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Originally Posted On: https://applycontracting.ca/how-do-you-maintain-your-newly-installed-windows/
How Do You Maintain Your Newly Installed Windows?
Overview
Now that you’ve outfitted your home or business with new windows, you want to keep them intact to avoid dealing with repairs and premature replacements. In this blog, Apply Contracting Ltd’s window specialists explain how to maintain your new windows so you can enjoy them for longer.
Highlights
Introduction
You already know installing new windows is a smart way to improve your property’s ambiance, energy efficiency, style, and value. Now, you need to know which steps will help you circumvent headaches like foggy, drafty, or leaking windows. Cleaning and maintenance are the fundamentals of window longevity, coming only behind the importance of code-compliant initial installation. Let’s take a look at the measures involved in window maintenance.
Why Do Windows Need Cleaning and Maintenance?
Windows provide natural light, insulation, and a clear view of the outside world, making them a vital feature of any home or commercial building. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, their function and appearance can quickly deteriorate. Dirt, grime, and pollutants accumulate on the glass, reducing visibility and diminishing your property’s aesthetic appeal.
Neglected windows in commercial spaces leave a poor impression on clients or customers, but that’s not the only drawback. Damaged seals, clogged tracks, or worn weatherstripping can lead to drafts, higher energy costs, and water leaks. Regular maintenance preserves your windows’ structural integrity and ensures they perform at their best, protecting your investment while enhancing comfort and curb appeal.
How Often Should You Clean Your Windows?
Recommended window cleaning frequencies vary depending on building and window type, location, and use. In general, twice-yearly cleanings (once in the spring and once in the fall) are sufficient, but when your home or commercial space sees a lot of traffic, or you’re a business operating in a heavily regulated industry, more frequent cleanings may be necessary to maintain a welcoming appearance and meet compliance standards.
For example, restaurants and healthcare facilities often require monthly or weekly window washing to uphold hygiene and safety regulations. Additionally, buildings in urban or industrial areas may need more frequent cleanings because of their increased exposure to dust, smog, and pollutants.
Window Maintenance Best Practices
The following window maintenance best practices are the secret to keeping your windows functional, clear, and looking brand-new.
Window Inspection
- Inspect your windows every few months for signs of damage or wear, like cracks in the glass, peeling weatherstripping, or rusting hardware.
- Check for drafts and address gaps in seals to improve insulation and energy efficiency.
Window Cleaning
- Use non-abrasive glass cleaners and soft cloths to clean the glass without scratching.
- Wipe down frames with mild soap and water to remove dirt and prevent buildup.
- Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage window coatings or corrode hardware.
Maintaining Hardware and Tracks
- Clean window tracks and lubricate them with a silicone-based product to ensure smooth operation.
- Tighten loose screws or replace hardware as needed to maintain proper function.
Window Repair
- Replace seals and caulking when you find they’re worn or damaged.
- Have cracks repaired as soon as possible.
Protecting Against Moisture
- Address condensation promptly to prevent mold growth and water damage.
- Ensure weep holes are clear to allow for proper drainage.
What Are the Most Common Window Problems?
Windows can face a number of common issues, which regular maintenance can help to prevent. It’s important to understand those common issues and the causes behind them.
Common window issues include:
- Foggy windows
- Drafty windows
- Leaking windows
- Sticky or hard-to-open windows
- Cracked or broken window glass
Why Are Your Windows Foggy?
Foggy windows are typically caused by broken seals on double- or triple-pane windows. These seals keep the insulating gas trapped between the panes while preventing moisture from entering. When a seal breaks, moisture infiltrates the space, creating a cloudy or foggy appearance. This diminishes the aesthetic appeal of your windows and reduces their energy efficiency.
Over time, the insulating gas escapes, leaving your windows less effective at maintaining indoor temperatures. Replacing the affected pane or resealing the window is often necessary to restore clarity and functionality.
What Causes Drafty Windows?
Drafty windows are often the result of worn weatherstripping or gaps in the caulking around your window frame. Weatherstripping that protects these areas can degrade due to exposure to elements, while caulking may shrink or crack, allowing air to seep through. Drafts can make your space uncomfortable, increase heating and cooling costs, and reduce energy efficiency.
Inspecting and replacing weatherstripping or reapplying caulking around your window frame can help seal these gaps and prevent drafts.
How Do You Prevent Window Leaks?
Window leaks typically happen when caulking breaks down or flashing isn’t installed correctly. Caulking provides a seal around your window to keep water out, but as it ages, it can crack or peel away, creating entry points for moisture. Flashing, which directs water away from your windows, can also fail when it’s not installed correctly or if it becomes damaged.
To prevent leaks, inspect your windows’ caulking and flashing regularly and repair or replace them as needed.
Why Are Your Windows Hard to Open?
Sticky or hard-to-open windows are often caused by dirt, debris, or a lack of lubrication in the tracks or hinges. Dust and grime can accumulate in the tracks, creating friction that makes it difficult to slide or pivot your window. Hardware like hinges or locks may also become stiff if not properly maintained.
To resolve this issue, clean the tracks thoroughly and apply lubricant to all moving parts. Regular maintenance will prevent debris buildup and facilitate smooth operation.
Can You Fix Cracked or Damaged Window Glass?
Cracked or broken windows should be addressed immediately to maintain safety, insulation, and energy efficiency. A small crack can quickly expand due to temperature changes or pressure, compromising the structural integrity of your window glass. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace just the pane or the entire window.
Repairs are especially important for double—or triple-pane windows because a compromised pane can affect the insulating gas seal and reduce your window’s efficiency.
Seek Professional Assistance for Your Window Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your newly installed windows in excellent condition for years to come. By following a regular window washing and care schedule, checking for potential issues, and addressing minor repairs promptly, you can ensure your windows continue to enhance your property’s beauty, efficiency, and value.
Don’t wait until minor issues become costly problems—contact Apply Contracting Ltd at (519) 744-6888 today for professional window care tailored to your needs.