Homeowner’s Guide to Window Maintenance

Window maintenance is often an overlooked aspect of home maintenance among many homeowners. Unfortunately, windows are exposed to harsh weather conditions such as rain, temperature fluctuations, dust, and sometimes the debris. These conditions may lead to the tear and wear of windows. On the other hand, window maintenance will not only beautify your home and keep you safe, but it will also enhance the value of your home.

Does it have to be expensive? Absolutely not!

In this guide, you will learn tips that can help you as a homeowner care for your windows in all seasons. Some window maintenance like cleaning, caulking, and sealing may not cost you a dime if you have the necessary tools and basic skillsets.

General Window Maintenance

There are fundamental things that homeowners must do to keep their windows under perfect conditions.

• Cleaning

Cleaning the windows at least quarterly helps the glass stay in good condition, and the inside of the house is illuminated. However, you should be aware of the type of glass you have in your home. Ordinary window panes may require a different cleaning process from the tinted and reflective glass.

Regular cleaning and drying of the windows are recommended by experts to enhance long term durability and efficiency in energy conservation. Always check that the frame drainage system is not blocked to prevent laminate and insulated glass pieces from damage.

• Caulking

Regular cleaning of the windows will allow you to spot areas where the caulk has deteriorated. Re-sealing the damaged spots with caulk helps to keep the window intact and prevents the loss of heat from within the house.

• Repairs

Windows repair is an important decision that you must make as a homeowner. For instance, a small crack on the glass panel may be sealed with duct tape to prevent it from shuttering the whole pane. Similarly, a hole on the window frame may be filled using a caulk.

However, you should consider a new windowpane or replacing the entire frame if the crack or damage is significant. See, a broken window may expose you to harsh weather conditions. Your home’s energy efficiency may also be reduced due to loss of warmth from the house. As a result, your utility bills will be higher.

Detailed Window Maintenance

Regular cleaning of your window is a necessity for every homeowner. However, window maintenance in some homes requires careful, deep cleaning that should be done at least once every year. Detailed cleaning may be necessary to replace the rotten frame or thorough cleaning of the window pane.

Frame and Window Pane Detailed Cleaning

The frame is an essential part of the window. The rot of the wooden frame may compromise on the safety of the window pane. Likewise, a rusted metallic frame with holes may let in a strong wind that may cause damage to the glass. Because of this, rotten wooden frame, or worn out metallic structures should be replaced. Think vinyl. No rust, no warping or cracking. In other words, vinyl windows are convenient in the long run.

For the frames that are still in good condition, a thorough cleaning is needed. First, you need to remove the window pane from the frame, mark each and label them with corresponding structures to avoid confusion after they are cleaned. Secondly, lay the window panes on a flat surface, and use a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt.

Next, wash the window panes with water and multi-purpose soap and rinse. Allow time to dry in a vertical position before re-installing the window panes.

Do it Yourself Guide to Window Maintenance

The following tips should help you to take care of your windows and make your home beautiful as a homeowner.

• Make your cleaning agent: Window maintenance require simple all-purpose soap that you can easily improvise at home.
• Use a brush with soft bristle: A soft sponge brush will help you clean the smooth tracks, which most homeowners often neglect.
• Regularly check the seals: Spotting trapped moisture between your double or triple pane indicates that your window seal has a failure. It’s a call for a window seal replacement.
• Replace your window: Consider changing your window when the wooden frame is rotten, or the metallic frame has significant holes due to rusting, which cannot be effectively sealed through re-painting.

Get a Licensed Contractor to help you with Window Maintenance

Sometimes DIY may not be the better solution when it comes to window maintenance. For instance, some windows may require specialized skills to replace or repair. In such circumstances, you need to get a professional licensed contractor’s help to assist you with proper installations.

Conclusion

Window maintenance is an essential part of a home care routine that you should prioritize as a homeowner. Besides keeping you safe from harsh weather conditions, well maintained windows are aesthetic and allow you to enjoy viewing the beautiful environment around you, especially during springs when flowers bloom in your garden. If your are experiencing trouble with your window maintenance or experiencing issue with your old windows call us today for a new window replacement.

If you are in Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland, whether you are interested in energy-efficient windows or roofing solutions as well as door and siding installation, we got you covered. Having worked for over 25 years, we have gathered a wealth of experience in this field. Contact us today to join a network of happy customers satisfied with our excellent workmanship and service delivery.