Care & Maintenance Manual - Atrium Windows and Doors

Different styles and types of windowsare available at various Atrium locations,however, all types may not be availableat some locations.Certified Windows and DoorsThe American Architectural ManufacturersAssociation (AAMA) certifies Atrium Windowsand Doors. This certification affirms thatAtrium products are in compliance withstringent AAMA test standards.Caring For YourAtrium Windowsand Doors

A Commitment toExcellence Since 1948Thank you for welcoming thebeauty of nature into your homewith precision-crafted windowsand doors from Atrium. One ofAmerica’s bestselling brands ofwindows, Atriumunderstandsyour desire foreasy care, energyefficient windowsand doors. That’swhy we controlevery facet of themanufacturingprocess. From extrusion tofabrication, we set a higherstandard from start to finish. It’sthe only way to assure you ofoutstanding craftsmanship that willbe worry free for years to come.An Ounce of PreventionProtecting the frames of your windows anddoors is just as important as cleaning theglass. Following are simple suggestionsthat enable you to protect the life andextend the beauty of your windows andpatio doors.• Vacuum soil and debris from the sill ortrack prior to washing• Use a mixture of mild dish-soap and waterto gently clean window and door frames• Non-abrasive soaps are the safest forremoving soil from both vinyl andaluminum frames• Never use abrasive or caustic cleanersor solvents as they may damage the finishof your windows and doors• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a softabsorbent cloth• If your windows or doors have “weep”holes, make sure they are clear ofobstruction and draining properly (seeWindow Weeping/Drainage Systems)2 3

Proper care of today’s window glasssystems is easy, but very important.Insulated glass systems, and those withLow-E or other heat deterrent additivescan be damaged or lose their effectivenessthrough improper care.• If possible, avoid washing windows indirect sunlight• Use a mixture of mild dish-soap andwater to gently clean the glass. Rinsethoroughly with clean water and dry witha soft absorbent cloth to avoid spotting• Never use abrasive or caustic cleaners asthey may damage the glass or the finish• Never usepetroleum basedsolvents or chemicalson the glass as theymay damage theinsulating glass sealor component partsof the window• Never use ahigh-pressure sprayto wash the windowsas it may damage theinsulating glass seal• Never use sharpinstruments or abrasive pads to cleanthe glass• Never attach anything to the glass suchas masking tape as heat from the sunmay bake the adhesive into the glass• Remove the screens and wash them witha soft brush on a flat surface with milddish-soap and water. Rinse, wipe dryand re-installWindow “Weeping/Drainage” SystemsMany of our window and door productsare designed with a built in drainagesystem. This is referred to as the windowweep. It drains away rainwater that mayaccumulate on the sill. The weep holesmust remain open and free of debris inorder to perform properly.• It’s a normal occurrence for wind blownrain to accumulate in the sill or track areaof many windows• It’s important that the weep holes be keptopen in order to function properly• Use a small bottle brush to clean weepholes if you suspect that they areblocked• Some weep holes may contain open-cellfoam to keep elements out. To avoiddamaging these plugs, check prior tocleaning• Keep the window sill or track area cleanof soil or debris to encourage properdraining45

Smooth and EasyOperationMost moving objects, including windowand patio door sashes require occasionallubrication to ensure smooth and easyoperation. Make sure that the lubricationused is compatible with, and won’t damagethe material used in construction of thewindow or door.• Occasionally lubricate all moving parts,including rollers and tracks. Do not usesilicone spray on plastic parts as it maydamage them; use a furniture polishspray instead• Periodically check the weather strippingaround all window and door sashes andmake sure that it seals around the entireperimeter• Keep the track area clean on slidingwindows and patio doors• Keep patio door rollers adjusted to theproper height to ensure easy operation.Check the corners of the sliding door fora hole that gives you access to the rolleradjustment screw. It may be coveredwith a plug that can be removed foradjustment and then replaced• After adjusting the rollers, you mayhave to adjust the lock strike plate.Most lock strike plates can be adjustedby loosening the screws, moving theplate and tightening the screws. Allowfor a limited amount of play between thestrike plate and the latch lock• Most rolling screens can be adjustedthe same way as patio doors. Checkthe corners of the screen for accessto the roller adjustment screw67

1. Place a small, flat screwdriver under thebottom edge of the balance clip (located oneither side of the window frame approximately3/4 of the way up the mainframe jamb), andgently pry it outward from the window frameto about a 45-degree angle. Repeat thisprocedure for both clips.2. Unlock the window locks.Operating a Single HungSide Load WindowTo Open the Bottom Sash1. Unlock the window.2. Grasp the integral finger pull.3. Raise the bottom sash to the desired height.3. Grasp the lower sash atthe top and bottom andraise it until the top of thesash passes the balanceclips and disengages thesash from the balances.4. Pull the sash into thepocket on either sideof the mainframe untilthe opposite sidedisengages from themainframe jamb pocket.Sash Removaland ReplacementThe side load sashdesign and block andtackle balance systemmake removing thewindow for easy cleaninga simple matter.5. Rotate the sash toward the interior of theroom until it clears the mainframe, and pushthe other side of the sash in the oppositedirection to disengage it from the mainframejamb pocket.6. To reinstall the sash, just reverse the aboveprocedure.Note: After reinstalling the sash, make sure thatthe balance clips are pressed back into theirlocking position to prevent the sash fromdisengaging the next time it is opened.8 9

Operating a Single orDouble Hung Windowwith Tilt FeatureTo Tilt the BottomSash (Single Hungand Double HungWindows)1. Unlock the window.2. Raise the bottom sashabout 3".3. Push the tilt latchestoward the center of thewindow while pulling thesash toward you.To Tilt the Upper Sash(Double Hung Windows Only)1. Bottom sash must be in the tilt position priorto tilting the upper sash.2. Lower the upper sash about 6".3. Push the tilt latches toward the center of thewindow while pulling the sash toward you.Sash Removal1. Unlock the window.2. Raise the bottom sash 2" to 3".3. Push the tilt latches toward the center of thewindow and hold them there while pulling thetop of the window toward you. Tilt the sashabout 90-degrees.4. Push down on one sideof the sash while holdingthe other side in position.This will disengage thepivoting bars on thebottom of the sash fromthe balance shoe in thejamb track.5. To remove the top sash,lower it 2" to 3" andrepeat steps 3 and 4.Sash Replacement1. Replace the top sashfirst. Insert one pivot bar into the balanceshoe and tilt the sash as shown in theillustration while inserting the remaining pivotbar into the balance shoe.2. Tilt the sash into the original positionand close.3. To replace the bottom sash, repeat step one.4. Lower the bottom sash and lock.1011

Operating andCleaning HorizontalSliding Windows1. Unlock the window.2. Slide the window to the open position.3. To remove the sash, make sure the top isclear of the anti-lift blocks.4. Lift the entire sash into the head of thewindow while pulling the bottom toward you.5. Both sides of the window can be cleanedand then replaced.6. Insert the top into the head of the windowand lift while positioning the bottom back intothe track.Operating and CleaningCasement Windows1. Unlock the window.2. Turn the screen clips and remove the screen.3. Crank the window sashes open to clean.4. After cleaning, crank the window closed,make sure the lock handle is in the openposition.5. Re-insert screen and lock it in place withthe screen clips.1213

Interior WindowCondensationCondensation on theglass surface of a windowoccurs when high interiormoisture content meets lowtemperatures on the glass.This is a natural occurrenceand a sign that excessive moisture is presentin the home.• Minor condensation or fogging that appearsof the lower corners of windows shouldnot be a concern. However, the lower theoutside window temperature and the higherthe interior humidity, the more condensationcan occur• Continued or heavy condensation onwindows is consistent with excessive interiorhumidity. This can lead to interior damageand to other health related concernsCleaning SolutionsRecommended bythe Vinyl Window andDoor InstituteStainRecommendedCleanerBubble Gum Fantastik ® , Murphy Oil Soap ® ,Windex ® , A Solution of 30% vinegarand 70% waterWindows do not cause condensation;Condensation is a result of excessiveinterior humidity. To reduce and controlexcess humidity, follow these simplesuggestions.Crayon Lestoil ®DAP (Oil based caulk) Fantastik ®Felt-tip PenFantastik ® , and water based cleanersGrass Fantastik ® , Lysol ® , Murphy Oil Soap ® ,Windex ®Lipstick Fantastik ® , Murphy Oil Soap ®• Ventilate the interior of your home byopening windows and doors periodicallyto allow interior moisture to escape• Use exhaust fans more frequently andfor a longer period, particularly whenshowering• Use ceiling fans to circulate the air• Install a dehumidifier• Be sure that attic or basement crawl spacelouvers are open• Be sure that clothes dryer and all gasburners are vented to the outsideLithium Grease Fantastik ® , Lestoil ® ,Murphy Oil Soap ® , Windex ®Mold and MildewFantastik ® , A Solution of 30% vinegarand 70% water, Windex ®Motor Oil Fantastik ® , Lysol ® , Murphy Oil Soap ® ,Windex ®Oil Soft Scrub ®Paint Brillo ® Pad, Soft Scrub ®14Pencil Soft Scrub ®Rust Fantastik ® , Murphy Oil Soap ® , Windex ®Tar Soft Scrub ®Top Soil Fantastik ® , Lestoil ® , Murphy Oil Soap ®*Cleaning materials are listed in alphabetical order. Atrium Windows and Doors does notendorse proprietary products or processes and makes no warranties for the productsreferenced herein. References to proprietary names is for illustrative purposes only, andis not intended to imply that there are not equally effective alternatives.15