Care and maintenance guide
Your ARKA windows and patio doors will continue to perform well if given some simple, routine Care and Maintenance Instructions. With proper care, your windows and doors will continue to operate at their best and look great. ARKA’s warranty (see reverse side or access ARKA’s website at www.arkawindowsdoors.com) does not cover damage or defects related to a failure to follow the Care and Maintenance Instructions below.
GLASS CARE
Proper care of your window and door glass is important to gain the maximum effectiveness of insulating, low-E, or reflective glass. Any of the “Don’t” actions listed below can damage the glass surface or destroy the insulating glass seal. Don’t use any petroleum-based cleaners or caustic chemicals on your glass. Don’t use a razor blade, abrasive pad, or putty knife to clean the glass. Don’t use a high-pressure spray nozzle when rinsing your glass after washing. Clean the glass with mild dish soap and water. Rinse completely with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots. Avoid washing glass in direct sunlight for best results. Do clean screens by first removing them, then washing them on a clean, flat surface with a mild soap and water solution using a soft brush. Rinse, dry, and reinstall.
MOLD AND CONDENSATION
If certain conditions exist, water condensation can occur on the interior surfaces of your windows and doors. Often, it’s a warning that excessive moisture in your home may facilitate mold growth. Condensation on interior window surfaces results from higher moisture content in the air contacting lower temperature surfaces on the glass or frames. The higher your home’s interior humidity and the lower the outside air temperature, the more condensation can occur. Do check all window sashes for smooth and regular operation. Increase interior home ventilation and air exchange devices if needed. Do use your exhaust fans, especially when showering. Do consider installing a dehumidifier. Use ceiling fans to improve air circulation. Do open windows and doors when practical to allow interior moisture to escape.
PREMIUM EXTERIOR VINYL FINISHES
As with all painted finishes, natural weathering will occur over extended periods of time. Proper care of your painted surfaces is important in maintaining the luster and color of the finish. Over extended periods of exposure to the elements, ARKA windows may require professional touch-up or re-application of the finish. Please consult a painting professional when you are ready to re-apply ARKA Premium Vinyl Finishes. Do Use a soft wet brush or absorbent cloth to remove debris stuck to the painted finish carefully. Do periodically wash ARKA finishes using warm water and mild detergent on a soft, absorbent cloth. Never use solvents or solvent-based cleaners of any kind on ARKA finishes. Never use a dry cloth or stiff bristle brush to clean ARKA finishes.
SMOOTH OPERATION
Do lubricate the moving parts of window and door hardware if not operating smoothly. Use only a spray silicone product to lubricate moving parts, being careful not to apply excessive amounts. Wipe up any drips or spills. In salt air environments, monthly cleaning and lubrication may be necessary to preserve function (see the warranty text on the reverse side for the exclusion of warranty coverage for hardware functionality in corrosive environments). Do inspect weather stripping on operable windows and doors to be certain it seals evenly when closed. Do make certain that the track area is kept clean. Frequent vacuuming will clear any accumulated dirt and dust. Do adjust sliding door rollers for proper height clearances. Door rollers are adjusted with a screwdriver through access holes in either the end or side of the sliding panel, located near the bottom of the panel. Do adjust rolling screen doors to slide smoothly. Use a screwdriver in all four corners to make adjustments. Do check on the sliding door lock strike placement if you adjust the door rollers. Adjustment is made by loosening screw fasteners, moving the strike plate, and tightening. Re-check for proper lock operation.
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Windows and doors use a simple drainage system or ‘weep’ holes designed in the frame itself. To operate effectively, these water drainage pathways must be kept clean and clear of any obstructions. It’s normal for water to accumulate in the sill or track area during a period of wind-driven rain. The weep system allows the water to drain to the outside as water builds up, or outside wind pressure subsides. Clogged weep holes may prevent excess water from draining. Over time, standing water can damage your window or door and lead to structural damage from mold, mildew, and wood rot if water enters your wall cavities. Do keep all sill or track surfaces clean of dirt and debris. Do make sure that exterior weep holes are clear of any debris, stucco, sand or other obstructions. Do use a small, soft brush (such as an old toothbrush) to clear openings. Do regularly inspect the exterior perimeter of your window and door frames for any cracks or cracks in the adjacent siding material that can cause moisture to penetrate. If a crack appears, seal with a good grade of sealant according to the sealant manufacturer’s instructions.
IMPORTANT DO’S AND DON’TS
DO: Clean the frame surfaces with mild soap and water.
DON’T: Use razor blades, putty knives or abrasive scrub pads.
DO: Use a commercial glass cleaner or mild soap and water.
DON’T: Use ANY petroleum-based cleaners or solvents.
DO: Clean window & door tracks and weep holes.
DON’T: Use oil-based lubricants or damage weep hole covers/baffles.
DO: Regularly check weather stripping and hardware performance.
DON’T: Add films or attachments to the glass.
DO: Read and understand your Warranty.
