It is important to take care of your windows. Ensuring proper maintenance is essential. The experts at Family Windows and Doors offer these hints for taking care of your windows. If you haven’t done a great job of taking care of your home’s original windows, the team at Family Windows and Doors are ready to help you find the best replacement windows in the Upstate to fit your needs. Contact us today to see what we have to offer and read on to learn more about taking care of windows.
Five Tips For Taking Care of Your Windows
Make it a Habit to Inspect Your Windows Every Year
A yearly window check-up is a crucial part of home maintenance. Annually, examine your windows to identify any imperfections. Watch out for any leaks, especially in the areas around vents, and sprinklers that could expose your windows to water for a long period. It is also a good idea to look for these issues after a big storm, especially if you think your windows have suffered hail damage.
Examine the Caulking Around the Windows
The sealant or caulking around the windows helps ensure that they are watertight. If any part of the window sealant is cracked, broken, or completely missing, it needs to be fixed immediately. Even minor cracks can let in water and cause leaks which can result in permanent damage. Inspect the window caulking, especially in the bottom corners of windows and in between windows.
Note Imperfections in the Wood Finish
The wood finish does not just keep the windows looking nice, it also protects them from the elements. Exteriors are commonly finished with aluminum cladding, which helps provide protection from the elements. Carefully inspect both the interior and exterior finish for corrosion, peeling, and cracking.
Fiberglass windows typically don’t require a lot of maintenance. The bend, dent, and break-resistant frames are finished with a durable powder-coat finish that will never need to be painted or refinished. While these fiberglass frames are strong and durable, it’s still important to check them annually for imperfections. Look for scratches or other visible signs of damage and make notes.
Vinyl window maintenance is typically minimal. Our fade-resistant vinyl formula is performance-tested for excellent weathering, durability, and color retention, which means no more painting or refinishing. To perform annual maintenance, check the frames for any visible damage, such as dents, and make a note.
If you need to perform window maintenance, contact Family Windows and Doors for assistance.
Clean and Lubricate the Tracks.
Dirt can build up in your window tracks and make your window stick. Clearing away the dirt and debris from the window tracks can prevent that. Clean the tracks with a dry brush and vacuum to keep your windows opening and closing smoothly. Any grime that can’t be cleared away with a brush can be cleaned up with plain old soap and water.
Lubrication can help the smooth operation of your windows. Apply some lubricant to the weatherstripping. Avoid using an oil-based lubricant. They attract dust and grime, which can clog up the window tracks and make it more difficult to open and close.
Check the Window Fit
The longer you have had your windows, the more likely the fit has changed since installation day. Exposure to the elements, changing temperature, and general wear and tear from everyday usage can cause subtle changes to the size and the shape of your windows and window frames. Homes settle over the years, which can cause similar problems to window openings that were once an ideal fit.
A bad fit leads to poor performance. Your windows will be less energy efficient and may allow air and water to get in. Look over every part of the window to check that it still fits properly.
If you live near the ocean, take extra precautions. Salt spray is corrosive to many materials, including wood, fiberglass, and vinyl windows. You will see more wear and tear, so you should inspect your windows more frequently than once a year.
Contact Family Windows & Doors Today To Get Great Replacement Windows for Your Home!
Contact us at Family Windows and Doors or call 864-982-0957 for a free consultation. We would love to discuss your options for windows and doors with you.
