Europe · Window Manufacturer
Gilje
🇳🇴 Norway · Last reviewed by Justin Orloff
Quick Facts
Founded
Established Norwegian manufacturer
HQ
Dirdal, Norway
Materials
Timber and wood-aluminium composite
Specialty
Traditional Norwegian window and door systems
Market
Norway (two factories, 250+ employees, 120,000 windows/year)
Brand at a Glance
- One of Norway's largest window producers
- Traditional Norwegian timber construction alongside wood-alu systems
- 120,000 windows per year across two Norwegian factories
Product Range
- Timber casement and tilt-and-turn windows
- Wood-aluminium composite windows
- Exterior doors
Why This System
Gilje windows are built for Norwegian conditions - coastal salt air, heavy rain, frost and ice. Timber units are treated and primed for durability, but they require more attention during cleaning than fully clad systems. The wood-alu range gives the same Norwegian aesthetic with lower maintenance demands on the exterior.
Norway's coastal exposure means Gilje frames accumulate salt deposits quickly, particularly on west-facing elevations. Pure timber units need gentle handling - aggressive brushing or high-pressure water damages the surface finish. Orloffs clean Gilje timber frames with low-pressure rinse, soft brushes and careful attention to painted or stained surfaces.
Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations
Official Care Guidance
Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol
The Orloffs Protocol
This is how I clean Gilje 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 Gilje 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 Gilje installation.
- 1
1. Assess whether frames are pure timber or wood-alu before starting - cleaning method differs
- 2
2. Rinse frames top-to-bottom with pure water to clear salt and debris
- 3
3. On timber frames, use a soft brush with dilute cleaner - never stiff bristles on painted wood
- 4
4. Clean glass with squeegee in overlapping strokes
- 5
5. Detail rebates, sills and hardware surrounds with a damp cloth - check for salt crystallisation around fixings
Pro Tips
- Coastal Gilje installations may have salt crystallised around screws and fixings - note this for the property owner
- Painted timber frames show streaks if wiped when wet - let the rinse water clear before cloth-drying
- In winter, ice forming in rebates can prevent tilt hardware from operating - advise owners before forcing
What NOT To Do
- Do not use a pressure washer on painted timber frames
- Do not use harsh degreasers or solvent cleaners on any Gilje timber surface
- Do not scrub painted surfaces with anything coarser than a soft cloth
Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations
Bundle Kit
Tool Recommendations
Pure water system
View on Amazon [coming soon]Soft natural-bristle detail brush for timber
View on Amazon [coming soon]Dilute neutral cleaner for painted frames
View on Amazon [coming soon]Cleaning Frequency
Twice yearly minimum - more frequently on coastal and west-facing Norwegian properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Field Notes
“Gilje timber windows on older Norwegian homes are often single-glazed with traditional casement hardware. These need very gentle treatment - the paint film is all that protects the timber. On heritage or listed buildings, confirm the cleaning method with the owner before starting.”
Justin Orloff
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