Motorized Power Screens Maintenance
Complying with our Motorized Power Screens Maintenance suggestions will ensure years of stress-free service from your Classic Motorized Power Screen.
Watch Your Screen Operation
Watch your screen while it is operating. Objects left under a motorized unit can prevent the unit from lowering completely. If this happens, lift the horizontal weight bar up manually and remove the obstacle and then lower the weight bar manually. Raise and lower the motorized screen to ensure proper function.
Vertical Side Track Operation
The purpose of Classic Motorized Power Screens (Side Track Screens) is to provide privacy, protection from the sun and wind and also to keep bugs out. Keep in mind that they provide limited retention and/or security of objects, animals, or persons inside or outside your living space, as they are manufactured from solid fabric or screen which can be damaged, chewed, scratched or cut. Always make sure that the screen is not riding outside of the track while you raise and lower the screen. This could cause the screen to bend, fray and/or snag when rolling back into the housing.
Wind
The amount of wind your Motorized Power Screen will handle has many variables that you should be aware of:
- Size of the screen: The width and height of your screen are factors. Larger screens can handle less wind due to the total surface area exposed to wind.
- Type of fabric in the screen: More open mesh type fabrics will withstand stronger winds than solid fabrics.
- Type of wind: There are gusts, sustained winds, micro bursts, etc. Each of these can have a different effect on your screen.
- Where your screen is mounted: Screens mounted against a structure can withstand stronger wind loads than screens mounted between openings out in the open with nothing behind them.
We recommend that screens stay retracted in winds over 40 mph; however, depending on the variables listed above, your screen may need to be retracted at much lower wind speeds. Closely observe your screen’s reaction to wind, and do not leave your screen down when you’re not at home or on vacation.
Somfy Motor
When retracting the screen in excessive winds, if you notice the screen struggling to retract, gently help the bottom bar/hem bar up as the motor retracts. This will protect your motor from overheating. Should your Somfy Motor begin to overheat, it has a built-in thermal protection device, which will stop the motor from functioning for anywhere between 20 and 45 minutes to cool off. Once cooled down, your Classic Motorized Power Screen will start functioning properly again.
Somfy Remote Control
Remotes (handheld and in-wall) have a limited battery life dependent upon the daily use. If the remote control light does not come on when the buttons are pressed, the battery within the remote control needs to be replaced. If you need a battery replacement please contact us.
Power Interruption
Interruption of power can effect motorized unit operation. Ensure that power is still connected to the unit by checking circuit breakers and GFI’s to see if they need to be reset. Also check if the handheld or in-wall remote control battery needs to be replaced. If the remote control light does not come on when the buttons are pressed, the battery needs to be replaced.
If power is disconnected for any reason, do not use the remote control for 1 minute after power is reconnected as the motor will be in factory program mode.
How to Clean Your Motorized Power Screen
1. Vertical Side Track Cleaning
Keep tracks free of dirt and debris, which may cause the screen to perform poorly. Clean the left and right vertical tracks every month, or as needed, with compressed canned air, a vacuum, hose and/or a brush. Wipe tracks clean with a soft cloth and gentle detergent.
Once the tracks are dry, apply an even coat of dry silicon spray to the left and right vertical track. Remove any excess spray, and then raise and lower the power screen to lubricate each vertical track and end cap entirely.
Cleaning the tracks and lubricating them with a dry silicone spray periodically will restore smooth operation.
DO NOT use wd40, oil, grease, petroleum, or oil base sprays as these may attract dirt or impair the proper operation of your screen(s).
2. Mesh & Fabric Cleaning
Start by cleaning the mesh or fabric on the Motorized Power Screen with a vacuum by using a soft upholstery brush. Carefully vacuum both sides of the mesh or fabric, taking caution not to snag the mesh or fabric.
Next, clean the mesh or fabric with water and a soft brush but never with a pressure washer. A mild detergent like dish soap can be used, but do not use harsh chemicals. After cleaning the mesh or fabric, rinse thoroughly and allow it to fully dry before rolling it back into the housing. Cleaning the unit first thing in the morning on a hot sunny day is perfect.
3. Clear Flexible Vinyl Cleaning
Screens with Clear Vinyl can be cleaned and maintained with any products made for the care and maintenance of Clear Flexible Vinyl.
We do not make any specific recommendations other than the following:
- Wash regularly with mild soapy water and a soft cloth and then hose down the Vinyl Window. Beware of washing with grit trapped in your soft cloth. Polish occasionally with any of the products made for maintenance of clear flexible vinyl.
- Do Not use Rainex – this will cause hazing, discoloration, and distortion over time.
- Do Not leave Vinyl rolled up over prolonged periods. Roll down often to avoid clouding from trapped water, fold distortions, etc.
- Make sure Vinyl is fully dry before retracting.
4. Aluminum Cleaning
The housing, weight bar and side tracks are made of extruded aluminum. Wipe down all aluminum parts with a soft cloth and gentle detergent when dirt accumulates.
DO NOT scrub the aluminum parts as this will damage the powder coated or anodized surface. DO NOT use Goof Off as this will damage the powder coated surface instantly.