![]() ![]() Traditional oil based mastic sealants depend on a paint overcoat to maintain their service life. If deterioration is observed, the original sealant should be raked out, the joint thoroughly cleaned up, and new sealant applied which is compatible with the original The joint sealants between window frame and wall opening, and at couplings between window units, will generally have a shorter life than the frames themselves. The gap should be large enough to allow a feeler gauge to slide into the gap without too much slackness. If the gap is too great or the frame is badly bowed (tight at the centre and gaping at the corners), seek expert assistance from RMW Ltd. With the window in the closed position, check for excessive gaps between the fixed and moving parts. If distortion has not gone too far, it may be sufficient to strip the paint off all meeting surfaces, taking particular care to clean off paint in the hinges. ![]() ![]() This, in turn, can cause the window to bow or hinges distort. When the repainting programme has exceeded this, the paint build up starts to force the meeting surfaces apart and excessive force may be needed to close the window. Steel windows supplied galvanized only, without a factory applied polyester colour coating, have clearances set up between meeting surfaces sufficient for three or four coats of paint. Take great care to keep flexible weatherseals and moving parts of fittings free of paint. Oil based glazing putties and mastic sealants likewise need priming and sealing. The bare zinc of a hot dip galvanized finish needs a zinc chromate etched primer before further brush paint coats are applied. Large areas of damage are best repaired by the specialist contractors, using two-pack resin and hardener spray applied systems. This will be air drying and cannot be expected to weather in the same way as the original “oven-baked” coating, so its use should be limited. Small areas of finish that become chipped or scratched can be made good by application of touch-up paint available from RMW Ltd. If, after many years of exposure, the polyester coated surface needs redecoration, a standard undercoat/top coat alkyd system can be used, after the surface has been cleaned and slightly roughened to provide a key. The finish will then last between 15 (Gloss finish) and 25 (matt finish) years before a decorative re-coat becomes necessary. Using nothing harsher than a bristle brush or nylon pad. Wash down periodically – at intervals of between three and twelve months, depending on the amount of grime and salt in the atmosphere – using a mild non-alkaline detergent in warm water, applied with a soft cloth or sponge. W20, W30, W40 & REAframe steel window frames have a factory applied stoved polyester colour coating. This aftercare & maintenance sheet gives general guidance on taking care of steel framed windows and doors so that they will continue to give years of satisfactory service. Simple measures, such as always having the metal frame surfaces washed down at the same time as the glass is cleaned, and undertaking an annual inspection of working parts, gasket weatherseals and joint sealants, will do much to ensure their trouble-free performance. Steel windows, properly maintained, can be expected to last the life of the building. Aftercare & Maintenance of REASteel Windows. ![]()
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