Keepmoat Homes Homeowner Manual

29 WELCOME TO YOUR NEW

29 WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME keepmoat.com 30 WINDOWS AND DOORS Designed to not only look great, but be energy‐efficient and secure too, here’s what you need to know about your windows and doors. Front door Your front door will lock from the outside with a key by lifting the handle upwards while turning the key. On the inside, your door is fitted with a thumb turn which allows for locking and unlocking without the need for a key. Your front door will also have a fitted security chain, spy hole and a device fitted over the letterbox to prevent ‘fishing’ and access to the thumb turn. French doors (if applicable) Both doors will open, but you start with the main door first. When they’re both closed you lift the handles into place, then use the key to lock them. TIP: Windows Windows on the ground floor have been fitted with locks and all the keys are the same for each window. For those easily reached by climbing, make sure you keep them locked. For safety and security, the upstairs windows have safety catches to restrict them from opening too wide. All windows include trickle vents. It’s advised to keep these open to aid ventilation, especially when the home is drying out. Warm weather From time to time, especially in hot weather, your windows and doors may become stiff or hard to open or close. This could be due to the PVC swelling in the heat. Don’t worry, your windows and doors aren’t faulty and will return to normal once they cool down. You can speed this up by patting them with a cold, damp cloth or spraying the outside of them with water. Cleaning Your front door, French doors and window frames shouldn’t require much maintenance, just an occasional clean if they appear to be gathering dirt or occasionally mildew or mould. You can purchase cleaning products designed specifically for use on PVCu doors and windows or they can be cleaned with soapy water ‐ ordinary washing‐up liquid is fine. Lubrication You should lubricate moving parts at least twice a year. Stainless steel hinges should be oiled at the rivet points with light multi‐purpose oil. Other metal components should be coated with petroleum jelly. DO NOT use spray oil or excessive lubricants. Internal Doors To aid with ventilation throughout the property, all internal doors require a specified clearance ‘undercut’ between the bottom of the door and floor covering. The undercut provided upon completion should be enough for the vast majority of carpets and underlays. However, if you choose a thicker combination, please do check the clearances (min 10mm required), or you may have to arrange to have the doors removed, planed and re‐hung yourself. If we are fitting flooring for you we will ensure the door clearances are correct. The most important thing to remember when cleaning PVCu doors and windows is to use a sponge or cloth, nothing that is abrasive or could scratch the protective PVCu coating.