Amazing Tips About Home Windows Maintenance

The little details in your home might seem insignificant but can affect the overall look and feel of your home. Home Windows come under the same umbrella of things that often go ignored but if taken care of can brighten up your living space, literally. 

It’s always a great idea to regularly clean the windows as a part of maintenance to prolong their lifespan. But in some cases, simple cleaning won’t do the trick.

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If your window is in an area that is exposed to strong winds, dust storms or even close to ground level, then you’ll have to take extra steps to maintain it.

Windows are usually the least changed thing in the house and are made to last until it starts breaking off from its hinges and requires window glass repair.

We generally keep the same design of windows for a long period since we get comfortable with it. A few drops of lubricating oil now and then can make them silent if they squeak a lot.

Not to mention that the better your windows are maintain and well-kept, the better they represent the look of your house from inside out.

We have compiled a detailed list of tips that can help you maintain your windows effectively.

List of Tips for Home Windows Maintenance

Washing Them Thoroughly

Properly washing your windows have pretty far itching benefits to your home. It not only keeps them squeaky clean aesthetically but saves your energy bills significantly.

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Cleaner the windows, more sunlight will come through and warm your home, less energy consumed to regulate the interior temperature. Instead of opting for complete window replacement, Here are some ways you can use to make your older windows feel good as new.

• Washing the outside of the window panes from left to right direction. Inside the window should be wash from top to bottom. If you notice any visible streaks, this way you’ll know which side to wash again.
• It’s recommend to wash the windows themselves from top to bottom so drips won’t create streaks on the glass or spots that will become a nuisance to clean afterwards.
• Cleaning with a microfiber cloth or soft brush is recommend to avoid any scratches on the glass.
• Use a handheld vacuum to clean the home windows screens and remove all the gunk and dust from the window’s frames and tracks.
• If your window screen is particularly dirty, try to take it outside and put it against a wall. By using a water hose with above normal pressure, clean the screen thoroughly. Using soap water or detergents can further clean and disinfect any harmful bacteria in it.

Double-Check The Sealing

Every area has different climate and weather conditions. Rain, sunlight and snow can take a toll on the window frames. In areas where the temperature drops dramatically, ice forms behind the rubber sealing that compromises the integrity of the seal.

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Gaps formed by lack of airtight seal can lead to outside air coming inside. It eventually forces the temperature regulators to work overtime and consume energy. If you don’t want to go for other expensive solutions then these are the steps you can take first to reseal the windows.

1. Firstly, it’s important to find the area where the seal was compromise. The best DIY method to find it is by interacting with the affected window and feeling around for any drafts of wind. Simply mark the area where you feel the draft is the strongest and move on to the next step.
2. A famous form of sealant to somewhat repair the window’s seal is windows caulk. It is easy and quick to administer sealant that can repair the integrity of your window’s seal but short-term until you have time and money for a more long-term solution. It can also be used to seal the crack between the interior trim and wall as there is air leaking around the windows frame.
3. If the previous step isn’t working out for you then sadly that’s the end of DIY fixes, it’s time for some long-term ones. They include insulating and sealing the around your windows, adding interior window insulation covers or just installing storm windows.

Installing Storm Windows

As discussed earlier, installing storm windows can be a permanent solution if your window’s seal is compromised beyond simple repairs. Storm windows enable improved insulation without harming the original windows or even affecting the design of your old windows.

Like it’s not even there. But there are some things you must keep in mind before you go installing them hastily.

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• One type of storm windows is known as exterior storm windows which alter the look and feel of your original windows. However, with these, you can open and close your windows throughout the year however you please.
• Another type of storm window is interior storm windows that are virtually invisible from the outside and only can be noticed from inside the house. It is more of a seasonal measure that completely seals off windows for months.

Fresh Lick of Paint

Your windows frame is what makes your windows attractive in the first place. If it’s kept in damaged or poor state, then it could look aesthetically unpleasing.

A fresh bucket of paint should solve your problem in most cases. Here’s how you can overhaul the look of your window but simple painting.

1. First things first, wash off the dust from the frame and prepare it for the painting process. This is simply a precautionary measure to remove any dust or old paint from the frame. After the cleaning tries drying up the frame with a cloth or a vacuum.
2. Now grab a scraper tool and start scraping off old paint from the frame. Apply a bit pressure and dig into the frame slightly and start to pull off the solidified paint slowly. Be careful not to scratch the window panel while you’re at it.
3. If there are any holes or cracks in the frame, try filling them up with painter’s putty. Use sandpaper to smoothen up the surface of the frame so the new paint sticks in comfortably.
4. Now apply a bit of oil-based prime on the frame using an angled brush. It can help create a better bond between the paint and the wooden frame. Spray primers can also do the trick if you don’t have an oil-based solution.
5. After letting the primer dry for at least 2 hours, let your imagination run wild and paint the frame with whatever color you please. That said, it’s recommended to match at least the interior of the house to avoid window’s frame looking out of place.

Maintain Mechanical Parts

Last but not least, lubricate the moving parts associated with your window. Lubricating them occasionally will help them last much longer. You can also use silicone spray on the window tracks if they get difficult to operate.

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Try to tighten any loose screws that might stick out and ensure that the home windows doesn’t make any squeaking noise.

Many problems can be fixed or even prevented by yourself since this guide covers many DIY maintenance tips. However, for more drastic repairs, more permanent solutions and help of professional home window repair companies are required.