Like with many areas of your home, your windows will require a little TLC from time to time. Taking a little bit of time out of your year to follow a few best practice maintenance tips for the windows in your home can help ward off replacement. It does not require a lot of time or energy. You just need to simply do some checks and balances to make sure the windows in your home are functioning properly.
Check and Inspect Your Home Windows Every Year
Weather can wreak havoc on a home, especially if you live in an area with dramatic temperature changes. The swelling and constricting of the material around your windows can cause cracking or leaking over time. It is important to examine your windows at least once a year for signs of wear and tear. With proper window maintenance, you will want to examine the interior and exterior surface around the window, open, close, and turn any cranks or locks on every window. Should you come across any issues or concerns during this process, it is time to perform basic repairs. Addressing these items early will hopefully delay when you will need to start looking for window replacements.
Apply Fresh Caulking Around the Windows in Your Home
One of the first steps in regular window maintenance for your home is to make sure your caulking is up to date. The caulk is the first line of defense from outside conditions leaking into your home around your windows. It is common for the caulking to wear down, break, or become crumbly over time and require a fresh coat. Staying on top of this sealant will help prevent leaks, additional swelling, or long time permanent damage to your home. This is a crucial step especially if you are in an area that provides high corrosion, like near the ocean. Sealing out the elements is critical to not only the life of your windows but your home as well.
Clean the Apertures in Your Home at Least Once a Year
One of the biggest items to address during your window maintenance is cleaning. Your windows act as a shield to both the inside and outside of your home. The goal is to keep cool air or heat trapped in the home and debris and weather outside of your home. The tracks around the window can become very dirty from outside debris or inside dust and dirt. This can make it difficult to open and close the window or for them to get a proper seal. It is important to make sure to keep the path for the window as clean as possible. Lubricating the tracks after cleaning will also help with the ease in which you can open and close the window as well.
Proper window maintenance can extend the life of your windows, but there will come a time when a replacement is necessary. You do not have to solve this problem on your own. Specialty Home Products has a team of professionals readily available with your home window needs. Depending on the type of windows in your home, you may even qualify for a rebate when you decide to start your window replacement journey.