Smart Aluminium Maintenance Guide

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

ALUMINIUM

a) In areas within the direct influence zones of salt water, industrial chemical plants, blast furnaces or other aggressive emission sources, the window should be cleaned at least every three months. In a relatively cleaner environment every six months should be sufficient

In carrying out regular maintenance outside, the internal surfaces are frequently neglected. After a period of time, grime and deposits from tobacco smoke, coal and oil fires, etc., can discolour the inside of the window frame and it is recommended that these should be cleaned at least once per year

b) Procedure

(i) Wash down with clean warm water containing a non-alkaline liquid detergent (in a concentration which can be handled safely with bare hands) using a non-abrasive cloth, sponge or soft bristle brush. This will remove grime, grease and any excess chalking. All ridges, grooves, joints and drainage channels where salt or other deposits can collect should be well washed out, thus preventing corrosion sites from occurring!

(ii) Rinse thoroughly with clean water

(iii) Dry using a soft cloth or leather

c) Where a reduction in gloss is observed, chalking is evident or excessive staining has occurred, then an approved renovating cream may be carefully applied with a nonabrasive cloth

Note: T-Cut or similar automotive paint restorer may be used provided it is not too abrasive!

Care must be taken not to abrade sharp corners of section or aris of beads too heavily where the paint film is normally thinner, and it should be remembered that this operation should not be carried out too frequently

Polish with a soft cloth to restore gloss and colour uniformity

For extra protection a wax polish can be applied once or twice a year again polishing with a soft cloth to restore glass

WINDOW HARDWARE MAINTENANCE

The friction stays and locking mechanisms should be lubricated periodically to minimise wear and to ensure smooth operation

Care should be taken to avoid applying lubricant to the friction pads as this will impair their braking action. The resistance of the pads can be adjusted, if necessary, with the brass screws provided in each pad

DOOR HARDWARE MAINTENANCE

Hinges and locking mechanisms should be lubricated periodically to minimise wear and to ensure smooth operations

REPLACEMENT OF BROKEN GLASS

Windows and Doors can be re-glazed and the gaskets and weatherstripping replaced using the materials supplied

Any damage to the gasket or beads may necessitate replacement to retain the weather performance of the product

DOOR HARDWARE MAINTENANCE

Hinges and locking mechanisms should be lubricated periodically to minimise wear and to ensure smooth operations

Aluminium Maintenance Guide kindly reproduced from Smart Systems Consumer Literature, for use with their products including Re-Al Aluminium