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Version: 2011.07.01

Windows, Screens, and Sliding Glass Doors

Windows, screens, and sliding glass doors need routine cleaning and occasional lubrication to operate properly.

Broken Glass

Contact a glass company for reglazing of any windows that break. Glass is difficult to install without special tools.

Acrylic Block​

Clean during moderate temperatures with only a mild soap and warm water using a sponge or soft cloth and dry with a towel. Avoid abrasive cleaners, commercial glass cleaner, razors, brushes, or scrubbing devices of any kind. Minor scratches can often be minimized by rubbing a mild automotive polish on the window.

Cleaning​

Always use approved cleaning products to clean your windows.

Condensation​

Condensation on interior surfaces of the window and frame is the result of high humidity within the home and low outside temperatures. Your family's lifestyle controls the humidity level within your home. If your home includes a humidifier, closely observe the manufacturer's directions for its use.

Screen Storage and Maintenance​

Many homeowners remove and store screens for the winter to allow more light into the home.

  • Label each screen as you remove it to make re-installation more convenient.
  • Use caution: screens perforate easily and the frames bend if they are not handled with care.
  • Prior to re-installing the screens, clean them with a hose using a gentle spray of water.

Sills​

Window sills in your home are made of drywall, wood, wood product, man-made products, or marble.

  • The most common maintenance activity is dusting.
  • Twice a year, check caulking and touch up as needed.
  • Wax is not necessary but can be used to make sills gleam.
  • Protect wood and wood product sills from moisture. If you arrange plants on a sill, include a plastic tray under the pot.

Sliding Glass Doors​

Sliding glass doors are made with tempered glass, which is more difficult to break than ordinary glass. If broken, tempered glass breaks into small circular pieces rather than large splinters which can easily cause injury.

  • Keep sliding door tracks clean for smooth operation and to prevent damage to the door frame. Silicone lubricants work well for these tracks.
  • Acquaint yourself with the operation of sliding door hardware for maximum security.
  • Under certain lighting conditions, door glass may be hard to see. If you keep the screen fully closed when the glass door is open, your family will be accustomed to opening something before going through. You may want to apply a decal to the glass door to make it readily visible.

Sticking Windows​

Most sliding windows (both vertical and horizontal) are designed for a 10-pound pull. If sticking occurs or excessive pressure is required to open or close a window, apply a silicone lubricant. This is available at home improvement and hardware stores. Avoid petroleum-based products.

Weep Holes​

In heavy rains, water may collect in the bottom channel of window frames. Weep holes are provided to allow excess water to escape to the outside. Keep the bottom window channels and weep holes free of dirt and debris for proper operation.

Warranty Coverage: See Windows, Screens, and Sliding Glass Doors Standards for coverage details.