Frequently Asked Questions

1. Begin by rinsing your glass with clean water to remove dirt and dust particles that can cause scratches during the cleaning process. As mentioned above, avoid using a power washer or garden hose. 2. Apply a soft, water-saturated cloth or a pre-mixed glass cleaner to the surface. 3. If you prefer a pre-mixed glass cleaner, follow the printed instructions carefully. Rinse and dry any run-down quickly to prevent the cleaning solution from leaving a residue on your glass. 4. Rinse your glass thoroughly with clean water to prevent the cleaning solution from leaving a film on your glass. As stated above, avoid using a power washer or garden hose. GLASS CLEANING TIP For the best results, clean your glass during cooler temperatures without direct sunlight. IMPORTANT Wash your glass frequently to remove surface dirt and prevent stains.

Cleaning your screens using the below method is simple. We recommend doing this quarterly if you live near salt water. 1. Remove your screen carefully and place it on a clean, flat surface. 2. Use a soft brush with a combination of mild soap and water to gently remove dirt, salt, and other deposits. As noted above, refrain from using objects that may cause punctures or tears. 3. Once your screen is completely dry, reinstall it gently.

1. Begin by rinsing your frames with clean water to remove dirt and dust particles that can cause scratches during the cleaning process. As mentioned above, avoid using a power washer or garden hose. 2. Clean the interior and exterior of your window or door frames with a mixture of mild soap and water. To ensure a safe application, test your cleaning solution on a small area before you apply it to the entire surface. 3. Apply a light, car-wax solutionto your frames once a year. Make sure to apply the wax after you have cleaned the frames. Otherwise, the wax may seal salt spray deposits to the frames, allowing corrosion to occur.

The wheels on your sliding glass door(s) do not need lubrication since they contain a sealed ball bearing housing.

A light oil lubricant, like mineral oil, or a light plant-based oil, like hemp, olive, or grapeseed, may be used to preserve easy operation on hinges, thumb turns, and other moving parts.

Inspect and clean your weatherstrip with a damp cloth or a mixture of mild soap and water. Rinse and dry the weatherstrip thoroughly. If your weatherstrip is damaged, replace it promptly to ensure a proper seal.

Wipe your tracks and sills with a damp cloth, or use a vacuum to remove dust and dirt. IF YOUR SLIDING GLASS DOORS HAVE WEEPHOLES: Routinely inspect and clean your water drainage (weep systems) to maintain proper drainage.

DO: • Wash your products with light pressure—excessive scrubbing can lead to damage, like scratches. • Clean and rinse each window or door individually to prevent cleaning agents from permeating for long periods of time. • Clean aluminum frames very carefully after they are installed. These frames are extremely susceptible to corrosion caused by various chemicals on a construction site. • Avoid leaning on your window or door screens. These products are not designed to protect you from falling. Please note: At a minimum, clean all the materials listed in this guide once a year. If you live in a coastal area, clean all these materials at least once a month. More frequent cleanings may be necessary depending upon your environmental factors. DON'T: Do not use the items below on your windows, screens, doors, or hardware. These improper tools may void your warranty and/or damage your products. •A power washer or garden hose. •Metal tools or sharp objects, like razor blades, putty knives, and abrasive pads. • Petroleum-based products, abrasive or caustic cleaners/solvents, and hydrochloric/phosphoric acid.

Yes! We have our own care and maintenance flyer that we've saved for you under the Documents section of your customer portal (also saved to this thread), and if you have EGS products installed in your home, there is an additional flyer for maintenance attached to this thread.

We ask that you remove your valuables from any work area. While our installation team is cutting and drilling, walls tend to shake, causing pictures and memorabilia to fall and break. Ardicon Group is not responsible for any valuables left in work area(s) and/or on walls. Learn more about prepping for installation here: Customer Responsibilities | Ardicon Group

Please remove any parts of the alarm system from existing doors prior to our arrival. Ardicon Group is not responsible for lost, damaged and/or discarded parts belonging to current alarm system. All installation of wires & parts should go through your alarm company. Please remember to call them to reconnect your equipment once the work has been completed. You can Learn more by going here: Documents | Ardicon Group

We have a nice printout that goes over this. Here is a quick synopsis: Move items away from work area(s) cover and move furniture Call your alarm company Relocate your pets Remove your shutters and curtains. Click here to download your copy:

Our pets are an extension of the family. They mean to the world to us. Construction noise can stress them out and their curiosity may be to their accidental demise. We ask that you relocate your pets to another room away from the work area(s) or possible let them visit Grandma. You can learn more about how to prepare for installation here: Documents | Ardicon Group

Yes! It is impossible to avoid all dust during construction. We do have solutions to minimizing the dust as much as possible. We recommend that you cover and/or move all furniture and valuables. You can close the doors to rooms and closets. Ardicon Group will help you and cover as well. You can learn more about preparing for installation here: Documents | Ardicon Group

Heat-Strengthened Glass is glass that is re-heated to below melting point and cooled quickly; nearly two times stronger than annealed glass.

Insulated Glass Units are window panes separated by an air- or other gas-filled space to reduce heat transfer.

Laminated Glass is two or more pieces of glass bonded together with a strong, clear interlayer.

Low-E (Emissivity) Glass is glass with a transparent, metallic oxide coating applied onto or into a glass surface. The coating typically allows short-wave energy to pass through but reflects long-wave infrared energy, which improves the U-value.

Tempered Glass is glass that is re-heated to below melting point and cooled twice as fast as heat-strengthened glass; nearly four times stronger than annealed glass. When shattered, it breaks into small pieces.

Water or frost on windows is condensation. It is formed when warm moist air comes in contact with cooler dry air. An example of this is when a bathroom mirror “steams up” after a hot shower. Just like that mirror, the inside or outside of your window can sweat or fog because of temperature differentials.

The best way to reduce condensation is by cracking open a window or door daily. Here are a few additional options: • Opening a window or running exhaust fans longer in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. • Opening drapes and blinds, allowing air to circulate. • Turning off any humidifying devices in your home. • Installing and using a dehumidifier.

Faulty windows do not cause condensation. Glass is usually the first place you notice condensation because glass surfaces have the lowest temperature of any surface in a house.

If you see condensation between the two layers of glass in an insulated window, the airtight seal has probably been broken, and the glass will need to be replaced. However, if you see moisture spots on the ceiling or walls, peeling paint, rotting wood, delaminating plywood, moisture on exterior walls, and fungus, mold or mildew growth this can indicate a more serious indoor moisture issue. Please contact a heating and cooling contractor if these issues arise.

This measures resistance to heat loss. Many people are familiar with R-value because of its use in home insulation, but for windows and doors, the U factor and solar heat gain coefficient are more important measures.

This measures how well a product blocks heat from the sun. The lower the number, the better.

Argon is an odorless, colorless, non-toxic, inert gas that can be used instead of air between panes of glass to increase insulation and energy efficiency.

Impact windows should be at least 7/16-9/16 inches (11.1-14.3 mm) thick. That width ensures they can withstand high winds and provide the best protection for your home. Some areas may require thicker windows, so it’s essential to check with your local building code regulations. A few other things to keep in mind when choosing the thickness of your impact windows include: The thicker the window, the better the soundproofing – if you live in a noisy area or want to reduce the noise level in your home, choose windows that are at least 7/16 inches (11.1 mm) thick. Thicker windows will also provide better protection from intruders – if security is a concern, look for 9/16 inches (14.3 mm) thick windows. Thicker windows may be more expensive – therefore, you may have to strike a balance between thickness and cost.