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Ahh, Spring! The time of year when we try to open our windows . . . and can’t. You know, the season right after the one where we try to close our windows and still cold air pours in.
They’re tempremental things, these giant holes in the walls of our homes. However, with a little regular mainenance, we can keep our windows sliding, gliding, cranking and/or locking without the headaches. What’s more, they’ll keep out the cold in the winter and the hot in the summer.
So go ahead, throw open those windows and enjoy the warm weather. Just set aside a day to do these things first:
1. Inspect the sealant, caulking, and glazing on the exterior perimeter of your windows and patio doors at least once a year, paying particular attention to the caulking at the lower corners of windows and under joints between windows in combinations.
2. Check the exterior paint for corrosion, peeling, and/or cracking and touch up any problem areas to prevent further damage.
3. Check to make sure the interior finish of your windows and/or patio doors is in good condition. If you need to refresh the paint or stain, give your local finishing pro a call (we recommend BFB Painting!)
4. Check weatherstripping for any tears or excessive wear.
5. Check for broken glass, broken seals on double pane windows (you’ll notice a haze between the two panes), and damaged or missing screens.
6. Check and replace any broken window hardware including balances and operators (the things that hold the windows open), handles and locks.
7. Clean window tracks and sills with a dry brush (concurrently using a small, cordless wet/dry vac will help keep the dust down), then wipe down with a damp terry cloth rag.
8. Apply a thin layer of paraffin wax to the track to keep the sash sliding smoothly. Don’t use oily lubricants like WD-40 or white lithium grease because they attract dust and grime, which will eventually restrict the window’s movement.
9. NOW you can use the oily stuff! If your window has moving hardware like cranks or other metal doodads, give them a quick spray with something like white lithium grease. This will last a while and keep things moving nicely.
10. Finally, clean the glass using a mild, streak free cleaner like Ace’s janitorial strength ammonia (dilute about 1 oz. per gallon of water) and a good set of squeegees. Remember: a little goes a long way! One gallon is enough to clean most houses 15 times over.
Different windows need different love! Be sure to check with your window manufacturer’s specific recommendations before striking out on your own.
These tips were adapted from the Pella Window Company’s annual maintenance recommendations.