When you think about taking care of your home, your windows are probably not at the top of your priority list. Even though you may clean the glass from time to time, it is important for you to take good care of your windows. If you don’t take care of your windows, your heating and cooling bills could go up, the value of your house could suffer, and you may provide a portal of entry for pests. If you want to maintain your windows, what are a few of the most important tips you should keep in mind?
1. Get Your Windows Inspected Regularly
First, you must make sure that you inspect your windows regularly. At least once per year, you should take a close look at all of your windows. Check your windows for signs of cracks in the frame, drafts under the frame, or breaks in the sliding sashes. You also need to look for signs of improper drainage. For example, if you see water forming on the windowsill, it could eat away at your wood. This is particularly important if your windows are close to your sprinkler system.
2. Check the Caulking Around the Windows
Next, you need to take a close look at the ceilings and caulking around the windows to make sure they are watertight. If any portion of the window sealant has been cracked or broken, you need to fix it immediately. If the window sealant is cracked, it can let in light and water, leading to permanent damage. Therefore, take a close look at the window caulking, particularly in the corners of your windows. The corners are the most common locations where you might develop problems with your window caulk.
3. Inspect the Wood Finish
If your windows have wood finish, you need to take a close look at them from time to time. Even though it offers a wide variety of benefits, including protection against the elements, you must make sure it has not been damaged. Carefully inspect the interior and exterior finish for any signs of cracking, peeling, or corrosion. Furthermore, if you are looking for a way to save money on maintenance, you may want to consider going with fiberglass windows or vinyl windows instead. They do not require nearly as much maintenance as wood finish windows.
4. Lubricate Your Window Tracks
Over time, there is a lot of dirt and debris that can build up in your window tracks. If you do not lubricate the tracks of your windows from time to time, they can get stuck. Always clean out the dirt and debris from your window tracks if you want them to function appropriately. You may also want to use a dry brush or vacuum to finish the job. That way, you don’t have to stress about opening and closing your windows. If you feel like you are having a difficult time getting the grime out of the way, you may want to use soap and water.
5. Check to Ensure Your Windows Still Fit Appropriately
The longer you have had your windows, the greater the chance of something happening to the fit. Even though your windows were designed to fit the frame perfectly, they can warp and change size over time. This is particularly true if you live in an area where the temperature and humidity can change drastically depending on the time of year. In addition, homes will settle over time, and settling can change the shape of the window frame. If your windows no longer fit appropriately, you may want to reach out to an expert who can help you.
6. Consider Adding a Protective Finish to the Windows
Finally, you may want to consider adding a protective finish to your windows. This is particularly helpful if you live on the coast. Salt spray from the ocean can travel farther than you think, and salt can be incredibly corrosive to your windows. If you are interested in how you can protect your windows against salt spray, you may want to reach out to an expert who can review different options for finishes. We would be happy to help you.
Call Advanced Auto Glass for Help With Your Windows Today
If you perform these tasks regularly, you should protect the integrity of your windows. We are Advanced Auto Glass, and it would be our pleasure to help you take care of your windows. We handle residential and auto glass, so we have the training and experience necessary to help you. Our team will always follow the best practices in the field, and we will use the best materials available. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you with your windows, contact us today to speak to a member of our team.
