Why PGT®?
Care & Maintenance
PGT® windows and doors are designed to be low maintenance. You can keep yours in top shape with just a small amount of care and light yearly cleaning to maximize durability and operation. In some environements, such as salt-air environments, a bit more care and maintenance is required.
Download one of our helpful brochures to ensure you get the most out of your windows and doors.
Essential Best Practices
Wash your products with light pressure — excessive scrubbing can lead to damage, like scratches.
Clean and rinse each window or door individually to prevent cleaning agents from permeating for long periods of time.
Clean aluminum frames very carefully after they are installed. These frames are extremely susceptible to corrosion caused by various chemicals on a construction site.
Avoid leaning on your window or door screens. These products are not designed to protect you from falling.
Important Precautions
Do not use the items below on your windows, screens, doors, or hardware. These improper tools may void your warranty and/or damage your products.
- A power washer or garden hose
- Metal tools or sharp objects, like razor blades, putty knives, and abrasive pads
- Petroleum-based products, abrasive or caustic cleaners/solvents, and hydrochloric/phosphoric acid
Cleaning Tips + Tricks
- Begin by rinsing your glass with clean water to remove dirt and dust particles that can cause scratches during the cleaning process. As mentioned above, avoid using a power washer or garden hose.
- Apply a soft, water-saturated cloth or a pre-mixed glass cleaner to the surface.
- Rinse and dry any run-down quickly to prevent the cleaning solution from leaving a residue on your glass. If you prefer a pre-mixed glass cleaner, follow the printed instructions carefully.
- Rinse your glass thoroughly with clean water to prevent the cleaning solution from leaving a film on your glass. As stated above, avoid using a power washer or garden hose.
- Begin by rinsing your frames with clean water to remove dirt and dust particles that can cause scratches during the cleaning process. Avoid using a power washer or garden hose.
- Clean the interior and exterior of your window or door frames with a mixture of mild soap and water. To ensure a safe application, test your cleaning solution on a small area before you apply it to the entire surface.
- Apply a light, car-wax solution to your aluminum frames once a year. Make sure to apply the wax after you have cleaned the frames. Otherwise, the wax may seal salt spray deposits to the frames, allowing corrosion to occur.
- Remove your screen carefully and place it on a clean, flat surface.
- Use a soft brush with a combination of mild soap and water to gently remove dirt, salt, and other deposits. As noted above, refrain from using objects that may cause punctures or tears.
- Once your screen is completely dry, reinstall it gently.
- The wheels on your sliding glass door(s) do not need lubrication since they contain a sealed ball bearing housing.
- A light oil lubricant, like mineral oil, or a light plant-based oil, like hemp, olive, or grapeseed, may be used to preserve easy operation on hinges, thumb turns, and other moving parts.
- Inspect and clean your weatherstrip with a damp cloth or a mixture of mild soap and water. Rinse and dry the weatherstrip thoroughly. If your weatherstrip is damaged, replace it promptly to ensure a proper seal.
- Routinely inspect and clean your water drainage (weep systems) to maintain proper drainage.
- Wipe your tracks and sills with a damp cloth, or use a vacuum to remove dust and dirt.
