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Asia-Pacific · Window Manufacturer

Altus Window Systems

🇳🇿 New Zealand · Last reviewed by Justin Orloff

Altus Window Systems window product

Altus Nz window systems

Quick Facts

founded

Est. New Zealand

hq

New Zealand

primaryMaterials

Aluminium - standard and thermally broken powder-coated profiles

glazingPartner

In-house or licensed fabricator - system supplier model

marketTier

Mid-Range - New Zealand residential and light commercial

Brand at a Glance

  • Country: New Zealand
  • Product type: Thermal and non-thermal aluminium windows
  • Market: NZ residential and light commercial
  • Climate context: NZ - coastal salt both islands, high wind, UV, rain

Product Range

  • Standard aluminium windows
  • Thermally broken aluminium windows
  • Light commercial systems

Why This System

Altus operates outside the APL group - fabricator quality and installation standards depend on the specific installer rather than a large group quality framework. Thermally broken Altus windows have the same cleaning consideration as thermally broken APL products - clean the polyamide break junction at every service. NZ climate conditions apply in full regardless of brand - pre-rinse, weep hole maintenance, and spring seal inspection are standard practice.

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 with clean water before applying cleaning solution.
  • pH-neutral cleaning solution, squeegee top to bottom, wipe rubber after each pull.
  • Inspect glazing seals at every service.

Frames

  • pH-neutral dampened soft cloth, rinse thoroughly. No abrasive pads.
  • Clean polyamide thermal break junction on thermally broken Altus with a narrow cloth.

Tracks and Weep Holes

  • Brush and clear track channels. Clear weep holes. Apply silicone lubricant.

Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol

The Orloffs Protocol

This is how I clean Altus 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 Altus 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

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

  1. 1

    Standard or thermal identification

    Check for polyamide thermal break. Thermally broken frames need junction cleaning.

  2. 2

    Pre-rinse

    Rinse glass and frames.

  3. 3

    Clean glass and frames

    pH-neutral solution, squeegee, wipe frames.

  4. 4

    Track and weep service

    Clear tracks and weep holes, apply silicone.

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

Pro Tips

  • Treat Altus light commercial windows the same as residential NZ aluminium - the climate conditions are identical and the cleaning chemistry is unchanged

What NOT To Do

  • Do not use abrasive pads on Altus powder-coated aluminium
  • Do not skip pre-rinsing in NZ conditions
  • Do not leave blocked weep holes on sliding Altus windows in NZ

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

Coastal NZ: Every 4 to 6 weeks (Salt and wind). Standard NZ residential: Every 6 to 10 weeks (NZ residential norm)

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean Altus Window Systems windows?
For Altus Window Systems windows, Coastal NZ: Every 4 to 6 weeks (Salt and wind). Standard NZ residential: Every 6 to 10 weeks (NZ residential norm). Coastal or urban locations may need more frequent cleaning.
What tools do I need for Altus Window Systems windows?
Professional cleaning of Altus Window Systems windows requires my daily tool list of: Ettore squeegee 18 inch, Unger HiFlo pure water pole.
What should I avoid on Altus Window Systems windows?
Do not use abrasive pads on Altus powder-coated aluminium
Does Altus Window Systems publish an official cleaning guide?
Yes, Altus 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 Altus Window Systems windows?
Yes, purified water via a water-fed pole is one of the safest methods for Altus Window Systems glass. Ensure TDS is at or near zero before use and avoid directing high-pressure water at seals or gaskets.

Field Notes

“Altus windows in light commercial NZ builds may have anodised aluminium finishes rather than powder coat - check before using cleaning products and use pH-neutral only if in doubt.”

Justin Orloff

What's next for you?

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