VELFAC Window Maintenance Guide

A straightforward routine for cleaning and caring for VELFAC windows and doors. Most checks should be completed at least once a year, or every six months in harsh, marine, industrial or high-humidity environments.

Annual maintenance checklist

1. Clean the aluminium exterior with lukewarm water, a soft cloth or soft brush, and a few drops of mild detergent.
2. Clean internal and external gaskets and inspect them for splits, distortion or damage.
3. Inspect handles, hinges, fittings and screws for wear, looseness or corrosion.
4. Lubricate moving ironmongery with an appropriate acid-free oil where required.
5. Check friction stays for correct operation and adjustment, but do not lubricate them.
6. Inspect painted timber surfaces and repair exposed or damaged areas promptly.
7. Check that drainage paths, restrictors and moving arms are free from debris.

Cleaning the aluminium exterior

Use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid abrasive pads and strong alkaline, ketone or ester-based cleaners. Paint, wet concrete and similar contamination should be removed promptly. Black marks transferred from gaskets become harder to remove when left for long periods.

Cleaning gaskets

Internal gaskets benefit from cleaning approximately every three months. External gaskets should be cleaned and inspected during the annual exterior clean. Do not paint gaskets or allow them to come into contact with wood preservative.

Handles, hinges and moving parts

Clean and inspect ironmongery annually. Lubricate moving parts only where appropriate, using acid-free oil. Gliding rails may require a PTFE-based lubricant. Do not use ordinary mineral oil on gliding rails, and do not lubricate friction stays.

Cleaning the glass

Use a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush with lukewarm water and mild detergent. Avoid steel wool, aggressive scrubbing, solvent-based products and abrasive cleaners. Adhesive residue can sometimes be removed carefully with an alcohol-based cleaner, avoiding contact with painted timber, gaskets and other surfaces.

Timber surfaces

Dust and wipe internal timber regularly. Inspect the finish at least annually. Any exposed timber should be repaired promptly with a suitable water-based, vapour-permeable paint or lacquer so the timber does not absorb moisture. Never paint over the gaskets.

Independent guidance: NW ReFit is an independent specialist parts supplier and is not the manufacturer. VELFAC is a trademark of DOVISTA UK Ltd. For safety-critical work, glazing replacement or complex adjustments, use a competent professional.