Asia-Pacific · Profile System
AWS Architectural Window Systems
🇦🇺 Australia · Last reviewed by Justin Orloff
Quick Facts
founded
Est. Australia
hq
Australia
primaryMaterials
Aluminium - powder-coated profiles across all systems
glazingPartner
System supplier - glazing specified per fabricator project
marketTier
Mid-Range to Premium - across four product systems
Brand at a Glance
- Country: Australia
- Role: Aluminium window system supplier - not a direct manufacturer
- Licensed fabricators: 200+ nationally
- Systems: Vantage, Elevate, ThermalHEART, ComfortEDGE
- Market: Full residential and light commercial range
- Climate context: Australia-wide - UV index 12+ in summer, coastal salt, tropical north
Product Range
- Vantage
- Elevate
- ThermalHEART
- ComfortEDGE
Why This System
AWS's fabricator network means that the quality of assembly varies between fabricators even within the same AWS system. Two Vantage windows from different fabricators may have different seal quality and hardware fit. ThermalHEART systems have a polyamide break visible at the frame mid-section - this junction requires attention during cleaning as it can accumulate grime that is difficult to remove with a cloth alone. AWS systems are found across the full Australian housing stock - from 1990s Vantage windows to current ThermalHEART installations. Cleaning approach needs to account for frame age as well as system tier.
Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations
Official Care Guidance
Source: ORLOFFS PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE - BASED ON 25 YEARS FIELD EXPERIENCE ON AUSTRALIAN ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS
Glass
- Pre-rinse all glass before applying cleaning solution. Coastal properties and dusty inland areas require this step to prevent abrasive scrubbing.
- pH-neutral glass cleaning solution. Squeegee top to bottom, overlapping strokes, wipe rubber after each pull.
- Check glazing seals on ThermalHEART units specifically - the thermal break junction is a stress point for seal failure.
Aluminium Frames
- Wipe all powder-coated frames with pH-neutral dampened soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
- On ThermalHEART frames, pay attention to the polyamide thermal break junction - clean this junction with a narrow cloth or soft brush to remove accumulated grime.
- Do not use abrasive pads on any AWS powder-coated frame.
Tracks and Hardware
- Brush and clear all sliding track channels before water cleaning.
- Clear weep holes at every service. AWS sliding systems have weep holes at the outer sill - check these are not blocked by debris.
- Apply silicone lubricant to sliding track surfaces after cleaning.
Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol
The Orloffs Protocol
This is how I clean AWS Architectural 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 AWS Architectural Window Systems systems.
Pro Tools
My daily tool list. This is what I carry to every job.
Follow these steps in order. Each one builds on the last. This is the same sequence I use on every AWS Architectural Window Systems installation.
- 1
System identification
Identify AWS system - Vantage, Elevate, ThermalHEART, or ComfortEDGE. ThermalHEART requires additional attention at the thermal break junction.
- 2
Pre-rinse
Rinse glass and frames with clean water.
- 3
Glass and frame cleaning
pH-neutral solution, squeegee, wipe frames. On ThermalHEART, clean the thermal break junction with a narrow cloth.
- 4
Tracks and close-out
Clear channels and weep holes. Apply silicone lubricant. Inspect seals.
Pro Tips
- On ThermalHEART windows, the polyamide thermal break is visible as a lighter-coloured band across the frame mid-section - clean this band separately with a narrow damp cloth
- When servicing new builds with AWS windows, check that all glazing beads are fully seated - fabricator installation errors show up during first cleaning visits
What NOT To Do
- Do not use abrasive pads on any AWS powder-coated aluminium
- Do not skip pre-rinsing on coastal properties
- Do not use alkaline or acid-based cleaners near AWS aluminium frames
- Do not assume all AWS systems from different fabricators have identical assembly quality
Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations
Bundle Kit
Tool Recommendations
Ettore squeegee 18 inch - primary glass cleaning
View on Amazon [coming soon]pH-neutral glass and frame concentrate
View on Amazon [coming soon]Narrow track brush - sliding track channel prep
View on Amazon [coming soon]Cleaning Frequency
Coastal residential: Every 4 to 6 weeks (Salt air on aluminium powder coat). Standard residential: Every 8 to 12 weeks (Australian residential norm). ThermalHEART in southern states: Every 8 to 10 weeks (Condensation residue at thermal break needs regular attention)
Frequently Asked Questions
Field Notes
“ThermalHEART windows in Melbourne, Canberra, and alpine areas accumulate condensation at the thermal break junction in cold months - this leaves mineral deposits that require extra attention during cleaning. AWS Vantage is the most common system in Australian housing - familiarity with Vantage sliding and casement windows covers a large proportion of residential work in every state.”
Justin Orloff
What's next for you?
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