One of the things that you should never overlook when it comes to home maintenance is your windows. Constant maintenance and proper upkeep are essential to keeping your windows in good condition for years, allowing you to maximize their lifespan and your investment. Furthermore, well-kept windows not only enhance the appearance of your home, but help improve its security as well.
In this post, I share some window maintenance basics that can help you and your home.
Inspection
Thoroughly inspect every window in your home at the start of each season. Check the condition of the window frame and sash, and look for any signs of rot, which could indicate moisture infiltration.
Look for signs of moisture in double- or triple-paned windows as well. This may be a sign that the seal already needs to be replaced. A compromised seal will significantly affect the performance of your windows.
Cleaning
Window cleaning should not be very difficult – although it can, admittedly, be tedious. Wooden windows should be wiped down regularly with a clean damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid using too much water, as too much moisture can lead to rot. Meanwhile, vinyl and aluminum windows can be cleaned using a mild detergent and a soft scrubbing brush. Use a mild glass cleaner to keep the glazing sparkly clean.
When cleaning your windows, do not forget about the casing and adjacent areas to help reduce the likelihood of dirt buildup.
Sealing and caulking
Improperly sealed gaps around your window can let unnecessary cold air in or warmth out, reducing the window’s performance and your home’s energy efficiency. Upon inspection and discovery of compromised sealing, replace all worn out rubber seals. You can also use spray-form insulation. Caulking the gaps can also help seal the windows more efficiently.
Repainting
Wooden and metal window frames are best repainted every three or four years. This will help protect them from the weather while maintaining their nice appearance. Always make it a point to thoroughly clean the window before painting. Additionally, be careful not to paint over moving parts to keep the window from getting stuck.
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing your windows when the weather begins to get wet and cold can help you dodge the bad effects of moisture which, if left untended, can later cause rot and rust. To weatherproof, you can simply use clear plastic window covers to insulate. They are pretty easy to install and you can put them up either outside or inside the window.
If you choose to weatherproof outside, you can nail the cover over the window. This will create a dead air insulating space. Meanwhile, to weatherproof from the inside, you can tape down the cover to the window’s edges. Use a blow dryer to shrink and seal the plastic over the window.
Repairing and replacing damaged parts
Once you notice holes, splinters, cracks, and any signs of damage in any of your window’s parts, attend to them immediately. The longer you delay taking action, the more serious the issues will get, and the faster your windows will deteriorate. If you don’t have the needed tools – or the knowledge and experience, it will be best to consult or acquire the assistance or service of a trusted window contractor.
With these basic measures, I hope that you get to make the most of your windows and not have to worry about replacing them anytime soon.
Author Bio:
Christine Salamone is Creative Director for Renewal By Andersen of Western New York. Christine is a window replacement expert with over 10 years of industry experience. She and her team at RbA Western New York have provided quality service to homeowners in the Rochester and Buffalo, New York area for many years.