Breezway

Quick Facts

Brand at a Glance

Product Range

Why This System

Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations

Official Care Guidance

Glass Blades - Standard Process

• ✓Set all blades to approximately 45 degrees - this gives access to both faces without removing blades from the frame.
• ✓Start at the top blade and work down. Wipe the upper face of each blade with a damp microfibre cloth dampened in pH-neutral solution. Wipe from one end to the other in a single pass.
• ✓Wipe the lower face of each blade with a fresh damp microfibre cloth. Work from one end to the other.
• ✓Squeegee each blade individually along its length. Use a small squeegee - 10 or 12 inch - that fits within the blade span. Pull from one end to the other in a single stroke.
• ✓Detail each end of the blade with a dry cloth or small detailing tool to remove squeegee residue.
• ✓Repeat for every blade from top to bottom of the louvre window.

Blade Clips and Frame

• ✓After cleaning all blades, brush the blade clip channels at each end of the louvre frame with a narrow brush. Remove all grime and debris from the clip recesses.
• ✓Wipe the outer aluminium frame with pH-neutral dampened cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
• ✓Inspect blade clips for corrosion - particularly on Queensland coastal properties.
• ✓Do not apply lubricant to blade clips or the louvre mechanism without confirming the correct product - incorrect lubricants attract dust and gum up the mechanism.

Blade Removal (Deep Clean)

• ✓Blades can be removed from the blade clips for a thorough clean. This is appropriate for first cleans on neglected louvre windows or properties where blades are significantly stained.
• ✓Support each blade as you remove it - glass blades without the frame are fragile. Lay blades flat on a clean surface for cleaning.
• ✓Clean removed blades with pH-neutral solution on both faces. Squeegee both faces. Dry blade ends before reinsertion.
• ✓Reinsert blades carefully - blade clips are retention points, not clamping mechanisms. Do not force blades.

Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol

The Orloffs Protocol

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 Breezway installation.

1. 1

   Blade count and time estimate

   Count the total number of louvre blades across all windows before starting. Multiply by 3 to 4 minutes per blade for a realistic time estimate.

2. 2

   Set blades to 45 degrees

   Position all blades at approximately 45 degrees for access to both faces.

3. 3

   Top-to-bottom blade cleaning

   Working from the top blade down: wipe upper face with damp microfibre, wipe lower face with damp microfibre, squeegee along the blade length, detail each blade end.

4. 4

   Blade clip channel cleaning

   Brush all blade clip channels at each end of the frame. Remove all debris.

5. 5

   Frame wipe and close-out

   Wipe outer aluminium frame with pH-neutral cloth. Rinse. Inspect blade clips for corrosion. Document any defects.

Pro Tips

• ★ Use two separate microfibre cloths - one for the upper blade face and one for the lower face. Cross-contamination between the grimy lower face and the upper face is the most common cause of needing to re-clean blades
• ★ On a first clean of neglected louvre windows, do a dry dust pass of all blades with a dry microfibre before introducing any liquid - this removes the loose dust and insect matter that would otherwise turn into mud when wet
• ★ When blades are at 45 degrees, work the squeegee from the hinge end toward the open end of each blade - this prevents solution from running back onto already-cleaned blades

What NOT To Do

Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations

Cleaning Frequency

QLD coastal and tropical north: Every 4 to 6 weeks (Salt, UV, and organic matter accumulate fast on louvre blades in tropical conditions). Southern Australian residential: Every 8 to 10 weeks (Lower UV and salt exposure extends the interval). First clean on neglected louvres: Allow double time (Blade removal deep clean may be required)

Frequently Asked Questions

Field Notes

“Queensland properties with louvre windows in outdoor living areas accumulate insect matter, pollen, and salt film at a rate that requires service every 4 to 6 weeks in tropical conditions. The blade-by-blade cleaning time on these properties adds up significantly - price accordingly. Breezway Altair louvre windows in older Queensland homes often have aluminium blade clips that are showing oxidation. White powdery residue on the blade clips is aluminium oxide - clean with a damp cloth and note the condition. Severe oxidation warrants a replacement recommendation. Louvre windows near QLD coastal areas should be inspected at every service for salt crystallisation between the blade and the clip - salt crystals in the clip channel can prevent blade operation if left to accumulate.”

Justin Orloff