Aftercare

Appropriate Lubricants

Items such as door locks, friction hinges, and reversible window gear which have been lubricated in manufacture and installation should be treated with the appropriate lubricant when they show signs of stiffening up in use or they have been left unused for a considerable time.

All of our handles and fittings are made from the best quality base materials. The surface is protected from corrosion either by transparent lacquer, anodising and electroplating, or by a special vacuum-coating process. Surfaces protected by chrome-plating or vacuum-coating have a high scratch resistance. Cleaning and maintenance couldn’t be simpler:

Handles should not be overtightened as this may impair the operation of the espagnolette, shoot bolt, lock or tilt & turn mechanism. Casement fasteners and stays should not be overtightened as this may split the frame, especially on a timber system.

As with most mechanical devices, hinges require periodic maintenance and lubrication. The hinge in general and particularly the pivots, sliding shoe and track must be kept free from dirt, debris and any obstructions at all times.

• Clean any dirt or debris from the hinge.
• Clear any obstructions from the pivots, sliding shoe and track.
• Lubricate with light engineering oil with corrosion inhibitors.
• Avoid solvent-based aerosol sprays like WD40.
• Check the tightness and security of all fixing screws and rivets

Normal operating conditions for all hinges are:

• Operating temperature range: -20°C to +60°C
• Operating humidity range: 10% Relative Humidity to 95%

If a hinge is fitted in an area where it is exposed to a corrosive atmosphere (e.g. salt laden sea air in coastal locations) we recommend that, in addition to general maintenance and lubrication, all metal surfaces are lightly coated with lubrication oil or sprayed with a proprietary anticorrosion spray.

Depending on the type of fixing the maintenance required to prevent corrosion can vary.

• Brass. Polish regularly to maintain the original colour.
• Stainless steel. Remove rust spots from with stain remover and polish.
• Lacquered fittings. Maintain with paint according to the instructions of the paint manufacturer.
• Anodized aluminium. Clean at least once a year with neutral solvents and non-scratching materials.

After installation, all windows must be checked for function and all restrictors and reverse catches should limit the opening or closing of the window. Initial restrictors must hold the window at approximately 100mm max and automatically engage and reengage when operated.

Ensure regular operation of the emergency escape device for a clean release of the locking points as the bar is operated. Also check for unimpeded opening and closing of the door, including successful engagement of both locking points as the door closes. This should always occur quickly and easily.

Carry out the following monthly checks (especially important for high traffic, commercial and corrosive conditions):

• Ensure that the strike plate is free from obstruction.
• Remove the cosmetic end cap from the locking stile end of the bar.
• Check that the screw retaining the crank onto the vertical rod mechanism is securely fastened.
• Check all other fixings (including the head strike) are securely fastened.
• Lubricate with high grade, lithium-based grease the top of the square bolt where it bears against the stop plate of the top bolt actuator.
• Lubricate all other moving parts with grease that is silicone-based.

Powder coated frames need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that the decorative and protective properties of the coating are retained. For large scale buildings requiring regular cleaning operations we advise using companies or individuals who specialise in this type of work.

• • Wash the coating using a solution of warm water and mild detergent.
• All surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge, using nothing harsher than natural bristle brushes.
• Cleaning of the frames can often be combined with cleaning the glass.

Carry out the following monthly checks (especially important for high traffic, commercial and corrosive conditions):