Care & Maintenance

Cleaning and Lubrication

 

 

• Vacuum dirt and debris from sill and track areas before washing
• Clean glass and window or door frame with a mixture of 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.
• Never use abrasive or caustic cleaners. They can cause permanent damage to the frame finish or the glass.
• Mild, nonabrasive soaps are usually the safest for most dirt and stain removal, but any cleaner you use should be tested in an inconspicuous area first.
• Always rinse completely with clear water and wipe dry if possible.
• Check to make sure drainage or “weep” holes are always clear of dirt and obstructions – both inside and outside the window or door in the bottom of the frame. Composite windows do not have weep holes. Note: If the window is “stacked,” there may be weep holes between units.
• Clean screens by removing them, washing them on a flat, clean surface with mild soap and water and a soft brush. Then rinse, wipe dry and reinstall.
• Windows and doors with moving parts include hardware components that should be lubricated periodically. In salt-air environments, these components require monthly lubrication.
• After wiping clean, use a silicone spray with a non-petroleum-based propellant on door or sliding window tracks, rollers and locking hardware

For more information, including recommendations for cleaners, check out our Care & Cleaning Tips.

How-To Video Series

Some issues with your windows and doors are easy to fix and require simple tools and skills that most homeowners are familiar with. We have assembled a few of these easy to accomplish tasks into our How-To Video Series. Should you require additional help please contact your servicing dealer or AMSCO Windows and we will do our best to resolve your questions.

 

Side-Load Single Hung Balance Spring Replacement

 

Re-seating the glazing bead on a vinyl window

 

Exposing the Accessory Groove in an Artisan Window

 

Changing an AMSCO StyleLock

 

Changing the AMSCO Sentry Lock on a Vinyl Window

 

Adjusting the keeper for the AMSCO Sentry Lock on a vinyl Window

 

Double Hung Window Balance Spring Replacement

 

Removing a nail-fin from a vinyl window

 

Squaring a Double-Hung Window Using the Jamb Adjuster

 

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Vinyl Window

 

Replacing a take out clip on a vinyl window

 

Adjusting the rollers on a sliding patio door

 

Replacing the Cam/Positive Action Lock On a Vinyl Window

Maintenance Tips

Keep Your AMSCO Windows® Products Looking Beautiful Season after Season.

While vinyl and composite products are low-maintenance and easy to care for, they will perform their best with some occasional attention. In rare cases, vinyl products can be affected by solar energy or chemicals that can cause a change in color – including fading, darkening or yellowing. In most climates and with many mild chemicals, a change may not even be noticed. In other cases, however, the color change may be more dramatic and become cause for concern.

Information from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Vinyl Institute (VI) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) will help you to avoid these problems and enjoy your windows for many years to come.

Condensation & Your Windows

The presence of condensation on the interior surface of your AMSCO Windows is not an indication that your windows have failed or that you have bad windows. In fact, the presence of condensation can be a sign that your home is built air tight.

Here is quick checklist of things you can do to reduce the likelihood of condensation on your windows:

• Know and understand the sources of humidity in your home
• Adjust the relative humidity levels in your home
  • Keep the humidity levels below 40% under normal conditions
  • During cold weather, drop the humidity to 20% or lower depending on how cold it gets
• Always run exhaust fans when cooking or showering
• Open your blinds or drapes to allow air to circulate around your windows