Periodic cleaning is not enough to prevent damage

Deep cleaning of exterior joinery to address macro and micro contamination

It is important to properly maintain windows and doors. And we are not just talking about the visually perceptible macro dirt, but also about the invisible layer of microscopic dirt that is often simply left behind during periodic cleanings. Thorough deep cleaning of exterior joinery is essential and Novatio offers the ideal products for this: FA Clean, Safety Clean, Multifoam and Surface Renewer.

Novatio's products make life easier for makers in the window and door industry. The range includes solutions for the preparation of the bonding process, for use during the production and assembly of windows and doors, as well as for repair and maintenance. "Coating and plastic surfaces have a dense structure, making them easy to clean with water-based cleaners. However, this often only removes the visually perceptible contamination. However, micro-pollution, which is not perceived by the naked eye, remains. Apolar contamination such as condensed VOCs and soot deposits, together with fingerprints, are therefore the main cause of problems during bonding. To obtain a perfect result during the bonding process, any form of contamination must be dealt with," says Novatio fire manager Geert Vanlommel. 

"Even after installation, proper maintenance for windows and doors remains important. After all, the painted surface is continuously exposed to dust, sand, acid rain, UV radiation and other contamination. It becomes dull and/or 'chalky,' in other words, a dull, white powdery layer forms, which anchors ever deeper into the paint and, in the long run, can damage the surface beyond repair. To prevent this, it is essential to perform a thorough deep cleaning at least twice a year in addition to periodic cleaning."

Different cleaning agents for deep cleaning

For this deep cleaning, Novatio offers appropriate solutions for any type of contamination. For the removal of visible layers of dust and dirt, the specialist proposes FA Clean, a water-based cleaning agent that is highly efficient for removing water-soluble and polar dirt, including dust, sand and other mineral particles. 

"The solvent-based cleaner Safety Clean is indicated for loosening and dissolving petrochemical and natural apolar dirt residues. Most of the dirt is removed by wiping the surface with an absorbent cloth, but we recommend post-cleaning everything with Multifoam to remove the last remnants of solvent and contamination," the fire manager continued. 

"This foam cleaner is also the ideal solution for removing fingerprints and other micro dirt. Its action is threefold. For example, the surfactants in the cleaner consist of a water-attracting and a water-repellent part. They surround the dirt particles and isolate them from the substrate. Metal ions are chemically bound so that no white spots appear after drying. Finally, the foaming creates a capillary force that pulls dirt off the surface and out of the pores. Thus, the dirt residues are removed as the cleaner is wiped away."

Revitalizing faded joinery

In any case, it is not recommended to perform work on windows, doors and gates in full sunlight or when the surface is hot. Contamination combined with weathering, such as UV rays, gives exterior joinery paint an aged appearance over time. "After thorough deep cleaning, it is important to nourish the joinery so that the original color can recover," Van Lommel concludes. "To do this, you apply our Surface Renewer with a soft, clean, dry sponge. Excess product is easily removed with a clean, soft cloth."