PVCu Maintenance – Dos and Don’ts

Whilst PVCu windows, doors and conservatories require less maintenance than other materials, it’s still important to the longevity of the windows to keep them maintained and looking their best. Liniar provides its fabricators, installers and their customers with maintenance guides to keep products functioning like the day they were installed. Following these simple tips and tricks, your PVCu products will look stunning for decades to come.

Non-foiled / Substrate Only PVCu Products:

These products are very easy to keep clean. Using a soft cloth with warm soapy water, clean the non-foiled PVCu frames every few months and be sure to wipe them dry. This will remove any dirt or grime, including the build-up of pollen etc. If your products sit under trees or have hard-to-remove stains, use a non-abrasive, cream cleaner or solvent cleaner to give them that ‘just installed’ shine.

Foiled PVCu Products:

Foiled PVCu products can be cleaned in similar ways to non-foiled frames, but there are extra considerations to take into account. While products which are woodgrain foiled look like timber, they shouldn’t be polished or sanded like timber. This could permanently damage the specialised lamination on the PVCu profile.

When you have a foiled product installed it’s essential you don’t use any cleaning fluid or solvent-based cleaners. Any minor scratches that come over time from daily use can be repaired using a matching RAL touch-up pen.

Hardware and Furniture:

The method for cleaning your products’ hardware and furniture is the same as the PVCu product themselves. While you’re wiping down your frames with warm, soapy water, clean your hardware at the same time.

Because these are typically coated or metal, it’s important not to use any abrasive cleaners on your hardware or furniture – as this could cause lasting damage to the material.

Gaskets and Weather Seals:

The gaskets and weather seals co-extruded or fabricated into your PVCu products can be cleaned at the same time as your window or door frames. While you’re cleaning, ensure not to dislodge or knock them out of place. If this occurs, simply push them back into their original position. This will avoid them being damaged when the product is opened or closed. If the weather seals have been damaged this could cause draughts.

Glazed Units:

Before cleaning a glazed PVCu product, ensure that all hand or wrist jewellery has been removed to avoid scratching the product. Remove atmospheric build-up including dirt or grime with a warm, soapy solution. Products with Georgian Bars can be cleaned using this same method. If your product has leaded bars, ensure not to apply too much pressure to the lead as this could cause it to become dislodged. Please note: Exterior lead oxidises because of contact with the elements – this is a natural phenomenon.

Self-cleaning Glass and Polycarbonate:

Polycarbonate conservatories can be cleaned in the same manner as PVCu windows and doors – a warm, soapy solution and soft cloth.

For self-cleaning glass it is essential that no abrasive or solvent based cleaners are used on the exterior glazing surface, as it could permanently remove the self-cleaning properties. On the internal glazing surface, your typical household glass cleaner can be used.

Lubrication

Products which open and close require periodic lubrication to keep them in tip top shape – and this includes all PVCu windows and doors from Liniar. To lubricate hardware and opening mechanisms, it’s best to use a silicone-based spray or 3 in 1 light machine oil.

Drainage

Liniar’s PVCu window & door systems feature either concealed or faced drain solutions.  With either solution you will see drainage slots at the bottom of the frame of your product once open which allows any water ingress to flow on the outside. To ensure your product remains efficient, simply ensure the slots are free of blockages. This is done by removing dirt and cleaning drain holes periodically.

Mastic Seal

This seal is located between the PVCu frame of a window or door and the brickwork of a home. Mastic seals are known to discolour because of their exposure to the elements – this is a natural occurrence and not something that can be avoided. It’s important that homeowners check that the Mastic seal is intact periodically to avoid drafts.

As a fitter or fabricator, providing the property owner with a guide to maintaining their new PVCu windows should be high on your check list. When customers know how to maintain their products, they’re more likely to enjoy them for longer – without any complaints. For more information about the care and maintenance of Liniar’s PVCu windows, doors and conservatories, visit www.liniar.co.uk and get a PDF copy of Liniar’s Operation and Maintenance guide from the Downloads page.