Window maintenance is essential to keep them in top condition and avoid costly repairs down the road. Regular inspections are important to spot minor issues like cracks and glazing damage before they become more serious.
Keeping your windows clean is good for their looks and makes them more effective at regulating heat and keeping out moisture. Follow these simple tips to keep your replacement windows in top shape for years to come.
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Check the Caulking
The seals and joints between window parts work hard to insulate your home, preventing heat loss. But as caulking ages, it can weaken and crack. This common problem can lead to small gaps that let in air, causing your windows to lose energy and increasing your home’s energy bill.
It would help if you inspected your caulking regularly to ensure it is effective and looks good. If the caulking has become dry or brittle, it’s time to replace it with new.
Choose the right kind of caulk for your project. This will depend on the location and the materials used for your window frame.
We recommend a flexible urethane or silicone-based caulk for exterior windows that can withstand the elements. For interior window trim, latex acrylic works well. It’s easy to apply and holds paint well. Alternatively, you can use a paintable polyurethane-based caulk, which is less flexible but easier to work with.
Clean the Glass
Cleaning the glass is a necessary maintenance step that helps keep your windows looking new. Dirt and stains on your window panes can make the glass look unattractive and affect its appearance, functionality, and curb appeal.
Clean the glass using a solution of water, mild soap, or a commercial cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber towel or squeegee.
Using paper towels or newspapers to wipe your windows down isn’t only sometimes the best idea. Newspapers and paper towels can add a static electrical charge to your glass, attracting dirt and dust.
If you’re cleaning annealed glass, try soaking the glass with a mixture of soap and water or a mild glass cleaner and scrub areas with stuck-on debris with a sponge or soft cloth. Avoid scraping with a razor blade.
Check the Frames
Your window frames are the most important parts of your windows and are also one of the most vulnerable to the elements. They should be inspected frequently to prevent water damage and ensure that they are structurally sound enough to support replacement windows.
Wood frames require regular maintenance to keep them in top shape and prevent moisture from entering the frame. Depending on the type of material your frames are made from, they may also need repainting regularly.
Similarly, the seals on your windows should be checked to ensure they are in good condition. Cracked, broken, or worn-out seals can cause air to leak around the frame, reducing your home’s energy efficiency.
Inspect the Seals
Your windows are more than just a view; they also help to insulate your home, and if they fail to perform correctly, they can lead to drafts and leaks.
Inspecting the seals on your replacement windows is an important part of maintaining efficiency. It’s a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance, but it’s a smart practice to do extra inspections of your own.
The first sign that your window seals fail is fog or condensation on the glass. This is a normal reaction to indoor humidity, but if it doesn’t come off easily when you wipe it, there’s a problem.
The seals between the panes of your double-paned glass are particularly susceptible to damage. This can occur when they’re improperly caulked, causing rain to leak or moisture to form inside the glass.
