Frequently Asked Questions about Installation

Q: Does Woodland have a service department?

A: Yes, we have a full-time service department trained to resolve issues from product warranties to installation issues. As part of the service team, we also have a dedicated service technician that is trained by both our vendors and our installers. The service truck is stocked with common replacement parts from the window and door manufacturers we represent. Please contact our service department at 630-529-DOOR (3667) for questions related to service.

Q: What makes Woodland Windows & Doors unique?

A: Woodland Windows and Doors is unique in many different ways. First of all, we do business with individuals across all segments of the market including: homeowners, contractors/remodelers, commercial, and homeowner associations (HOA’s). We have designated sales representatives available in each segment to answer your questions. Secondly, we staff a full-time service department available to answer questions regarding installations, products, and manufacturer warranties. We employ over 20 full-time installers, some that have been with us for 10 years or more. The installers are more than just carpenters, they are craftsman. We have our own staining/painting facility which allows precise control over the finish of your windows and doors. This setup allows us to pre-stain or pre-paint your product before installation, eliminating stain accidents and odor from your home which are common problems with on-site finishing. All of our finishes come with a 1-year craftsmanship guarantee.

Q: Can I apply a window tint to my products?

A: Do not add a tint to your window glass as this will void your warranty.

Q: Why are my oil-rubbed bronze handles discolored?

A: Oil-Rubbed Bronze is a living finish that will develop its own unique patina with use. This hardware is actually a dark bronze finish over copper. The intent is that the outer finish will wear, allowing the copper to show through. More use equals more wear, thus a "living finish." The changing of colors is a part of the natural aging process for this type of finish.

Q: How should I clean my door and/or windows when they get dirty?

A: It’s best to consult your owner’s manual for specific manufacturer’s instructions, however mild soap and water usually works well for exteriors.

Q: What do you recommend to clean the glass?

A: Cleaning the glass of your new window and door unit(s) should be done when they are not exposed to direct sunlight. NEVER use of razor blades on any coated glass such as Low E II. Marvin Windows and Doors recommends the following process for glass cleaning, however it is the homeowner’s responsibility to check with their specific window and door manufacturer regarding cleaning requirements to assure the warranty is not compromised. Soak the glass surface with a clean water and soap solution to loosen any dirt and debris Use a mild, non-abrasive window washing solution and apply with a non-abrasive applicator Immediately after washing the glass, remove all of the cleaning solution with a squeegee, taking care not to allow any metal surface of the cleaning equipment to touch the glass surface. Use a cloth to wipe the squeegee dry after each swipe. Dry all cleaning solution from window gaskets, sealants and frames. Also, make sure that no abrasive particles are trapped between the glass and the cleaning material. Weatherstrip and frames become susceptible to deterioration if the water and cleaning solutions are not dried away immediately after cleaning.

Q: What does it mean if there is fog inside the glass of my window or patio door?

A: If you are noticing fog or haze between the panes of insulating glass on your window or patio door you have a seal failure. This is when the seal of the insulated glass fails and lets in moisture. This can occur naturally or if one of the panes of glass has broken.

Q: I have moisture on the interior surface of my window or patio door. Is my window or patio door leaking?

A: Most likely your window or patio door isn’t leaking but is instead having condensation build up. Condensation builds up on the interior surface of a window or door as it starts to get cold outside and the colder it gets the more likely it is to happen. A likely and easy fix to eliminating condensation on your window or patio door would be to lower the humidity level in your home.

Q: What is your installation warranty?

A: Woodland Windows & Doors guarantees that your installation has been performed to the best of our craftsmen’s abilities. All labor is guaranteed against an imperfect installation for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion. If our labor is proven to be flawed in the areas of exterior aluminum trim work, exterior caulking, interior casing, insulation, or air and water leaks, we will repair or reinstall material in the problem area at no charge to you. This guarantee does not include occurrences beyond our control including, but not limited to, hail, ice, windstorms, fire, lightning, earthquakes, or other acts of God. Also, this guarantee does not cover defects in material or product covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. This guarantee applies to installation workmanship only and is not valid unless payment has been made in full compliance with the terms outlined in your contract

Q: What causes condensation?

A: When warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces, the excess moisture in the air condenses. That’s because the cooled air next to the cool surface can’t hold as much moisture as the warmer surrounding air.

Q: What does the condensation on my windows mean?

A: Window condensation may mean that there is an excessive amount of indoor humidity and could be doing unseen damage to other parts of your home.

Q: What is humidity?

A: Humidity is water vapor or moisture in the air, usually invisible.

Q: Where is condensation most prevalent?

A: Condensation is more likely to occur in climates where the average January temperature is 35° or colder.

Q: Does condensation only occur in the winter?

A: No, although condensation is the most common in the winter, it can occur whenever water vapor in the air comes in contact with a surface temperature lower than the dew point.

Q: How do drapes and window shades affect window condensation?

A: Drapes and other window coverings can contribute to a condensation problem by restricting the flow of warm room air over the glass surface. Therefore, indoor condensation is more likely to occur when the drapes are closed or the shades are pulled down.

Q: Can excess condensation damage my windows?

A: Yes. Excess window condensation can cause paint to peel from the sash and can also damage the window frame.

Q: My casement, glider and double-hung windows are hard to open. How can I make them open more easily?

A: Over time, dirt and dust can build up in the tracks, operating mechanisms and pivot points on the windows and will make them harder to operate. Clean any dirt and/or debris from these areas and spray them with a 100% silicone spray.

Q: What is the correct method of tilting in my Tilt-Wash double-hung window sash for cleaning?

A: Be sure to raise the lower sash or lower sash approximately 6” or more before tilting in the sash for cleaning. Please note: In order to tilt out the upper sash for cleaning, the lower sash must be tilted out first. Make sure that both sash are raised and/or lowered to the same approximate

distance (i.e., 6”).

Q: Can I use a razor blade to clean residue off the glass of my windows?

A: It is never recommended to use a razor blade on your window glass. This could cause scratching the glass or possibly removing any manufacture coated glass. i.e., Low-E II.

Q: How can I remove the manufacturer labels from my windows?

A: Soak the labels with rubbing alcohol and peel them off. You can use a small plastic putty knife to scrape the label.

Q: How can I clean sticky residue or caulk off of the glass on my windows?

A: The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works well, however you may need to use a little pressure to effectively remove the residue.

Q: My Andersen sliding patio door does not close all the way when it is unlocked. Is this a problem?

A: The way Andersen sliding patio door are manufactured, they will not totally seal until they are locked. The lock mechanism is designed to draw the door panel close to the frame and seal it against the weather-stripping.