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The Right Window Care
Windows are not just the “eyes” of a house; they also play a crucial role in energy efficiency, comfort, and security. Regular maintenance and care are essential to ensure their longevity and prevent costly repairs. Clean windows let in more light, improve insulation, and help maintain the value of your home. Proper window care is an investment in the future of your living space!
Silicone Care
• Do not clean glass panes immediately; silicone seals take 3-4 weeks to fully cure. Cleaning during this time may cause a “rubber eraser effect.”
• Avoid damaging silicone seals with rough cleaning tools, microfiber cloths, or aggressive cleaners.
• Never clean silicone seals when dry.
• Regularly inspect silicone joints for continuity. Cracks and detachments should be repaired immediately.
Hardware Maintenance
• Optiwin windows and doors are typically equipped with high-quality tilt-and-turn hardware. To ensure smooth operation, the following maintenance should be performed at least once a year:
• Check safety-critical hardware for secure fittings and wear. Tighten screws or replace defective parts as needed.
• Lubricate all moving parts and locking mechanisms using commercially available silicone-free, acid-free, and resin-free lubricants (e.g., penetrating oils).
• Avoid painting over hardware components during surface treatment.
• Ensure that hardware is adjusted for smooth operation, preferably by a professional.
Exterior Surface Care:
General Principle: Care Instead of Painting
Wooden windows can be cared for like other high-quality items, delaying or avoiding the need for extensive repainting.
Painted Surfaces
Apply a special care milk (available from Optiwin) regularly. This seals microcracks and pores in the painted surface, restoring a silky gloss finish.
Oiled Surfaces
Depending on exposure to weather, reapply or touch up with a high-quality care oil regularly (recommended twice annually). This treatment protects the wood from water absorption.
Note: Oiled windows and doors do not comply with DIN standards and binding ift regulations. Optiwin cannot provide warranties for damage caused by non-standard surface treatments. Natural graying cannot be avoided.
Ventilation Recommendations
Short Ventilation Periods
• Fully open windows for 5-10 minutes, 2-4 times daily, depending on use.
• Avoid leaving windows tilted for extended periods during heating seasons to conserve energy.
Purpose of Ventilation
• Introduce fresh outdoor air and remove “used” indoor air to ensure sufficient oxygen levels and expel moisture, odors, and pollutants.
• Prevent condensation and subsequent mold growth by ensuring proper insulation and air exchange.
Condensation & Moisture Control
• Condensation occurs when warm air meets cold surfaces. Proper insulation prevents this and avoids mold growth.
• Modern insulated windows have shifted condensation issues to less-insulated wall areas near the window frame. Monitor these areas closely.
Daily Moisture Release in a 4-Person Household
• Human breathing: 1.0–1.5 liters per day
• Cooking: 0.5–1.0 liters per day
• Showering/Bathing (per person): 0.5–1.0 liters per day
• Drying laundry: 1.0–1.5 liters per day
• Houseplants: 0.5–1.0 liters per day
Conclusion
Regular maintenance of Optiwin windows and doors ensures not only their longevity but also a healthier living environment, energy efficiency and a sustainable future for your home.
