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 by washing with water and a soft-bristled, long handled brush (such as those used for washing cars). Heavier accumulations cam 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 painted surface, streaking will be minimized if the usrface is washed from the top to the bottom. Always rinse the surface well with clean water to remove excess detergrnt solutions or cleaners. Prolonged detergent contact with paint can cause damage to the finish.

Grease or oily materials 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 laytex primer and paint. Contact your local paint supply store for product recommendations and instructions.

If you can a brand new, bare wood window or door, you must finish it immediately to prevent possible damage to the wood. Even a primed unit has no guarantees; primers function to maximize adhesion between the wood and paint. They do not have any 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. Before finishing, run a strip of masking tape along the edge of the glass.

If you are using paint, leave a 1/16" (1.5mm) space between the tape and the wood bead which wil allow you to lap 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 a rubber-like material between glass panes and wood sash frames to ensure a weathertight seal. Occasionally, an excess of this silicone sealant, called "squeeze-out," appears around the edge of the glass. You can safely scrape off "squeeze-out" with a plastic putty knife without damaging the weathertightness of your window or door.

It is extremely important that you do 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 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 offer 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 paint. Before finishing, run a strip of masking tape along the edge of the glass, leaving a 1/16" (1.5mm) space between the tape and the wood. This will allow you to lap the finish coat onto the glass for a proper seal. When painting exterior door, make sure you get the bottom edge of the door (closest to the floor) as that needs the most protection from any rain or water pooling in the threshhold. To make sure you get 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 base or latex paint. Paint windows with sash or panels opened (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.

WIndows and doors with a wood exterior should be inspected and repainted periodically. Any signs of blistering, peeling or cracking in the finish should be immediately repaired to protect the wood underneath. Consult with your local paint store or housepainting contractor for the best solution to 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 and 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 vinyls used in weatherstripping, cause these materials to lose their flexable 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 substances 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 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. Check that all hardware (locks, opening mechanisms, etc.) operates smoothly.
4. Make sure any exposed hardware screws are tightened securely.
5. Clean any sand, dirt, or dust from door hinges, sills and jambs.
6. Always consider your safety first-use caution on ladders, and always wear protective eyewear and clothing. When working with primers, paints, stains, cleaning colutions, etc., make sure that you use and dispose of these materials according to manufacturer's instructions.
7. Check doors for smooth operations. Wood doors require a stabilization period after installation, sometimes taking up to a year to adjust to humidity levels and other environmental factors.

Your French Door requires very little maintenance. To maintain sill appearance, wash only with mild soap and water solutions. Remove fresh paint splashes, grease or caulk with isopropyl alcohol. Wood doors need to adjust to humidity levels in a home and may warp slightly as seasons change-allow one full year for your door to go through this process.