Window and Door Maintenance from Marvin Windows

Maintenance

Keep your windows and doors looking their best for years with these simple how-to's:

Maintaining Glass
Maintaining Interior Wood
Maintaining Aluminium Cladding
Maintaining Screens
Maintaining Energy Panels
Maintaining Solid Brass Hardware
Finishing or Painting Bare Interior Wood
Finishing a Wood Exterior
Refinishing the Interior or Exterior
Annual Window and Door Checklist

Or go right to your specific window or door for information:

Casements and French Casements
Awnings
Sliding Sash Windows
Magnum Sliding Sash Windows
Glider Windows
Tilt Turn Windows
Round Top, Polygon and Picture Windows
Corner and Curved Windows
PowerDrives
Removing Trimline or Sliding French Door Panels
Removing Trimline Screen Doors
Trimline Patio and Sliding French Doors
French Doors
Handle Operation for French Doors
How to Tilt and Remove the Sash on your Sliding Sash Windows
How to Replace the Sash in the Frame

If you need more information on a particular problem with a door or window operation, check our FAQ section for answers.

Maintaining Glass

WARNING: DO NOT USE SCRAPERS FOR CLEANING GLASS. GLASS SCRATCHED BY A SCRAPER IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE MARVIN 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 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 window gaskets, sealants and frames.

Maintaining Interior Wood

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 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 painted surface, streaking will be minimized if the surface is washed from the top to the 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 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 latex primer and paint. Contact your local paint supply store for product recommendations and instructions.

Maintaining Aluminium Cladding

Marvin's aluminium cladding offers you a beautiful, low-maintenance exterior. Light surface dirt is usually washed off by normal rainfall. Surface dirt can also be removed with a wash and rinse with clear water. Use a soft brush such as a long-handled car washing brush. If you wish, you can use a mild detergent (such as dish soap) to remove any bugs, grime, dirt or dust that may gather on the aluminium cladding. To be safe, test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before washing cladding. A thorough, clear water rinse should follow. After rinsing well and drying, you can use car wax to add shine. Over cleaning or scrubbing a coated metal surface can do more harm than good to its surface life. Do not use solvents or abrasive-type cleaners on any coated surface.

Mildew may occur in areas subject to high humidity, appearing on the surface of the coating as black spots. Mildew can be removed by using a basic solution of the following ingredients: 1/3 cup (80 ml) laundry detergent, 2/3 cup (155 ml) trisodium phosphate (such as Soilex), 1 quart (1 liter) household bleach, and 3 quarts (3 liters) water. Use a soft bristle brush with medium pressure. Rinse the finish with clear water after cleaning. Caution: A stronger concentration of cleaner can damage the coating surface or finish. Always wear protective eyewear and skin protection when using harsh cleaning compounds.

Caulking tars and similar substances can be removed with mineral spirits. Use a soft bristle brush with medium pressure. A clear water rinse should follow. Be sure to follow label directions for use and disposal, and wear protective eyewear and clothing.

Maintaining Screens

Marvin screens are designed to stand up to everyday use. However, these screens are not intended to act as a safety device. Do not allow children to sit or play on window sills, or to push or fall against window screens, as this could result in a fall through the window or door opening.

Cleaning the screens on your windows and doors is best done by removing the screens altogether, laying them on a flat clean area, like a driveway, and spraying off any dust with water from your garden hose. Allow the screens to completely air dry before replacing in the window and door. If you live in a cold climate, it is recommended that in the winter you remove the screen door from your Marvin doors. The mesh may collect snow and ice, causing it to sag. Please see individual door sections for instructions on screen door removal. Contact your Marvin retailer if you wish to replace screens in your doors and windows.

Maintaining Energy Panels

Occasionally make sure that all fasteners on your energy panels are closed securely. Clean and maintain glass the same way as your other windows for regular interior and exterior care. Important: Do not caulk around your energy panel - it is designed to allow a certain amount of air circulation.

Maintaining Solid Brass Hardware

Some Marvin windows and doors feature solid brass hardware. These locksets are highly polished, then coated with a lacquer finish. Hardware finish life can be affected by use, solvents and exposure. When the finish is worn down, the brass is exposed and will tarnish. This is a natural property of solid brass and is not considered a manufacturing defect. However, proper care for solid brass hardware will delay tarnishing and offer years of beautiful service.

Whether brass hardware is on the inside or outside, the lacquer finish will eventually wear down and expose the brass underneath, leading to some degree of tarnishing. The extent and rate of tarnishing depends on factors such as the levels of use and exposure to pollution, UV rays and salty sea air.

With a little care, tarnish can be eliminated from your brass hardware. First, remove all remaining lacquer finish by using only No. 0000 steel wool (available at hardware stores) soaked in a light oil or soapy water to keep metal abrasion to a minimum. For tough-to-clean hardware, try washing with a high quality lacquer thinner or paint reducer. Be very careful not to get any on the door to prevent damage to the door or window finish.

Once the hardware has been cleaned, the shine can be restored with brass polish. After polishing, protect the shine with several coatings of quality automobile wax. The finish can be protected on an ongoing basis by applying follow-up wax coatings as needed.

Finishing or Painting Bare Interior Wood

If you have a brand new, bare-wood Marvin window or door, you must finish it immediately to prevent possible damage to the wood. Even a primed window has no guarantees; primers function to maximize adhesion between the wood and the 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' (1.5 mm) 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.

Marvin uses a rubber-like material between glass panes and wood sash frames to ensure a weather tight 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 weather-tightness of your window or door.

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

Finishing a Wood Exterior

A bare wood, brand new Marvin 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 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' (1.5 mm) space between the tape and the wood. This will allow you to lap the finishing coat onto the glass for a proper seal. 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 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 vinyls used in weather stripping, cause these materials to lose 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 substances to come in contact with painted exterior surfaces as they can cause damage.

Refinishing the Interior or Exterior

Before refinishing the interior or exterior, remove sash from the frame. This will make it much easier to prevent paint or varnish from coming in contact with the sash tracks.

A very important note: Make sure you do not paint the sides of the sash as this will greatly affect the operation of your window.

Do not replace the sash until the finish is completely dry. It is extremely important that you do not paint locks, hardware, weather stripping, jamb-liners or any surface which comes in contact with another window surface. Also, paints, stains and varnishes contain solvents which, when coming in contact with plastics and vinyls such as weather stripping, cause these materials to lose their flexible qualities, making them brittle. Even momentary contact between the finish and the plastic will cause this to occur.

Annual Window and Door Checklist

Use this checklist as a maintenance reminder and to prevent problems - once a year should be sufficient.

Make sure weather stripping is effective. If not, contact your local Marvin retailer. Also, take care if using paints, stains and varnishes. These all contain solvents which, when coming in even momentary contact with weather stripping, will cause it to lose its flexible qualities.
Examine the window's interior and exterior finish. Occasional repair to a damaged finish may be necessary.
Inspect the exterior caulking around the outer edges of the window frame. Trim off any old, loose caulking and seal any gaps with a good quality caulk.
Check that all hardware (locks, opening mechanisms, etc.) operates smoothly.
Make sure any exposed hardware screws are tightened securely.
Clean any sand, dirt or dust from door and window hinges, sills and tracks.
Check any energy panels and storm combinations to make sure screws in turn buttons are securely fastened.
Always consider your safety first - use caution on ladders, and always wear protective eyewear 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.
Check doors for smooth operation. Wood doors require a stabilization period after installation, sometimes taking up to a year to adjust to humidity levels and other environmental factors.

Casements and French Casements

The roto-gear is the operating mechanism that you crank to open and close your Casement and Awning windows. Your Casement lock seals the window tightly - excessive cranking when closing your window does not improve the seal and may damage your roto-gear. Roto-gears should be lubricated once a year with white lithium grease (available at any hardware store) to keep operation smooth. The hinge joints and the locking mechanism should be lubricated occasionally with a silicone-based spray. Be sure to clean off all dirt, debris or sand before lubrication. Be careful: Excessive lubrication may cause damage to the window's finish. Make sure that any excess is immediately wiped up.

The sash tracks should be occasionally cleaned out with a soft bristle brush - again, take care not to damage the finish. Learn how to care for the interior and exterior, too.

Awnings

Awning hinges, roto-gear operator arms and sash guides can be oiled with a few drops of light household oil or silicone spray.

Important: Excessive lubrication may cause damage to the finish of your window. Avoid getting oil and solvents on your finish.

Contact your Marvin retailer if you have service questions. Operating hardware should be lubricated on occasion. Simply crank open the window and lubricate hardware with white lithium grease. Interior and exterior finishes can be cared for in the same manner as any other Marvin window or door. Periodically inspect caulking around the exterior perimeter of the unit and apply new caulk if necessary.

Sliding Sash Windows

Periodically clean the vinyl jamb-liners where the sash slides. Keep them dirt and grease-free by washing with a gentle washing up detergent and after drying, spray with furniture wax to prevent sticking. Be sure to wipe off any excess wax.

Check the exterior caulking on your sliding sash windows annually. If you have a combination storm/screen on your sliding sash windows, refer to our screen care instructions.

Magnum Sliding Sash Windows

Marvin manufactures Magnum Sliding Sashes - very large sliding sash windows. The main difference between Magnum Sliding Sash windows and Marvin's other sliding sashes is the size. Since most of these units are so large, we don't recommend that homeowners perform repairs on them. For your own safety, if you wish to tilt or remove the sash in your Magnum Sliding Sash window but the sash seems larger than you can handle, we strongly suggest you get a second person to help.

Glider Windows

Periodically clean the tracks where the sashes slide. Keep them dirt and grease-free, and spray them lightly with furniture wax to prevent sticking. Be sure to wipe off any excess wax. Before refinishing the wood on the sash, remove the operator sash from the frame (removal instructions are included in our FAQ section.) This will make it much easier to avoid paint or varnish coming in contact with the sash tracks. Make sure that the top and bottom edges are left unfinished. Do not replace the sash until the finish is thoroughly dry.

Tilt Turn Windows

Marvin Tilt Turn windows offer a unique operating system that allows you to open the window in one of two ways. Turning the window handle from the downward 'locked' position to a 90ş angle (horizontal) lets the window swing open on the side hinges. To open to a tilt position, close the window and swing the handle upright to a vertical position. Now the window should tilt on the hinges along the bottom of the unit. Make sure you do not turn the handle to the tilt position (vertical) while it is in the open position (horizontal). If you inadvertently do so, the sash will disconnect at three corners. To remedy this, simply replace the sash in the frame and return the handle to the locked position.

Use a silicone spray lubricant occasionally on the hinges and locking mechanism to keep the operation smooth. Be careful not to allow oil to come in contact with window surfaces. Occasionally check to see if the sill area is dirty or clogged. If so, clean out with a vacuum cleaner. Interior and exterior finishes can be cared for in the same manner as any other Marvin window or door.

The Marvin Tilt Turn windows feature hardware that operates based on intricate mechanisms. Because they are so complicated, and tend to be large window units, we suggest you allow your Marvin retailer to handle any additional maintenance.

Round Top, Polygon and Picture Windows

Most Marvin round top, polygon and picture windows are non-operational, meaning they do not open or close, so there are no maintenance needs for hardware or weather stripping. All you need to do is clean the glass occasionally, and maintain the interior wood and exterior surfaces on the same schedule as your other windows.

Corner and Curved Windows

Most Marvin corner and curved windows are non-operational, meaning they do not open or close, so there are no maintenance needs for operational hardware or weather stripping. All you need to do is clean the glass occasionally, and maintain the interior wood and exterior surfaces on the same schedule as your other windows. If you have a curved single hung window, use the same care as Sliding Sash windows.

PowerDrives

Your PowerDrive units feature motorized opening and closing, as well as automatic locking and unlocking. Controlled by a wall switch, remote control or rain sensors, these electrically-operated windows can give you instant security and air circulation at the touch of a finger. Two preset positions allow you to open windows partially or completely. Just tap the switch once to open the pre-set partial opening, or hold the switch for full opening.

If you have a power cut, you will need to restart your PowerDrives afterwards to keep them operating correctly. The first cycle (opening and closing of a window) after a power outage will take the PowerDrive system through the start-up sequence. All you need to do to begin the start-up sequence is to hold the switch down for 20 seconds. Afterwards, the window should function normally.

For more information on the hardware on your window or door visit Truth Hardware.

Removing Trimline or Sliding French Door Panels

Removing door panels is a relatively complicated procedure. If you need them removed, please contact your Marvin retailer for either detailed instructions or for a service person to remove the panel for you.

Removing Trimline Screen Doors

Press the bottom corner of the screen frame downward toward the sill and turn the adjustment screw approximately a half turn. Repeat the procedure to the other bottom corner of the screen frame. Lift the screen upward to free the rollers from the bottom track, then lift the screen door out of the frame.

To reinstall, make sure each of the rollers is in the locked position by depressing the roller into the frame and turning the adjustment screw to hold the roller in place. Position the top of the screen door in the screen door channel. Lift the door and set bottom rollers on the sill track. Release each top roller by turning the adjustment screw in the direction shown (less than a quarter turn is needed.) Repeat the step for the bottom rollers, but continue to turn the adjustment screw approximately a 1/2 turn.

Trimline Patio and Sliding French Doors

The Trimline Patio and Sliding French doors require very little maintenance to keep them functioning efficiently. Most problems can be eliminated by keeping the sill clean, ensuring smooth door operation. Chemicals, solvents, paints and other harsh substances should never come in contact with the sill. Remove any paint, 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. On Trimline Patio Doors, we use a paintable material called Ultrex^® for the sills. If you wish, you can prime and paint Ultrex just like any other surface. Door handles can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges.

It is very seldom that door rollers require lubrication. Occasionally use spray lubricant to keep operation smooth (rollers are visible underneath the operator panel). If you live in a cold climate, it is recommended that you remove the screen door in the winter. The screen mesh may collect snow and ice, causing it to sag.

French Doors

Your French or French Door requires very little maintenance. To maintain sill appearance, wash only with a mild soap and water solution. 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. You may wish to remove door panels for moving or other reasons. If you need them removed, please contact your Marvin retailer for either detailed instructions or for a service person to remove the panel for you.

Handle Operation for French Doors

Always close and lock your stationary panel first and the operating panel (with thumb turn) second. Marvin's multi-point hardware has locking bolts at the head and base of the door. Lifting the handle 45ş upward will set the head and foot bolts in place for a secure seal. A 90ş turn of the key from the outside or the thumb turn on the inside will lock the deadbolt in the handle assembly. You must engage the head and foot bolts by lifting the handle before locking the deadbolt. When the deadbolt is unlocked, simple downward pressure on the handle will release both the bolts and the latches and the door will open. Make sure you engage all the deadbolt, head and foot bolts; using only one or the other does not offer full security.

If you live in a cold climate, it is recommended that you remove the screen door in the winter. The screen mesh may collect snow and ice, causing it to sag. The screens used on the Wood Sliding French Door and the French Door are top mounted. Remove the plugs covering the screws and the three screws that attach the screen to the roller bar assembly. Pull the screen toward you, and lift it off of the guide.

To reinstall, place the screen onto the bottom guide on the sill. Tip the screen up next to the roller bar assembly. Align the screen holes with the holes in roller assembly bar and reattach with the screws. To adjust the screen, remove the plugs to expose the adjustment screws. Use a screwdriver to adjust screen rollers up or down so that the screen operates correctly. Reinsert plugs.

How to Tilt and Remove the Sash on your Sliding Sash Windows

Note: If you have a single hung window, where only the bottom sash is operational, the top sash is not tiltable.

Raise the bottom sash about 3 inches (7.5 cm). While pushing the left vinyl jamb-liner into the frame with your left hand, ease the upper left corner of the lower sash toward you, popping it slightly off the vinyl jamb-liner. Now do the same with the upper right corner, pulling the sash toward your body with your left hand while depressing the jamb-liner with your right. You may make this process easier by using a 1/2'-3/4' (1.25 cm - 1.9 cm) diameter dowel - just cut a dowel 1/2' (1.25 cm) longer than the sash width, then gently insert the dowel into the window frame, pushing the jamb-liners into the sides of the window frame. Pull gently on the sash until the top comes free of the window frame and the sash tilts inward.

To remove the sash altogether, lower the sash to a horizontal position, then lift one side, then the other, out of the locking assemblies to pop the entire sash out of the frame. Notice the sash pins protruding on each side of the bottom of the sash. To remove the upper sash, open it about halfway and remove in the same manner as the lower sash.

How To Replace the Sash in the Frame

Caution: When replacing sash, both sash pins must be positioned above the locking terminal assembly located in the vinyl jamb-liner.

Should a locking terminal assembly slide up after removing the sash, reposition the locking terminal assemblies so that they are level with each other. Holding a flathead screwdriver firmly, pull the locking terminal assembly located in the jamb-liner down to approximately 8' to 10' (20 cm to 25 cm) from the sill. Engage in the locked position by turning the screwdriver towards you. Be sure the assemblies are locked before removing the screwdriver. Damage could occur if the terminal assemblies are not locked.

After making sure that the locking assemblies are even, hold the top sash in a horizontal position. Insert one sash pin above the locking terminal assembly. Raise the opposite side of the sash and insert the sash pin above the locking terminal assembly on that side. Tilt the sash up and, while depressing the vinyl jamb-liner on both sides, ease sash into place. Lower sash slightly until you hear a 'click' to engage the sash pins into locking terminal assembly. Raise the top sash to the top of frame and repeat the procedure for the bottom sash.