Krumpen Woodworks, Inc.

WARNING: DO NOT USE SCRAPERS FOR CLEANING GLASS. GLASS SCRATCHED BY A SCRAPER IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE KRUMPEN WOODWORKS, INC. WINDOW AND DOOR WARRANTY.

Caution: Do not clean glass when it is exposed to direct sunlight

Start cleaning glass at the top of the building and continue to the lower levels. Soak the glass surface with a clean water and soap solution to loosen dirt and debris. Then use a mild, non abrasive commercial window cleaning solution. Dry all cleaning solution from the window gaskets, weatherstripping, sealants and frames.

Superficial surface dirt can be removed be washing with water and a soft-bristled, long handled brush (such as those used for washing cars). Heavier accumulation can be removed with a mild solution of household detergent. Other cleaning solutions consisting of alcohol/water mixtures are also effective. As with any cleaning operation on a vertical painter surface, streaking will be minimized if the surface is washed from the top to bottom. Always rinse the surface well with clean water to remove excess detergent solutions or cleaners. Prolonged detergent contact with paint can cause damage to the finish.

Grease or oily material may require the use of stronger cleaning compounds. Solvents or abrasive-type cleaners should be avoided. Do not allow strong detergents, ammonia, chemicals or other harsh cleaning substances to come in contact with finished exterior surfaces as they can cause damage.

Small damaged areas in the finish such as nicks and scratches may be touched up with a matching high-quality latex primer and paint. Contact your local paint supply store for recommendation and instructions.

If you have a brand new, bare wood window or door, you must finish it immediately to prevent possible damage to the wood. Even a primed window or door has no guarantees; primers function to maximize adhesion between the wood and the paint. They do not have protective qualities. Make sure bare wood window and door surfaces are clean and dry. Remove any handling marks, debris, or effects of exposure to moisture by sanding lightly with fine sandpaper and wiping clean before applying your choice of finish.

If you are using tape, leave a 1/16" (1.5mm) space between the tape and the wood bead which will allow you to lap the paint onto the glass for a proper seal. Carefully follow paint or stain instructions and make sure you wear adequate hand and eye protection.

Krumpen Woodworks uses a paintable silicone material between glass panes and wood sash frames to ensure a weather tight seal. Occasionally, an excess of this silicone sealant, called 'squeeze-out', smears around the edge of the glass. You can safely scrape off 'squeeze-out' with a plastic putty knife without damaging the weather tightness of your window or door.

It is extremely important for you to not paint locks, hardware, weatherstripping, jamb liners or any surface which comes in contact with another window or door surface. Also, use paints, stains and varnishes with care - they contain solvents which, when coming in contact with plastics and vinyl weatherstripping, cause these materials to lose their flexible qualities.

A bare wood, brand new window or door must be painted immediately to prevent possible damage to the wood, even if the window or door is already primed. Primers function to maximize adhesion between the wood and the paint; they do not have any protective qualities.

Make sure all bare wood window and door surfaces are clean and dry. Remove any handling marks, debris or effects of exposure to moisture by sanding lightly with fine sandpaper and wipe clean before applying any paint. To create the proper seal against weather, wind, and rain, the finish coats of all windows and sash should be allowed to flow onto the glass area at least 1/16" (1.5mm). When cleaning the glass, a razor blade should not be used to scrape the glass. This will destroy the seal. A broad blade putty knife should be used to protect the seal between the glass and the wood members. To make sure you get a good paint adhesion, high-quality primer should be used. Apply one coat of primer and two coats of top quality paint according to the paint manufacturer's instructions. Use only a high-quality oil based or latex paint. Paint windows with sash panels open (or removed altogether) and do not close (or reinstall) until thoroughly dry. Carefully follow paint instructions, and make sure you wear adequate hand and eye protection. All sides, including top and bottom edges, must be painted in order to completely seal a wood unit. Failure to do so will invalidate the Krumpen Woodworks, Inc. Warranty.

Wood windows and doors should be inspected and repainted periodically. Any sign of blistering, peeling or cracking in the finish should be immediately repaired to protect the wood underneath. Consult with a local paint store or house painting contractor for the best solution for your needs. If you notice any cracks, they should be caulked prior to repainting with a high-quality caulking material or a paintable grade caulking compound. Check each individual door or window section to see if there are any special instructions involved.

Paints, stains and varnishes contain solvents which, when coming in contact with plastics and vinyl used in weatherstripping, cause these material to loose their flexible qualities, making them brittle. Even momentary contact between the finish and the plastic will cause this to occur. Also, do not allow strong detergents, ammonia, solvents, chemicals or other harsh cleaning solutions to come in contact with painted exterior surfaces as they can be damaged.

1. Make sure weatherstripping is effective. Also, take care if using paints, stains and/or varnishes. These all contain solvents which, when coming in even momentary contact with weatherstripping, will cause it to lose its flexible qualities.
2. Examine the door's interior and exterior finish. Occasional repair to a damaged finish my be necessary.
3. Inspect the exterior caulking around the outer edges of the door or window frame. Trim off any old, loose caulking and seal any gaps with a good quality caulk.
   
4. Check that all hardware (locks, opening mechanisms, hinges, etc.) operates smoothly.
5. Make sure any exposed hardware screws are tightened securely.
6. Clean any sand, dirt, or dust from door hinges, sills and jambs.
7. Always consider your safety first - use caution on ladders, and always wear protective eye wear and clothing. When working with primers, paints, stains, cleaning solutions, etc., make sure that you use and dispose of these materials according to manufacturer's instructions. Improper disposal has been known to cause spontaneous combustion fires.
   
8. Check doors for smooth operations. Wood doors and windows require a stabilization period after installation, sometimes taking up to a year to adjust to humidity levels and other environmental factors.