Taking care of your property should always be a priority, whether you’re a new homeowner or you’ve been living in the same house for decades. Home improvement projects cost a lot of money, time, and effort—so you want to make sure your fixtures, doors, lights, and windows last as long as possible.
Windows are easy to clean, but can suffer if neglected. Not only will proper window maintenance save you from costly repairs down the road, but it will also contribute to energy efficiency, sound insulation, and a comfortable living environment.
Trust us when we say it’s worth a little bit of elbow grease to keep your windows in working condition! So, to help motivate you, we’ve compiled this comprehensive window care and maintenance guide.
Here are six simple tips to follow.
- Inspect Your Windows Regularly
Performing inspections is the easiest and most important tip. By completing regular, thorough inspections for any signs of degradation or damage, you can fix any issue or get new windows before it starts affecting your home.
- Look for gaps or cracks between the wall and the window’s frame
- Examine the rubber sealsthat hold the window glass in place for breaks
- Look for signs of moisture or condensation between the window panes
While regular DIY maintenance is essential, it’s equally vital to schedule professional window inspections and maintenance. Window specialists can identify hidden issues, assess the overall condition of your windows, and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments. Consider scheduling a professional maintenance visit at least once a year to ensure your windows remain in optimal condition.
- Replace Old Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is another feature of your windows that needs to be checked regularly.
It’s often made from rubber, silicone, or highly durable thermoplastics and is attached to the rim of your windows. It prevents water from entering your home, as well as improves the air seal between the window and the frame.
When working properly, you shouldn’t feel any drafts or fluctuations in temperature near the window. Check on it every few months to keep an eye on signs of wear and tear.
- Look For Moisture Build Up
Look out for condensation in your windows, as it is usually a sign of inefficient insulation and poor energy efficiency.
Most windows in Canada are at least dual-paned, meaning there are two panes of glass sandwiched together with gas or air between them. This improves the insulating properties of the window, as well as its impact resistance and light filtering.
Check for moisture build-up as part of your window care routine. If caught early, you may be able to repair the window before a full replacement is required, saving you time and money. Always do a good job checking those bottom corners for mould!
- Seal Any Gaps
You may notice gaps between your window and the wall, particularly in a newly-built house. These allow air to flow in and out of your home, but also create a temperature discrepancy your HVAC system will attempt to fix by working harder—which drives up energy costs.
Your window care and maintenance routine should involve checking them periodically for new cracks and sealing them with caulk.
- Clean and Lubricate the Window Tracks
A good window care routine involves cleaning and lubricating your window tracks to ensure moving parts continue to open and close with ease.
Most home improvement stores will carry a general-purpose non-detergent lubricating oil you can use. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of water and soap or other environmentally friendly concoctions.
Before cleaning, use a soft brush attachment to thoroughly remove any dirt and dust from the tracks, sills, and frames. Dust build-up could potentially be what’s causing your windows to stick in the first place.
- Clean Your Glass Twice Yearly
You should clean your window glass at least twice a year. The build-up of dirt debris on your windows restricts natural light from entering your home, damages your windows over time, and will be more difficult to clean down the line.
Related article: How to Clean Hard to Reach Windows Inside and Out
