Architectural Aluminium Glazing Products

Frequency of Inspection

These are guidelines only; the frequency of inspection depends upon the environment in which the product is situated and the standard of appearance that is required.

Environment
Rural
Low risk urban (e.g. leafy suburbia)
Normal urban (e.g. main road)
High risk urban (e.g. industrial park)
Extreme (e.g. coastal sea-fencing)
Inspection Frequency
18 months
18 months
12 months
3 months
1 months
Visual Inspection

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection can be undertaken whilst cleaning our products. Here are some things to look out for:

  • Check all hardware fixing screws are tight.
  • Check connections between Vertical Sliding Window balances and sashes.
  • Check safety stops/catches/latches are in place.
  • Inspect all parts for signs of damage.
  • Ensure that drainage paths are not blocked by debris or foreign bodies.
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

If your visual inspection reveals damage or impaired function, initiate an immediate investigation by a person familiar with the product. Repairs must be carried out before user safety or product function is jeopardised.

Replacement of faulty or damaged parts should be carried out by an experienced person using the correct parts and equipment.

Call our team for advice on 01603 757710.

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Environmental Constraints

Environmental Constraints

Attention must also be paid to all factors leading to corrosion. For example: the effects of caustic fluids, air pollution and coastal or industrial environments.

The materials we use will not degrade due to ultra violet light, or when using neutral acidity non-solvent cleaning chemicals, at a rate faster than other parts of the window assembly.

However, the practice of cleaning brickwork with acidic based products will have serious effects if allowed to come into contact with our hardware. Corrosion or failure of hardware as a result of this practice is not covered by the warranty.

For further advice on recommended procedures for protecting the window during this operation, email info@alisystems.co.uk.

Aftercare
Routine Maintenance
1 Appropriate Lubricants
Appropriate Lubricants

Items such as door locks, friction hinges, and reversible window gear which have been lubricated in manufacture and installation should be treated with the appropriate lubricant when they show signs of stiffening up in use or they have been left unused for a considerable time.

Fitting
Cylinder Locks
Handles
Hinge Pivots
Hinge Channels
Locks
Vertical Sliding Window Balances
Others
Lubricant
Graphite or PTFE-based lubricant
Light Machine Oil
Light Machine Oil
Vaseline
Light Machine Oil
Torso Castrol Rustilo
Multipurpose Grease
2 Handles
Handles

All of our handles and fittings are made from the best quality base materials. The surface is protected from corrosion either by transparent lacquer, anodising and electroplating, or by a special vacuum-coating process. Surfaces protected by chrome-plating or vacuum-coating have a high scratch resistance. Cleaning and maintenance couldn’t be simpler:

Avoid Overtightening

Handles should not be overtightened as this may impair the operation of the espagnolette, shoot bolt, lock or tilt & turn mechanism. Casement fasteners and stays should not be overtightened as this may split the frame, especially on a timber system.

3 Hinges
Hinges

As with most mechanical devices, hinges require periodic maintenance and lubrication. The hinge in general and particularly the pivots, sliding shoe and track must be kept free from dirt, debris and any obstructions at all times.

  • Clean any dirt or debris from the hinge.
  • Clear any obstructions from the pivots, sliding shoe and track.
  • Lubricate with light engineering oil with corrosion inhibitors.
  • Avoid solvent-based aerosol sprays like WD40.
  • Check the tightness and security of all fixing screws and rivets

Normal operating conditions for all hinges are:

  • Operating temperature range: -20°C to +60°C
  • Operating humidity range: 10% Relative Humidity to 95%

If a hinge is fitted in an area where it is exposed to a corrosive atmosphere (e.g. salt laden sea air in coastal locations) we recommend that, in addition to general maintenance and lubrication, all metal surfaces are lightly coated with lubrication oil or sprayed with a proprietary anticorrosion spray.

4 Fixings and Restrictors
Fixings and Restrictors

Depending on the type of fixing the maintenance required to prevent corrosion can vary.

  • Brass. Polish regularly to maintain the original colour.
  • Stainless steel. Remove rust spots from with stain remover and polish.
  • Lacquered fittings. Maintain with paint according to the instructions of the paint manufacturer.
  • Anodized aluminium. Clean at least once a year with neutral solvents and non-scratching materials.

After installation, all windows must be checked for function and all restrictors and reverse catches should limit the opening or closing of the window. Initial restrictors must hold the window at approximately 100mm max and automatically engage and reengage when operated.

5 Emergency Escape Hardware
Emergency Escape Hardware

Ensure regular operation of the emergency escape device for a clean release of the locking points as the bar is operated. Also check for unimpeded opening and closing of the door, including successful engagement of both locking points as the door closes. This should always occur quickly and easily.

Carry out the following monthly checks (especially important for high traffic, commercial and corrosive conditions):

  • Ensure that the strike plate is free from obstruction.
  • Remove the cosmetic end cap from the locking stile end of the bar.
  • Check that the screw retaining the crank onto the vertical rod mechanism is securely fastened.
  • Check all other fixings (including the head strike) are securely fastened.
  • Lubricate with high grade, lithium-based grease the top of the square bolt where it bears against the stop plate of the top bolt actuator.
  • Lubricate all other moving parts with grease that is silicone-based.
6 Finishes
Finishes

Powder coated frames need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that the decorative and protective properties of the coating are retained. For large scale buildings requiring regular cleaning operations we advise using companies or individuals who specialise in this type of work.

  • • Wash the coating using a solution of warm water and mild detergent.
  • All surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge, using nothing harsher than natural bristle brushes.
  • Cleaning of the frames can often be combined with cleaning the glass.

Carry out the following monthly checks (especially important for high traffic, commercial and corrosive conditions):

Get Started

Contact us for a quote today by calling 01603 757710, emailing sales@alisystems.co.uk or filling out the form below. We are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.