Care and Maintenance Instructions
CONTACT US For questions, feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail: 714-617-9191 or at care@www.eurolinesteelwindows.com
The advice offered herein can be done by a homeowner with some mechanical aptitude. If you are unsure, it is recommended that you hire a trained service provider such as a competent and licensed construction contractor or building professional. Euroline disclaims any and all liability associated with the use and/or provision of these instructions. Any reliance upon the information or advice is at the risk of the party so relying. The information contained herein may be changed from time to time without notification.
Care and Cleaning
GENERAL CLEANING
Prepare cleaning solution (1 tsp baby shampoo to one gallon of water or 1 1/2 cups vinegar to one gallon of water).
- Rinse surface with clean water from top to bottom.
- Clean with mild soap and water and sponge or soft brush with uniform pressure horizontally, then vertically.
- Promptly rinse thoroughly with clean water (spongingwhile rinsing may be helpful; do not allow cleaning solution to dry on the surface or collect and puddle).
- Wipe dry with lint-free dry cloth.
- If necessary, repeat steps above until clean.
- Dry window frame and sill with separate cloth
REMOVAL OF EXCESS PAINT ON GLASS
- Soak dried latex paint drips with warm water and a soap solution.
- Wipe with damp cloth orsponge.
If needed, - Scrape gently with plastic putty knife. Repeat soak and scrape.
- Repeat if necessary.
Note! For oil-based paint drips, consult a paint professional.
PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY
- Never mix cleaners or solvents. This may be dangerous as well as ineffective.
- Use help when working with a large window sash or patio door panel to avoid injury.
- Use proper/safe equipment and precautions when cleaning and servicing the exterior side of windows above groundlevel.
- If using commercial cleaning or finishing products or solvents, carefully read and follow safety instructions, warnings, cautions and disposal instructions onmanufacturer’s labels. Wear appropriate safety gear (e.g. clothing, goggles, gloves) and provide plenty of ventilation.
- Immediately clean spills.
- Most solvents are flammable and/or toxic and must be handled with extreme care. Do not use near open flame, sparks, or electrical motors.
Recommendations
- Do not power-wash windows or use a garden hose; this can cause seal failure and allow water to enter the structure.
- When cleaning exterior, multi-story windows, begin withthe upper story and work down.
- Avoid using metal tools, razor blades, or other sharp objects and abrasive cleaners. They can damage window surfaces, scratch glass and remove glass coatings.
- Do not allow aggressive cleaners to come into contact with metal surfaces. Immediately rinse and dry.
- Do not allow cleaners to puddle or collect at glass edges near glazing materials.
- Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight or in temperatures too hot or too cold. • Avoid excessive rubbing and over-cleaning.
- Do not scour.
- Clean and rinse one area at a time.
- Clean twice a year (monthly in coastal areas) or when dirty.
- After-market tints and films are not recommended, as they may cause damage to the glass and/or sealant.
LABEL REMOVAL
Slowly peel from one corner. If label tears or sticks, moisten with soapy water and gently scrape with plastic putty knife. Stubborn labels can be soaked with soapy water and covered overnight with plastic wrap. Gently remove with plastic putty knife.
MORE INFORMATION ON GLASS CLEANING
- The Glass Association of North America (GANA): www.glasswebsite.com
Inspection and Maintenance
WEATHERSTRIP
Inspecting and maintaining weatherstrip can help avoid costly structural damage from water leakage and energy loss due to air and/or water infiltration. Replace weatherstrip, that is missing, torn, cracked, brittle, discolored, gummy, or that has no “bounce back” when pressed down. Call us for replacement instructions.
Precautions
- Solvents such as mineral spirits or petroleum-based products may damage or dissolve weatherstrip or weatherstrip adhesion.
- When using alcohol, always test small area first to avoid product damage.
- Do not allow solvents or silicone to surfaces around the weatherstrip.
- Do not use abrasives, sanders, or anything sharp near weatherstrip.
Non Water-Soluble Cleaning
Clean with denatured alcohol on soft cloth. Test on inconspicuous area first. If denatured alcohol does not work:
- Clean with small amount of lacquer thinner on softcloth. Follow all instructions.
- Repeat if necessary.
- Clean with mild soap and water, then rinse. If unsuccessful, consider replacing the weatherstrip.
Light Cleaning
- Clean with damp cloth or mild soap and water.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Repeat if necessary.
Weatherstrip Repair
If weatherstrip is loose, or coming off:
- Carefully pull back weatherstrip.
- Apply thin bead of super glue, then press firmly for just a few seconds.
Oxidation Residue
If any brown residue is noted on the surface of the product, or oxidation is left untreated, the corrosion process will expand into the product. When this happens, your product warranty is nullified.
COASTAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE
NOTE: In coastal applications and in harsh environments, such as near salt water, Euroline Steel Windows and Doors recommends quarterly inspections and maintenance. Salt and other corrosive or abrasive substances must not be allowed to build up on exterior surfaces.
Clean the exterior with a mild detergent soap and water at least every three months and more frequently if necessary to prevent build up. Any scratches, chips or areas of abrasion to the exterior coating must be repaired immediately.
RE-FINISHING OF EUROLINE PRODUCTS
When preparing to refinish your Euroline steel products, consider the tools and materials you will need for the entire project. Listed below are some common painting/ re-finishing product types to consider. Specific tools or materials may vary.
Note! Areas with extreme climates and corrosive environments (coastal and humid areas) require specially designed products that offer extra protection.
RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO RE-FINISH YOUR EUROLINE PRODUCT
There are many different options for painting. Visit a local paint store for recommendations on types of materials, colors, sheens and application methods. Many paint stores offer color sample cards you may take home.
Primers
- Some paint manufacturers offer low temperature primers that may still be applied below 50°.
- Select oil based primers for steel.
Paint
- Use paint designed for metal only. Ask your local paint supplier for paint recommendations.
- Use only paints designed for use on metal’
STEP-BY-STEP painting recommendations;
- Remove any window or door hardware
- Sand the door or window to prepare it for painting using a fine grit sand paper such as 220g or a 320g. Scrape away any thick paint or flaking paint before sanding. Use a damp cloth to remove particles left over from sanding.
- Cover any glass or other non-removable items on the door with painter's tape and newspaper.
- It is recommended that you re-prime your product prior to painting. Next, stir the paint in the can with a paint stick to thoroughly mix the paint.
- Paint the edges of the door first. Next, paint all the panels that are part of the door. A good technique is to then paint from the top of the door to the bottom.
- Go over the painted surface lightly with the paint brush. Do this after you paint each section to remove any brush marks.
- Re-install all window and door hardware after the paint is thoroughly dry.
GLASS REPLACMENT
Euroline Steel Windows and Doors recommends that you hire a trained service provider such as a competent and licensed construction contractor or building professional for all glazing requirements. Glazing should only be performed by a trained professional.
If your product came factory glazed, Euroline Steel Windows recommends using “DOW 795Silicone Glazing Sealant”.
EUROLINE DISCLAIMER
Euroline Steel Windows and Doors disclaims any and all liability associated with the use and/or provision of these instructions. Any reliance upon the information or advice is at the risk of the party so relying. The information contained herein may be changed from time to time without notification.
Failure to comply with the required periodic maintenance of the product will nullify the warranty.