Maintenance
To ensure that FAKRO roof windows function reliably throughout their designed life, it is recommended that a program of maintenance be set up and that they are fully cleaned at regular intervals. It is not allowed to use combustible agents especially in case of PVC windows.
The design of hinges used in the following types of FAKRO roof window enables the sash to be rotated through 180°. This enables the external window pane to be cleaned easily:
- Centre pivot windows FTP, FTU, PTP
- Top-hung and pivot windows FPP, PPP and FEP
In high pivot windows, it is possible to rotate the sash through 160°. The bolt situated in the window's sash blocks the window rotated for washing and is helpful in removing and inserting the sash.
Maintenance:
To extend the durability of applied coatings it is recommended to carry out the maintenance of these coatings in the following way:
- wash the coating with clean water or water containing a mild detergent to remove dust, do not use liquids containing ammonia,
- during painting it is important not to cover seals,
- renovation of the coatings and lacquers under normal conditions should be performed every 2-5 years depending on usage conditions.
Possible areas of mechanical damage (occurring during the use, not by the fault of the manufacturer) are to be protected in the following way:
- clean damaged areas only with the emery-paper grade 180-220 or abrasive sponge,
- clean the area, e.g. using vacuum cleaner,
- onto the cleaned areas, two coats of water-based paint or lacquer should be applied depending on the type of finish.
Usage of wooden windows:
- in case of using tapes or adhesive films, it is important to pay attention that they do not come in reaction with the coating. Tape must be removed immediately after installation, taking care not to damage the coating with the tool during removing the tape,
- buildings under construction must be sufficiently ventilated to keep excessive moisture off the wooden components. Moisture can lead to disruption in operating of moving parts, cracks in wood as well as deterioration in the coating finish.
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The manufacturer informs that if the parameters of air - (humidity and internal temperature) reach so-called dew point, there may occur a phenomenon of periodical condensation on the inner surfaces of the glass. This phenomenon can occur only when ventilation is insufficient which is associated with excessive humidity. It is recommended to ventilate and heat the room properly.
The effect of condensation appearing on the outer surface of the glass evidences the high-quality of the insulating glass (good thermal insulation) and in no way proves defective product. In no event should it indicate that the product is damaged.
Every few years hinges in the roof windows should be lubricated with grease.
Leaves and other dirt should be removed from the flashing at least once a year, in order to ensure that rain water drainage is maintained.
Additionally, it is recommend to remove snow and ice accumulated around the window in order to ensure the flow of water from melting snow.
Cooking, washing the dishes, taking a bath, watering plants, breathing etc. all these activities cause the water vapour to be formed inside the room. It should be extracted along with used air by the wall ventilation, whereas the inflow of fresh air should be maintained by such means as air inlets, opening or unsealing the windows. It is particularly important to ventilate new apartments, which have, initially, higher moisture content as a result of building work (plastering, wallpapering, brickwork and painting).
Condensation forms wherever warm moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces. It can be seen on the inner side of a car windshield during rain or on glasses when entering warm room from the outdoors during the winter.
Due to their nature and location, roof windows are particularly susceptible to condensation, which, if it occurs, is a sign of excess moisture within the room.
The best way to reduce condensation is to have a fully functional ventilation system. In order for the ventilation system to work properly, a constant access for fresh air through windows and air inlets must be ensured.
Condensation can also be limited by careful use of heaters (directly beneath the window), and by installing lining beneath vertical combination windows. In cases when a window-sill is in place beneath a window, a gap should be kept between the sill and the wall, in order to provide proper air circulation.
The air inlet installed in FAKRO roof windows ensures constant inflow of fresh air when the windows is closed. The construction of FAKRO window locks enables the window to be closed at three points, providing a gap to increase the volume of fresh air entering the room without compromising security. Upper locking bolt allows blocking the window in the opened position.
All FAKRO roof windows are equipped with ‘warm’ glazing units which achieve a U coefficient of 1.0 W/m2K.
