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Bechthold Home Improvements
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  • Childhood Cancer BBQ

CARE & MAINTENANCE

WINDOWS & DOORS

 

It is best to consult your manufacturer's warranty for specific instructions regarding maintenance and cleaning, as well as the use of potentially abrasive or caustic cleaners or solvents. You should be careful when cleaning the glass and frame surfaces as directed by the manufacturer.


Be sure to check weather stripping, hardware and caulking making sure to replace broke, worn or damaged parts. As poor performing parts can decrease the security and energy efficiency of your window and door.


 Having problems with condensation on your windows, here is information about household condensation. 

WINDOW & DOOR CLEANING TIPS

 

  • Never use razor blades, putty knife, steel wool, abrasive pad or anything that may scratch or damage your window and door
  • Never use a pressure washer or high-pressure sprayer to wash or rinse windows or doors. As this can dislodge seals and gaskets and damage frame components.
  • Clean the glass and frame with a mixture of mild soap or detergent and water. Rinse completely with clear water, then wipe dry with a soft cloth to help avoid water spots. Always test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first.
  • Avoid abrasive, petroleum-based or caustic cleaners because they may cause permanent damage to the finish on the glass or frame.
  • Clean screens by gently vacuuming with a brush attachment, or remove for cleaning - gently vacuum or wash on a flat, clean surface with mild soap and water and a soft brush. Rinse with clean water, wipe or air dry and reinstall.
  • Make sure to clean tracks and weepholes (both inside and outside) by using a dry paint brush or vacuum brush attachment. The use of oil based lubricants can damage the weephole. Weepholes help by channelling water out of the window or door, thus they need to be sure they are free from any debris. Note: If the window is "stacked" there may be weepholes between units.
  • Vacuum dirt from sill & track areas before washing with a mild soap and water. Rinse completely with clear water and wipe dry.
  • Windows and doors can be vulnerable to water leakage at the corners if they are not properly maintained. If a crack appears, it should be sealed according to the manufacturer's warranty.
  • Moving hardware parts, tracks and rollers should be lubricated periodically in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance instructions.

RETRACTABLE SCREENS

 

To help minimize damage and unnecessary screen door repairs the following maintenance and care recommendations are provided to ensure the long-term enjoyment of your new retractable screen.

  • Regularly clean the bottom screen door tract of debris, small stones, and pet hair.
  • Annually clean tracks, housing and screen mesh with warm soapy water, and dry with a clean soft cloth.
  • The mesh may also be cleaned by using a vacuum with an upholstery brush, being careful not to snag the screen material.
  • Following the annual screen door cleaning, lubricate the tracts with a good quality dry silicone only spray lubricant.
  • When cleaning be sure not to use corrosive cleaners, as they may damage the painted finish.
  • In particularly high traffic or dusty areas, cleaning and lubrication will be needed more frequently.
  • Introduce your pets to the screen door and train them to respect it, as you would any other household fixture. 
  • Screens should be retracted when not in use. This helps to maintain the longevity of your screen and keeps the screen clean from being damaged from the elements.
  • It is highly recommended that whenever the wind 'picks up', the retractable screen door be stored away in it's protective housing.


 FALL SCREEN CARE TIPS 


 

It's important to remember to make sure your screen is stored away in good condition as you prepare for the cold weather season. 

  • Inspect your screen for damage. Make sure there are no holes or tears in the screen mesh. Check to make sure your screen opens and retracts smoothly.
  • Once your screens have passed the visual inspection be sure to thoroughly clean your screen, vacuum the housing and tracks. See above for cleaning care.
  • Lubricate the top and bottom tracks with a high-quality dry silicone only spray lubricant

MOTORIZED OR OVERSIZED SCREENS

 Although the large format manual and motorized screens are designed to be virtually a maintenance-free product, we would like to suggest some simple routine maintenance tips that will enhance and maintain your screen.

  • Use a dry silicone only spray lubricant in the systems mesh slots in the track to ensure the screen moves freely. Do not spray where the brake is.
  • At all times, keep the motor away from direct contact with the elements. If you need to wash your screen or housing, use warm soapy water (not a corrosive cleaner) and a soft clean cloth. 
  • Screens should be kept free of holes and be completely intact. Periodically inspect screens for cuts, scratches, or holes.
  • If an object prevents the unit from lowering, lift the dropbar up manually and remove the obstacle.
  • Interruption of power can affect motorized unit operation. Ensure that power is still getting to the unit.
  • Remote controls have a limited battery life. Replace the battery if the light does not come on when the buttons are pressed.
  • Wind load may affect the screen's operation. Motorized screens should not be operated in heavy winds.
  • Cold weather conditions such as snow and ice can affect screen operation. Ensure your screen is fully retracted into the housing to prevent ice buildup on mesh or slidebar.

AWNINGS

Fabric gets dirty, it's a fact of life.  The material can be washed off easily. This can be done by gently brushing off any loose dirt, debris etc., then hosing off the fabric with clear water (do not use a power washer as this may damage the fabric), you may use a solution of mild natural soap (ie. Ivory Snow® or Woolite®) and water, combined with a soft bristled brush or cloth to clean off any dirt. 

CARE & MAINTENANCE

The water should be cold to lukewarm, (never more than 100°F or 35°C), rinse thoroughly to remove all soap then leave awning extended to allow sufficient time for air drying. Performing this minor maintenance regularly (2 to 3 times a season) ensures a beautiful appearance and long lasting life of your fabric top. 

For stubborn stains, you may add a small amount of bleach or Dawn® dish soap to the cleaning solution. Always, rinse well to remove all cleaning agents and allow sufficient time for air drying. 


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