Operation and Maintenance Guide
Operation and Maintenance Guide
Congratulations on your new purchase. This document will guide you through how to keep your windows and doors looking and operating their best for years to come, as well as advice on reducing condensation and maintaining the highest levels of security in your home.
General Maintenance
REHAU windows and doors require very little maintenance; however, it is important to ensure that the following tips are adhered to so your new uPVC windows and doors retain their value and appearance.
uPVC Window Cleaning
Whether white or foiled, there is no need to use a special type of cleaner for basic cleaning requirements. REHAU profiles can be cleaned using warm soapy water, such as a gentle washing-up liquid, and a damp cloth. Make sure the cloth is clean and free from stones or debris which may cause scratching.
Any stubborn stains can be cleaned with REHAU‘s uPVC cleaner. Please contact your installer for further information on REHAU cleaning kits which are available.
It is extremely important that you do not use any cleaning products which may damage the surface of the profile. This particularly applies to cleaning solutions or polishes which contain solvents or thinners. Using these products can discolour foiled and white frames and attack the surface of the profile or foil, making it less resistant to the atmosphere.
Glass Cleaning
For the best results, use warm soapy water to remove any dirt or debris, and once dry, follow up with a simple household glass cleaner and a clean cloth. To remove all streaks, you can use a squeegee working from top to bottom, ensuring there are no drips. Any jewellery should be removed prior to cleaning to ensure the glass is not scratched.
Drainage
Your windows and doors will contain drainage slots and channels. It is important that these are kept clear of blockages to ensure proper drainage. Please open your window or door and ensure the frame rebate is kept clean. Remove any dirt or blockages and wipe the rebate clean with a damp cloth.
Lubrication
Every element of your window or door requires maintenance to prolong life, especially hardware, to ensure smooth operation for years to come.
- Any moving components where there are pivot points such as locks and hinges should be lubricated using a non-acidic mineral oil (e.g. 3-in-One Oil for multi-purpose use and rust protection) at least twice a year, and all surfaces surrounding the mechanism should be cleaned with a damp cloth and kept free of any dirt or debris.
- Door cylinders should be lubricated using a small amount of PTFE-based lubricant. This is applied to the key, inserted into the cylinder, and turned a few times in line with the normal locking function. The surface should be cleaned with a damp cloth.
- Window and door handles can be surface cleaned with a damp cloth.
Security
REHAU window and door systems are designed and tested to meet the strict requirements of the relevant British Standards. Security is one of the key considerations when purchasing your new windows or doors, but even once they are installed, there are certain things you should remember to protect your home and family against intrusion.
Never leave your windows or doors open when your home is unattended.
Lock all windows and doors when they are in the closed position and remove the keys, but keep them close by and out of view in case of emergency.
Lock all windows and doors at night.
Condensation
Condensation occurs when moisture in the air condenses into water when it comes into contact with cold surfaces. Modern houses are built in a more energy-efficient way compared to traditional houses, which allowed water vapour to escape through natural ventilation.
Condensation increases through everyday activities such as drying clothes, boiling a kettle, bathing, cooking, and even breathing.
Double glazing improves the thermal properties of a window and therefore reduces the onset of condensation, but you can also reduce condensation through adequate ventilation.
Ventilation
Ventilation is important and provides air circulation within your home. Correct ventilation also reduces condensation.
- Open a window (be mindful of security).
- Fit a ventilation or extraction unit in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Fit wall vents to provide airflow.
- Trickle vents provide improved background ventilation whilst minimising heat loss.
Operation Guide
The following information is general guidance on how to operate your windows and doors. For more specific information or if you have any questions, please contact your installer in the first instance, who will be happy to advise.
Casement Windows
Casement windows have a push button or key lock. To open, turn the key if locked, push the button and turn the handle. To close, turn the handle again and, if the handle is lockable, turn the key.
Some window hinges may be supplied with restrictors which reduce the opening of your window. To fully open, there will be a quick-release button or hook and peg which will open the window further.
Egress hinges go one step further and allow the window to open to 90° for emergency access in the event of a fire.
Another type of hinge is Egress Easy Clean. These feature a button located on the top and bottom of the sash which allows the sash to slide for easy cleaning.
- Open the window fully and locate the buttons on the top and bottom hinges.
- Press one button and slightly slide the window towards the centre of the opening. Repeat for the second button.
- Use both hands to slide the window evenly.
- To reset the hinges to their normal operating mode, simply close the window.
Tilt & Turn Windows
Tilt and turn windows feature the option to both tilt and open fully inwards. The tilt function provides ventilation whilst the turn provides easy cleaning as well as an emergency exit.
To select the tilt function, turn the handle 90° to the horizontal position and pull the window.
To select the turn function, from the closed position, turn the handle 180° until it points upwards and pull the window towards you. The side will now remain hinged to the frame whilst the sash is open into the room.
To close from the turn position, simply push the window until it is firmly in place and turn the handle 180° to the initial position.
Fully Reversible Windows
Fully reversible windows rotate 180° through the use of unique hardware. Some hardware types feature a button which, when pressed, allows the window to open further.
Open the window to the first restricted position by turning the handle and pushing the window open.
To open the window to the second restricted position, locate and press the button whilst pushing the window open.
To aid cleaning, press the button again and push the window open to arm’s length, then continue reversal by pulling the window from the top until the window engages with the restrictor.
Vertical Sliding Windows
Vertical sliding windows are a traditional style which slide open vertically. Depending on the specification of your window, some may be fitted with latches for a tilt function.
- To open your window, unlock by turning the catch and leave it in the open position.
- You can then slide the bottom sash up or the top sash down using the ring hooks.
- The tilt function may be limited as per hardware supplier recommendations and weight limits. When using this function, please take care as the sashes can be heavy.
- If your windows have a tilt function, ensure the bottom sash has cleared the sill. Locate and push the tilt latches towards the middle of the sash. This allows the sash to tilt inwards. Make sure you support the sash when tilting.
- The top sash can then be tilted in the same way by sliding the top sash down, locating the tilt latches, and pushing towards the middle. Again, make sure you support the sash when tilting inwards.
- The tilt facility should only be used when cleaning and should not be left in this position for an extended period.
Entrance Doors
Your new door could have been fitted with two types of locks. The operation for both types is listed below.
Most doors are fitted with a handle on either side, which open, close, and lock the door using a key.
- The door is operated by pressing the handle down from the middle position until the latch releases and the door opens.
- To close, simply push the door until the latch operates — you will hear a click.
- For added security and to eliminate draughts and warping, lift the handle once the door has been shut to engage the additional locking points and cams.
- To deadlock the door, you must raise the handle as far as it will go before turning the key. If the handle is not raised sufficiently, the door will not lock.
- Always make sure you check the door is locked before leaving your home.
- Your door could also be fitted with key-only entry externally.
- In this situation, the door operates internally in exactly the same way as above.
- The external handle (if fitted) will not open the door, and the key must be turned in the cylinder to unlock it.
Remember, a key will always be required to gain entry from outside.
French Doors
French doors are fitted with an active and inactive sash. The active sash operates in the same way as the entrance door, but the inactive sash may be operated by either a handle or finger bolts.
- The active sash should always be opened first and closed last. Trying to open the inactive sash first will strain the lock or finger bolts.
- To open the inactive door with a handle, ensure the door is unlocked, then push the handle down to open. To re-lock, push the door closed, lift the handle, then turn the key in the lock.
- To open the inactive door with finger bolts, release the bolts at the top and bottom to open the door. When closing, reverse this operation.
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are operated as expected. Most have a lever as well as a key.
- To open, turn the key to unlock, push the lever downwards and slide the door into the open position.
- To close, reverse the above sequence.
Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold doors must always be operated with the main traffic door opening first and closing last.
- Insert the key and unlock the door.
- Each door should be opened and fully closed onto the next door leaf.When opening the double-hinged door, twist the handle and then use the grab handle to push or pull open the doors.
- When closing, repeat the process in reverse, ensuring the main door handle is lifted to engage the shoot bolts and lock the door.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO
- Clean the glass regularly with a good quality glass cleaner.
- Frequently clean the PVC profiles with warm soapy water only.
- Ensure drainage slots are kept clear and free of dirt or debris.
- Keep all moving components lubricated at least twice a year to ensure prolonged operational function and wipe handles regularly with a clean cloth.
- Keep all sliding and bi-fold door tracks clear and clean to avoid excessive wear on sliding parts.
DON’T
- Use abrasive cleaners or products containing thinners or solvents which may damage your windows or doors.
- Use excessive loads on windows, doors, and glass.
- Use pressure or heat/steam when cleaning, such as pressure washers or steam cleaners.
Most hard plastic hardware parts require periodic cleaning for smooth operation. Please follow the general cleaning method described above. Plastic hardware does not require lubrication.