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General Cleaning Hinges & Security Operating Instructions Repairs Window Safety Video

Looking After New Windows

Following the installation of new windows at your home it’s important to make sure that you are cleaning and maintaining your windows correctly. This is to ensure that they remain in a decent condition, and to keep you and your family safe.

General Cleaning

When cleaning glass, it is recommended to use soap and water to remove any external dirt or grime.  For a better finish you can also use a household window cleaner and a soft cloth.  Please be aware of not wearing any jewellery and check your cloth for small debris that may scratch glass. 

The faces of the PVC-U window frame should be cleaned every 3 to 4 months with warm soapy water and a mild household detergent.

All products installed by LHP have a built-in drainage system.  To ensure that this system works effectively the drainage slots must remain unblocked.  Always ensure that these are clean of any dirt of debris. 

If you have upstairs windows, or live in an upstairs flat, we recommend a professional window cleaner to clean the exterior of your windows (unless your windows have a ’tilt and turn’ feature allowing you to safely clean them from the inside). Never lean out of your windows to try and clean them, or try to disable restrictor catches.

Be sure to clean and lightly oil the handles of your windows once a year.

Hinges

To maintain optimum performance the hinges will require periodic maintenance and lubrication.  The hinges and rails should be kept free of dirt and debris and any obstructions at all times. 

Annually clean away dirt from hinges and apply a light lubrication. 

Security

All windows installed by LHP have been designed and manufactured to meet all security requirements of relevant British Standards.  This is to protect your home from intrusion. 

Even though the windows meet this expected standard, we recommend that you always take sensible precautions, to protect your home and family.

  • Ensure all windows are closed when leaving your home unattended
  • Remove all keys from external view
  • Make sure that all household members know where to find keys for windows in case of an emergency and they are in an easily accessible location.

Restrictor catches

All newly installed windows above ground floor are fitted with restrictor catches on side opening panes.  These catches are spring loaded and restrict the window from opening to 100mm.  Should you wish to open your window fully these can be released annually to allow the window to open in full. 

Managing Condensation

Condensation is caused by the production of moisture in the air, this condensates into water when it comes into contact with a cold surface.

Newer windows are more energy efficient and are draught proof so there is less movement of air within the home.  The main causes of condensation in the home are;

  • Drying clothes on radiators
  • Non vented tumble driers
  • Bathing
  • Cooking

To prevent or reduce the build-up of condensation in your home you could;

  • If you dry clothes on radiators, you could reduce this to one room and ensure this room is ventilated by fully opening a window if safe to do so
  • When bathing/showering, again try to contain any moisture to one room by closing internal doors and ventilating the area by opening a window and using any present extractor fan
  • It is essential to heat any room where condensation forms
  • Leave trickle vents on your window open to allow circulation of fresh air
  • When cooking close your kitchen door and open a window

Operating Instructions

  1. To unlock the handle – Insert the key and rotate the key through 90 degrees, the handle will not be unlocked
  2. To open the window- depress and hold the button in the handle, rotate the handle 90 degrees and push window outwards
  3. To close the window – Pull the window to its fully closed position and turn the handle back 90 degrees so it is facing downwards
  4. To lock the handle – Turn the key 90 degrees and remove the key

Repairs

If you find that there are any repairs required to your windows which affect their operational use or safety these must be reported to LHP repairs service, you can do this by calling 0345 604 1472 and pressing option 1. 

Common repairs on windows can include;

  • Sticking hinges or safety latches
  • Broken handles
  • Windows dropping and being unable to close/ open the window properly
  • Broken Seals
  • Broken panes
  • Condensation between panes
  • Locks or latches broken

Video

You can view our handy video showing you everything you need to know about maintaining and operating your windows below.