scrape it off with a plastic putty knife.

  • Tighten any exposed hardware screws that have loosened over time.

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

  • If recommended for your product, apply a dry lubricant to operating hardware/gears to keep them moving smoothly.

  • Confirm screens, storm windows/doors, and energy panels are secure (screws and turn buttons fastened).

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Wood door note: wood doors may require a stabilization period after installation (sometimes up to a year) as they adjust to humidity and other environmental factors.

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How often should you clean exterior aluminum clad surfaces? Location matters. Waterfront homes exposed to harsh elements may need cleaning 4-5 times per year, while homes inland may only need cleaning 1-2 times per year.

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If you notice drafts, water intrusion, or binding, contact our service team.

  • Avoid cleaning glass in direct sunlight (especially tinted or coated glass) to help prevent streaking.

  • Start at the top of the home/building and work your way down.

  • Rinse/soak the glass with clean water to loosen dirt and debris and make sure no abrasive particles remain.

  • Clean with a non-abrasive cloth or applicator using mild soap + water or an approved glass cleaner.

  • Remove solution promptly with a squeegee (avoid letting metal parts of tools touch the glass).

  • Wipe away any remaining cleaner from the glass, frame, and sill area; windows and frames can deteriorate if left damp.

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Energy panels: some windows have a removable exterior energy panel (often confused with a storm window). Clean it the same way as the primary glass.

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Avoid:

  • Abrasive cleaners or pads

  • Scrapers/razor blades of any kind (scratched glass is not covered under warranty)

  • Products with a strong chemical base or very high alcohol content that could damage components

The following cleaners (used as directed) are commonly approved for Ultrex® fiberglass surfaces and related components. When in doubt, test in an inconspicuous area first.

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Glass cleaners:

  • Glass Plus® Glass Cleaner

  • Green Works® Original Scent Glass & Surface Cleaner

  • Rain-X® Automotive Glass Cleaner

  • Spray-X® Foaming Glass Cleaner

  • Windex® Original / Windex® Glass Cleaner with Ammonia

  • Zep® Foaming / Streak-Free / Ammonia-Free Concentrate Glass Cleaner

 

General purpose cleaners:

  • Dawn® dish soap (about 1% in water)

  • Ivory® dish soap (about 1% in water)

  • Formula 409® Original

  • Goo Gone® Spray Gel

  • Murphy® Oil Soap Liquid Wood Cleaner

  • Vinegar, distilled white (5% acidity)

  • Windex® Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner

  • Zep® Multi-Surface Cleaner

 

Outdoor house cleaners (overspray only):

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

  • Home Armor® EZ House Washâ„¢

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

  • Zep® pressure wash concentrates (overspray only)

Painted, fiberglass, aluminum-clad, and composite surfaces

  • Wash with mild soap + water and a soft cloth.

  • Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.

Avoid: solvents, acetone, paint thinner, harsh degreasers, abrasive cleaners, steel wool.


Wood interiors

  • Dust regularly and wipe with a slightly damp cloth.

  • Keep wood finishes away from prolonged moisture and standing water.

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  • Wipe hardware with a soft cloth; use mild soap + water if needed.

  • Do not use abrasive polishes unless recommended for your specific finish.

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  • Vacuum loose debris from tracks and sill channels.

  • Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

  • Make sure weep holes (small drainage openings) remain clear so water can drain properly.

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  • Remove labels and adhesive residue as soon as possible after installation.

  • If a label doesn’t release easily, use an approved cleaner to help soften/remove residue.

  • Don’t remove labels in direct sunlight.

  • Keep cleaning agents off weatherstripping and finishes.

  • Carefully remove the screen and lay it on a clean, flat surface.

  • Remove dust by lightly spraying with a hose or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment.

  • Let the screen air-dry completely before reinstalling (don’t dry with a cloth). 

 

For doors, remove and replace screens from the exterior.

Normal: occasional interior condensation during cold weather, especially with higher indoor humidity.

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Try first:

  • Run bath/kitchen fans

  • Use a dehumidifier

  • Keep blinds slightly open to allow airflow

 

Contact us if: you see condensation between panes (inside the insulated glass unit) or persistent water issues around a unit.

Warranty Information 

Request Service

* This page provides general care guidance. Always follow product-specific instructions provided by the window and door manufacturer.
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