Window Maintenance & Cleaning

How to keep your ProVia windows looking beautiful

ProVia windows are constructed for long-term durability, energy efficiency and beauty. Even so, some regular window maintenance will help keep them looking as good as the day you had them installed. Maintenance of your windows will also help keep them operating to their fullest potential. Here are some important steps to take throughout the year to keep your windows looking beautiful.

General MaintenaNCE

Keep sill track clean of dirt and debris so water can freely flow outside.
Keep all weep holes free of obstructions so water can freely flow outside.
Inspect exterior caulking regularly and replace when necessary.
Clean and check operation of hardware and weatherstripping regularly and repair if necessary.
Keep weatherstrip clean of dirt and grit for proper seal. Wash with mild soap and water, rinse with water and wipe dry. Apply a light coat of wax (Lemon Pledge®) and wipe off excess.
Determine the source of any moisture that you see around your windows or doors and stop its entry and accumulation.
Immediately dry out any areas around the interior of your windows and doors that you observe are wet (immediate action is necessary to mitigate any damage to your home). The use of a dehumidifier, fan or any warm air source will help dry out affected area.
Maintain relative humidity at moderate levels.

Stained or Painted Wood Interior Finishes

To clean, wash with mild soap and water, rinse with clear water and wipe dry. Apply a light coat of wax (Lemon Pledge®) and wipe off excess.
For scuff marks on painted finishes, use mild liquid cleanser, rinse with clear water and wipe dry.
If finish is accidentally scratched or chipped, clean as recommended above and use standard wood finish repair crayon or touch-up paint supplied.

Painted Vinyl Exterior Finishes

ProVia vinyl windows are painted with a factory-applied finish, ensuring no peeling, flaking or blistering occurs; however, natural contaminants such as dirt or bird droppings should be removed as soon as possible.

To clean, wash with mild soap and water. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry.
DO NOT use any harsh chemicals or abrasives, including power washers, as this may discolor or damage the painted surface.

Vinyl Interior and Exterior Finishes

To clean, wash with mild soap and water. Heavy dirt and stains may require stronger cleaning compounds such as a vinyl siding cleaner. The surface can be wiped down with solvents such as turpentine, naphtha, nail polish remover (acetone) and alcohol. CAUTION: Some cleaners may mar or scratch vinyl. Abrasive cleaners will scratch the surface and are not recommended.

Hardware

Much like sterling silver, even the finest brass window hardware will react naturally to the elements surrounding it.

To maintain, polish with a non-abrasive automotive or furniture wax. By keeping your hardware cleaned and maintained, you will be rewarded with a long-lasting finish.
Tighten screws when necessary.
Lightly oil as needed. Wipe off excess.
Temperature changes from warm to cold may make it more difficult for weatherstripping to compress. To help alleviate this, it is recommended to keep hardware locked when not in use. Caution: DO NOT USE paint thinner, lacquer thinner, gasoline, kerosene or any other harsh chemical to clean surfaces or hardware.

Managing Condensation

It's not the windows, it's the humidity

To reduce window condensation, you must control humidity. Windows do not create condensation. Windows help prevent moisture from escaping to the outside and are the most visible surface where condensation is noticeable.

Remember, if you have water, frost or ice on the surface of a double-glazed window, you have excess humidity in your home. To reduce window condensation, you must reduce humidity.

If the humidity level in your home is high, and the outside temperature has dropped below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, window condensation could still occur, regardless of what window you have in your home.

What Causes Humidity to be Too High?

Uncontrolled furnace humidifiers—Turn them off to reduce excessive humidity.
Open faced, unvented gas heaters—Use them sparingly and most importantly, connected to a chimney.
Damp basement walls and floors—Waterproof to prevent condensation.
Excessive boiling when cooking—Use exhaust fans or open up windows to allow steam to exit house.
Hanging laundry to dry—Make sure room is vented with open windows.
Large number of plants, watered daily—During cold months, move plants into another room secluded from the rest of the house.
New construction homes—It can take nearly a year for drywall, plaster, paint, concrete and cement to fully dry or cure. This dampness can cause humidity in a newly constructed home.

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