So, you have a beautiful new set of windows for your home. What’s next? Chances are that you want your new windows to last for as long as possible. To do that, it’s important to do some proper window maintenance.
With the right care, you can maximize the useful life of your windows and keep them looking great even through years of use. But, how can you make sure that you’re caring for your windows the right way?
Here’s a quick list of some basic window maintenance tips to help you make the most of your windows:
Window Maintenance Tip #1: Know Your Window Materials
The first step in caring for your windows is knowing what your windows are made of. Wood, aluminum, and vinyl are all incredibly common materials for window frames, and each has different requirements for their maintenance.
Before you start doing window maintenance, it’s important to find out if you’re dealing with vinyl, aluminum, or wood because each of these frame materials will react differently to cleaning solutions and the environment.
For example, aluminum is more prone to corrosion from exposure to salt-rich ocean breezes than vinyl or wood. Wood tends to be more prone to rotting or pest infestation than vinyl or aluminum. Vinyl may warp slightly when exposed to particularly extreme heat, despite typically needing less maintenance overall.
Also, some chemical cleaners may react differently with certain frame materials.
So, be sure to check what kind of materials are used in your window before you start doing personal cleanup and maintenance. In many cases, your manufacturer should be able to provide you with a guide to maintaining your windows.
Window Maintenance Tip #2: Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Rough Scrubbers
Ammonia-based cleaners and other harsh chemicals should be avoided when possible. This is especially true if your windows have low e glass coatings or other films.
Additionally, when cleaning your window glass, use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth and rub gently. Rougher cleaning pads or hard pressure on the glass could leave scratches that compromise the window’s aesthetic appeal or even impair its functionality.
For example, if you have glass with a low e coating, ammonia and rough scrubbers could strip the coating from the window surface. This would then impair the window’s energy efficiency because it wouldn’t reflect away as much ultraviolet and infrared light.
Window Maintenance Tip #3: Clean the Tracks
Here’s a commonly-overlooked bit of window maintenance: cleaning the tracks that the window sash moves in.
When window sashes aren’t cleaned regularly, dirt, dust, and other materials may become trapped in them and gum up the windows. In windows with rollers, they may collect on them, making it difficult to move the rollers.
So, regularly cleaning the window tracks by vacuuming them out, then wiping them down with a microfiber cloth that has some Pledge furniture polish or similar product on it is an important maintenance step.
After cleaning out the tracks with the polish/dusting solution, move the window sashes to get some of the cleaner onto the rollers or the stiles of the sash so they can get cleaned, too.
Window Maintenance Tip #4: Don’t Let Foreign Objects Set In
If you notice dirt or detritus gathering on your windows, be sure to clear it as quickly as possible. When dirt and other messes are allowed to sit on the window glass or frame for too long, it may become difficult to remove them. Clearing these messes while they’re fresh can make it much easier to care for your windows and even help avoid damaging your windows.
Window Maintenance Tip #5: Check the Hardware
Regularly check the hardware on your windows such as the sash locks, sash stops, rails, lifts, tilt latches, etc. for signs of wear and tear. Operate each part to make sure it works smoothly and easily.
If a piece of hardware doesn’t work smoothly, give it a close inspection to identify the problem so you can address it or, if you end up calling in a warranty repair, you can inform the repair technician what you suspect the problem to be.
Window Maintenance Tip #6: Inspect the Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping can be a critical part of your window, helping keep out moisture and pest intrusions. However, given enough time, weatherstripping can wear out. Whether your weatherstripping is foam, felt, rubber, silicone, metal, or vinyl, it’s important to check it annually or after a major storm for signs of damage.
Look for any visible cracks or gaps. Also, check to see if there’s moisture building up around the window or pest infestations near the window, as these could indicate compromised weatherstripping (or other issues).
If the weatherstripping is damaged, you may want to replace it as soon as possible.
Window Maintenance Tip #7: Check the Caulking
In addition to the weatherstripping, it’s important to routinely inspect the caulking around the interior and exterior of your window to make sure it’s holding up. Look for signs of cracks, gaps, or peeling around the window.
If you find the old caulking is damaged or peeling, you’ll need to:
- Remove the old caulking. This can be done by using a putty knife or other firm, sharp object to scrape away the old caulk.
- Clean the caulking area. As noted by Oatey, “New caulk will not adhere to any remnants.” So, you should clean the area to get rid of any fragments of the old caulk.
- Dry and prepare the caulking area. Keep the area clear of any debris and let it dry completely before applying new caulking.
- Prepare the new caulk. Load your caulking gun and cut the tip of your tube of caulk at a 45 degree angle so it’s easy to apply the caulk smoothly around the window.
- Apply the caulk. As steadily as you can, apply the caulk to the seam where the window frame meets the wall.
- Clean/smooth the caulk. Once the caulk is applied and before it dries, use a damp finger or a rag/sponge to smooth the caulk bead and push it into the joint and wipe away the excess.
- Let the caulk cure. Give the caulk time to cure before letting it be exposed to moisture or other conditions. This might take about a full day to do.
Window Maintenance Tip #8: Use Silicone-Based Lubricants
Want to keep your window easy to open and close? Get some silicone-based lubricants and apply them to your window.
You can usually find silicone grease or lubricant at your local hardware store or through online shopping sites.
When applying lubricant, don’t do it directly. Instead, apply the lubricant to a dry cloth and wipe the cloth along the window’s tracks. After you finish, remove the excess using a paper towel.
Window Maintenance Tip #9: Get to Know Your Window’s Parts and Functions
Before you start trying to maintain your windows, it can help to learn the different parts of a window and how to care for each. Knowing all of the parts of your window is a great way to understand how to better maintain it.
The primary three components of all windows are the frame, the sash, and the glass.
- The Frame. This is the part of the window that secures it to the window opening and contains the sash and the glass within.
- The Sash. This part of the window holds that glass and, in windows that can be opened, is the part that opens and closes.
- The Glass. The glass pane that is held within the sash and frame. Some windows have a single glass pane, while others may have multiple panes of glass separated by spacer bars inside the sash.
However, the specific parts of a window may vary depending on the type and the manufacturer.
For example, picture windows (i.e., fixed windows) don’t have sash locks, lifts, or other components since they’re not designed to move. Horizontal sliding glass windows may have rollers to make them easier to slide while vertical single- and double-hung windows use balance systems to offset their weight for lifting and closing them.
Get Great Windows That Make Window Maintenance a Breeze!
Thinking about replacing the windows in your home? Get great windows that make window maintenance easy by working with a dedicated team of professionals!
Karoly Windows & Doors works with some of the top manufacturers in the greater Tampa Bay area to source top-quality windows that are built for enhanced durability, ease of use, and simplicity of maintenance.
Reach out today to request a quote for new windows for your home!
