Your windows are some of the most vulnerable structural components of your home, but if you’re like many people, you don’t think much about their maintenance and upkeep. While cleaning the glass is a good starting point, you’ll need to invest a few more minutes into the windows if you want to minimize damage and prolong their lifespan.
With routine window inspections (done at least one time each year) coupled with the help of a professional to help you with any repair needs, your windows can not only create a beautiful view but also help ensure that you are getting the best possible energy efficiency and overall protection to your space possible.
What Type of Window Care Do You Need?
At least annually, take the time to visually inspect your windows to ensure they are in good overall condition. Notice any type of damage to the frame, sash, paint, and other surfaces. Then, follow these tips to ensure your windows are properly maintained.
Look for moisture
One of the worst enemies of windows is moisture. Leaks and moisture around the frame allow for warping to occur, which can cause the window itself to become damaged over time. If you notice moisture caught between the window panes, that’s a sign that there’s some area of leak occurring. Even a small area can cause significant damage.
Cracks in the material or paint
Run your hand along the window pane and edges. You shouldn’t feel any type of crack or sharp area. If you do, that may mean the frame needs to be repaired. If you have chipping or peeling paint, that’s another sign of potential risk to the window. Repairing these concerns can help to preserve the lifespan of the paint significantly.
Trouble moving it
If opening the window with more than a little push is hard to do, that can indicate a bigger problem with warping. The pane, track, and window itself can become damaged over time. And if it cannot shut properly, that puts the window at risk of allowing moisture into the home while also impacting energy efficiency.
Trouble turning the crank
Sometimes, the cranks that open and close windows can become hard to move. When that happens, it’s often the result of wear and tear or moisture damage. It may be possible to replace just the crank, and that would give you the ability to easily control your window again.
Caulking Your Windows
Small cracks and openings in the surface of the window, the pane, or any of the areas surrounding the glass increase the risk of damage, moisture, and even mold and mildew development. For older homes, it is necessary to caulk around windows, both inside and outside of your home, to seal off any opening. Doing so creates a watertight seal to prevent anything from getting into or out of it.
Small leaks and holes can allow pests into your home. They can also allow moisture to get into the home, leading to damage to the structural integrity of the window itself. Caulk whenever you notice any type of cracks or openings, but it is critically important to check at least once a year for any significant damage or hidden problems. If you feel air moving into or out of the area around your windows, that’s a key indication of windows that need to be sealed.
Cleaning Windows Is Important Maintenance, Too
Your next step should be to get the windows cleaned properly. While the glass itself is important, there are a few other areas to pay close attention to:
- Notice the window track. If there’s any type of black substance there, it could mean there’s mold growing that needs proper attention and removal.
- Clean the track using a cotton swab to remove any type of material buildup, especially dirt from the outside. This organic matter can lead to mold development later.
- Remove and wash the screens, cleaning the tracks they sit in as you do. If you notice damage to the screens, even small holes, remove them and have the mesh replaced. This can often be done by a local home improvement store or window company.
- Wipe down the windows and panes, looking carefully at the glass. If you notice any cracks or pot marks on the glass, that’s an indication you need to replace the pane. Glass will shatter and could worsen over time, creating a safety risk.
- Clean and then paint or stain wood frames. If you have wood frames around the windows, don’t overlook their importance. They may seem decorative, but they do form an important component of the window. Make sure the paint is in good condition and, if not, remove them, sand them down, and paint or stain them.
Clean your windows thoroughly like this at least once a year, though it’s best to do so at the start of the spring season and again before fall. That way, you’re removing all of the dust and debris that can build up over time and cause significant damage to the structure.
Know When You Need a Professional
Window maintenance is not something to put off, but even if you maintain your windows properly throughout the year, there will be a time when you’ll need to call a window professional out to inspect, repair, and replace them.
Do this when:
- There are significant cracks in the frames or the glass itself. These need to be handled professionally for safety.
- You notice moisture caught between the window panes.
- The windows are no longer closing securely, or there are obvious areas of damage like warping present.
- You have older windows – those that are more than 20 years old are likely to be far less efficient than newer models, and that means they are probably costing you money.
- You’re ready for a new look and upgrade.
Today’s new window products are far more efficient and durable. They can also add value and stunning aesthetics to the home. Reach out to a professional window team if it’s time to put some extra work into your home’s windows.
