How to keep your ProVia windows looking beautiful

WINDOW MAINTENANCE & CLEANING

ProVia windows are constructed for long-term durability, energy efficiency and beauty. Even so, some regular window maintenance will help keep them looking as good as the day you had them installed. Maintenance of your windows will also help keep them operating to their fullest potential. Here are some important steps to take throughout the year to keep your windows looking beautiful.

Endure™ Double Hung Windows in White with Custom Grids

Tips for long-term satisfaction

WINDOW CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Keep sill track clean of dirt and debris so water can freely flow outside.
Keep all weep holes free of obstructions so water can freely flow outside.
Inspect exterior caulking regularly and replace when necessary.
Clean and check operation of hardware and weatherstripping regularly and repair if necessary.
Keep weatherstrip clean of dirt and grit for proper seal. Wash with mild soap and water, rinse with water, and wipe dry. Apply a light coat of wax (Lemon Pledge®) and wipe off excess.

STAINED OR PAINTED WOOD INTERIOR FINISHES

To clean, wash with mild soap and water, rinse with clear water, and wipe dry. Apply a light coat of wax (Lemon Pledge®) and wipe off excess.
For scuff marks on painted finishes, use mild liquid cleanser, rinse with clear water, and wipe dry.
If finish is accidentally scratched or chipped, clean as recommended above and use standard wood finish repair crayon or touch-up paint supplied.

PAINTED VINYL EXTERIOR FINISHES

ProVia vinyl windows are painted with a factory-applied finish, ensuring no peeling, flaking, or blistering occurs; however, natural contaminants such as dirt or bird droppings should be removed as soon as possible.

To clean, wash with mild soap and water. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry.
DO NOT use any harsh chemicals or abrasives, including power washers, as this may discolor or damage the painted surface.

VINYL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR FINISHES

To clean, wash with mild soap and water. Heavy dirt and stains may require stronger cleaning compounds such as a vinyl siding cleaner. The surface can be wiped down with solvents such as turpentine, naphtha, nail polish remover (acetone), and alcohol. CAUTION: Some cleaners may mar or scratch vinyl. Abrasive cleaners will scratch the surface and are not recommended.

HARDWARE

Much like sterling silver, even the finest brass will react naturally to the elements surrounding it.

To maintain, polish with a nonabrasive automotive or furniture wax. By keeping your hardware cleaned and maintained you will be rewarded with a long-lasting finish.
Tighten screws on lockset and hinges when necessary.
Lightly oil hinges as needed. Wipe off excess.
Temperature changes from warm to cold may make it more difficult for weatherstripping to compress. To help alleviate this, it is recommended to keep hardware locked when not in use.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE paint thinner, lacquer thinner, gasoline, kerosene, or any other harsh chemical to clean surfaces or hardware.

It's not the windows, it's the humidity

MANAGING CONDENSATION

To reduce glass condensation, you must control humidity. Glass does not create condensation. The glass on your entry doors, patio doors, storm doors, or windows help prevent moisture from escaping to the outside and are the most visible surface where condensation is noticeable. Remember, if you have water, frost or ice on the surface of a double-glazed glass, you have excess humidity in your home. To reduce condensation, you must reduce humidity. If the humidity level in your home is high, and the outside temperature has dropped below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, condensation could still occur, regardless of what type of glass windows you have in your home.

What Causes Humidity to be Too High?

Anything that tends to evaporate moisture will contribute to humidity. Below are some of the chief sources of moisture evaporation.

Uncontrolled furnace humidifiers – Turn them off to reduce excessive humidity.
Open faced, unvented gas heaters – Use them sparingly and most importantly, connected to a chimney.
Damp basement walls and floors – Waterproof to prevent condensation.
Excessive boiling when cooking – Use exhaust fans or open up windows to allow steam to exit house.

Hanging laundry to dry – Make sure room is vented with open windows.
Large number of plants, watered daily – During cold months, move plants into another room secluded from the rest of the house.
New construction homes – It can take nearly a year for drywall, plaster, paint, concrete, and cement to fully dry or cure. This dampness can cause humidity in a newly constructed home.

Your perfect windows could be a click away

EXPLORE WINDOW STYLES

ProVia offers the most popular window styles you see in American homes, plus some that cater to very specific needs. We specialize in offering custom windows that meet exactly the design details, sizes, quality and budget you need. Learn more about our window styles.