How often should I clean my window frames?

Twice a year as a minimum, with an extra clean for elevations exposed to coastal salt spray or heavy traffic pollution. Regular washing with mild soap and water is enough for both aluminium and Residence Collection finishes.

Can I use WD-40 on window and door hardware?

It is better avoided. Oil-based lubricants attract dust and grit, which can clog mechanisms over time. Use a light silicone-based spray lubricant instead, applied sparingly to hinges, locks and tracks.

Do aluminium frames need repainting?

No. Powder-coated aluminium finishes are extremely durable and are not designed to be repainted. Regular cleaning maintains the finish; if it is ever damaged, a specialist repair is more appropriate than painting over it.

What causes water to pool on a windowsill?

This is usually a blocked drainage channel or weep hole on the outer frame. Clearing debris from these openings, part of the twice-yearly routine, resolves it in almost all cases.

Installation

Looking After Your Windows and Doors: A Maintenance Guide

Aluminium and Residence Collection windows are designed to be low maintenance, not maintenance free. A few minutes twice a year is all it takes.

3 min read

One of the genuine advantages of aluminium and modern uPVC systems over older timber is how little upkeep they need. That does not mean none at all. A short seasonal routine keeps seals, drainage and hardware working as intended for decades rather than years.

This is not a call-out list for a tradesperson; it is a set of simple tasks any homeowner can do with basic tools and a Saturday morning twice a year.

The twice-yearly routine

01Clean framesWash frames with warm water and mild soap using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads, solvents or bleach-based cleaners, which can dull finishes over time.
02Check and clear drainageFrames have small drainage channels and weep holes on the outer face. Clear any debris, leaves or insect nests so water can escape properly.
03Lubricate hardwareApply a light silicone-based lubricant, never oil-based, to hinges, locks and any moving track components on sliding or bifold doors.
04Inspect sealsCheck rubber gaskets and seals for any splitting, hardening or gaps and note anything that looks worn for replacement.
05Check operationOpen and close every window and door fully, checking for smooth operation, secure locking, and no unusual resistance.

A light silicone lubricant on hinges and tracks twice a year prevents most hardware issues.

What to avoid

Abrasive cleaning pads or scouring powders on frames or glass
Bleach or solvent-based cleaning products
Oil-based lubricants, which attract dust and grit into hardware
Pressure washing directly at seals or into drainage channels
Painting over factory-finished aluminium or Residence frames

Seasonal considerations in Cumbria

Exposed western elevations take the brunt of driving rain and salt-laden coastal air in some areas, and benefit from an extra check after severe weather. Clearing drainage before winter, and again in spring after leaves and debris accumulate, prevents the small issues that eventually lead to bigger ones.

Season	Priority check
Autumn	Clear leaves and debris from drainage channels before winter
Winter	Check seals after storms; ensure drainage is not frozen or blocked
Spring	Full clean and lubrication routine after winter weather
Summer	Check hardware operation and touch up any minor wear