Cleaning

Occasional cleaning will maintain those good looks and ease of use.

Use a soft cloth, warm water and mild detergent such as washing up liquid on PVC-U, woodgrains, coloured finishes and other surfaces.

More stubborn marks can be removed with a good car polish. Always test first. Under no circumstances should abrasive cleaners and solvent based materials be used.

A suitable cloth or soft brush, such as a paint brush, can remove dust and cobwebs from moving parts, rebates and cill areas where dirt, dust and grit can naturally accumulate.

Take care not to dislodge decorative lead strips during cleaning. Though strongly bonded, excessive pressure might cause distortion or de-lamination of the lead from the glass surface. Exposed lead will oxidise naturally creating an attractive and lasting patina. It is recommended this is not disturbed.

Where fitted, drainage holes and slots should be inspected and kept clear from blockage for optimum performance, especially in bad weather. Dirt and grit should be removed from door thresholds, in particular from metal, low level cills and the inside lower rebates of opening windows.

Keep weather-strips and glazing gaskets clean and free from grime. Inspect to ensure there is good and consistent surface contact. Any dislodged gaskets or weather seals can be slid back into position. If damaged it is important you contact us for a replacement.

Lubrication

For smooth operation - handles, hinges, stays and locks should be kept clean as suggested and occasionally lubrictaed to stop sticking and stiffness.

Appropriate lubricants include:

Roofs

Roofs can be cleaned with water and mild detergent such as washing up liquid to remove grime and any naturally occuring algae. Always test first. Under no circumstances should abrasive cleaners and solvent based materials be used.

Take care not to damage roof materials such as glass or polycarbonate. Do not walk directly on the roof. If necessary and with great care, use boards resting on frmae members to spread the load. Avoid leaning ladders directly against plastic materials such as gutters, PVC-U framing, roof sheets etc.

Gutters

All gutters, box gutters and down pipes should be regularly inspected, kept clean and free from debris and blockage. A small quantity of standing water in gutters is normal and can be ignored.

Heating

Some background heat should be present in conservatories during cold weather. if condensation is a concern, increase ventilation and heating. Where possible, locate heaters below glass areas to maintain temperature levels.

Condensation

By installing PVC-u framed double glazed windows you have increased the thermal properties of the winodws and the therefore reduced the onset of condensation. There are a number of activities you can limit to reduce the amount of condensation (moisture) produced in your home:

• if you dry clothes on radiators, confine this to one room and ventilate the room by opening a window
• when bathing/taking a shower, again try to contain this to one room by closing the internal door and ventilate with a circulation of fresh air
• heating any rooms where condensation is forming is essential

Conservatory roofs are susceptible to condensation under certain conditions. The effects of condensation within your conservatory can be minimised by heating at a normal domestic banding of between 10 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius and 40 to 65 per cent relative humidity (which may require ventilation via a roof light.

Security

Eurocell windows and doors have been specifically designed to meet the security requirements of the relevant British Standards. These specifications are there to protect your home from intrusion.

Even though our windows and doors have met the requirements of the relevant British Standards, we recommend that you take sensible precautions at all times, these include:

• ensure all windows are closed when leaving your home unattended
• lock all windows and doors which are not currently being used, this will then stop you from forgetting to do so when leaving the house unattended
• lock all doors when leaving the house unattended or at night
• lock all windows and remove keys keeping them out of external view but easily accessible in an emergency
• make sure all members of the household know where to find the keys for windows and doors in case of an emergency