Care and Maintenance of EuroLite Products

GENERAL CLEANING

Prepare cleaning solution (1 tsp baby shampoo to one gallon of water or 1 1/2 cups vinegar to one gallon of water).

  1. Rinse surface with clean water from top to bottom.
  2. Clean with mild soap and water using a sponge or soft brush with uniform pressure horizontally, then vertically to remove dirt.
  3. Promptly rinse thoroughly with clean water. Sponging while rinsing is helpful. Do not allow cleaning solution to dry on the surface or collect and puddle.
  4. Wipe dry with lint-free dry cloth.

Dry window frame and sill with separate cloth

Recommendations

  • Do not power-wash windows or use a garden hose; this can cause seal failure and allow water to enter the structure.
  • When cleaning exterior, multi-story windows, begin with the upper story and work down.
  • Avoid using metal tools, razor blades, or other sharp objects and any abrasive cleaners. They can damage window surfaces, scratch glass and remove glass coatings.
  • Do not allow aggressive cleaners to come into contact with metal surfaces.
  • Do not allow cleaning solution to puddle or collect at glass edges near glazing materials.
  • Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight or in temperatures too hot or too cold.
  • Avoid excessive rubbing or over-cleaning.
  • Clean and rinse one area at a time.
  • Clean approximately twice a year (monthly in coastal areas where salt spray occurs) or whenever dirty.
  • After-market tints and films are not recommended, as they may cause damage to the glass and/or sealant.

Precautions & Safety

  • Never mix cleaners or solvents. This may be dangerous as well as ineffective.
  • Use proper/safe equipment and precautions when cleaning and servicing the exterior side of windows above ground level.

Label Removal

Slowly peel from one corner. If label tears or sticks, moisten with soapy water and gently scrape with plastic putty knife. Stubborn labels can be soaked with soapy water and covered overnight with plastic wrap before gently removing with plastic putty knife.

More Information on Glass Cleaning

The Glass Association of North America (GANA):
www.glasswebsite.com

Inspection & Maintenance

Weatherstrip

Inspecting and maintaining weatherstrip can help avoid costly damage from water infiltration or energy loss due to deterioration. Replace a weatherstrip that is missing, torn, cracked, brittle, discolored, gummy, or that has no “bounce back” when pressed down. Call us for replacement parts and instructions.


Precautions

  • Do not use solvents such as mineral spirits, alcohol or petroleum-based products, which may damage or dissolve weatherstrip or weatherstrip adhesion.
  • Do not allow solvents or silicone to contact surfaces around the weatherstrip.
  • Do not use abrasives, sanders, or anything sharp near weatherstrip.

Weatherstrip Cleaning

  1. Clean with damp cloth or mild soap and water.
  2. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Weatherstrip Repair

If weatherstrip is loose, or coming off:

  1. Carefully pull back weatherstrip.
  2. Apply thin bead of super glue, then press firmly for just a few seconds.

Oxidation Residue

If any brown residue is noted on the surface of the product, or oxidation is left untreated, the corrosion process will expand into the steel product. If this happens, your product warranty is nullified.

Coastal Care & Maintenance

NOTE: In coastal applications and in harsh environments, such as near salt water, EuroLite Steel Doors and Windows recommends monthly inspections and maintenance. Salt and other corrosive or abrasive substances must not be allowed to build up on exterior surfaces.

Clean the exterior with a mild detergent soap and water at least every month and more frequently if necessary to prevent build up. Any scratches, chips or areas of abrasion to the exterior coating must be repaired immediately.

How to Touch up EuroLite Products

Please contact us at sales@eurolitedoors.com for touch up paint for any dings or scratches that may occur during installation or normal usage.

Re-finishing a EuroLite Product

When preparing to refinish your EuroLite steel products, consider the tools and materials you will need for the entire project. Listed below are some common painting/ re-finishing product types to consider. Specific tools or materials may vary.

Note! Areas with extreme climates and corrosive environments (coastal and humid areas) require specially designed products that offer extra protection.

Touchup Painting instructions;

  1. Clean the scratched area well using the instructions above.
  2. Black Color: Mix 5 parts black paint with one part lacquer thinner.
  3. Apply one layer of color, then a second layer (if needed) after 45 minutes.
  4. Clearcoat Finish: Mix 12 parts lacquer with 3 parts hardener and 2 parts thinner.
  5. Apply one layer of clearcoat after 15 minutes and a second layer (if needed) after 5 minutes.

Allow the metal to cure and harden for 24 hours in a dry environment.

Drainage or Weep System

It is normal for water to accumulate and drain out of weep holes found in the horizontal sill members on any outswing products. To allow for adequate drainage, this area should be kept free from dirt, insects, leaves and debris.

  1. Vacuum the sill and remove any debris.
  2. Check the sills for sealant adhesion and make sure that all setting screws are sealed.
  3. Use a small brush to clean any debris from the weep holes.

Be careful not to disturb the weatherstrip when cleaning these areas.

Glass Replacement

EuroLite recommends that you hire a licensed contractor or Glazing professional for all glazing requirements. Glazing should only be performed by a trained professional! We recommend using “SS521 Silicone Structural Sealant” for all glazing replacement.

EuroLite Disclaimer

EuroLite disclaims any and all liability associated with the use and/or provision of these instructions. Any reliance upon the information or advice is at the risk of the party so relying. The information contained herein may be changed from time to time without notification. Failure to comply with the required periodic maintenance of the product may nullify the warranty.

For questions, feel free to contact us by phone: 888-300-9631 or at sales@www.eurolitedoors.com