Need A Little Help?

After your product is installed ensure our CW Interiors Representative demonstrates the operating system (motorised or manual) for your new blinds. If they are chain operated always hold the chain both sides with two hands, if they are motorised make sure there is no power outage first. With the right care your product can last you almost a lifetime.

All styles of Blinds & Shades should be cleaned regularly, preferably daily to avoid dust build up that can eventually develop stains. Pay attention to the recommended cleaning guidelines for each type/ style of Blind & Shade as they vary.

Learn how to operate your horizontal 1” / 2” blinds correctly so you don’t damage or break them.

• Pull blinds up before opening windows.
• Take your time when pulling the cords and use a continuous motion that pulls the cords at a 45-degree angle.
• Keep the cords as close to the blinds as possible to move them up and down smoothly and prevent one side from moving faster or slower than the other.
• Keep cords away from children and pets.

To Clean

Take your time particularly with Aluminum blinds as these will bend easily and can break if you rush through with cleaning them.

• Start at the top and brush side to side or downward only with the blinds open the blinds, using a feather duster along each slat. You can also use a sock over your hand for all corners and edges.
• Use Windex or a solution of water mixed with vinegar to wash PVC blinds.

For Wood Blinds (slats and woven wood)

• Use a feather duster, microfiber cloth, or gentle wood cleaner. Never use detergents or non-wood cleaners on wooden blinds. It is not recommended that they get wet. Excessive water can cause the wood blinds to warp and possibly discolour.

After your product is installed ensure our CW Interiors Representative demonstrates the operating system (motorised or manual) for your new blinds. If they are chain operated always hold the chain both sides with two hands, if they are motorised make sure there is no power outage first. With the right care your product can last you almost a lifetime.

All styles of Blinds & Shades should be cleaned regularly, preferably daily to avoid dust build up that can eventually develop stains. Pay attention to the recommended cleaning guidelines for each type/ style of Blind & Shade as they vary.

Learn how to operate your vertical blinds correctly using either cord and chain control or wand so you don’t damage or break them.

• Keep cords away from children and pets.
• To rotate the louvers, gently pull the metal bead chain/chord. To move the louvers along the track, gently pull on the nylon cord. You MUST rotate the louvers to the open position before to pulling on the cord to move the louvers along the track.
• If louvers become twisted or jumbled with use, here is how you adjust:
  1. Gently adjust/ flip the louvers with your hand so they are all facing the same direction.
  2. Check to see that the louvers are overlapping each other in the correct direction.
  3. Pull the metal bead chain until you hear a grinding sound. Give the chain an additional gentle pull. This grinding noise comes from the louver carriers re-aligning themselves. Now pull the other side of the chain down and all of the vanes will be aligned correctly.
• To rotate the louvers using the wand, rotate it in the direction you want the louvers rotated.
• To move the louvers along the track, rotate the louvers to the open position, push or pull the wand to open (stack louvers) or close (unstack louvers) the blind.
• If louvers become twisted or jumbled with use, here is how you adjust:
  1. Gently adjust/ flip the louvers with your hand so they are all facing the same direction.
  2. Check to see that the louvers are overlapping each other in the correct direction.
  3. Rotate the wand until you hear a grinding sound. Give the wand an additional gentle turn. This grinding noise comes from the louver carriers re-aligning themselves. Now rotate the wand in the opposite direction and all of the vanes will be aligned correctly.

To Clean

• Take your time with Vertical blinds as these will bend easily and can break if you rush through with cleaning them.
• You can also unclip the louvres from the brackets to access and clean the head rail itself or the individual slats if there is a build-up of dust.
• Regularly dust or vacuum with an upholstery attachment. For soil removal, sponge with a mild detergent and warm water solution and blot dry.
• Louvers may be removed and immersed in water. If a thin film of mild detergent is left on louvers, static electricity will be eliminated.

To Clean & Maintain

• Clean the floor regularly. For general cleaning, use a dust mop or vacuum with the correct hard surface attachment – never a rotating brush, floor scrubbers, steamers, jet mops, buffers or similar products.
• If necessary, the floor may be cleaned with a wet mop and a laminate cleaner.
• Avoid using too much water and be sure to squeeze the water out of the mop before mopping and rinse the mop frequently.
• AtroGuard floors must never be waxed, polished, sanded or refinished, and never use a steam, wet or jet mop when cleaning. Do not use detergents, abrasive cleaners, soaps, waxes or polishes.
• To protect from scratches, place walk-off area rugs or mats inside exterior doorways to collect small bits of gravel.
• We recommend using felt protectors on the legs of furniture and replacing plastic or metal casters with rubber wheels. Replace plastic or metal casters on chairs with rubber wheels and lift rather than slide heavy objects across the floor.

Can I use a steam mop on my AtroGuard floors?

We DO NOT recommend the use of steam mops on AtroGuard floors.

How do I remove difficult challenging spots?

Never use bleaching agents on Atroguard laminate floors. For chocolate, grease, juice and wine stains, use lukewarm water and a non-abrasive cleaner. Nail polish, tar, markers, crayon, lipstick, ink and cigarette burns can be removed using nail polish remover or denatured alcohol. For candle wax and chewing gum, scrape carefully with a blunt plastic scraper.

Do I need to wax my AtroGuard floor?

No, it resists staining, is easy to clean and requires no waxing. Waxing is not compatible with this product and using wax will void warranty.

Is AtroGuard scratch proof?

AtroGuard floors feature AC-4 scratch resistant commercial rating, which is highly scratch resistant but not scratch proof. Here is some information that might help you down the road to prevent or minimizes scratches:

• Use felt pads on the bottom of all chairs/tables/sofas.
• Change all plastic or metal casters on rolling furniture to rubber casters.
• Do not drag heavy furniture across the floor.
• Trim pet nails frequently.

How durable is AtroGuard flooring with pets?

While no similar flooring is guaranteed against scratching or loss of gloss, the surface of Atroguard is textured with a medium graining and a tough wear layer for durability. We warrant that Atroguard will not stain from pet (domestic cat or dog) stains, including urine, feces and vomit, providing it is cleaned within 24 hours!

What type of chair protectors can I use on AtroGuard floor?

Support furniture with wide-bearing, non-staining floor protectors. Ideally, the protectors should be at least one inch in diameter, made of non-pigmented, hard plastic and rest flat on the floor. Non-staining felt protectors are also acceptable. Casters with a minimum 3/4″ flat surface width or floor protectors are recommended for all moveable furniture. Make sure any metal protectors are rustproof. Replace your narrow-dome furniture rests with wide-bearing ones.

A doormat is recommended to control the build-up of dirt and transfer of chemicals from under your shoes to your RLVP floors. Grit acts like sandpaper, removing the finish from your floor. And even though you can’t see them, chemicals from asphalt can stick first to your shoes and then to the floor, causing it to yellow.

• Use a damp cloth to clean spills as soon as they happen to prevent stains.
• Sweep, dust, or vacuum with the hard surface attachment regularly to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating-this can scratch or dull your floor’s finish.
• Clean as needed with a damp or wet mop, clean water, and nonabrasive floor cleaner.
• Every so often, clean the floor with product specifically made for vinyl floors by lightly spraying the product on to a microfiber mop or cloth.
• Do not vacuum with a beater bar as it may scratch or dent your floor.
• Never use bleaching agents to clean your RLVP floors as this will cause permanent damage to the floor.
• Never use soap, wax, or oil based detergents-they may dull the finish or leave a greasy film making the floors slippery and harder to clean.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or strong ammoniated or chlorinated cleaners.
• Do not use steam cleaners or buffing/polishing machines.
• Avoid prolonged contact with rubber items as they may cause a permanent stain.

If water sips through the bevels, can it damage the subfloor?

The planks themselves are waterproof, but once installed they do not provide a fully airtight surface. Water can still sip through the bevels if left over 24 hours. Water spillage as is the case in bathrooms and kitchens won’t damage the floor but standing water must be avoided at all times. We recommend cleaning up water spillage as soon as possible, before 24 hours pass.

Do I need to wax my RLVP floor?

No, it resists staining, is easy to clean and requires no waxing. Waxing is not compatible with this product and using wax will void warranty.

What type of chair protectors can I use on a RLVP floor?

• Support furniture with wide-bearing, non-staining floor protectors. Ideally, the protectors should be at least one inch in diameter, made of non-pigmented, hard plastic and rest flat on the floor.
• Non-staining felt protectors are also acceptable. Casters with a minimum 3/4″ flat surface width or floor protectors are recommended for all moveable furniture. Make sure any metal protectors are rustproof.
• Replace your narrow-dome furniture rests with wide-bearing ones.

In the event of a flood, will RLVP dry?

Yes, we recommend that your RLVP is promptly uninstalled, sorted separately, and placed in a dry environment. Please allow 48-72 hours to dry. Once both your subfloor and RLVP panels have dried completely you may reinstall.

When selecting an awning, the following tips may help home and business owners:

• DO consider the primary purpose of the awning, whether for shade, or decoration
• DO consider the location and the weather patterns
• DON’T make a final decision before doing research
• DON’T make a selection without consulting experts
• DON’T go cheap, as costs saved up front may translate to issues down the line

Awning Installation Dos and Don’ts

The biggest DON’T for awning installation is to try a DIY method of installation. Improperly installed awnings may become damaged earlier, be susceptible to component failure and even fall and cause injury. These issues may end up causing a lawsuit as well as costing the home or business owner time and money for repairs.

DO have qualified professionals install the awning instead. Professionals can quickly and easily make alterations in the awning design or setup if home or business owners are not satisfied with the look and function of the awning after repair.

Awning Care Dos and Don’ts

After an awning has been installed, the following tips will help to keep the awning looking great and functioning properly for as long as possible:

• DO keep shrubbery and vines trimmed back from awnings.
• DO clean awnings regularly to remove mildew and dirt.
• DO check the condition of awning frames frequently.
• DO pull up awnings when winds are high.
• DON’T spray insect repellent on awnings, as it may cause stains and reduce water resistance
• DON’T allow water to stand on awnings, as it may cause stretching and water pockets.
• DO retract the awing after use, as this would prolong the life of the material.
• Take into account sun angle throughout the day when determining size, so your area is protected during the periods of expected use. For very large areas, multiple awnings will perform better in windy conditions than one very large one. When practical, use more awnings to cover the space required.
• When fully open, the arms will be slightly folded to improve performance and strength. – You may also use the awning with it partially open so it’s a good idea is to design the seating area a little short of the full extension of the awning for maximum shade and usability.

Weather

Retractable awnings are designed primarily as a shade device and should never be left open unattended. The following — in excess — can cause damage to the unit:

• Wind: A general rule is that if a newspaper cannot be left on the table without being held down, then the awning is in wind that could gust into a problem. An automated sensor can take the burden off when deciding to retract the unit.
• Gusts: Most damage is done by gusting winds. Have a plan for immediate action if conditions begin to change. One of the best investments is a motor for each unit, because it allows for quicker response.
• Rain: As stated above, shade is the primary purpose of an awning. However, they can also be used in light rain to a degree. What is too much? A simple rule is that if the fabric is pocketing water, then the unit must go in.

Miscellaneous Do’s and Don’ts

• DO use your awning to provide cool, comfortable shade on your deck or patio.
• DO treat your outdoor space as an extension of your living and entertaining areas.
• DO consider purchasing multiple remote transmitters if motorized, so you have a backup in the event one is lost or broken.
• DO make sure everyone knows how to retract the awning if inclement weather is expected.
• DON’T leave the awnings extended if there are no people outside. Extend as needed.
• DON’T overextend your awning! The elbow in the centre area of the arms should always have a small gap. The fabric should always be rolling from the top of the tube.
• DO routinely clean your awning at least once a year in inland environments and once a month in salt water environments. Using a mild soap and rinsing with a low pressure setting on a power washer is a good approach, or hire a professional awning cleaning service.
• DON’T place heaters or lights near the fabric without consulting your installer. Remember, the units must retract and clearance must be considered. Excessive heat may also damage the fabric.
• DO use the lights designed by the industry for easier mounting and appropriate heat levels.
• DON’T hang plants, fans or anything else from the units.
• DO understand that warranties do not cover damage from wind, rain or the elements, so err on the side of caution.
• DON’T overuse the electric motor with constant multiple operations, a built in thermal cut out will prevent over use and protect the motor if you do and once dolled down will continue to operate.
• DON’T disconnect any sun, wind or rain sensor, your awning will retract automatically after one hour if the sensors are not working for any reason and you should not be able to extend it again as a precaution.