Routine
Aftercare of your InstallationThank you for choosing House of Surrey.
Your installation has been designed, constructed and fitted to the highest possible standards and is virtually free of maintenance. However, to retain its smart appearance and ease of operation a small amount of care and attention is necessary.
Please take a few minutes to read this page. It will ensure that your House of Surrey installation will always be as good as new.
Timber
All softwood timber used has been primed and will require, as soon as possible, an undercoat and topcoat. Delay in doing this may result in deterioration of the timber from moisture penetration.
Redwood finish and black finish hardwood frames have been treated with a preservative and a colourant.
White finish hardwood frames have been treated with three coats of a microporous finish, two of undercoat and a topcoat.
All the above treatments require further applications, the frequency of which depends on your location in respect of weather exposure, wind blown sea salt, etc. As a guide, renewed application in the autumn of each year is suggested for average situations and it should only be applied in dry weather, sparingly with a brush and ensuring that the surface is free of dust before application.
Although timber sub-frames are not covered by the Company's guarantee, if the maintenance recommended in the above paragraphs is adhered to these frames should prove trouble free for many years.
FramesAluminium or UPVC frames should be regularly wiped clean with warm soapy water, the frequency of which will depend on the location of your property. For example, in an area where there is a strong possibility of salt sea spray, this application ought to be at least four times a year. No abrasives or abrasive liquids should be used under any circumstances.
The metal framework of your windows and doors are covered by the Companies ten year guarantee, subject to the adherence to the above routine maintenance.
If re-rendering or applying any decorative finish to outside walls, avoid contact with windows or doors, as the material used could have a detrimental effect on the finish.
When carrying out any cleaning or re-decoration, care should be taken not to damage the waterproof mastic seals.
Should you chip the paint finish on any of your products, this may be touched up with a non-solvent touch-up paint.
Patio Doors
Tracks should be kept clean for smooth running, and drainage channels kept clear.
Moving Parts
All moving parts, as listed below, require periodic lubrication with WD-40 spray, penetrating oil or, in the case of locks and cylinders, graphite powder.
Hinges, lock assemblies, handles, tandom wheels on patio doors and letter plate springs and striking plates. These items are covered by the Company's guarantee for a period of one year from the date of installation but, with periodic maintenance as outlined above, should prove satisfactory for many years.
NEVER
USE FORCE.Vents
Opening vents on windows require an even push or pull when being opened or closed. Where two handles have been fitted, both should be used together to avoid damage to the friction stays.
Vents left open for long periods may sometimes result in an accumulation of windblown dirt on the stays, leading to clogging and restricted action. If this should occur do NOT use force, but remove the dirt and free the action with WD-40 spray or penetrating oil.
Buckled hinges or stays, as a result of force or misuse, are not covered by the Company's guarantee.
Secondary Glazing
The tracks of sliding panels should be kept clean and lubricated with silicone polish.
Condensation
Double glazing cannot cause condensation. By acting as a heat barrier and providing an inner pane which is considerably closer to room temperature than the outer pane, condensation is reduced.
Modern buildings are designed to eliminate draughts and do not have the natural ventilation that some older houses have with their chimneys and ill-fitting doors and windows. Houses which have been completely sealed by the installation of cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, double glazing and draught proofing throughout are likely to become moisture traps. In such cases, condensation is caused by insufficient ventilation. Provided the rooms are heated normally, the solution will probably be found by providing controlled ventilation.
In the case of older "unsealed" buildings, the dominant factor is likely to be the indoor temperature, and additional heat, or the introduction of localised heat near the windows, will probably provide the answer.
