Pleated Insect Screen Care and Maintenance

HomePlus pleated screens are an innovation in insect protection, designed as an effective bug barrier that is more aesthetically pleasing for your home. For many years of trouble free use, a regular maintenance programme is recommended.

MAINTENANCE:
Pleated screens are generally low maintenance as they are retracted when not in use, minimising their exposure to the elements. However, they are not designed for windy conditions and should be safely retracted as you would for a deck awning, umbrella etc. They have been designed for insect control and are not intended for the retention/security of animals or children in your home.

CLEANING:
FRAME: The care & maintenance of the insect screen aluminium frames is outlined below.
Cleaning should take place 6 monthly in an average domestic environment, every 3 months if located in the inner city & monthly in an industrial/coastal setting.  Regularly clean the bottom track to remove dirt and debris so the screen continues to run smoothly.
1 - Retract the screen to access the track.
2 - Use a vacuum cleaner or brush to remove loose dirt. The screen mesh should be regularly cleaned to maintain an unobstructed view and airflow.
3 - Extend the screen to an open position.
4 - Remove any build-up with the soft brush nozzle on a vacuum cleaner.
5 - Take care not to tear or rip the mesh.

DO check your mesh regularly to catch any rips or problems, which must be repaired quickly.
DO NOT use solvents or harsh detergents on any of the retractable insect screen parts, housing or mesh.

POWDER COATED / ANODISED ALUMINIUM - CARE & MAINTENANCE

To comply with warranty requirements and to extend the effective life of anodised/powder coated finishes, very simple maintenance and regular visual inspections should be scheduled and undertaken.

MAINTENANCE:
In general, anodised or powder coated aluminium in urban areas should be cleaned every three months and every six months in rural areas. In industrial and marine environments (within 1km of the sea), monthly cold water washing as well as six monthly washes, with warm water & detergent, is necessary.

NOTE: It is universally recognised some sunscreens adversely affect powder-coated finishes and this should be avoided near the product in question.

CLEANING:
1 - Carefully remove any loose surface deposits with a wet sponge by gently rubbing.
2 - Clean by gently rubbing the surface with a soft brush (non-abrasive) and a dilute solution of a mild detergent, e.g., pH-neutral liquid hand or dishwashing detergent in warm water to remove dust, salt, and other deposits. For stubborn stains use only recommended solvents on the affected area, e.g., Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or methylated spirits and rinse off with clean water. Do not use other aggressive solvents.
3 - Anodised finishes with greasy deposits or hard to remove grime, should be cleaned with a soft cloth dipped in white spirit, turpentine or kerosene then wiped with a dry rag.
4 - Rinse the surfaces with clean fresh water after cleaning to remove all residues. A quick wipe-over with an absorbent cloth or chamois will prevent water marks from forming

DO remove obvious deposits as they occur.
DO NOT use abrasive steel wool, scrapers, scouring liquids or powders to remove paint splashes - these will damage your anodised/powder coating.
DO NOT use aggressive solvents, thinners, petrol etc.. on powder coating as these solvents will attack gloss levels and reduce its life expectancy.
DO NOT let any solvents used on anodised finishes come in contact with any rubber components as they can degrade them.
DO NOT expose your anodised/powder coatings to excessive heat, heaters or hot air guns - these may damage the coating.

DO NOT allow sunscreens to come into contact with powder coated services