.png)
Maintaining your doors and windows is important for preserving functionality, security and energy efficiency. As the first line of defense against the elements, it is essential you invest time in routine checks. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore practical tips, techniques, and best practices for caring for your doors and windows.
MAINTENANCE, CARE & PROTECTION OF YOUR PRODUCTS
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ & FULLY UNDERSTOOD THE FOLLOWING
Windows are installed in accordance with our instructions.
Should the coating become damaged after the windows are installed, the coating should be promptly repaired in accordance with our remedial coatings instruction, which is covered in this section. The coating is cared for in such a way that it is not damaged by abrasion, for example, window cleaner's ladders. The coating and surrounding area should not be cleaned with strong chemicals. The coating is cleaned at specific intervals so that dirt retention does not lead to excessive mould growth. Such mould growth is likely to occur on north facing elevations.
Only coatings recommended by Woody Man Ltd should be applied to the joinery. Accidental physical damage to our products after installation is not covered by our guarantee, therefore either follow the correct coatings maintenance schedule below, or call out a specialist.
Daily Care & Protection
With the correct care and attention, your factory finished products will give extended life between redecoration cycles. To achieve this performance, the following should be observed:
At least once a year all coatings should be washed with mild detergent and water to remove surface pollution.
All hinge and lock mechanisms and handles should be checked at least twice a year minimum for ease of operation and lubricated as required. We recommend using the 'ABUS PS88 50ml Lubricating Spray' https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000Y8P8BY?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k3_1_11&=&crid=38AWBAETC5R5X&=&sprefix=lock+lubric or something similar.
We do not recommend using WD-40, as it will only dry out the timber surrounding the targeted area.
Gaskets should be cleaned at least once a year to remove dust or grime to maintain the performance of your products.
Keep your new doors (that use KFV multipoint locks) locked at all times, even if you are at home. If you do not lock the 3-point lock and only close the door, the door leaf will start to bend. Temperature difference outside and inside affects the wood, so the 3 point locks are installed, not only for security reasons, but also to keep the door leaf straight.
Ventilators should be cleaned at least once a year to remove dust and grime that may affect their performance.
Surface coatings
Our windows and doors are coated with high performance, water-based, micro-porous, spray applied coatings. With minimum maintenance they will give decades of service.
The coating should be washed down with clean water (no chemicals) to remove dust, insects and other contaminates, as these can form a base for fungal growth.
The coating should then be inspected for any damaged areas, which should be repaired using the following procedure:
Abrade the damaged area with fine-grade sandpaper. Clean down and wash abraded area to remove dust and allow to dry thoroughly.
Using a good quality synthetic brush, designed for use with acrylic paints, apply a coat of high performance, water-based, micro-porous, spray applied coating applied in the appropriate shade/ color to match the damaged area. Allow to dry for four hours and then apply a second coat.
If the damaged area is widespread, it is recommended that the whole frame is abraded, and repair as described above with the second coat applied to the complete frame
Where damage has affected the full depth of the coating creating a deep gouge
The full system requires repair. The gouge should be abraded and filled with good quality wood filler. Leave to dry then sand down to a good finish and prime using a high performance, water-based, micro-porous, spray applied coating.
Then using a good quality synthetic brush apply a single coat of high performance, water-based, micro-porous, spray applied coating. Leave until completely dry (2-4 hours) and then give it a final coat.
Where the coatings system is intact but requires a cosmetic upgrade
Lightly abrade the damaged area with a fine-grade abrasive paper.
Clean down and wash the abraded area to remove dust and allow to dry thoroughly.
Then give two top coats as described in previous section.
Where resin has exuded through the coating
Our engineered pinewood is treated in our factory in order to prevent this from happening, therefore it is unlikely you will have to follow this procedure.
However, in the case that it does, the best remedial treatment is to allow it to weather until it dries and oxidises forming a white crystalline powder. Then the resin can be removed with a stiff nylon brush and the remaining residue washed off with a cloth.
Water-based coatings with their relatively high degree of moisture vapour permeability often allow the passage of resin to the surface without damage to the coating. If the finish is not damaged by over vigorous scrubbing during crystalline removal, re-coating is often unnecessary.
Although it may be unsightly, it is better not to remove fresh sticky resin. In practise this can be very difficult and the presence of sticky resin indicates that the exudation is still continuing. The remedial work for resin exudation is often best left until the first maintenance period by which time the resin has fully crystallised. After removal as described above, the overall application of one maintenance coat of finish will restore the general appearance of the timber and maintains its protection.
When carrying out any coating work do not attempt to paint when the temperature is below 8° C or if the relative humidity exceeds 85%, as curing of the coatings may be impaired.
Stained/dark coloured paint
The use of dark coloured stains and opaque colours will have an impact on maintenance intervals and the level of maintenance work required. Dark colours absorb more of the sun's energy, which can accelerate the degradation of the coating film, and the impact of high surface temperatures can mobilise natural resins within the timber substrate. This can lead to blistering of the coating. The amount of differential movement between components will also increase, resulting in open joints and possible moisture ingress if not rectified.
Therefore, if your door/window is south-facing, you may want to reconsider choosing dark colours for the paint. Additionally, darker colours will show dust and dirt much clearer than lighter colours.
Environmental Components
We recommend to avoid planting:
destructive vines (eg. ivy)
large bushes
trees with the potential of developing wide branch spans
on, around or near your doors/windows, for the following reaons:
1. Moisture Retention
Vines trap moisture against timber surfaces, creating an environment conducive to rot and decay. This moisture accumulation can compromise the structural integrity of the wood over time.
2. Pest Attraction
Dense foliage can attract pests that thrive in damp conditions such as termites and insects, which may lead to further damage to the timber.
3. Physical Damage
As vines grow, their tendrils and roots exert pressure on windows and doors, decreasing their lifespan. Any falling branches from nearby trees pose a risk of physical damage if grown too close, or in the case of a storm.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance becomes more complicated when vines are allowed to grow. Pruning, debris removal and managing growth can be labor-intensive, and require frequent attention.
Comments