Home Window Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

If eyes are the windows to the soul, then are your windows the eyes of your house?

Philosophical questions aside, maintaining your windows is essential if you want to live in a comfortable and cost-efficient house. Additionally, skipping home window maintenance can ruin the appearance of your entire property.

As time goes by, it is natural for your windows to be exposed to standard wear and tear. Common problems with old windows include:

• Broken window panes
• Water and air leaks
• Sticky or stubborn window operation
• Damaged frames
• Dirty window tracks
• Noise penetration
• Water condensation between panes

Taking care of your windows is far from optional. Regular home window maintenance increases longevity and reduces the risk of needing a window replacement prematurely. Luckily, good window maintenance is easy to do, whether you have aluminum windows, wooden window frames, or a customized product.

The following maintenance guide will let you know how to do effective home maintenance and increase the lifespan of your windows.

Home Window Maintenance: Start with Cleaning Your Windows

The easiest way to avoid window damage is regular cleaning. If you have wooden windows, use a damp, soft cloth to quickly and easily remove dust and dirt. Make sure your cloth isn’t too wet. 

If you have aluminum or vinyl frames, use warm water and mild soap or mild detergent to clean them. Always use non-abrasive cleaners that will not damage your window frames.

Additionally, use a glass cleaner to leave your windows looking crystal clear.

Pro Window Maintenance Tips: Inspect Windows Thoroughly

Once every three months, you need to inspect your windows. This way, you can catch any potential issues before they become more severe.

Begin by checking the window frame and sash for signs of rot. You can do this by pressing on the frame or using a utensil as a tool. Open and close the window to detect any potential issues.

If you have double-paned windows, you also need to check the panes for signs of moisture. If you see any, this means the weather stripping needs to be replaced.

Finally, check if there are gaps between the window frame and the wall. 

Regular Window Care and Maintenance Might Also Mean Sealing Potential Gaps

If you notice unexplained increases in your utility bills, it may be due to gaps around your windows. They cause the warm air in your home to escape, leading to energy inefficiencies.

You can seal these gaps with spray foam insulation or caulk. Additionally, you need to replace the rubber seals of your windows to prevent water leaks or air from escaping from your home.

Professional Maintenance Tip: Repaint Your Window Frames

Plan to repaint your window frames every three to four years. Frequent painting is essential, not only to keep your windows looking as new, but the paint also helps to protect your windows from the elements.

Make sure you don’t paint over moving parts because this can cause the window to get stuck.

Repair Damages Immediately and Call the Window Specialists

One of the most common window damages, especially in older homes, is the rotting of wooden frames. Of course, if you ignore this problem, the rot will spread.

You can temporarily fix the frame and prevent it from degrading further by using a tool like a screwdriver to remove the rotten wood and then fill the hole with putty. For more significant damages, such as broken window panes, you need to replace the frames immediately.

If you need to do a quick DIY fix, we have a few suggestions that every homeowner can use to address common problems with windows and doors:

Rotten Material

Look for any cracked or peeling paint, and wood that is darker or even with green algae spots.

Tool needed to fix this: a screwdriver

Steps:

• Probe where there is end grain, around joints, and close to specks of dirt, concrete, or masonry.
• Once you find the rotten areas, fill them with two-part epoxy resin. If it’s worse, replace the rotten wood.
• The final step is to paint.

Leaks

Leaks can typically be found in the joints of two different materials. Drafts can also enter through parts of the window where the caulk has deteriorated.

Caulking windows is something you can do yourself by following these proper window maintenance steps:

• Clean up quickly
• Clean out the old caulk
• Cut the tip of the caulk tube and break the inside seal
• Steadily apply the caulk
• Smooth the seal

When Maintaining Windows Might Not Be Enough: How to Know if You Need to Replace Your Windows

With home projects being costly, it’s important to know if you really do need to install new windows in your home. Below are signs you can use to determine if you need to replace your windows:

1. You hear a lot of outside noise.
2. You feel a draft coming from the window.
3. Windows are damaged, chipped, or have identified water damage.
4. Opening and closing are not smooth.
5. Condensation builds up in the glass.

Window Quality and Professional Installation Matter!

If you purchase windows from Chicago Window Guys, you receive a lifetime warranty on your windows. If for any reason you have concerns about the quality of your windows or if they are not operating correctly, we will be happy to assist you. Call us today for a free estimate!