While Breezway’s Altair Louvre Windows are manufactured using non-corrosive materials and high quality finishes. It is still crucial to perform occasional maintenance in order to maintain good condition.
Performing occasional maintenance remains crucial to preserving their good condition.
Similar to cars, louvre windows (especially regarding blades and finishes) frequently encounter harsh environmental effects like wind, rain, dust, and, of course, the notorious heat common in Malaysia.
That being said, extending their good condition requires putting effort into their care. Here are some simple yet effective steps we can take to decrease the rate of weathering and extend the lifespan of our Altair Louvre Windows.
Maintaining Aluminium Finishes
You will need to perform regular maintenance on the surface finish to decrease the rate of weathering. The cleaning frequency will depend on the environmental conditions, but as a guideline, you should undertake it at three (3) monthly intervals, or even more frequently in aggressive coastal or industrial environments.
- Remove loose deposits by gently brushing or hosing.
- Clean using a sponge or soft brush and warm water with a mild detergent. Avoid cleaning agents with a caustic base, abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Dry with a chamois (optional).
- Apply a ‘non-abrasive’ car polish to maintain the lustre of the finish (optional).
Glass Maintenance
For best results glass blades should be regularly cleaned with mild, non-abrasive detergents.
- Use a non-abrasive detergent/ mixture of 1 part vinegar to 10 parts clean water as cleaning agent.
- Use cleaning agent with a lint-free cloth or towel to clean the blades.
You can easily maintain the blade condition by ensuring you install them correctly. For Breezway’s low e glass blades, the correct installation involves placing the coated side facing the inside of the building. Refrain from using harsh cleaning agents and be careful to avoid scratching the glass or damaging the low e coatings.
Louvre Maintenance
It is recommended that inspection be carried out at the time of installation and then at yearly intervals. This may be required more frequently depending upon the variation of location, and environmental conditions.
Inspection Checklist
- Inspect all fittings and screw fixings for firmness.
- Where handle connectors are used, inspect all pivot points of linkages, connecting links, pins and split pins and/or clips for wear and secure fixings.
- Ensure that all Stronghold System pins (if present) are firmly clicked in place.
- Check the louvre clips for any degradation over time.
- Check that the blade is firmly and safely positioned in the clips.
- Ensure all louvre blades operate freely.
- Ensure that seals are in place and clean.
Operate the Breezway Altair Powerlouvre Window at least once a month to ensure its performance remains in check.
Lubrication
Please note that we pre-lubricate all internal louvre operating mechanisms before assembly, using a clear lubricant where needed. Hence, under regular conditions, this will suffice for the window’s lifespan in addition to routine care and maintenance.
For more technical information please visit the Breezway Products & Technical Downloads Page.
