Many homeowners are looking to step outside and fix up any damage that resulted from winter weather. Winter weather can take a toll on windows, especially old wood frames. It is important for New England homeowners to maintain their house windows in order to help them stay warm and comfortable during the cold winter months. This is where a window maintenance checklist from Coastal Windows & Exteriors can help with spring window replacement!
Properly maintaining your windows can lead to successful insulation of your home, which can help reduce home heating bills. Additionally, regularly maintaining house windows helps to prevent potential damage from weathering, as well as from pests. We will cover all of these points and address what New England
1. Inspect the Window Frames for Damage
Window frames are one of the primary components that get damaged from the elements. This is especially the case for wood windows. This is your first task to check off on this window maintenance checklist.
This inspection technique is reserved for wood, and the aim is to detect rot that will ultimately result in costly repairs.
One of the easiest methods to detect softwood frames is to take a screwdriver and probe the wood. Rotting wood is quite soft, so the screwdriver will sink right into the wood if it’s rotting.
Other problems you might find with wood window frames is peeling or chipping of the wood and paint. This happens because moisture begins to destroy the untreated surface.
If you have vinyl windows, you don’t have to worry about wood rot or peeling paint. That’s because vinyl windows are extremely durable, easy to clean, and available in a variety of attractive styles to suit your home.
What are the Benefits of Vinyl Windows?
Vinyl windows feature three-layer construction that keeps out rain, insects, and drafts for added comfort and energy efficiency. They can help keep your cooling costs down during the summer months, which are right around the corner.
Vinyl windows are also energy efficient. Energy costs today are at an all-time high and they are expected to continue climbing. The cost of heating or cooling your home can make a significant impact on your monthly budget, especially with inflation in the mix.
Furthermore, vinyl windows are easy to clean. They are maintenance-free and never require sanding, staining, or painting. For most New England homeowners, this is a must-have feature of new window installation.
Learn more about vinyl windows vs wood windows.
2. Make Sure the Windows Easily Open & Close
The basic function of a window is to close out the elements or allow fresh air inside.
For this window maintenance tip, you’ll want to make sure your windows are opening and closing properly.
Your windows should open relatively easily. This is true whether it’s a double-hung, crank-out casement window, or slider window.
If you are struggling to open the windows, or if they don’t want to stay open or closed, replacement might be in order.
Your windows should work in the following ways:
-If you have a crank-out window, you’ll want to make sure that the crank easily turns and that the window doesn’t stick.
-When it comes to slider windows, you’ll want them to slide smoothly.
–Double-hung windows should lift up and down with ease.
-If they are sticking or the screen is torn, this calls for your attention.
What to do if Your Windows are Difficult to Open or Close
If the window is difficult to open or close, or it seems to be getting harder to open and close them, it’s time to contact spring window replacement specialists.
However, there is also a chance that there is dirt build-up inside the tracks. You can take a small putty knife or a butter knife and scrape it clean. A toothbrush with baking soda and water can work as well.
3. Test the Window Locks for Secure Sealing
When was the last time you attempted to lock or unlock your windows?
Window locks serve several purposes. First, it serves as a security measure. Window locks must be in working order to properly defend against break-ins.
The other reason is because window locks help enforce the seal of the window. If the windows don’t lock properly, they can lose energy both in the summertime and the winter.
The Importance of Working Window Locks
Window locks should be in working order at all times. The window locks are designed to keep windows in a fixed position and to keep them safe from break-ins and temperature loss.
While it’s still possible to break into an unsecured home even with functional window locks, it requires more time, effort, and entry points. Window locks not only help prevent break-ins but also help seal the windows for energy efficiency — especially when your doors and windows are closed for most of the day. With custom spring window designs, you can be sure that your home remains beautiful and secure!
Meanwhile, window locks are important for protection against theft and loss of energy, but they can also save you money. A poorly installed window lock or one that doesn’t function properly can be a significant waste of your money. Window locks that aren’t properly performing can lead to lost energy.
4. Check the Windows for Drafts (Energy Loss)
Ready for the next step on our window maintenance checklist? Drafts and air infiltration are serious problems for windows. Unfortunately, drafty windows can account for up to 30% of energy loss in your home.
How do you know if your windows are drafty? A lot of times you can feel a breeze come through areas of the window including:
- The sash
- The sill
- Where the sash meets the sill
Meanwhile, you should check on the condition of your weatherstripping. Triple weatherstripping helps to create a tight seal and reduce drafts. Old weatherstripping will appear dried out, cracked, or droopy.
The Trouble with Drafty Windows
Drafts and air infiltration are serious problems for windows. They can account for up to 30% of energy loss in your home, which means wasted money on heating and cooling. That’s why it’s a good idea to check windows for drafts, cracks, and areas where air can infiltrate — a typical way to do this is with a candle in front of the window on a windy day.
Weatherstripping is a simple yet very effective method to get rid of drafts and make your home warmer. Weatherstripping insulates the gap between window and frame, making it airtight. Keep in mind that new weatherstripping is only a temporary fix, as it doesn’t address other issues such as seal failure.
5. Look Closely at Foggy Windows (Broken Seals)
Are any of your windows foggy? This is normal in some circumstances. Other times foggy windows serve as a warning sign.
How do you know if your foggy windows are a problem? There’s a simple test: make sure the fog wipes away!
When the fog wipes away, it means that you are dealing with normal condensation. It is a result of warm air outside touching the cool glass pane.
If the fog does not wipe away, this is an indication of seal failure. In fact, it is a surefire sign that your windows need to be replaced as soon as possible
6. Look for Signs of Termite Damage
Did you know that termites are the most active in the spring? They won’t hesitate to chew through the wood of old windows, depending on the species of termites that you have. There are several signs to consider when it comes to termite damage on your windows, including:
-Window sills and sill plates with holes in them
-Cracks in the window frame
-A window frame that is twisted or bowed
-Check for signs of warping on the wood
-A mound of frass is present under the sill, indicating that you have subterranean termites
-An accumulation of mud around the exterior foundation of your home, since termites use mud to seal off their colonies
This damage is seasonal and can be quite prominent in the spring when termites are most active. They will chew through the wood of your old windows, which will be quite evident in the loss of paint on the window frames. Make sure that you don’t miss this important sign of an infestation!
Window Maintenance: Spring Edition
Maintaining windows can be time-consuming or completely hassle-free. It all depends on the material.
Wood Windows Are Problematic For Maintenance
- Prone to rot and expensive to repair. Old wood must be repaired or replaced.
- Wood windows require staining, sanding, and painting to keep them looking new
- In worst-case scenarios, you’ll be faced with structural issues with wood windows such as wood rot.
- In terms of how to clean wooden windows, you’ll need warm water, damp cloth and mild detergent.
- You’ll also have to be mindful of insects and termites looking to consume the wood on your window frames.
Vinyl Window Maintenance Includes
- Almost nothing!
- You won’t pick up a single paintbrush for as long as you own a vinyl window, since the color won’t chip or peel away over time.
- You may choose to wipe down the frames if atmospheric dirt builds up. This can be achieved with a mixture of 70% water and 30% vinegar.
- You can wipe down the vinyl windows with a sponge, or you can use a long-handled bristle brush for stubborn dirt.
Still not convinced? Learn which is better wood or vinyl windows
Window Maintenance Checklist: Get a Free Estimate on High-Quality Spring Window Installation from Coastal Windows & Exteriors
Did you find this window maintenance checklist useful? Take window maintenance off your to-do list once and for all! Make the most of your free time and enjoy the weekends without tending to your windows. Contact us today for quality replacement windows and professional installation. Get a quote now for the best spring deals on window installation!
Sources:
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/update-or-replace-windows
https://www.hswindows.com/blog/windows/how-to-clean-and-maintain-wood-windows/#:~:text=All%20you%20need%20is%20a,water%20when%20it%20gets%20dirty.
