Window Maintenance 101: Pro Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Investment

The average lifetime of home windows is from 10 to 30 years, depending on the frequency of maintenance and the window materials.

While homeowners would like nothing less than to have the longest-lasting windows in the market, the truth is that most window shopping is based on a precise balance of function, finances, and form.

The windows installed in our houses represent a substantial investment. They help to keep your house warm in the winter while conserving energy. They also have a huge effect on the aesthetic appeal of your property.

As homeowners, we must do what is necessary to ensure that they are well maintained. Below is some information on how to perform window maintenance that will give your windows the longest life possible and keep them looking like new for years.

Tips to Extend the Lifecycle of Your Windows

If you buy an older home, chances are that you’ll need to replace your windows at some point. Even if they’ve been maintained properly, windows in an older house lack the energy-effective qualities that innovative technology offers current windows.

Sure, it’s a huge investment. But the good news is that window maintenance can deliver a solid return on your investment. Likewise, increasing your window’s energy efficiency level will increase your comfort level and reduce your energy costs too.

Wash Your Windows Inside and Out

Washing your windows not only helps protect them from wear and tear but also gives better viewing and more natural lighting. Spider webs and dirt can be collected in the window tracks, making operating them difficult and contributing to early deterioration.

Windows covered in dirt decreases the amount of natural sunlight that gets into your residence. This can increase your use of indoor lighting, making your house less energy efficient.

If your windows aren’t vinyl, mold, bird droppings, and insects can destroy aluminum and paint finishes on your window frames. If your windows have a Low-E film, they need special cleaning to keep the film from damage.

Regular cleaning gets rid of grime, dust, and dirt that can decrease the lifespan of your windows. These bits can get into the pores of the glass, creating corrosion and damage. Window cleaning also aids in insect control. Bugs love to hang out in the crevices. When you regularly clean your windows, you can help keep your windows bug-free.

It is advised to clean your windows at least every six months. This includes a full wash of both the exterior and interior windows, as well as the indoor sills. If you have children and/or pets, you might want to consider cleaning your windows every three months.

Replace Cracked Glass

Cracked glass is not only unsafe but also affects your windows’ integrity. As a result, you should replace damaged glass immediately. Cracks also affect your home’s energy effectiveness, letting air come in through the window. Energy-efficient windows typically have argon gas in the panes, which leaks when the glass is broken. Without the gas, windows don’t have the ability to help sustain comfortable temperatures in your house.

Leaving a cracked window in place isn’t a wise idea. The integrity of the window is in a damaged state making it susceptible to failing. Furthermore, air flows through the crack continuously making your residence less energy efficient.

To stop little problems from becoming bigger ones, check your windows routinely for signs of damage. If you do see an issue, contact a Denver window company ASAP to get it fixed.

Regular Lubrication

Regularly lubricating the various parts of your windows can extend their life cycle. Lubrication stops friction, enabling limiting damage and seamless operation.

Use the Right Treatments

Window treatments (shades, blinds, and films) can shield your windows’ glass from excess light and heat. They not only offer privacy and enhance your house’s energy efficiency level but also aid in preserving the integrity of the glass.

Fix Damaged Window Screens

Screens keep bugs out while also helping to lessen the amount of dirt that can get into your house and window tracks. Your screens should be inspected every season to ensure they are undamaged to work as a filter for bugs and dirt.

Reseal Caulking

Over time, the caulking surrounding your windows becomes worn. This can create several problems including:

• Mold
• Wood rot
• Water damage

Inspecting your seals and replacing them when they are damaged will help preserve not just your windows but the structure of our whole house. Proper caulking also keeps your home energy efficient.

Moisture starts to get into your house through the smallest opening, leading to mildew and mold. Moisture can also get into the interior structure. Caulking around every window prevents air seepage. Exposure to the elements makes it decompose over time. Reseal it when it shows signs of damage.

UV Protection

If you have a Low-E film put on your windows to reflect heat and shield your home’s interiors from harmful UV rays, be sure you’re following the manufacturer’s cleaning directions. Incorrect care is the fastest way to damage it. Also, while cleaning, check for discoloration, scratches, peeling, and bubbling. Any of these harmfully affect the film’s performance.

Routine Damage Inspections

Routine window inspections help to identify any signs of damage or deterioration early, so quick action to replace or fix them. Look out for chips, cracks, or other signs of damage that could compromise the integrity of your windows.

Accurate Repairs

Once you see any signs of damage, don’t hesitate to repair them. Little chips and cracks can swiftly turn into bigger, more costly problems if not handled correctly. Seek professional window repair or replacement service in Denver to help with any repair and replacement work to ensure that it is done correctly and safely.

Windows are a focal point of a house. As such, badly cared-for windows leave a bad impression on possible homebuyers and guests. Keeping them looking new demonstrates that you have pride in your property. Well-kept windows can considerably add to the value of your property. Windows are high on the list of issues when homeowners assess possible homes for suitability.

Use Protective Coatings

Using a protective coating can help shield the windows from adverse weather elements and UV radiation. This preventative action can considerably enhance the lifespan of your windows.

 Proper Installation

Proper window installation is vital for their longevity. Wrongly installed windows can produce air leaks, trouble in operations, and finally premature failure. If you aren’t sure about your ability to install windows right, contact a Denver professional windows installation service provider. Take care when opening and closing your windows. There is nothing better than the smooth glide of a newly, correctly installed window.

Though that smoothness may cause you to close and open your window too fast, the last thing you want to hear is the sound of your new window banging into the frame.

To extend the lifespan of your windows and prevent long-term damage, gently lower and lift each window until it becomes a habit. Be sure to pass along this tip to your children too.

Different Window Types—Different Maintenance

Vinyl frames shouldn’t require caulking except for aesthetic value if they’re installed correctly. However, if your vinyl windows are old, they aren’t quite as energy-efficient as they are today. If they’re caulked around the outside, keep up the good work. Older vinyl windows are more prone to damage from the extreme heat due to the sun’s rays. Vinyl frames aren’t susceptible to salt erosion like wood and aluminum windows are, but a good wash will keep them looking like they’re new.

Wood and aluminum are extremely prone to salt erosion. If not inspected and caught early, it could produce moisture problems too. The best course of action is to get collected salt washed off regularly during the year.

Regardless of what type of windows you have installed in your house, maintaining them helps you have a safe and structurally sound house for you and your loved ones. You will also increase the energy efficiency level in your home.

Window Maintenance Throughout the Year

As the seasons change, so should window maintenance and cleaning:

Spring – Spring is the ideal time to give your windows a thorough cleaning. Eliminating winter grime and checking for any damage that might have happened during winter.

Summer – The resilient UV rays of the summer sun could harm your window frames. Inspect seals and paintwork to ensure they are still in excellent condition.

Fall – Clean your window frame tracks to make sure that they continue to function effortlessly.

Winter – Consider changing to heavy-duty drapes or curtains to keep the cold, winter air out.

Once again, inspect the seals to protect against excessive condensation and heat loss.

If you need help or advice on any part of window maintenance or repair, give our experts at JDI Windows a call or fill out our online contact form for a free evaluation.