Your windows are among the most important fittings in your home. Apart from the fact that they serve a massive functionality benefit of maintaining your indoor temperature, windows also help to lift the aesthetic appeal of your home.
So, it should come as no surprise that windows also require a considerable amount of maintenance. To make the process easier, we’ll be sharing a few critical window maintenance tips with you in this article.
We touch on the importance of proper window maintenance and lead into the article’s main point.
The Do’s: Essential Window Maintenance Practices
Without wasting any time, let’s begin with the window care guide - starting with a few things you want to keep in mind when considering how to maintain windows.
Do Clean Your Windows Regularly
So, we’re starting the window care guide with the most obvious; you’ve got to clean your windows, and you’ve got to do that well.
It’s not just about taking a cloth to your window and wiping it down. You have to be pretty intentional about it, and even go as far as using specific tools and techniques depending on the material of the window:
Cleaning the Glass Itself
For the glass itself, start with using a mild cleaner or a solution of water and vinegar to remove smudges and dirt. This makes it easier for natural light to pass through the window and can even help you inspect it for any damage.
Frame and Sill Cleaning
Sills and frames can easily pick up a lot of dust and grime - especially in outdoor-exposed windows. For this reason, wipe them down with a soft cloth and mild soap to avoid any corrosion.
Preventing Dirt, Insect, and Pollen Buildup
Another important tip for how to maintain windows is to prevent the buildup of any organic debris. Particularly, watch out for weep holes, cracks, and drainages.
Do Inspect Windows Seasonally
As explained earlier, you want to conduct regular inspections of your windows to make sure they’re in top shape.
Check for Drafts
Just run your hand along the sash’s edges, especially during windy days. If you notice drafts, it might mean your insulation and weatherstripping are faulty.
Inspect Weep Holes
Make sure your external weep holes remain clear, so water can pass through easily. Blockages can cause leaks and even mold development.
Look for Seal Breakage
Any sign of condensation - moisture, cloudy glass, etc. - can indicate a faulty seal. Detecting this early can help you save on energy costs.
Do Lubricate Moving Parts
Like other machines, windows have moving parts that need to slide across each other seamlessly.
Hinges, Tracks, Cranks, and Locks
Even the best casement windows rely on seamless mechanical moves. So, lubricate your cracks and hinges to prevent any wear.
Appropriate Lubricants to Use
We recommend using lithium grease or a silicone-based spray for lubrication. Petroleum-based oils could attract dirt or even damage some parts of the window, so avoid them.
Do Maintain Proper Caulking and Weatherstripping
To maintain your window’s temperature performance and energy efficiency, you want to focus on these:
How Sealing Improves Insulation
Solid weatherstripping and fresh caulking will cut down on air leakage and reduce any additional cooling or heating costs.
When to Reapply
We recommend inspecting your seals at least once a year. When caulking becomes brittle, cracked, or separated, quickly reapply it. Once it starts to look torn or compressed, you might need to replace it.
Do Ensure Proper Ventilation
Another important function of widows is to optimize ventilation. When considering how to maintain windows, you want to keep this in mind too.
Reducing Indoor Humidity
To make your home more comfortable, you can get exhaust fans or a dehumidifier. If the weather allows it, feel free to open your windows too.
Preventing Condensation Damage
When moisture becomes too much, it can cause rot and mold and even peel your frame paint. So, always ensure proper ventilation to maintain the windows and surrounding structures.
Do Address Small Repairs Early
As it is with everything else, it’s the small issues that cascade into bigger ones as far as your windows are concerned. When you notice any of the following, act quickly before things get worse.
Minor Cracks: When a small crack mixes with pressure and temperature changes, it grows. So, once you find a crack, fix it immediately.
Loose Hardware: Tighten all screws and replace any tired handles or locks
Early Rot Detection: If you find any soft spots on your wooden frames, handle them immediately so it doesn’t grow.
The Don’ts: Common Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Now, let’s move into the other side of the window maintenance rips. Here, we’ll be looking at some window cleaning mistakes and how you can avoid them generally.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
A lot of people give this advice when talking about window maintenance tips, and it can’t be overemphasized.
Some of the common window cleaners available today contain Ammonia and other abrasive materials that can scratch your glass, strip away coatings, and even discolor your frames. Instead of these, we recommend using mild soap, vinegar–based solutions, or just plain water for window cleaning.
Don’t Ignore Drafts or Leaks
As we pointed out earlier, small air leaks can easily cause moisture and grow to damage surrounding walls and insulation. So, the moment you find any small drafts, address them immediately and don’t let them fester.
Don’t Paint Over Moving Parts
Applying paint to cracks, hinges, locks, or even the operators of casement windows can cause parts to get jammed. So, before painting, make sure you tape off hardware pieces. If necessary, remove components entirely to help mechanisms stay smooth.
Don’t Pressure-Wash Windows
A major window cleaning mistake is washing your windows with pressure washers. You don’t want to do that.
Why? Well, the sheer force that these washers exert can push the water behind the window’s siding or even into its frame. This will lead to mold and rot, which will only grow. High-pressure streams can also cause structural damage, like broken seals and stripped caulking.
As an alternative, use a simple hose with gentle pressure.
Don’t Attempt DIY Repairs Beyond Your Skills
Finally, try to stay away from tasks unless you’re confident that you can handle them.
If you notice that panes are cracked or shattered, you might need to replace them.
Remember - don’t handle fragile glass without the right tools
You might need to call a professional to remove or replace sashes and insulated glass, as incorrect installation can lead to other issues.
Don’t Neglect Exterior Maintenance
Regularly, check your exterior frames to remove leaves and dirt that can block drainage paths and accumulate moisture.
You also need to remember to clear debris and inspect your exterior caulking so as to avoid insect infestations and water intrusion.
Maintenance Tips by Window Material
Window materials are very diverse. And each material comes with its own specific care needs. Here are a few window maintenance tips that can work based on your material option.
Maintaining Vinyl Windows
Clean With Mild Soap Only: Remember the effects of harsh chemicals in cleaning fluids.
Check Weatherstripping Annually: Vinyl contracts and expands with temperature, and it will affect your weatherstripping.
Avoid Excessive Heat Exposure: Heaters, grills, and other things that generate heat are best kept far away from vinyl windows.
Keep Tracks and Channels Clear: Debris should be vacuumed from casement channels and sliding tracks to prevent clogging.
Taking Care of Aluminum Windows
Inspect for Corrosion: Sure, aluminum doesn’t rot. But, it can still corrode - especially in humid or coastal climates.
Lubricate Moving Parts Regularly: The metal hardware on most aluminum frames would benefit from silicone-based lubricants that prevent friction.
Maintain Thermal Breaks: If there are thermal breaks on your windows, make sure their sections are intact to avoid any issues with heat transfer.
Prevent Condensation Buildup: Aluminum is a temperature conductor, so clean any condensation to prevent water damage.
Window Care Guide for Wood Windows
Repaint or Refinish Regularly: This protects your window from UV and moisture exposure.
Inspect for Rot and Insects: Look out for peeling paint, soft spots, and holes that show insect activity and address them immediately.
Maintain Proper Caulking: This is important since wood windows need their seals intact at all times
Keep Humidity In Check: Humidity will only lead to added moisture, so balance your humidity levels and don’t let them grow out of control.
Maintaining Your Fiberglass Windows
Clean With Mild Soap and Water: Fiberglass doesn’t need much maintenance, so this should do the trick
Check Exterior Finish for Fading: For painted or coated windows, watch out for discoloration and address it.
Inspect Seals & Hardware: These parts still need regular checks to prevent water intrusion
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Condensation can cause the materials around the window to warp. So, manage moisture with proper ventilation.
Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for All Windows
Now, for a broader view of how to maintain windows, let’s also look at a few cleaning habits that can be influenced by the surrounding weather around your house.
Spring: Deep Cleaning & Damage Inspection
Once the winter season is over, thoroughly clean your glass, tracks, sills, and frames to remove any particles on or between them.
From there, look out for chipped paint, loose caulk, or any components that are out of place due to temperature changes.
See to it that water can easily escape during spring rains, and you should be fine.
Summer: Heat & UV Protection Checks
First, check your window’s seals and weatherstripping. Harsh heat can wear them down, so be mindful of that.
You also want to control indoor humidity, as it can cause mold growth around the window frames. You can use natural ventilation or get a dehumidifier.
Remember to also lubricate any moving parts. Hot weather encourages lubricant use, so you shouldn’t have any problems here.
Fall: Prepare for Cold Weather
During the fall, always reapply any caulk or get new weatherstripping. The tighter the seals, the better you’re able to keep warm air inside the house and reduce drafts.
Also, remember to check for structural defects and secure all locks to maintain the window’s energy efficiency.
Winter: Insulation & Moisture Control
As the winter months roll by, check your windows for cold spots and drafts and maintain energy efficiency during the cold.
Moisture is a major issue during the winter, so do whatever you must to protect your frames and prevent mold.
As the temperature continues to swing, your glass windows and seals can fall under increased wear. For the best performance, try to maintain indoor heat as much as possible.
FAQs
1. How often should I maintain my windows?
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, we recommend conducting basic maintenance at least twice a year. Inspect moving parts (tracks, hinges, etc.) every 6 to 12 months, and inspect caulks and weatherstripping once a year.
As for cleaning, you can do that as needed.
2. What products are best for window maintenance?
This will depend primarily on the task you’re trying to perform:
For routine cleaning, stick to mild soap and clean water
To clean glass, you can use a solution of water and vinegar.
Since it doesn’t attract dirt, you can use silicone-based lubricant for your cranks, locks, and hinges.
Exterior-grade caulk will help with sealing gaps and draft prevention.
3. How long should windows last with proper care?
Factors like material and the environment tend to weigh heavily on the lifespan of your windows. However, with proper cleaning and maintenance, you should be able to use your windows for at least 20 years.
Conclusion
When it comes to maintaining your windows, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. With the tips we’ve shared, you should be able to adopt the right habits when cleaning your windows.
To learn more about window care or to get the best windows for your building, don’t hesitate to contact us at DERCHI Windows & Doors. We’re always on hand to help you out.
