The outer aluminium sash and frame surfaces are affected by the surrounding environment such as city and industrial areas with high traffic intensity and air pollution and coastal areas with salty air which soil and affect the surface more than clean country air.

Cleaning should be done on a regular basis and at least twice a year, maybe in connection with window cleaning. Wash sash and frame surfaces in lukewarm water with a neutral cleaning fluid such as car shampoo and wipe surfaces and edges with a cloth.

The external aluminium profiles are as standard chrome free and surface treated with a polyester powder coating. This treatment offers a very strong and weather-resistant surface requiring only limited maintenance. In practice, this means cleaning it a couple of times a year with a soft brush or cloth and lukewarm water with a neutral cleaning fluid such as car shampoo.

Minor damage to the surface treatment will not affect the element’s durability since a natural oxide film quickly forms on exposed aluminium, preventing corrosion and white rust attacks.

However, for cosmetic reasons it may be desirable to repair such damage and Idealcombi’s Technical Department would be happy to provide advice and guidance. Call us on 01582 860 940.

The outer aluminium covering on our products in timber|aluminium can alternatively be supplied with anodic treatment. Once the aluprofiles have been chemically prepared and cleaned thoroughly, they undergo an electrolytic process. Direct current is applied to the profiles which become anodised, thus turning the surface metal into oxide. This process continues until the desired film thickness has been achieved.

An anodised surface treatment provides excellent corrosion resistance in most environments while keeping the surface very smooth and dirt repellent. On top of that it has the ability to preserve what we call a “new” appearance.

Anodised alu-profiles are almost maintenance-free provided that the surface is cleaned a couple of times a year with a soft brush or cloth and lukewarm water with a neutral cleaning fluid such as car shampoo.

During the annual maintenance service, cleaning and lubricating ironmongery, weatherstrips and glazing gaskets should be inspected.

Our weatherstrips are made from EPDM rubbers and several of them in a combination with a solid foot and a soft cellular sealing surface.
The weatherstrips do not require any special maintenance but should be kept clean and free of dirt. This is done by wiping them off once a year with lukewarm water and a neutral cleaning fluid using a cloth. We recommend brushing the weatherstrips with a silicone stick to minimize friction during operation.
Also check that the weather strips are positioned and secured correctly and that they have maintained their sealing function.

All weatherstrips are loosely fitted in a perimeter groove making them easy to remove and install on most element types if they are damaged and need replacement – or in connection with surface treatment maintenance.
Never paint weatherstrips or brush them with wood preservatives/oils.

Glazing gaskets are made of EPDM/cell rubbers and doe not require any special maintenance but should be kept clean and free of dirt. This is done by wiping them off once a year with lukewarm water and a neutral cleaning fluid using a cloth.