DESIGNER SERIES GUTTER SYSTEMS
Care & Maintenance
If SAF Designer Series Gutter Systems should need cleaning, we recommend the following procedures. Particular attention should be given to areas that have limited exposure to the natural washing effect of rainfall.
1.Moderate Atmospheric Dirt – We recommend an occasional washing with clear water using a garden hose and soft-bristled brush (a longhandled, car-washing brush is ideal for this purpose).
2.Heavy Industrial Atmospheric Dirt - Wash in the manner indicated above, but use the following solution:
a. 1/3 cup detergent (Tide®, for example)
b. 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (Soilax®, for example)
c. 1 gallon water
3.Mildew Accumulation - Mildew can collect on surfaces of all types of building products and is often evident on surfaces that have not been properly cared for and maintained. Normally, mildew will appear as black spots. Mildew is easy to remove by using the basic cleaning solution above with the addition of sodium hypochlorite as follows:
a. 1/3 cup detergent (Tide®, for example)
b. 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (Soilax®, for example)
c. 1 quart sodium hypochlorite 5% solution (Clorox®, for example)
d. 3 quarts water
4.Caulking Compounds, Tar and Similar Substances - Use mineral spirits in reasonable amounts and apply directly to the foreign substance. Immediately after cleaning, rinse the area thoroughly with water. CAUTION: Do not exceed the recommended concentrations of any cleaners used in Paragraphs 1 through 4, above. To do so can cause damage to the Products' surface. Avoid skin and eye contact with the solution, and in all cases follow manufacturer's instructions for the use of cleaning compounds and solutions. Avoid use of abrasive-type cleaners and strong solvents. Test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area before applying to major areas. To minimize streaking, always clean from the bottom to the top and follow with a rinsing of clear water. Excessive scrubbing is unnecessary and can be harmful to the Products, and may cause undesirable glossy areas over the finish.
5. Frequency of interior cleaning is dependant upon foliage present, at minimal gutters should be checked quarterly for maintenance cleaning of debris.
6. Joint and expansion sealants should be checked and resealed if necessary every 24 months.
WARNING: Direct contact of aluminum products with certain dissimilar materials, or contact with water run-off from dissimilar materials, is likely to result in corrosion. Accordingly, care should be taken during installation to avoid contact of aluminum with dissimilar materials including dissimilar metals (e.g. copper, zinc, steel, etc.), concrete, stucco, asbestos siding, pressure treated/pretreated lumber, roofing materials or roofing systems containing metallic granules or strips, or corrosive non-metallic materials. Improper installation will cause product failure or bodily harm, such as from ice loads or snow loads causing collapse.