Maintenance of your windows is integral to keeping your home looking good and functioning efficiently.
Your window is a system with many parts that must be in top working condition to perform well.
Having your windows installed by experts is one thing, but extending their life span is another. Luckily, with a few simple steps, you can give your windows the care they deserve.
Why You Should Care About the Maintenance of Your Windows
Your windows can become stained, scratched, and damaged over time, but with the proper maintenance, you can enhance their longevity.
By keeping up with the maintenance of your windows, you can delay replacing them, saving you time and money. Window replacement is not a cheap exercise, so you should look after the investment that you put into your home.
By cleaning your windows, you will not only introduce more light into your home, but you can also get up close and personal with the components of your window system to keep on top of maintenance issues.
It’s Pretty Simple; Keep Them Clean
It seems like a no-brainer, but one of the best ways to care for your windows is to keep them clean.
Clean the Glass
Sustained grime build-up on the glass can damage your windows. But you can avoid damaged windows using dish soap, warm water, and a microfiber cloth. Don’t use abrasive chemicals, as these can damage your window.
Check the Tracks
When you are done cleaning the glass, have a look at the window tracks. Dust and dirt build up in the nooks and crannies of your window system, and cleaning them out is essential to ensure your window opens and closes easily. You can use a general-purpose nondetergent lubricating oil on your window tracks.
Inspect Your Windows Regularly
Use your time cleaning your windows to look at the other components and assess the wear and tear they have sustained.
Check Caulking and Sealant
Your windows are an important part of your home’s insulation, so check the caulking and sealant.
These can deteriorate and leave gaps, so applying new caulking and sealant where needed is important.
It is also vital to replace the weatherstripping if it is worn. If you notice condensation between the window panes, the seal could be failing.
Assess the Frame
Your window frame is a vital part of your windows system. Even with careful maintenance, you will need to replace your windows after a certain period. If the maintenance of your windows is up to date, your window frame will be in good shape, and you will not need new construction but rather a window replacement.
Check your window frame for moisture damage; if it is a wooden frame, look for areas of rot. Use a non-abrasive cleanser to gently clean away dirt for aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl window frames.
The moving components of your window may need a silicone-based lubricant, but it’s a good idea to check with your window installer or manufacturer first.
Inspect the Hardware
Pay attention to the hardware when maintaining your windows. They are the elements that are prone to rust and dirt build-up.
You can polish brass elements, check the locking mechanisms, and tighten screws. Maintaining the hardware on your windows is also essential to your home security.
A Professional Installation will Minimize the Maintenance of Your Windows
Using a professional company to install your windows can minimize the number of problems you have with them down the road.
At Kentucky Home Exteriors, we have 25 years of collective experience and the best manufacturer-trained installers for your replacement window project.
If you want to minimize the maintenance of your windows, contact us to learn more about our professional installation process.
