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Care and Maintenance

 

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IMPORTANT PRODUCT INFORMATION

FOR THE INSTALLER AND OWNER/ OCCUPANT

DUO-PANE® INSULATING GLASS UNITS
 
Insulating glass units have a life expectancy that will be significantly reduced if they are not installed and maintained properly.  Western units that do not exceed 60 square feet in size are supplied with a ten year limited warranty.  NOTE: Glass is subject to breakage for many reasons beyond our control, and therefore, WESTERN DOES NOT WARRANT AGAINST GLASS BREAKAGE FOR ANY REASON once it has been successfully delivered to our customer.
 
Failure to follow these instructions may void the warranty:
- Installation must be performed by a qualified installer
- The glazing system must be designed for insulating glass units, and provide for drainage of water that may enter the system.
- Units must be set with the appropriate size and durometer setting blocks at quarter points, unless the glazing system incorporates a flexible perforated gasket that provides continuous support along the bottom edge.
- Direct-set glazing systems, whether made of aluminum, steel, wood or vinyl, must follow a .25" clearance around the unit's perimeter.
- The glass should never come in direct contact with the window framing.  Use the appropriate gasket, glazing tape or sealant materials compatible with the silicone insulating glass edge sealant.
- Glazing systems must be maintained properly to minimize exposure of the edge seal to moisture.  Keep weep holes clear and glazing stops, vinyl gaskets and trim in place.
 
Western DUO-PANE® units meets ASTM E 774-97 "Standard Specification for Sealed Insulating Glass Units."
 
 
FRAMED ALUMINUM WINDOWS
To accomplish proper operation and weatherproofing, windows must be installed plumb, level and square.  They must be installed with proper fasteners, shims, flashing and sealant, relative to the window frame design and adjacent structure.
 
- Installation must be performed by a qualified installer.
- The rough opening shall be plumb, square, level, and sufficiently larger in width and height to assure adequate clearance.
- The sill of the window should set firmly on the structure whenever possible.  If the structure at the sill is not level, shim sufficiently to provide continuous support.
- Anchor securely with the appropriate fasteners depending on the window frame design.  Avoid twisting or bowing of the window frame members.  If it is necessary to penetrate the window sill with a fastener, each fastener must be sealed with a permanent sealant to avoid water penetration.  Do not penetrate horizontal flashing or mullions with fasteners.
- To assure a weather tight installation, a sealant joint of proper width and depth is required full perimeter on the exterior between the window frame and the adjacent structure.  Use a high quality sealant compatible with the window framing and adjacent materials.
 
 
PROTECTION AND CLEANING
Windows and doors are "finished products", like cabinets and furniture.  They must be protected from damage.  If exposed to stucco or mortar, rinse surfaces clean immediately with an ample supply of water.  To remove dirt, oils or contaminants, use a soft brush or cloth with a solution of mild soap and water.  Harsh chemicals may cause damage.  Do not allow tapes or labels to remain on surfaces for extended periods.  Never clean surfaces with a metal object.
 
 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

UNLESS THE GLASS IN THIS UNIT IS PERMANENTLY LABELED AS "SAFETY GLASS", IT MUST NOT BE USED WHERE SAFETY GLAZING IS REQUIRED.

 

5621 S. 25th St.

Phoenix, AZ  85040-3628

(c) 2006 Western Window Systems

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