Caring for Your Home

Main Topic Index » Topics M through Z

Windows, Screens, and Patio Doors

Although it is not a warranty item if you do have glass breakage call our service manage to order the proper size. He will give you a price in advance for this service. Glass is difficult to install without special tools.

Clean aluminum, vinyl, and metal surfaces with warm, clear water. Do not use powdered cleaner. After each cleaning, apply a silicone lubricant. Clean glass as needed with vinegar and water, a commercial glass cleaner, or the product recommended by the window manufacturer.

Condensation on interior surfaces of the window and frame is the result of high humidity within the home and low outside temperatures. Your family?s lifestyle controls the humidity level within your home. If your home includes a humidifier, closely observe the manufacturer's directions for its use. We do have an additional article on condensation in your home if you have this condition.

Acquaint yourself with the operation of patio door hardware for maximum security.

Keep patio door tracks clean for smooth operation and to prevent damage to the door frame. Silicone lubricants work well for these tracks. Sliding doors may be blocked at the bottom if you do not have a deck or are not a grade level for your protection. Remove this block when you install the deck as applicable.

Under certain lighting conditions, door glass may be hard to see. If you keep the screen fully closed when the glass door is open, your family will be accustomed to opening something before going through.

Skylights are particularly susceptible to condensation since they are at the ceiling where the air in the room is at the warmest. This will create a possible condensation where warm moist air comes into contact with the cold glass.

Sticking Windows

Most sliding windows (both vertical and horizontal) are designed for a 10-pound pull. If sticking occurs or excessive pressure is required to open or close a window, apply a silicone lubricant. This is available at hardware stores. Avoid petroleum-based products.

Many homeowners remove and store screens for the winter to allow more light into the home. To make re-installation more convenient, label each screen as you remove it. Use caution: screens perforate easily and the frames bend if they are not handled with care.

In heavy rains, water may collect in the bottom channel of window frames. Weep holes are provided to allow excess water to escape to the outside. Keep the bottom window channels and weep holes free of dirt and debris for proper operation.

We will confirm that all windows and screens are in acceptable condition during the orientation. Oliver Homes will repair or replace broken windows or damaged screens noted on the orientation list.

Windows should operate with reasonable ease and locks should perform as designed.

Condensation on interior surfaces of the window and frame is the result of high humidity within the home and low outside temperatures. You influence the humidity level within your home; Oliver Homes provides no corrective measure for this condition.

Condensation that accumulates between the panes of glass in dual-glazed windows indicates a broken seal. Oliver Homes will replace the window if this occurs during the warranty period.

Some air and dust will infiltrate around windows, especially before the installation of landscaping in the general area. Oliver Homes warranty excludes this occurrence.

Scratches

Oliver Homes confirms that all window glass is in acceptable condition at the orientation. Minor scratches on windows can result from delivery, handling, and other construction activities. Oliver Homes will replace windows that have scratches readily visible from a distance of 4 feet. Oliver Homes does not replace windows that have scratches visible only under certain lighting conditions.

If you add tinting to dual-glazed windows, all warranties are voided. Damage can result from condensation or excessive heat build-up between the panes of glass. Refer to the manufacturer?s literature for additional information.