Windows Maintenance Guide

March 28, 2023/in Bifold Window, Louvre Window, Sliding Window, Window and Door Replacement, Windows /by Southern Cross Windows

Windows are a critical element of any home, providing natural light, ventilation and an aesthetic appeal. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your windows functioning smoothly and looking their best. This comprehensive Windows Maintenance Guide will help you navigate the care and upkeep of various window types, ensuring they remain in tip-top shape.

Bi-Fold Windows

Bi-fold windows are popular for their space-saving design and ability to open wide for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. To clean and maintain bi-fold windows, follow these steps:

• Gently vacuum the tracks to remove debris and dirt
• Wipe down the frames with a damp cloth and mild soapy water
• Clean the glass with a soft, lint-free cloth and a streak-free window cleaner
• Lubricate the hinges and locks with silicone spray to ensure smooth operation

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows are known for their simplicity and ease of use. To keep them in optimal condition, perform these tasks:

• Remove the window sashes and clean the tracks with a brush or vacuum
• Apply a non-abrasive cleaner to the frames and wipe with a soft cloth
• Clean the glass with a suitable window cleaner, using a squeegee for a streak-free finish
• Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers for smooth sliding action

Double Hung Windows

Double hung windows feature two movable sashes, offering excellent ventilation and versatility. To maintain them, adhere to these guidelines:

• Open both sashes and vacuum the tracks and sash channels
• Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to clean the frames and sashes
• Wipe the glass with a microfibre cloth and your preferred window cleaning solution
• Inspect and lubricate the window’s balance system to ensure smooth operation

Louvre Windows

Louvre windows provide excellent airflow and are easy to clean, thanks to their adjustable blades. To maintain them, follow these steps:

• Adjust the blades to their fully open position and dust or vacuum any debris
• Clean the glass blades with a suitable window cleaner and a soft cloth
• Check the operating mechanism and apply lubricant if required

Fixed Lite Windows

Fixed lite windows don’t open but still require regular cleaning and inspection. To care for them, do the following:

• Clean the exterior glass with a squeegee and a window cleaner, reaching high windows with an extension pole if needed
• Wipe the interior glass with a soft cloth and a streak-free cleaning solution
• Inspect the window seals and frames for signs of wear or damage, addressing any issues promptly

Awning Windows

Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward, providing excellent ventilation and protection from the elements. To maintain them, perform these tasks:

• Vacuum the tracks and hinges to remove dust
• Wipe the frames and sashes with a damp cloth and a mild detergent
• Inspect and lubricate the hinges and locks as needed

Casement Windows

Casement windows open outward like a door and provide excellent ventilation. To care for them, adhere to these guidelines:

• Vacuum the tracks and hinges to remove dirt
• Wipe the glass with a soft cloth and a streak-free window cleaner
• Inspect and lubricate the hinges, locks and crank mechanism as required

Framed Windows

Framed windows come in various styles and materials, including timber, aluminium and uPVC. To maintain framed windows, follow these steps:

• Dust or vacuum the windowsills and tracks to remove debris
• Wipe the glass with a soft cloth and your preferred window cleaning solution
• Inspect and lubricate any moving parts, such as hinges and locks, as needed

5 Ways to Identify When to Replace Windows and Doors

September 23, 2020/in Home Renovation, Window and Door Replacement /by Southern Cross Windows

It’s no secret that good doors and windows are pretty important. After all, they help regulate the temperature in your house and keep your family safe. So, knowing when window and door replacement is necessary is a responsible choice that any homeowner should make. It’s an investment to replace them but it will give you peace of mind and protect your home and the people living inside. Here’s how to know it’s time to call the experts at Southern Cross Windows.

1. You feel a draught

If you walk past any of the doors and windows in your house and you feel a draught, it’s a good sign that you need to replace them. Obviously, you’ll feel a breeze if the doors and windows are open, but you’re looking for a draught that you can still feel if they’re closed. That indicates a seal that is worn out or gone. This can make your heating and cooling system work harder, increasing your energy bills, but a replacement makes a big difference.

2. There’s visible damage

If you look at your doors and windows and see splintered wood, cracks, broken seals or chips, you need new ones. Letting it go too long can compromise the structure of the door and window openings and can lead to further (and costly) damage. At the same time, damaged windows and doors aren’t as safe as those that are intact.

3. They’re hard to open and close

Windows and doors that are old may be rotting, rusted or warped and you’ll know this because they’ll be hard to open and close. Ideally, you should be able to slide windows closed and push doors closed without much effort. If you have to struggle to open or close them, you have a problem and likely need new ones.

4. You hear a lot of noise

Your doors and windows are designed to block a lot of the noise from outside, including people and traffic. If you notice that you’re hearing a lot more sounds from outside than you’re used to, it could mean that you need new doors and windows. This is probably because the seals are broken down and degraded or you have damage to your windows and doors.

5. Your windows and doors are ugly

If you’re ready for window and door replacement, call the experts at Southern Cross Windows today to get started. We can replace a single door or window or install replacements in multiples.

How Can I Make My Front Door More Inviting?

How Sliding Doors Can Open Up Your Gold Coast Home

June 15, 2020/in Gold Coast, Sliding doors, Window and Door Replacement /by Southern Cross Windows

For those of us who only have a finite amount of home and property space with which to work, finding tips and tricks to make a living environment feel bigger and more open is absolutely priceless. Here at Southern Cross Windows we happen to think that one of the absolute best ways of creating more space and air in your home is by taking advantage of sliding doors.

If you haven’t considered this feature for your home before, allow us to talk you through a few of the reasons why we think it is a great decision to make. Without further ado, here are some of the biggest benefits of having sliding doors on the Gold Coast.

Extra Space

Being able to slide your doors back to really connect your outdoor space with your indoor space can have a massive impact on the illusion of space. You can effectively turn a small living room into an airy, open space that leads straight into your garden, which is the desired vibe that many people are seeking!

Natural Light

A big factor in achieving this airy feel is the addition of extra natural light that you can achieve with sliding doors. Floor to ceiling windows will allow for greater amounts of light to pour into your home, and this extra light will also have the effect of making any room look much larger and more inviting.

Space Saving

Sliding doors also take up far less space when they are in an open state, which helps to utilise the room that you have both indoors and outdoors. When a normal door is open, you have to accommodate for the swinging of the door, but with a slider, that factor is completely eliminated. Sliding doors take up exactly the same amount of space when they are open as when they are shut, and this is a huge benefit for rooms that have small space to work with in the first place.

So, if you are interested in the prospect of sliding doors on the Gold Coast for your own home, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Southern Cross Windows. There will always be a member of the trained and experienced team on hand to be able to answer any important questions that you might have. We very much look forward to being able to improve the quality and aesthetic of your home environment!

Enhance Your Home with Window And Door Replacement

April 20, 2020/in Gold Coast, Window and Door Replacement /by Southern Cross Windows

One of the key elements of a full scale home renovation project is without a doubt the replacement of old windows and doors.

If you live in an old property that still has some of its original fittings and fixtures, then your doors and windows are most definitely due for an upgrade.

When undertaking such a task, there are numerous things to consider both on the side of practicality and aesthetic appeal.

Here at Southern Cross Windows, we are committed to achieving the best for our clients in both aspects.

Here are some of the most important considerations about window and door replacement in your home.

Make sure to research the quality of the products that you are planning on buying. The goal is to replace your windows and doors just the once, never having to go through the process again because you got it so right the first time around!

Don’t be afraid to ask the manufacturers tough questions about their process and their quality guarantees and warranties. Most reputable suppliers are happy to share information about what makes their products stand out.

For the most part, it is generally a good idea to opt for a supplier that is well established in the windows and doors industry. When considering such a potentially costly investment, you don’t want to be taking risks on names and companies that don’t have a long standing presence.

Check which suppliers are members of quality seal schemes. These types of companies are always the easiest to deal with should you ever need to have a problem with your windows and doors addressed.

With that last point in mind, it is also important to consider what kind of after sales service the supplier offers to customers. The longer you can have a guarantee and promise of post installation care, the better set up you will be to have a good future with your new windows and doors.

So, if you are in need of window and door replacement for your home at some point in the near future, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a full and thorough service.

There will always be a member of the trained and experienced team on hand to answer any questions that you might have regarding your needs and preferences.

We can guarantee that we have options to suit every single customer.

We look forward to hearing from you.

For more door and window news, read our previous blog post on bi-fold doors!