EFCO Special Purpose Windows General Maintenance User Manual
GENERAL SERVICE AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Part# YSM1
July 2013
General Service and Maintenance Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGES
1. General Information …………………………………………………… 2
2. Glass Care, Maintenance and Cleaning …….……………………. 3-6
2.a. General Glass Care and Cleaning …….…………………….. 3
2.b. Cleaning of Coated or Reflective Surfaces …….…………… 4
2.c. Deglazing and Reglazing for Wet Glazed Applications …….. 5
2.d. Deglazing and Reglazing for Tape Glazing Applications ….. 6
3. Finish Care, Maintenance and Cleaning ………………………….7-10
3.a. Painted Aluminum Care and Cleaning …………………….7-8
3.b. Anodized Aluminum Care and Cleaning ………………….9-10
4. Recommended Maintenance and Cleaning for Windows, Curtainwall,
Storefront, Entrance Doors, Terrace Doors, and Sliding Glass Doors
in a Coastal Environment ………………………………………. 11-12
4.a. Monthly …………………………………………………………11
4.b Periodically ……………………………………………………. 11
4.c. Quarterly ……………………………..................................... 12
4.d. Annually ……………………………………………………….. 12
5. Condensation………………..………………………………………13-18
5.a. About Condensation ...………………………………….….13-14
5.b Preventing Condensation ….………………………………….15
5.c. Frequently Asked Questions ……………………...…...….16-17
5.d. Sources and Additional Information…………………………..18
EFCO CORPORATION 2013 PAGE 1
General Service and Maintenance Manual
SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
All EFCO products are designed for minimum maintenance requirements once
properly installed. Since all moving contacts are aluminum against nylon, no
lubrication is required. However, guide tracks should be cleared of dirt and debris
periodically.
The following sheets describe parts for the EFCO products supplied for typical
projects. Occasionally, a part will break and need replacing. Most of these parts are
stocked by EFCO and can be shipped immediately upon request. Please send all
requests to the following address:
EFCO EXPEDITE DEPARTMENT
EFCO CORPORATION
1000 County Road
P.O. Box 609
Monett, Missouri 65708
Or Call
Toll Free: 1-800-221-416
Fax: 417-235-7313
The materials in this packet are based on typical window types and job conditions.
Due to the custom nature of EFCO’s Business, some material in this packet may not
apply to your specific job. In as much as EFCO Corporation has no control over how
others may use this material, we do not guarantee that the same results as those
described herein will be obtained. Each user of the materials and/or procedures
should make their own tests to determine the suitability of the materials or procedures
for their own particular field use.
EFCO CORPORATION 2013 PAGE 2
General Service and Maintenance Manual
SECTION 2
GLASS CARE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
2.a. GENERAL CLEANING
Wash, rinse, and dry the glass at frequent intervals particularly during
construction. For all glass surfaces, except coated glass use soft, clean, grit-free
cloths, to apply a solution of a mild soap or detergent in water with a maximum
of 2% concentration, or use a slightly acidic cleaning solution. Do not allow the
soap or cleaning solution to dry on the surface. Follow this immediately with a
high volume of clean water, and prompt removal of excess rinse water with a
clean squeegee. Ensure that not only the glass, but also the surrounding
surfaces are rinsed well.
SOME IMPORTANT CAUTIONS
1. Do not mark or coat glass partially or completely with “x’s” or other symbols with
any material whatsoever. If paper or adhesive is alkaline in character, the
contact area may be attacked directly. If paper or adhesive is neutral or slightly
acid in character, it may “protect” the contact area and permit adjacent exposed
surfaces to weather or age. Although subtle, such conditions are sometimes
sufficiently evident to be annoying.
2. Splatter from welding may cause permanent surface damage, reduce strength,
and lead to breakage.
EFCO CORPORATION 2013 PAGE 3
General Service and Maintenance Manual
SECTION 2
GLASS CARE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
2.b. CLEANING OF COATED OR REFLECTIVE SURFACES
Clean coated glasses with a solution of mild soap or other mild detergent in
water with a maximum concentration of 2%. Apply this with grit free clothes or
sponges, followed immediately by rinsing the glass and surrounding areas with
a high volume of clear water and removal of excess rinse water with a
squeegee. Do not allow the soap solution to dry on the surface. Remove grease
and glazing materials with commercial solvents such as xylene, toluene, mineral
spirits or naptha and follow with normal wash and rinse. Be careful not to
damage glazing or insulating unit seals by over generous applications of strong
solvents. Comply with solvent manufactures directions on label for toxicity and
flammability warnings.
Because fingerprints, grease stains, smears, dirt, scum, sealant residue,
scratches, and abrasions (on either surface) are more noticeable on reflective
glasses than on non-reflective glass. Take extra care in cleaning to be sure that
gritty dirt particles picked up by the cloths do not scratch the glass.
Coated glasses should be cleaned at least 3-4 times per year so that materials
such as metal irons, alkali rundown from concrete, stucco, etc. are not permitted
a long residence time on the coated glass surfaces. As residence time of the
stain increases, there is an increasing probability that diffusion into the coating
will occur. This results in a more difficult stain to remove and could damage the
coating.
Do not use harsh cleaners, abrasive cleaners, alkaline materials, fluoride salts,
chlorine based cleaners or hydrogen producing compounds.
NOTE: All cleaning products must be completely rinsed from the glass
and surrounding surfaces before the process is complete.
EFCO CORPORATION 2013 PAGE 4
General Service and Maintenance Manual
SECTION 2
GLASS CARE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
2.c. DEGLAZING AND REGLAZING FOR WET GLAZED APPLICATIONS
Deglazing of Broken or Defective Glass
1. Remove glazing beads by applying pressure to the inside lower edge of the bead to compress
the glazing vinyl. While maintaining inward pressure give a slight upward movement. If the
bead is tight it maybe necessary to insert a putty knife in the crevice between the bead and
the sash of the frame then give a slight twisting motion as pressure is applied to the bead.
2. Remove broken or defective glass—in some cases it may be necessary to cut the old sealant
loose from the glass by running a utility knife between the glass and the glazing leg.
3. Remove all existing sealants and dirt from the glazing surface of the sash or frame. This is
usually done by scraping with a putty knife or similar object.
4. Wipe down the sash or frame glazing surface with a solvent saturated oil-free cloth. Suitable
solvents include xylol, toluol or methyl ethyl ketone. Always follow the manufactures’
instructions for handling of solvents.
Glazing/Reglazing the Window
1. Apply a bead of silicone sealant to the glazing surface. Glazing surfaces should be prepared
in accordance with the sealant manufactures’ instructions to assure good adhesion.
Surrounding temperatures must be within the sealant manufactures’ specified range during
application and curing. Special attention must be given to condensed moisture or frost on cold
metal surfaces with can occur if glazing when temperature in below 40 F.
2. Install setting blocks and edge blocks—glass should always be set on two identical rubber
setting blocks of an acceptable rubber material having a shore a durometer hardness of
85+/-5. The setting blocks should be the proper size and design to assure full bearing
surface of both lites of glass in an insulated unit.
3. After inserting the glass, reinstall horizontal glazing beads and then the vertical beads by
applying an inward pressure on the inside bottom of the bead with a slight downward
pressure. Some types of glazing may require a slight tap from a rubber hammer/mallet to get
the bead started.
4. Clean off excess sealant with a clean cloth or paper towel.
5. Allow sealant to cure a minimum of 24 hours before operating the window, see sealant manufacturers’ instructions for actual cure time.
NOTE: EFCO Corporation assumes no responsibility for failure of insulated glass units
due to faulty installation.
EFCO CORPORATION 2013 PAGE 5
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