Guillotine Window Maintenance Guide: Periodic Checks & Troubleshooting

Guillotine window systems are mechanical systems that operate trouble-free for 10-15 years and, with proper maintenance, can last up to 25 years. However, when basic periodic checks are skipped, small problems grow over time into glass replacement, motor failure or full system renewal. In this guide, we share the annual maintenance schedule that will keep your guillotine windows like new for years, plus practical solutions to common issues.

Annual maintenance schedule

Monthly (user check)

• Glass cleaning: Standard glass cleaner + microfiber cloth. Vinegar water against limescale buildup.
• Profile outer surface: Wipe with a soft damp cloth; do not use abrasive sponges.
• Visual check: Gasket flexibility; any rust/oxidation at profile corners?

Every 3 months

• Rail cleaning: Sweep dust and debris; no sand/glass shards should remain in the rail.
• Drainage channels: Check the rain drainage holes under the profile (open with a thin rod if blocked).
• Watertight gasket: Check EPDM gasket flexibility by pressing with your finger; if any spot is hardened, call service.

Annually (service check)

• Mechanical lubrication: Apply PTFE-based dry lubricant to rails, rollers and locking points (do not use mineral oil — it attracts dust).
• Motor check (motorized systems): Silence test, opening/closing speed measurement, limit-switch check.
• Full gasket evaluation: Pressure test at all corners; replace gasket if necessary.
• Glass condensation: Is there fogging between panes in insulated systems? (if yes, glass replacement needed).
• Bolt tightening: Connection bolts must be tightened to torque spec.

5 common issues and their solutions

1. Glass sticks while sliding up/down

Likely cause: Dust on rails, worn rollers, or a foreign object in the rail.
Solution: First clean the rails. If it persists, the rollers may need replacement — call your authorized dealer.

2. Glass doesn't close fully (gap at top corner)

Likely cause: Top lock mechanism out of alignment, or gasket pinched.
Solution: Try the lock-pin adjustment screws in 1-2 mm increments. If it doesn't fix it, call service.

3. Motorized system stops suddenly

Likely cause: Motor thermal protection activated (overuse), or a faulty limit switch.
Solution: Wait 30 minutes and try again. If it recurs, the switch or motor needs servicing.

4. Rain leak

Likely cause: Drainage channels blocked, gasket hardened, or silicone between glass and profile worn out.
Solution: Open drainage holes. A hardened gasket must be replaced. If silicone is worn, professional repair is required.

5. Darkening / staining on profile surface

Likely cause: Salty air in coastal regions + use of acidic cleaner + anodized coating wear.
Solution: Never use acidic/abrasive cleaners. For light stains, alcohol wipes. For widespread darkening, professional polishing or profile resurfacing service.

4 critical points to keep your warranty valid

1. No unauthorized intervention: Don't replace motor, lock or profile parts yourself — it voids the warranty.
2. Periodic maintenance records: Keep your annual service records; required for warranty claims.
3. Use original parts: Don't accept generic equivalents during service; demand original manufacturer parts.
4. Quick reporting in case of damage: Reporting issues like rain leaks, glass cracks or motor failure to the dealer support line within 48 hours preserves your warranty.

"A guillotine window can be used for 25 years with 1 hour of annual maintenance. Without maintenance, service-call frequency becomes weekly within 7-8 years."

Summary

Your guillotine window's lifespan triples with periodic maintenance compared to no maintenance. Combining monthly visual checks, quarterly rail-gasket cleaning and annual professional service keeps your system working like new. Intervening before problems emerge costs about 10% of intervening after.

Seasonal maintenance schedule (detailed)

Spring (March-May)

• Cleaning of accumulated winter dust and limescale
• Finger-pressure check of gasket flexibility
• Drainage hole blockage check (leaves)
• Limit-switch test on motorized systems
• Full lubrication service at season start

Summer (June-August)

• Heavy-use period — daily open/close inspection
• UV-protected glass color-degradation check
• Is motor temperature within normal limits (especially on south-facing facades)
• Remote battery replacement (typically at the start of summer)

Autumn (September-November)

• Rain-tightness test (with hose water)
• Drainage channel cleaning (leaf-fall season)
• Annual gasket evaluation — replace if any hardened spot
• Bolt-torque check

Winter (December-February)

• In snowy regions, leave panels in fully closed position
• Reduced use against icing
• Is there fogging on the inner glass surface (if yes, the insulated unit has lost its seal — service)

Professional service: when to call?

If you experience any of the following, do not intervene yourself; call your authorized dealer:

• Glass panel sticking / not moving
• Abnormal motor noise (squeaking, whining)
• Rain leak (source unclear)
• Need to replace gasket along entire perimeter
• Lock / handle malfunction
• Fogging inside the glass (insulated double-glazing seal failure)

These problems get worse with amateur intervention. Service fees are in the 1,000-3,000 TL range, but a wrong intervention can cause a 30,000+ TL glass replacement.

Warranty claim process

1. Find your written warranty certificate — the document given after installation.
2. Document the issue — take photos and, if possible, a video.
3. Call your authorized dealer — the installing dealer is the first point of contact.
4. Dealer schedules a survey — a specialist is dispatched within 1-3 business days.
5. If it's a manufacturing defect, warranty kicks in — parts and labor free of charge.
6. If it's a usage error, a fair-price service quote is provided.
7. For appeals, contact info@winperax.com.tr; the manufacturer performs an impartial assessment.

Spare-parts supply

Original spare parts for all Winperax systems are supplied through the dealer network for 10+ years. Standard parts (gasket, handle, roller) are delivered within 2-5 business days; custom parts (motor, profile) within 7-15 business days. All part orders are placed through authorized dealers — we don't sell directly to end users.