Recomendations

Arkial Aluminum Systems for Architecture manufactured and distributed by Sapa Portugal are the right choice because they have several fundamental characteristics:

• Light and simple solutions;
• Diverse aesthetic options offering varied shapes, colours, and textures;
• High durability and resistance to aggressive weather agents: rain, wind, sun, dust, etc;
• Superior comfort, convenience, and safety in daily use;
• Products tested during product development, certified and homologated by qualified laboratories;

Recomendations for the user

Cleaning and maintenance of anodized aluminum:

• Internal aluminum should only be cleaned periodically with a clean cloth. Once a year it can be cleaned with soapy water (neutral or traditional “Blue-White” soap) and rinsed with cold water. To finish, it should be dried with a smooth cloth or suede;
• Cleaning external aluminum is important due to the presence of airborne contaminants. It should be pointed out that environmental moisture also affects anodized aluminum. Depending on these factors, windows and doors should be periodically cleaned;
• In more aggressive environments, the aluminum should be cleaned once a month;
• Clean with water and dry with smooth cloth or suede.

Cleaning and maintenance of lacquered aluminum:

• It is necessary to periodically clean lacquered aluminum. The frequency depends on the surrounding environment. Nevertheless, it should be cleaned at least once a year. It should be cleaned with a 5% solution of a neutral detergent or soap in water;
• Frames should not be cleaned when directly exposed to sunlight;
• Aggressive cleaning equipment or products (such as mops or brushes) should not be used, abrasive materials, organic solvents, or detergents of unknown chemical composition should also not be used.

Maintenance of hardware and functional areas:

• Oil the hinges with lubricant fluids, for instance, oil every six months;
• Check annually the joints and sealing in joint and fitting areas;
• Check the functioning with open and closing regulating cycles. The hinges have an adjustment device inside for adjustment (with a wrench);
• Always keep drainage holes unblocked;
• Keep the framework as clean as possible.

Atention:

Never use alkaline substances. Both aluminum and glass are very sensitive to alkaline substances and should never be exposed to these. If the lacquered aluminum surfaces (and/or glass) come into contact with water with dissolved cement or mortar, it is very important to wash those elements immediately with lots of cold water and a sponge with low abrasive power or smooth cloth.

Detergents with polishing additives should never be used, nor should the aluminum be cleaned with “scotch-brite” mops or similar products, as there is a very high risk of irreparably damage the surface. The products are properly cleaned with running water and a sponge with low abrasive power. However, neutral detergents can be used.