Maintenance Guide

Welcome to your guide to operating, cleaning and maintaining your new windows and doors. By following this guide, your windows and doors will provide good service, comfort and security for many years. The products have been built and installed to the highest quality standards, but as with any new equipment, you need to carry out simple, routine maintenance for continued trouble-free usage.

Failure to carry out the recommended maintenance detailed in this booklet may invalidate the warranty. If you have any queries about the work that has been undertaken or the products we have fitted, please contact us

Operation

Maintenance

Casement Windows

Casement windows can be opened out into any position – the hinges, known as friction stays, will hold them in the desired position.

OPERATION
Some handles are key locking and to unlock these you will need to insert and turn the key (1). In all cases, to operate simply press the button (2) and turn the handle through 90° (3) which will then allow you to push the window open (4). To close and lock the window, pull the window back fully into the frame, depress the button again before rotating the handle 90° back into the vertical position. The handle can then be key locked, where applicable.

DOOR STYLES DOUBLE/FRENCH WINDOW OPERATION

These operate in the same way as a single window – only the opening sequence makes them different. The main, or primary, window needs to be opened first and closed last to prevent the windows from clashing

NIGHT VENT

You can lock the window in a partially open position – this gives ventilation but offers limited security.

PLEASE NOTE accessible windows should not be left in the night vent position when your home is unoccupied.

Friction Stays

Friction stay is the name of the type of hinges that are fitted – the built-in friction ensures that the openers do not swing freely. You can adjust the friction of these with a slotted screwdriver. There are several types of friction stays fitted to your windows and here we will explain the features of each type.

STANDARD STAYS
These operate in a similar way to a normal hinge, simply open the window to the final travel position.

RESTRICTOR STAYS
This stay has a built-in safety restrictor which limits the opening – however, it can be overridden to provide greater opening if required.

TO OVERRIDE ON TOP HUNG WINDOWS
Keeping a slight opening pressure on the window, push the button marked ‘Press’ on one stay (1). Keeping the same slight opening pressure on the window, depress the ‘Press’ button on the second stay.

This will allow the window to open fully. If outward pressure is not maintained on the window, the ‘Press’ button will simply relocate. This is a safety feature. Closing the window will automatically relocate the restrictor devices

TO OVERRIDE ON SIDE HUNG WINDOWS
Keeping a slight opening pressure on the window, push the button marked ‘Press’ on the lower stay (1). This will allow the window to fully open

Easy Clean Hinges

This stay opens to provide the maximum clear area in case you need to use the window as a means to exit the property. It also includes a feature where the opener can slide, allowing you access to clean the outside pane of glass.

OPERATION

Open the window fully. The fully open window will now expose a button on each stay. Pressing these buttons at the same time will allow the window to slide sideways for easy cleaning. Be sure to slide the window sideways gently and as evenly as possible to avoid any damage to the stays. When cleaning has been completed simply pull the window handle inwards and the hinge will automatically return to its original position.

Trickle Vents

These provide background ventilation to your home, allowing fresh air to enter without creating a security risk.

Because they are located at a high level, they provide a movement of air without causing a draught. Ventilators also play an important role in helping to reduce condensation. Standard ventilators provide the facility to control the flow of incoming air – the tab located in the centre of the vent is pushed down to open and lifted to close.

Tilt & Turn Windows

These inward opening windows have two modes of operation – Tilt mode for ventilation and turn mode for cleaning and emergency exit.

OPERATION: TILT POSITION
To unlock, you will need to insert and turn the key (1). From the closed position, depress the button (2) and rotate the handle up 90° to the horizontal position (3) and pull the window towards you (4). The bottom remains fixed to the frame while the top tilts inward, providing ventilation. To close, push the window shut and rotate the handle down 90°.

OPERATION: TURN POSITION
To unlock, you will need to insert and turn the key (1). From the closed position, depress the button (2) and rotate the handle up 180° to the vertical position (3) and pull the window towards you (4). The side remains fixed to the frame while the window can be opened to the required position. To close, push the window shut and rotate the handle down 180°.

RESTRICTORS

Your windows may be fitted with a non-locking or key locking restrictor. The restrictor is released by pressing and holding the push button.

Vertical Slider Windows

These windows have two sashes, an upper and a lower sash. They both slide and tilt inwards to enable you to clean the outside glass.

OPERATION

Unlock the catches with the key provided and turn the lever 180° anti-clockwise (1). To open the top sash, lower it by pulling the ring pull handle(s). To open the bottom sash, raise it using the lift handle(s) (2). To close the window, reverse the procedures outlined above. Then close the catch by turning it 180° clockwise and locking it with the key. Some windows are fitted with spring-loaded child restrictors which limit how far the window can open to approximately 100mm. These restrictors can be nonlocking or locking.

Cleaning Vertical Slider Windows

OPERATION FOR CLEANING

Unlock the window and,using the lift handle(s), raise the lower sash by around 100mm (4 inches). With both hands, slide the two tilt latches located on the top of the sash inwards at the same time. Tilt the sash inwards from the top, until it is held by its tilt restrictors. Completely lower the top sash using the ring pull handle(s). You can now safely clean the outside glass on the bottom sash. As with the lower sash, slide the two tilt latches found on the top edge of the top sash inwards. Your windows can tilt inwards allowing you to clean from the inside.

Tilt the lower sash inwards from the top until it is either held by the tilt restrictors or, if these aren’t present, it rests gently on the already tilted lower sash. You can now safely clean the outside glass on the top sash. After cleaning, close the top sash by using both hands to push it firmly, but carefully, back into its upright position. Make sure that the tilt latches click back into position to hold the top sash in place. Push the sash up into its closed position. Once the top sash is fully closed, repeat the procedure with the lower sash by pushing it back into its upright position until the tilt latches have clicked back into position. Lower the bottom sash using the lift handle(s) and lock the window.

Vertical Slider Fire Escape

Windows fitted to smaller openings may not provide adequate access for fire escape as a standard. In these situations, where applicable, special hardware may be fitted to provide an additional fire escape feature. These windows are identified with a label on the glass. Please try out this feature so you can use it in case of fire.

TO OPEN

Lift the sash so it hits the travel stops (this should only allow an 80mm opening) (1). Slide the knob of the spring-loaded tilt latches inwards and hold (located on the underside of the lower sash at each end) (2). Pull the sash upwards to 90° (3) (handle can be held if supplied). Ensure that the sash is fully supported until it locks out at this position (4).

TO RESET THE WINDOW

Support the sash underneath. Do not let go at any point until the sash is in its vertical position. If a sash has a handle at the bottom, it is advised to use it. At the same time as supporting the sash, release the sash slides from the locked position (gently jerk the grey plastic part downwards). Ensure both grey slides are free to move downwards before closing the sash. Slowly tilt the sash back to its vertical position (again, ensure it is being supported while being tilted downwards). Ensure that the tilt latches are fully engaged in the window frame. Your window is now ready for normal use again.

PLEASE NOTE

The tilting procedure should only be used for fire escape purposes and not for everyday use (i.e. for increasing ventilation).

Composite and Entrance Doors

OPERATION

LEVER HANDLE

To lock the door from either the inside or outside, just lift the handle vertically (2) to engage the locking points, and then turn the key (3). To unlock – reverse the above steps, and you can then open the door.

FIXED HANDLE

To lock the door from the inside, lift the handle vertically to engage the locking points, and then turn the key. To lock the door from the outside – turn the key fully to engage the locking points, you do not need to lift the handle, before locking. To unlock – reverse the above steps, and you can then open the door. If you exit and close the door you will need your key to regain access.

THUMB TURN LOCK

If a thumb-turn lock is fitted internally – these work the same as a key – you will need to turn the knob to lock/unlock. Ensure the arrow remains facing up when locked.

PLEASE NOTE

Some locking systems have an auto-fire feature, where the handle does not need to be lifted before the key is turned.

To be sure, always check that your doors are fully locked.

French Doors

OPERATION These doors operate in a similar way to a composite or entrance door – it is only the operating sequence that makes them different.

The main (primary) door needs to be opened first and closed last to prevent the doors from clashing.

PLEASE NOTE

Always lift the handle once you have closed your door where necessary – this ensures the door is weathertight and helps to protect the integrity of the door. Failure to do so may affect your warranty.

Safety Chains

OPERATION

A safety chain may be fitted to your door.

TO USE THE SAFETY CHAIN

Find the flat metal plate section of the chain and push it through the gap of the plate attached to the door and slide across.

TO TAKE THE SAFETY CHAIN OFF

The flat metal plate section of the chain is passed through the plate, and the chain is released.

Fire Doors

OPERATION

All fire doors are fitted with a door closer, which closes the door automatically. It is very important that you do not tamper or remove the closer and you should always keep this door closed. A thumb-turn lock will be fitted internally – these work the same as a key – you will need to turn the knob to lock/ unlock.

Ensuring the arrow remains facing up when locked. All parts, including the hardware, glazing, intumescent strip, seals and woolpile, are designed to provide fire resistance.

PLEASE NOTE

DO NOT drill or fix any item to your door.

DO NOT remove or replace any part of your door

Sliding Patio Doors

These sliding doors may be opened to provide access or ventilation, and come in a variety of configurations from 2 to 4 panes

OPERATION

TO UNLOCK

Insert the key into the lock cylinder and rotate or rotate the thumbturn to unlock the mechanism (1). Lift the lever behind the handle to disengage the locking (2). Slide the door to open (3).

TO LOCK

Slide the door to the fully closed position. Push the lever down behind the handle – the locking system will engage to lock the door. Turn the key or thumbturn to fully secure the locking mechanism.

Bi-Fold Doors

The concertina-style folding and sliding design of bi-fold doors enables the entire doorway to be opened up, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces

OPERATION

Bi-fold doors may have a combination of traffic doors and sliding doors. Traffic doors can be opened and closed in the same way as a single door with a lift handle.

Sliding doors are unlocked by lifting the lever which is concealed behind each doors’ D-handle (3). The doors can then be slid and folded. They can be retained in position by the magnetic catches. You can close and lock the doors by reversing this sequence.

PLEASE NOTE

Always engage the magnets as you open each door to avoid straining the hinges.

General Cleaning

Your Nationwide products require a minimal amount of care in order to maintain trouble-free operation and remain in optimum condition.

Glass

FOR THE INSIDE

You can clean the inside of your glass with any glass cleaner, used with a soft cloth.

FOR THE OUTSIDE

Use a warm soapy water solution to remove the heavier dirt and grime first, before using glass cleaner and a soft cloth.

REMEMBER

Glass can scratch easily, so it’s important to remove jewellery before cleaning. If scratches do occur, most can be removed with jeweller’s rouge, or an equivalent rubbing compound. If you have leaded glass in your windows, be especially careful when cleaning as excessive pressure may dislodge the lead from the glass surface.

PLEASE NOTE

The external lead will oxidise. This is a natural process and cannot be avoided. The initIal visual effects of oxidised lead include grey, milky streaks on the window pane, which may turn into a powdery residue when dry – as this settles it will become a weathered dark grey appearance.

DO NOT use glass cleaner on the PVC-U frames!

PVCu Window & Door Frames

The PVC-U frames of your windows and doors need to be cleaned occasionally to maintain their original appearance.

The frequency depends on the situation, location and ambient atmosphere, but in general the PVC-U should be cleaned whenever you clean the glass. Cleaning PVC-U is a very simple process, requiring nothing more than a clean cloth and a solution of general household detergent, diluted in the same quantities as you would use for washing-up: Thoroughly wet the PVC-U using the warm soapy water.

Gently rub it down with the cloth to remove grime and atmospheric particles. Use PVC-U cream cleaner for isolated, more stubborn stains on white PVC-U only. This should be applied with a damp cloth using minimal pressure.

Allow your windows and doors to dry naturally. If required, internal surfaces may be polished with colourless silicone household furniture polish.

PLEASE NOTE

DO NOT use solvent based cleaners, abrasive materials. or high pressure cleaners. Never use dry or abrasive cloths, sponges or detergents. These will scratch the surface and make future cleaning more difficult, while dulling the appearance of your windows.

Composite Doors

Composite doors have a GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) outer skin which requires very little maintenance other than regular cleaning. Simply use warm soapy water when cleaning the door surface.

DOOR HARDWARE

To maintain the high quality finish of the door hardware (letter box, handles, etc), we recommend that you wipe these over with a clean cloth and warm water with a mild detergent on a monthly basis.

PLEASE NOTE
DO NOT use solvent based or abrasive papers or cleaners, high pressure or steam cleaners, or any types of bleach or adhesives.

Drainage Slots, Tracks and Thresholds

Your windows and doors have slots that are designed to allow water to escape – these can sometimes get blocked over time. The bottom of your door frames and sliding door tracks can also collect dirt, grit, spiders’ webs, etc, which can affect how well they operate.

You can easily remove these obstructions with a vacuum cleaner and/or a damp cloth.

Gaskets

Take care not to disturb sealants and gaskets when cleaning. If the gaskets do become dislodged from their grooves, slide them back into position straight away to avoid causing damage when the product is closed.

Please Note: Some discolouration of the mastic seal is a natural occurrence and cannot be avoided.

DO NOT use solvent based or abrasive papers or cleaners, high pressure or steam cleaners, or any types of bleach or adhesives.

General Maintenance

Your Nationwide products require a minimal amount of care in order to maintain trouble-free operation and remain in optimum condition.

You just need…

By lubricating the moving parts of your windows and doors every six months, they will operate correctly and provide many years of trouble-free use.

The items that need oiling are:

• Friction stay and door closer pivot points
• Locking mechanism moving parts
• Door hinge pins Use a general-purpose lubricating oil such as 3-in-1 – just one drop of oil is enough for each area and wipe away the excess.

The window and door locking points fit into metal retaining parts, called keeps or strikers, and these should be lubricated by wiping with a petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline.

PLEASE NOTE DO NOT lubricate the lock cylinders. This may affect their operation as they are packed with special grease.

Adjustments

To maintain optimum performance windows and doors may need some adjustment from time to time

Windows

If the window is stiff to open or doesn’t stay in place when open, you can adjust the friction hinge by turning the adjuster screw.

You can also increase or reduce the seal pressure around the frame and sash by manually adjusting the rollers (up to 0.8mm).

Locking cams can be adjusted with an allen key to maintain weather performance. Loose handles can be tightened using a screwdriver, just remove the screw cap on the handle first

Doors

To keep the highest level of weather performance and ease of operation you can adjust locking cams with a 4mm allen key.

We do not recommend making any further adjustments to your doors as your installers will have fitted them to operate correctly.

If you do feel they require adjustment, please get in touch with us and we can arrange for someone to visit.

Do's and Don'ts

Here’s a handy checklist of the do’s and don’t for looking after your Nationwide products.

Clean external glass with warm soapy water to remove any dirt and grime, and glass cleaner to finish
Clean Composite Doors with warm soapy water
Clean PVC-U frames with warm soapy water and cream cleaner
Clean door hardware with warm soapy water
Lubricate moving parts with general purpose lubricating
oil (3-in-1)
Clean drainage slots, door tracks and thresholds with a vacuum cleaner and/or damp cloth
Check fire escape hardware regularly to ensure it fits correctly, and for general wear and tear

Security and Safety

Your windows and doors have been designed specifically to include a variety of security features to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Follow these simple steps to ensure your home remains protected: Never leave a window or door open, or in the night ventilation position, when your home is unattended.

Lock all windows and doors in the closed position and remove the keys – we recommend you keep them out of sight but near the window or door – so that if you need to escape in an emergency, you can quickly do so.

When you go out and at night, ensure your door handles are fully lifted (if applicable) and the keys are turned, to throw and lock all locking points.

Lock all windows and doors which are not currently being used, this will then stop you from forgetting to do so when leaving the house unattended.

Make sure all members of the household know where to find the keys for windows and doors in case of an emergency

Kubu Smart Security

Kubu uses smart and simple sensors to monitor locks in real time, making it possible to check the status of a door or window from any location, at any time of day or night, right from the Kubu app on a mobile phone.

The Kubu Smart Sensor communicates directly with the Kubu Hub which is linked to the home’s Wi-Fi network – this information is then sent via the Kubu mobile app.

Scan the QR code on your windows, or visit getkubu.com to find out how to purchase sensors and activate your products.

Condensation

When water vapour in the air meets the dew point, i.e. the temperature at which air can no longer hold the water vapour, it then appears as condensation on your windows or surfaces cooler than the surrounding temperature.

Problems often start in the bathroom or in the kitchen, where steamy cooking and washing generate excess water vapour in the air, which then condenses into moisture upon contact with cooler surfaces. Severe condensation can cause peeling wallpaper, mould growth and damp.

For new-build properties, the length of time your home takes to dry out depends on how it was built and what sort of weather conditions there were when you first moved in.

Generally speaking, it will take around nine months to a year.

THE SOLUTION

Your new energy efficient windows will help reduce condensation in your home, but here are some other tips which can also help:

Keep your home well ventilated: Do not close your trickle ventilators, open a window during the day if somebody’s at home, and close doors while bathing or cooking.

Reduce the level of water vapour: Dry clothes outside and put lids on pans whilst cooking.

Allow air to circulate: Leave a small gap between furniture and an outside wall to prevent it becoming trapped and turning into black mould. Curtains should be a minimum of 150mm (6”) away from the window, with suitable gaps at the top and bottom.

Keep temperatures constant: Cold air causes the warm air to release moisture. Maintain some permanent heating in your home during cold weather, especially in areas where condensation may be a particular problem.

Fit extraction units/ventilator units in the kitchen and bathroom. Fit wall vents to provide airflow.

Glass Imperfections

Certain imperfections in the glass cannot be avoided, even in the most carefully controlled production environment.

Such blemishes and imperfections are therefore beyond our control, but are considered acceptable by even the most rigorous industry standards.

What is an acceptable “discrepancy”?

– Seeds/ inclusions
– Hairline scratches
– Residue or stains
– Bow within the internal spacer
– Spacer straightness

How to inspect a glazed unit Internal and external panes of the glazed unit shall be viewed from the room side, standing at a distance of not less than 3m in natural daylight and not in direct sunlight. The area to be viewed is the normal vision area, with the exception of a 15mm wide band around the perimeter of the unit

QR Codes

Your new products will be identified with discretely positioned QR code labels.

If you scan the QR code with a smart phone, you will find the following information:

• Product details including sizes, glass spec and hardware
• Product Energy Rating
• Product certification
• CE Mark and Declaration of Performance
• Product maintenance information such as the glazing specification and glass sizes, and a listing of the hardware used.

Should you need to report a fault to our Customer Care team, it would be helpful if you could email a photo of the QR code.