Product Care/Maintenance


Glass and Frame Cleaning

Glass Cleaning

For best results, glass should be washed when out of direct sunlight.

Start by soaking the glass in water with a mild soap solution. This will help loosen the dirt and grime. Using a non-abrasive cloth soaked with water and mild soap, lightly remove the dirt from the glass. Immediately after washing the glass, remove all cleaning solutions with a soft dry cloth or squeegee. If using a squeegee, be sure to take care in not letting any metal surface rub across the glass.

After cleaning the glass with mild soap and water, a second washing may be desired to give the glass a clear, streak-free appearance. The second cleaning can be done with water and a small amount of vinegar. Be sure to apply and dry this solution with a soft cloth.

The use of razor blades or other sharp objects is not recommended, however if there is a residue on the glass that cannot be removed by cleaning solutions, as a last resort, a new 1" razor blade may be used. Scratching of the glass is possible so use extreme caution.

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Removing Labels from Glass

Gerkin Windows & Doors will bear several labels that refer to energy performance and installation. Our installation information is on the back of the Gerkin logo label, so do not throw this away until this information has been reviewed for proper installation. This label is a static cling label and can easily be removed without scraping. Our Low E label is removed in the same way as our Gerkin logo. The NFRC energy label is not a static cling label but it can be removed without scraping. If any of the labels are left on the glass for an extended period of time, they can be more difficult to remove or may leave a residue on the glass. Adhesive residue can be removed with the use of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). After removal of all labels, clean the glass as described above.

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Cleaning Vinyl

Vinyl can be cleaned by using a non-abrasive detergent or mild soap and a soft cloth. For stubborn stains or marks, we recommend using a small amount of Soft Scrub on a wet cloth. Soft Scrub is somewhat abrasive and will remove the gloss from the vinyl, so use sparingly.

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Cleaning Aluminum

Maintaining the finish of your painted aluminum is similar to caring for the finish on your car. Periodic cleaning with mild soap and water will keep your finish looking good. All painted finishes are susceptible to caulking and fade over time. In order to give extra life and durability to your painted finish, you can use a high-quality wax finish. When using wax, make sure the wax does not get on any non-metal surfaces. Wax can discolor vinyl parts as well as weatherstripping.

Anodized finishes are very durable and require little care other than periodic cleaning with mild soap and water. Never use acids for cleaning anodized surfaces. Acids such as muriatic acidwill discolor the anodized finish. If the brick surrounding the window is being washed with acid, make sure the windows are protected from any acid reaching the anodized surface.

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Maintenance Check List

Comfort Series Sliders

Horizontal sliders have a track system in which the operator slides. This track must be periodically cleaned in order to maintain a smooth operation. Accumulation of debris in the track can affect the weep system. If this debris builds up in front of the internal weeps, the track can fill with water and will not drain properly. The best way to clean the track is with a vacuum and then a wet cloth with a mild soap. After cleaning, pour a cup of water into the track and make sure that the water drains out. It is common for a small amount of water be left in the track after draining. If the window is not draining through the weeps properly after cleaning the track, the track will need to be removed for further cleaning. It is possible for debris to accumulate under the track and clog the weep holes. This track is snapped into place and can be easily removed. Using an "L" shaped pick, hook underneath the outside edge of the sill track and pull up. This will unsnap the connection of the track. Remove the track completely, clean, and reinstall. When reinstalling, be sure than the track snaps into place along the full length of the track. Leave an equal amount of space on each end of the track.

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Comfort Series Single Hung

Our single hung windows are built with a sloping sill to help easily drain water. There are no weep holes to keep clean, so minimal maintenance is required in order to keep the window drainage system working properly. Periodically inspect the sloped sill for debris that may accumulate in front of the screen. If debris has accumulated, remove the screen and wipe the sill with a soft cloth.

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Comfort Series Double Hung

Our double hung windows are built with a sloping sill to help easily drain water. There are no weep holes to keep clean, so minimal maintenance is required in order to keep the window drainage system working properly. Periodically inspect the sloped sill for debris that may accumulate in front of the screen. If debris has accumulated, remove the screen and wipe the sill with a soft cloth.

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Comfort Series Casement

Our casements are virtually maintenance free. Periodic maintenance is primarily limited to cleaning debris from around the hinges and roto gears. This will ensure that the sash will open and close properly without obstructions.

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Comfort Series Sliding Patio Doors

Our sliding patio doors have a sill track in which the operating panel rolls. This track must be kept clean at all times to ensure a smooth glide. Debris in this track can not only make your door panel harder to operate, but it also can plug weep holes in the door frame which are needed to drain rain water. The screen track must also be kept clear of dirt and debris for a smooth operation. If the track appears clean but still has trouble weeping water, there may be an obstruction under the track that the operating panel rolls on. This track will need to be removed in order to clear the obstruction.

To clean the area under the sill track, remove the operating panel by sliding the door open half way and then lift the panel as high into the head track as possible. While keeping the panel high into the track, pivot the lower portion of the panel in toward the room. If the rollers don't clear the sill, they will need to be adjusted upwards in order to clear the sill.

Remove the roller track with a 90 degree bent pick by reaching under the roller track on one end and pulling up until it unsnaps. Once it is disengaged, the track can be pulled out by hand. After cleaning the lower track, pour water into this area to make sure the weeps are working properly. Once completed, snap the roller track back in place with an even gap at each end of the track.

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Comfort Series Swinging Patio Doors

Gerkin swinging doors have weep slots for water drainage in the sill. In order to keep the door performing at its best, periodically clean the sill of the door and make sure all weeps are completely free and clear of any obstructions.

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Rhino Series Sliders

Horizontal sliders have a track system in which the operator slides. This track must be periodically cleaned in order to maintain a smooth operation. Accumulation of debris in the track can affect the weep system. If this debris builds up in front of the internal weeps, the track can fill with water and will not drain properly. The best way to clean the track is with a vacuum and then a wet cloth with a mild soap. After cleaning, pour a cup of water into the track and make sure that the water drains out. It is common for a small amount of water be left in the track after draining.

The rollers at the bottom of the operating sash should be checked to make sure they roll smoothly. If the rollers are worn out, they can be easily replaced with new Gerkin rollers.

The weatherstripping around your windows is designed to last for many years. Whenever cleaning your windows, you should inspect the weatherstripping to make sure it is not worn or missing. Your windows have been designed so that the weatherstripping can be replaced.

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Rhino Series Single Hung

Our single hung windows are built with a sloping sill to help easily drain water. Minimal maintenance is required in order to keep the window drainage system working properly. Periodically inspect the sloped sill for debris that may accumulate in front of the screen and screen weep holes. If debris has accumulated, remove the screen and wipe the sill with a soft cloth.

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Rhino Series Double Hung

Our double hung windows are built with a sloping sill to help easily drain water. There are no weep holes to keep clean, so minimal maintenance is required in order to keep the window drainage system working properly. Periodically inspect the sloped sill for debris that may accumulate in front of the screen and screen weep holes. If debris has accumulated, remove the screen and wipe the sill with a soft cloth.

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Rhino Series Casement

Our casements are virtually maintenance free. Periodic maintenance is primarily limited to cleaning debris from around the hinges and roto gears. This will ensure that the sash will open and close properly without obstructions.

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Rhino Series Awning

Our awning windows are virtually maintenance free. Periodic maintenance is primarily limited to cleaning debris from around the hinges and roto gears. This will ensure that the sash will open and close properly without obstructions.

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Rhino Series Hopper

Our hopper windows are virtually maintenance free. Periodic maintenance is primarily limited to cleaning debris from around the hinges and sill of the window. This will ensure that the sash will open and close properly with obstructions.

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About Weep Systems

Window and door products with drainage systems are designed to channel water away from the unit. During a rain event, water may collect or be visible on the sill of your window or door. Do not panic, this is normal. The system is designed to drain water out through the weep holes on the exterior of the unit. Water may not drain immediately. If the water does not drain or pooling continues, check weep holes for dirt or debris and clean as necessary, per our instructions below.

Cleaning The Weep System:

Sliding Windows:
The best way to clean the track is with a vacuum and then a wet cloth with a mild soap. After cleaning, pour a cup of water into the track and make sure that the water drains out. It is common for a small amount of water be left in the track after draining. If the window is not draining through the weeps properly after cleaning the track, the track will need to be removed for further cleaning. It is possible for debris to accumulate under the track and clog the weep holes. This track is snapped into place and can be easily removed. Using an "L" shaped pick, hook underneath the outside edge of the sill track and pull up. This will unsnap the connection of the track. Remove the track completely, clean, and reinstall. When reinstalling, be sure than the track snaps into place along the full length of the track. Leave an equal amount of space on each end of the track.

Patio Doors:
To clean the area under the sill track, remove the operating panel by sliding the door open half way and then lift the panel as high into the head track as possible. While keeping the panel high into the track, pivot the lower portion of the panel in toward the room. If the rollers don't clear the sill, they will need to be adjusted upwards in order to clear the sill.

Remove the roller track with a 90 degree bent pick by reaching under the roller track on one end and pulling up until it unsnaps. Once it is disengaged, the track can be pulled out by hand. After cleaning the lower track, pour water into this area to make sure the weeps are working properly. Once completed, snap the roller track back in place with an even gap at each end of the track.

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