Care and Maintenance
Proper care of your Milgard windows & patio doors is important. With some simple, routine cleaning and maintenance you can ensure your windows will perform their best while looking great. From frame cleaning to the drainage systems, light attention to your Milgard products will generate a lifetime of satisfaction.
Please follow these simple rules when maintaining your Milgard windows & patio doors:
Frame Cleaning
You may think that window cleaning is only for glass – suitable frame cleaning is just as important to the look and performance of your Milgard window or patio door.
- Wash window and patio door frames with only mild, nonabrasive soap and water. Never use abrasive or acidic cleaners because they might cause permanent damage to the frame finish. Always test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first. Wipe dry when finished.
Caring for your Glass
Milgard controls the entire production of every window & patio door, including the glass. Whether your window comes standard with the energy efficient SunCoat™ Low-E glass, or one of our many specialty glass options, proper maintenance is required to ensure their exceptional performance.
- Best practice is to clean glass with a mixture of mild dish soap and water. When finished, rinse complete with clear water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
- Never use any of the following products on any part of your window or patio door – they may damage the glass surface or insulating seal: petroleum-based cleaners, or caustic chemicals; razor blades, putty knifes or abrasive pads; high-pressure water hoses.
- Use only mild soap, water, and a soft brush when cleaning your screens. When finished rinse with clear water and wipe dry.
Tips for a Lifetime of Effortless Operation
Following a few simple steps, you can ensure your Milgard window or patio doors open, close, lock and unlock smoothly for as long as you own your home. Guaranteed. In fact, if anything ever goes wrong with one of our products in a single-family home, we'll fix it for as long as the original owner lives there. Parts and labor included.
- It's important to periodically lubricate all window tracks and rollers. We recommend that you lubricate the hardware components once a year. In areas with high salt-air at least twice a year is recommended.
- It's important to make sure your window and patio door seals evenly when closed. Regularly check your weather stripping to ensure your window or patio door is sealed air tight.
- Occasionally vacuum the tracks on all sliding patio doors and windows to clear any dirt or debris.
- Your Milgard sliding patio door rollers can be adjusted for proper height clearance. Carefully use a screwdriver through an access hole at the bottom of your patio door.
Managing Condensation and Mold
Condensation on the inside of a window indicates the humidity levels inside that room are higher than outside. Excess moisture on the inside of your window may cause deterioration and possibly mold growth leading to possible health concerns. Follow these easy steps to reduce the risk of excessive condensation and mold growth.
- Check all window and patio doors for smooth operation and sealed air tight.
- Use exhaust fans regularly in rooms with high humidity (bathrooms, pool rooms, etc.)
- Use a ceiling fan to continually circulate air.
- Dehumidifiers can drastically reduce the amount of moisture inside your home.
- When practical, open all windows and doors when experiencing excessive moisture inside your home.
Allowing Your Window and Patio Door to Properly Drain
Mother Nature can be unforgiving to your home. Thankfully, with Milgard you are rest assured that no water will penetrate the inside of your home. Our window and patio doors are specially designed with a "weep" drainage system to protect the inside of your home. Proper maintenance of your weep system is required to assure proper drainage.
- The weep system is designed to allow the water to drain to the outside as water builds up. It's normal for the water to build up on the sill or the outside track. It's important to keep the sill or track clean of any dirt or debris.
- Periodically inspect the weep holes to make certain they are clear of any dirt or debris. Use a soft bottlebrush to clear openings. It is especially important if you anticipate excessive rain in the near future.