Maintaining your windows
📌 Maintenance at a Glance
- Frequency: Lubricate moving parts at least once a year.
- The Right Oil: Use 3-in-1 oil or light machine oil. Avoid grease on window tracks.
- Tight Handles: Loose handles are common and easily fixed with a screwdriver (under the cap).
- Door Drop: If your door is catching, it likely needs professional “Toe and Heeling” adjustment.
Your windows and doors are an investment. While modern uPVC and aluminium products are described as “low maintenance,” they are not “no maintenance.”
To ensure your warranty remains valid and your locking mechanisms operate smoothly for years to come, a small amount of annual care is required. This guide covers the essentials of cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment.
Table of Contents
1. Cleaning Guidelines
Keeping your frames free of grit and dirt is the first step to smooth operation. Grit in the tracks is the number one cause of mechanism failure.
| Component | Cleaning Method |
|---|---|
| Frames (uPVC & Aluminium) | Wash with warm soapy water (washing up liquid is fine). Avoid solvent-based cleaners or abrasive creams (like Cif), as these can dull the glossy finish. |
| Glass | Use a standard glass cleaner or soapy water. For Self-Cleaning Glass, do not use squeegees or abrasive cloths; simply hose down or use a soft cloth with warm water. |
| Gaskets (Rubber Seals) | Wipe with a damp cloth. If they feel dry, a light wipe with a silicone spray can keep them supple and prevent sticking in winter. |
2. Lubrication (The Annual Service)
Metal grinds against metal. Without lubrication, friction increases, handles become stiff, and eventually, the gearbox will fail. We recommend lubricating all moving parts once a year.
What to use?
- ✅ Light Machine Oil (e.g., 3-in-1): Perfect for hinges, pivots, and locks.
- ✅ Silicone Spray: Excellent for rubber seals and sliding tracks.
- ❌ Cooking Oil / WD40: WD40 is a cleaner, not a long-term lubricant (it dries out). Cooking oil gums up and attracts dirt.
Where to apply it?
- The Locking Strip (Espag): Open your door/window. You will see metal locking points (mushrooms or hooks) on the edge. Apply a drop of oil to each one and cycle the handle up and down to work it in.
- The Hinges: Apply oil to the pivot points of the friction stays.
- The Keyhole: Apply a small amount of graphite powder or specific lock lubricant. Avoid wet oil inside cylinders as it can trap dust.
3. Tightening Window Handles
It is very common for window handles to become loose over time due to daily use. This is an easy DIY fix.
Window handles are typically secured by two screws:
- The Top Screw: Located under a plastic cap on the top of the handle. Use a thin knife or fingernail to pop this cap off.
- The Bottom Screw: Located at the base of the handle when it is in the “open” position.
- The Fix: Simply tighten these two screws with a Phillips (cross-head) screwdriver.
4. Window Hinge Adjustment
Does your window blow shut in the wind? Or is it too stiff to open?
Most modern windows are fitted with Adjustable Friction Stays. Look inside the hinge track (usually the top or bottom corner). You will see a small brass or steel screw.
- Turn Clockwise: To increase friction (tighten).
- Turn Anti-Clockwise: To decrease friction (loosen).
Make small quarter-turn adjustments and test the window until it holds its position.
5. Door Adjustment (Important Warning)
Doors are heavy, and over time, they may “drop,” causing the lock to catch or the door to drag on the floor.
⚠️ Why this is usually NOT a DIY job
While most door hinges have Allen key adjustments for lateral movement, the most common cause of a dropped door is the glass shifting inside the frame.
Fixing this requires a technique called “Toe and Heeling”—removing the beads and packing the glass with plastic shims to brace the door diagonally.
If your door needs adjustment, we strongly recommend booking a service call. Incorrect adjustment can shatter the glass or warp the sash.
📚 Related Product Guides
- Xtreme Door Cleaning Guide (PDF)
– Official care guide for our composite range. - Solidor Care Guide (PDF)
– Maintenance for solid timber core doors. - Residence Collection Guide (PDF)
– Specific care for timber-alternative windows.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
First, check for debris. Apply a small amount of graphite powder (or a dedicated lock lubricant) to the key, insert it, and turn it back and forth. Do not force the key, as it may snap. If it remains stuck, the cylinder may be worn and require replacement.
This is usually normal. uPVC frames have a “drainage channel” designed to catch water that bypasses the outer seal and drain it outside through hidden slots. Ensure these drainage slots (often found under the external sill) are not blocked by dirt or silicone.
We do not recommend painting standard uPVC frames as paint does not adhere well and will peel. If you want to change the colour, we recommend considering a replacement with factory-foiled coloured windows which are guaranteed not to fade or peel.