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Asia-Pacific · Window Manufacturer

Altherm Window Systems

🇳🇿 New Zealand · Last reviewed by Justin Orloff

Quick Facts

founded

Est. New Zealand

hq

New Zealand

primaryMaterials

Aluminium - standard and thermally broken profiles

glazingPartner

APL system - licensed fabricators

marketTier

Mid-Range - New Zealand residential

Brand at a Glance

  • Country: New Zealand
  • Parent system: APL Window Solutions
  • Materials: Aluminium - standard and thermally broken
  • Market: NZ residential - mid to upper-mid tier
  • Climate context: NZ - coastal salt, high wind, UV, rain

Product Range

  • Altherm standard aluminium windows
  • Altherm thermally broken windows

Why This System

Altherm thermally broken windows are common in newer NZ residential builds - the thermal break junction requires specific cleaning attention at the mid-frame position. APL fabricator quality varies - first visits should include a condition assessment of seal quality and glazing bead fit. NZ climate applies in full: pre-rinse before cleaning, clear weep holes at every service, spring seal inspection.

Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations

Official Care Guidance

Source: ORLOFFS PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE - BASED ON 25 YEARS FIELD EXPERIENCE ON NZ ALUMINIUM WINDOW SYSTEMS

Glass

  • Pre-rinse glass with clean water - standard NZ practice.
  • pH-neutral glass cleaning solution, squeegee top to bottom, overlap strokes, wipe rubber after each pull.
  • Check glazing seals at every service, particularly at thermal break junctions on thermally broken Altherm.

Frames

  • pH-neutral dampened soft cloth, rinse thoroughly. No abrasive pads.
  • On thermally broken frames, clean the polyamide break junction with a narrow cloth.

Tracks and Weep Holes

  • Brush and clear all sliding track channels before introducing water.
  • Clear weep holes at every service. NZ wind-driven rain makes this a functional maintenance task, not just aesthetic.
  • Apply silicone lubricant to sliding tracks after cleaning.

Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol

The Orloffs Protocol

This is how I clean Altherm Window Systems windows. The tools and technique below come from 25 years of daily professional work on the glass. Every step has been tested on real installations and adapted specifically for Altherm Window Systems systems.

Pro Tools

My daily tool list. This is what I carry to every job.

1Ettore squeegee 18 inch
2Unger HiFlo pure water pole
3Narrow track brush

Follow these steps in order. Each one builds on the last. This is the same sequence I use on every Altherm Window Systems installation.

  1. 1

    System identification

    Standard or thermally broken Altherm - thermal break requires additional junction cleaning.

  2. 2

    Pre-rinse

    Rinse all glass and frames.

  3. 3

    Glass and frame cleaning

    pH-neutral solution, squeegee, wipe frames, clean thermal break junction if present.

  4. 4

    Track and weep hole service

    Clear channels and weep holes, apply silicone lubricant.

Watch the Window Cleaning Manifesto hereSee these techniques in action. Free, 5 minutes, lifetime access.

Pro Tips

  • On Altherm thermal break frames, run a narrow folded cloth along the polyamide break line at the end of the frame wipe - this single pass picks up the grime that a standard frame cloth misses

What NOT To Do

  • Do not use abrasive pads on Altherm powder-coated frames
  • Do not skip pre-rinsing in NZ conditions
  • Do not leave weep holes blocked on NZ properties with sliding Altherm windows

Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations

Bundle Kit

Orloffs Squeegee Pro Pack flat lay
Pro KitThe full professional setup. Brass squeegees, T-bar with applicator cover, tool belt, rags, soap, and bucket. Everything from the daily tool list in one box.Shop now →
Orloffs Squeegee Pro Pack bundled

Tool Recommendations

Ettore squeegee 18 inch

View on Amazon [coming soon]

pH-neutral glass and frame concentrate

View on Amazon [coming soon]

Microfibre cloths

View on Amazon [coming soon]

Cleaning Frequency

Auckland and coastal NZ: Every 4 to 8 weeks (Salt and humidity). South Island residential: Every 6 to 10 weeks (Lower humidity, seasonal conditions)

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean Altherm Window Systems windows?
For Altherm Window Systems windows, Auckland and coastal NZ: Every 4 to 8 weeks (Salt and humidity). South Island residential: Every 6 to 10 weeks (Lower humidity, seasonal conditions). Coastal or urban locations may need more frequent cleaning.
What tools do I need for Altherm Window Systems windows?
Professional cleaning of Altherm Window Systems windows requires my daily tool list of: Ettore squeegee 18 inch, Unger HiFlo pure water pole, Narrow track brush.
What should I avoid on Altherm Window Systems windows?
Do not use abrasive pads on Altherm powder-coated frames
Does Altherm Window Systems publish an official cleaning guide?
Yes, Altherm Window Systems publishes official care guidance. Source: ORLOFFS PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE - BASED ON 25 YEARS FIELD EXPERIENCE ON NZ ALUMINIUM WINDOW SYSTEMS
Can I use a water-fed pole on Altherm Window Systems windows?
Yes, purified water via a water-fed pole is one of the safest methods for Altherm Window Systems glass. Ensure TDS is at or near zero before use and avoid directing high-pressure water at seals or gaskets.

Field Notes

“Altherm windows in medium-density Auckland housing often have 4 to 6 units per property - track cleaning across multiple sliding windows adds significant time. Budget accordingly. See also: APL Window Solutions guide for full group context.”

Justin Orloff

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