Maintaining your new timber doors & windows
Ensuring a lifetime of excellent operation and stylish looks
While Western Red Cedar enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a durable wood that retains its natural beauty over time, implementing a regular cleaning schedule will assist in preserving the coating and appearance of your timber windows and doors for years to come.
For general cleaning, it is important to consider the finish of your doors and windows when implementing a new cleaning regimen.
Painted surfaces
To remove general environmental grime and lift dirt, use a pH-neutral detergent diluted in warm water and a soft brush to gently wash all exposed timber surfaces. Once cleaned, thoroughly rinse the frame with fresh water to remove any remaining detergent and grime.
Over time painted surfaces that are exposed to the elements will experience flaking and discolouration. A fresh coat of paint every few years will keep your windows and doors looking as good as new and as resilient as ever.
Stained surfaces
When it comes to general cleanings, stained timber windows and doors are easily maintained by wiping down all exposed surfaces with standard mix of pH-neutral detergent and warm water. In order to extend the life of your stained finish, it is important to apply the cleaning solution sparingly and wipe down the frames after cleaning.
To ensure your stained timber windows and doors remain in tip-top condition, it is important to adopt a diligent approach to re-staining. While the environmental setting of your home will impact the durability of the stain finish, a good estimate is to expect to re-stain your timber windows and doors every few years.
Hardware maintenance
We recommend cleaning Stainless Steel finishes with warm soapy water or a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Then rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth to avoid water marks.
If tea staining (brown discolouration of the surface) does occur, this is not a defect – it will occur naturally in coastal and industrial environments. Regular cleaning will reduce this issue. Tea staining can be removed with Ajax, warm water and baking powder – use a toothbrush to clean it with. Application of CRC Marine 66 or Inox for Marine will reduce this occurrence.
Clean hardware with a powdercoated and plated finish using warm soapy water or a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth to avoid water marks.
The operational life of all window and door hardware is increased if a light machine oil is applied to moving parts, hinges, slides, etc. Powdered graphite should be applied to the keyway in lock barrels, with a squeeze puff applicator.
Removing mould and mildew
Mildew is a common cause of staining and discolouration within timber framed windows and doors that are exposed to the elements. In order to maintain the appearance of your timber frames and prevent long term structural damage, it is important to remove the appearance of mould and mildew when it appears.
As bleach-based products can strip stains, varnishes and oils, using a mixture of one part vinegar to four parts oil will provide a natural alternative to effectively removing mould and mildew without discolouring the finish of your frames. When it is time to refinish your frames, adding an effective mildewcide to your chosen stain, oil or varnish may assist in preventing further mildew in the future.
With correct painting, finishing and sealing you will protect your timber window and doors and the market-leading guarantee covering workmanship, performance and durability for up to 10 years.