CUSTOMER CARE GUIDE
LOEWEN Thank you for choosing Loewen and congratulations on your purchase! Fenestration is a demanding hybrid of form and function, and Loewen satisfies both requirements. Discerning homeowners like yourself have come to rely on Loewen for windows and doors built with superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. We know you ll be pleased with the way our windows and doors complement the atmosphere and design aesthetic of your home. Your Authorized Loewen Dealer is your first recourse for service matters. You may also feel welcome to contact Loewen Customer Service if you have any questions regarding service or warranty support. Thanks again for choosing Loewen. Service Support Administrator 1.204.326.6446 1.800.563.9367 svcsupp@loewen.com
3 15 General 3 Window Care 4 Parts Lubrication 5 Double Hung Sash Removal 6 Patio Door Care 8 Changing a Sealed Unit 10 Replacing Window Roto-gear 12 Adjustment of Terrace Door Hinge 14 Troubleshooting 17 19 Guidelines for Cleaning Glass Table of Contents 21 33 Finishing Your Loewen Window or Door 22 Guidelines for Finishing your Window or Door 23 Metal Clad Exterior 24 Factory Primed Exterior 26 Bare Wood Exterior 29 Bare Wood Interior 32 Factory Primed Interior 35 37 Mahogany 2 39 43 Care and Maintenance 40 Exterior Aluminum Cladding 42 Cyprium Collection Copper and Bronze Cladding 44 Bare Wood Interior
WINDOW CARE SELF HELP TIPS Ensure that sash shipping blocks have been removed. Exterior of unfinished windows should be painted/stained as soon as possible after installation. Keep paint/stain off any weatherstrip, hardware, or any other non-wood component. On Casement/Awning windows, don t force the window operator let the sash locks secure the window. To open or close your sash with two locks, operate the bottom lock first and then the top. Keep the vinyl tracks on Sliders and Double Hung units free from dirt or paint build up. Lubricate these tracks with a silicone spray periodically. On Sliding window units, do not paint or plug the vent hole located on the fixed sash. Loewen window screens are designed for easy removal and cleaning. Clean screens with soap and water. Window Care 3
PARTS LUBRICATION D F I C B G E H Casement Awning A Exterior Hinge (not illustrated) Silicone lubricant F Scissor Linkage (Awning) Silicone lubricant Parts Lubrication B C Roto Operator Stem Lithium grease Gear Under Roto Operator Lithium grease G H Pivot Points Silicone lubricant Operator Stem Lithium grease D Weatherstrip Silicone lubricant I Sash Lock Silicone lubricant 4 E Glide Bar Silicone lubricant
DOUBLE HUNG SASH REMOVAL TO TILT IN TO REMOVE TO REPLACE Disengage sash locks Raise one side and Reverse removal and pull sash in 90º. take out. procedure. Caution: When replacing sash, both cam pivots on sash must be above locking terminals in jambliner. Double Hung Sash Removal 5
PATIO DOOR CARE PAINTING INSTRUCTIONS 1 All exposed natural wood surfaces should be painted or stained immediately after installation. Be sure not to paint any hardware, weatherstrip or vinyl. (See pages 24 to 33.) TO INSTALL AND ADJUST PATIO DOOR SCREEN 1 Make sure the tension on all four rollers is reduced by turning the adjustment screw counterclockwise. 2 Insert the screen into the top track and raise so that the bottom rollers clear the track and are set on the bottom screen track. Patio Door Care 3 Tension bottom rollers so the door rolls freely on the track. Raise or lower rollers so that the door fits along the jamb when closed. 4 Tension top rollers to ensure proper operation. 5 Check lock operation and adjust the strike if necessary. 6 To remove screen, reverse the above procedure. 6
TO ADJUST ROLLERS ON PATIO DOOR 1 Remove hole plugs at the bottom of operating door. 2 Insert a large flathead screwdriver into hole and rotate adjustment screw clockwise to raise the door panel. 3 Make sure the leading edge of operating door panel lines up with the frame. 4 Replace hole plugs. 5 Check lock operation and adjust strike if necessary. 6 To remove operating door panel: open door, raise rollers, lift door out of track, and swing inward at bottom. Note: Make sure sill track is clean and unobstructed. Periodically lubricating the lock mechanisms, rollers and tracks with silicone lubricant will also ease the operation of the door. Patio Door Care 7
CHANGING A SEALED UNIT Changing a Sealed Unit 1 Remove wood stops. 2 Clean off old caulking. 3 Remove sealed unit. 4 Clean frame of debris. 8
5 Install new sealed unit. 6 Reinstall all shims at corners of unit. 7 Apply new bead of caulking, e.g. paintable silicone. 8 Reapply wood stops. Changing a Sealed Unit 9
REPLACING WINDOW ROTO-GEAR 1 Remove screen. 2 Open window. 3 Remove the following: A B Handle Hardware cover (Standard Casement cover is detachable. Awning and Maxim Casement covers are not detachable.) Replacing Window Roto-gear C D Sill cover (If unit is painted or varnished, run a razor blade along seam to break the seal. Use a stiff putty knife for leverage and pry up and remove wooden cover.) Leave nails projecting through sill for easy replacement of sill cover. Note: For both Awning and Casement, reverse the process to install replacement roto-gear. 10
CASEMENT 1 Using a screwdriver, snap back the butterfly clip (A) which locks the short extension arm to the sash bracket pivot pin. 2 Disconnect the short extension arm by lifting it off the pivot pin. 3 Disconnect the long extension arm from the operator track by pushing the roller (B) down through the opening marked by an arrow on the track. 4 Remove the screws holding mechanism to frame. Remove the mechanism. B Long extension arm AWNING 1 Unhook mechanism from window (A). 2 Remove screws holding mechanism to frame. 3 Remove mechanism. A Replacing Window Roto-gear Short extension arm A 11
ADJUSTMENT INSTRUCTIONS TERRACE DOOR ADJUSTABLE HINGE The Adjustable Hinge consists of two guide hinges (top and bottom) and one set hinge (center). The hinges offer a two dimensional adjustment. The set hinge is pre-assembled in a neutral setting. HOW TO ADJUST: Adjust vertically and horizontally on hinged door sash only. Adjustment of Terrace Door Hinge VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT (+/-3): Open door to 90 degrees and turn adjustment screw (V) of set hinge accordingly. HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT (+/-2): Turn adjustment screw for horizontal adjustment of all three hinges for proper adjustment (H). 12
Hinge pin UPPER GUIDE HINGE Frame component H Horizontal adjustment screw Door component Install extra long 2 1/2" screws (supplied) in top hole. SET HINGE V Vertical adjustment screw LOWER GUIDE HINGE Adjustment of Terrace Door Hinge H Horizontal adjustment screw 13
PROBLEM Sash locking problems CHECK The lock is not engaging with the keeper. Sash lock is difficult to open. Roto-gear is loose on the sill Check attachment screws and look for stripped screw holes. Troubleshooting 14 Sash will not open and close Sash is hard to open and close Check to see if the shipping blocks are removed from the sash. Check for paint buildup between the sash and the frame, paint on fin weatherstrip. Check to see if the movement of the sash has been intentionally restricted. Sash could be swollen due to high humidity. Check for broken or stripped gear. Check if sash is square within frame. Check hinge tracks for debris. Check if roller is dropping out of sash guide when opening sash. Sash will not open fully Check if limit device is engaged.
SOLUTION Tap the keeper lightly with a hammer or bend it toward the sash with pliers. Check for dirt or paint buildup in the lock. If that is not the problem, adjust the keeper. Use pliers to bend the tip of the keeper out, away from the sash. Remove wood sill cover. Replace stripped screws. If the unit remains loose, plug the existing screw holes with wood. Realign the roto-gear assembly, reinsert screws, tighten into place. The roto-gear should sit tight on the sill. Remove the shipping blocks. (2" blocks of wood placed at corners of operating sash, painted orange). Scrape excess paint and sand until smooth. Replace weatherstrip or remove paint from weatherstrip with solvent. Remove objects which may be restricting the movement of the sash. Be sure the window was not nailed shut. Be sure that the sash locks are not engaged. Push the sash closed from the exterior and lock it. Once the sash is dry, the problem may correct itself. Replace roto-gear hardware. Specify left or right hand operating. (Operation is determined by the hinge side from the window exterior.) Adjust sash to be square and true. Clean and lubricate track (silicone spray). Remove roto-gear arm from sash guide. Bend arm near nylon roller up slightly to increase the tension on the nylon roller. Troubleshooting 15 Disable the limit device. Using a screwdriver, snap back the butterfly clip and lift the limit device arm off the post.
GUIDELINES FOR CLEANING GLASS
GUIDELINES FOR CLEANING GLASS The glass in Loewen products has been manufactured to high quality standards. During regular processing and manufacturing, glass is exposed to machines and materials that may leave residue on the glass surface. The following recommendations will significantly reduce the risk of damaging glass during the cleaning process. Guidelines for Cleaning Glass During construction, glass should be cleaned as residue and debris appear. Glass can be permanently damaged from improper cleaning procedures. The Glass Association of North America has published a Glass Information Bulletin, GANA 01-0300, that gives guidance for proper glass cleaning procedures. The following recommendations are published for online viewing by GANA (www.glasswebsite.com). Loewen strongly recommends that these industry recommendations be followed. 18
LOEWEN RECOMMENDATIONS Loewen recommends that metal scrapers and razor blades not be used to clean glass. The use of any metal tool, abrasive cleaner or other method that may be destructive to the glass is at the risk of the user. Loewen warranty does not cover damage incurred during glass cleaning. Guidelines for Cleaning Glass 19
FINISHING YOUR LOEWEN WINDOW OR DOOR
GUIDELINES FOR FINISHING YOUR LOEWEN WINDOW OR DOOR Guidelines for Finishing your Loewen Window or Door The wood used in Loewen windows and doors is treated with a quality-preserving product to repel water. This product also resists mold and fungus development. Note: If you intend to use a Nitrocellulose lacquer on Loewen products, it is recommended that you first seal the surface with shellac. 22
METAL CLAD EXTERIOR Metal clad exteriors do not require further finishing. Metal Clad Exterior 23 See pages 40-45 for cleaning guidelines.
FACTORY PRIMED EXTERIOR Loewen products with a primed exterior need to be painted immediately after installation or exposure to the environment (e.g. UV rays, dryness, moisture and dirt). The surface must be prepared by cleaning off any dust, dirt or construction debris. Using 180 to 220 grit sandpaper (avoid using silicon carbide types), lightly but thoroughly sand all surfaces to be painted. Do not use steel wool as fibers can cause discoloration of the final finish. Factory Primed Exterior Fill and repair any fastener or handling damage with high quality exterior grade sealant containing mold and fungus resistant properties (avoid using silicone types). Wipe surfaces clean of sanding dust using a tack cloth. Touch up surface with a high quality latex primer where preparation has exposed bare wood. Mask off all glass surfaces leaving a 1/16" (1.5 mm) space of glass between the mask and the surface to be painted. This will allow a proper seal to form over the surface. 24
Loewen recommends a high quality exterior grade latex paint 100% acrylic or acrylic/urethane latex. The use of alkyd paints is not recommended because they grow brittle with age. Oil based paints are not recommended as they are less durable and have lower color retention. Loewen recommends that the paint manufacturer s suggestions regarding conditions and methods be followed. Adhere to drying time recommendations. Ensure the finish does not contact surfaces such as weatherstrip, hardware, vinyl, sealant or any other unintended surfaces as their performance may be affected. It may be necessary to apply a second coat to ensure durability and proper coverage. Follow the manufacturer s recommendations. Ensure all surfaces are finished. Factory Primed Exterior 25
BARE WOOD EXTERIOR You may have chosen to purchase Loewen products with an unprimed exterior. Follow all paint or stain manufacturer s recommendations when applying a high quality finish to bare wood exterior surfaces. Note: It is necessary for the bare wood to receive protection from the elements (e.g. UV rays, dryness, moisture, and dirt). Loewen strongly recommends that exterior bare wood surfaces be finished before installation. EXTERIOR STAINING Bare Wood Exterior Before staining the exterior of your product, the use of a high quality pre-stain conditioner is recommended (but optional). Preconditioner helps build a finish to more depth and helps to prevent blotching. Preconditioner also helps to control raised grain and promotes the uniform acceptance of stain. Follow the manufacturer s recommendations for application of a preconditioner. Preconditioner tends to reduce the contrast in varying grain colors. A more highly defined grain appearance will result if the preconditioner is eliminated. Testing both finishes on the hidden face of side jambs is one way to preview the differences in finish. 26
The surface must be prepared by cleaning off any dust, dirt or construction debris. Using 180 to 220 grit sandpaper (avoid using silicon carbide types), lightly but thoroughly sand all surfaces to be painted. Do not use steel wool as fibers can cause discoloration of the final finish. Wipe surfaces clean of sanding dust using a tack cloth. Mask off all glass surfaces leaving a 1/16" (1.5 mm) space of glass between the mask and the surface to be finished. This will allow a proper seal to form over the surface. Loewen recommends a high quality grade stain with UV sunblock. Loewen recommends that the stain manufacturer s suggestions regarding conditions and methods be followed. Adhere to drying time recommendations. Ensure the stain does not contact surfaces such as weatherstrip, hardware, vinyl, sealant or any other unintended surfaces as their performance may be affected. Bare Wood Exterior Loewen recommends that all bare wood surfaces be finished. 27
BARE WOOD EXTERIOR It is necessary to apply a second and possibly third coat to ensure durability and proper coverage. Follow the manufacturer s recommendations. Loewen does not recommend the use of finishes that allow water and/or water vapor to penetrate the wood. Some of these finishes include penetrating oils such as Tung and Danish oil. Loewen recommends the use of two or three coats of high quality exterior grade spar or marine urethane on stained surfaces. Bare Wood Exterior Loewen recommends that the polyurethane manufacturer s suggestions regarding conditions and methods be followed. Adhere to drying time recommendations. 28
BARE WOOD INTERIOR You may have chosen to purchase Loewen products with an unprimed interior. Follow all manufacturer s recommendations when applying a high quality finish to bare wood interior surfaces. Note: It is necessary for the bare wood to receive protection from the elements (e.g. UV rays, dryness, moisture, and dirt). Loewen strongly recommends that bare wood surfaces be finished before installation. INTERIOR STAINING Before staining the interior of your product, the use of a high quality pre-stain conditioner is recommended (but optional). Preconditioner helps build a finish to more depth and helps to prevent blotching. Preconditioner also helps to control raised grain and promotes the uniform acceptance of stain. Follow the manufacturer s recommendations for application of a preconditioner. Preconditioner tends to reduce the contrast in varying grain colors. A more highly defined grain appearance will result if the preconditioner is eliminated. Testing both finishes on the hidden face of side jambs is one way to preview the differences in finish. Bare Wood Interior 29
BARE WOOD INTERIOR The surface must be prepared by cleaning off any dust, dirt or construction debris. Using 180 to 220 grit sandpaper (avoid using silicon carbide types), lightly but thoroughly sand all surfaces to be painted. Do not use steel wool as fibers can cause discoloration of the final finish. Wipe surfaces clean of sanding dust using a tack cloth. Mask off all glass surfaces leaving a 1/16" (1.5 mm) space of glass between the mask and the surface to be finished. This will allow a proper seal to form over the surface. Bare Wood Interior Loewen recommends that all bare wood surfaces be finished with a high quality grade stain. Loewen recommends that the stain manufacturer s suggestions regarding conditions and methods be followed. Adhere to drying time recommendations. Ensure the stain does not contact surfaces such as weatherstrip, hardware, vinyl, sealant or any other unintended surfaces as their performance may be affected. 30
It is necessary to apply a second and possibly third coat to ensure durability and proper coverage. Follow the manufacturer s recommendations. Loewen does not recommend the use of finishes that allow water and/or water vapor to penetrate the wood. Some of these finishes include penetrating oils such as Tung and Danish oil. Loewen recommends the use of two or three coats of high quality grade spar or marine urethane on stained surfaces. Loewen recommends that the polyurethane manufacturer s suggestions regarding conditions and methods be followed. Adhere to drying time recommendations. Bare Wood Interior 31
FACTORY PRIMED INTERIOR Products with a primed interior need to be painted immediately after installation. The surface must be prepared by cleaning off any dust, dirt or construction debris. Using 180 to 220 grit sandpaper (avoid using silicon carbide types), lightly but thoroughly sand all surfaces to be painted. Do not use steel wool as fibers can cause discoloration of the final finish. Factory Primed Interior Fill and repair any fastener or handling damage with high quality grade sealant containing mold and fungus resistant properties (avoid using silicone types). Wipe surfaces clean of sanding dust using a tack cloth. Touch up surface with a high quality latex primer where preparation has exposed bare wood. 32
Mask off all glass surfaces leaving a 1/16" (1.5 mm) space of glass between the mask and the surface to be painted. This will allow a proper seal to form over the surface. Loewen recommends a high quality interior grade latex paint 100% acrylic or acrylic/urethane latex. The use of alkyd paints is not recommended because they grow brittle with age. Oil based paints are not recommended as they are less durable and have lower color retention. Loewen recommends that the paint manufacturer s suggestions regarding conditions and methods be followed. Adhere to drying time recommendations. It may be necessary to apply a second coat to ensure durability and proper coverage. Follow the manufacturer s recommendations. Ensure all surfaces are finished. Ensure the finish does not contact surfaces such as weatherstrip, hardware, vinyl, sealant or any other unintended surfaces as their performance may be affected. Factory Primed Interior 33
MAHOGANY
MAHOGANY The following is important information you may wish to consider when finishing Loewen Mahogany products. The Guidelines for Finishing your Loewen Window or Door apply to Mahogany, noting the following: Generally, Mahogany does not require a prestain conditioner. Pre-stain conditioner is used to minimize blotching and promote the uniform acceptance of stain. Mahogany tends to accept stains without blotching or unevenness. Mahogany A paste or liquid filler is optional if a level surface is desired. A paste or liquid filler can also accentuate the grain in preparation for the final finish. If this process is omitted, the topcoat will have a textured, rippled effect. 36
When sanding is required, it is recommended that the entire surface be sanded. Sanding in small areas may reveal unevenness or result in an undesirable final finish. Mahogany is photo-reactive, meaning the wood will darken, mellow and equalize in color over time. Any pigment added in the finishing process would not react in the same manner. Mahogany 37
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
EXTERIOR ALUMINUM CLADDING Exterior Aluminum Cladding Loewen exterior aluminum cladding colors are created from Kynar-based paint that has been enhanced with ceramic pigmentation meaning Loewen finishes are better able to stand up to direct sunlight, extreme temperature variations and acid pollutants without fading. The finish is durable and offers exceptional resistance to scratching, blistering and cracking under normal use and conditions. 40
CARE AND MAINTENANCE WATER SOLUBLE CLEANING Unwanted surface debris that is not washed off by rainfall can usually be removed with a wash and rinse of clean water. If debris is difficult to remove, a mild solution of dish soap and clean water can be applied with a soft brush such as a long-handled car washing brush. Ensure the cleaning solution is tested in an inconspicuous area of the cladding before use. A thorough clean water rinse should follow. Do not allow cleaning solutions or contaminated water to dry on the surface. Air or wipe dry with a soft, lint free, dry cloth. Note: Do not rinse glass or cladding with pressurized spray, such as from a pressure washer or direct garden hose. Products in coastal locations should be cleaned every three months or more frequently if necessary to minimize the build-up of salt or corrosive residue. Any chips or scratches must be repaired immediately and not left exposed to the elements. NON-WATER SOLUBLE CLEANING When unwanted surface debris remains after water-soluble cleaning, a more aggressive solvent cleaner may be required. Solvent cleaners must be used with care and caution. Loewen recommends that the manufacturer s suggestions regarding conditions and methods be followed. Ensure the solvent solution is tested in an inconspicuous area of the cladding before use. Do not attempt to use solvents on surfaces other than the aluminum cladding. Care and Maintenance Note: Do not use paint removers, acetone products or abrasives on painted surfaces. They will remove the coated surface. 41
CYPRIUM COLLECTION COPPER AND BRONZE CLADDING Cyprium Collection Copper and Bronze Cladding Patinas, the living finishes that cloak copper and bronze with evidence of authenticity, are as unique as their location. Humidity, airborne salinity and pollutants work together with time to coat the surfaces with a signature patina. Treasured as a mark of lasting value, each patina is distinct and ever changing. Depending on environmental conditions, patinas typically progress from their natural state through earthy browns and finally settle into a distinctive verdigris green. As the patina ages, residue may wash down and be visible on surfaces beneath the cladding. This is normal and adds to the classic appeal of Cyprium windows and doors. 42
CARE AND MAINTENANCE WATER SOLUBLE CLEANING Unwanted surface debris that is not washed off by rainfall can usually be removed with a wash and rinse of clean water. If debris is difficult to remove, a mild solution of dish soap and clean water can be applied with a soft brush such as a long-handled car washing brush. Ensure the cleaning solution is tested in an inconspicuous area of the cladding before use. A thorough clean water rinse should follow. Do not allow cleaning solutions or contaminated water to dry on the surface. Air or wipe dry with a soft, lint free, dry cloth. Note: Do not rinse glass or cladding with pressurized spray, such as from a pressure washer or direct garden hose. NON-WATER SOLUBLE CLEANING Loewen advises against the use of solvent cleaners, acid solutions, paint removers or acetone products on Cyprium Collection copper and bronze cladding. They will affect the current and ongoing patinas of the metals. Cyprium Collection Copper and Bronze Cladding Note: Do not use abrasive cleansers on Cyprium surfaces. 43
BARE WOOD INTERIOR MILD SOLVENT Ethanol alcohol, Isopropyl alcohol or Methanol should be the first attempt at removing unwanted surface debris when a water-soluble solution has little or no effect. A thorough clean water rinse should follow. Do not allow cleaning solutions or contaminated water to dry on the surface. Air or wipe dry with a soft, lint free cloth. MODERATE SOLVENT Bare Wood Interior 44 The use of mineral spirits, Kerosene, Naphtha or turpentine should only be attempted when a mild solvent has little or no effect. These solvents are helpful in removing sealant and grease. A thorough clean water rinse should follow. Do not allow cleaning solutions or contaminated water to dry on the surface. Air or wipe dry with a soft, lint free cloth. STRONG SOLVENT The use of methyl ethyl ketone or lacquer thinner should only be attempted when a moderate solvent has little or no effect. A thorough clean water rinse should follow. Do not allow cleaning solutions or contaminated water to dry on the surface. Air or wipe dry with a soft, lint free cloth.
EXTREMELY STRONG SOLVENT The use of acetic acid (vinegar), hydrochloric acid or sodium hypochlorite (laundry bleach) should only be attempted when a strong solvent has little or no effect. These solvents are helpful in removing rust, masonry and concrete stains. A thorough clean water rinse should follow. Do not allow cleaning solutions or contaminated water to dry on the surface. Air or wipe dry with a soft, lint free cloth. COLOR AND SHINE Color or shine variation can occur due to ultraviolet radiation or cleaning solutions. If unwanted fading has occurred, apply a high quality, non-abrasive car wax to the surface. Loewen recommends that the manufacturer s suggestions regarding conditions and methods be followed. Bare Wood Interior 45
1.204.326.6446 1.800.563.9367 E-mail: info@loewen.com www.loewen.com Trademarks owned by C.P. Loewen Enterprises Ltd. Used under license. 2003 C.P. Loewen Enterprises Ltd. All rights reserved. Recycled Paper Printed in Canada March 2006