Whether you have new windows or ones that seem to be original to the home, proper maintenance will help ensure your windows last as long as possible. Without proper care, windows can become jammed or become a source of draft and excess moisture in your home. Along with periodic glass cleaning with a gentle cleanser, here are a few tips to help you keep your windows healthy and an enjoyable and energy-efficient part of your home.
Check the caulk. Cracks or missing caulk around the exterior of your windows can quickly lead to leaks and damage to the walls around your windows. If the caulk has loosened and pulled away from the window or trim, it may be time to redo it. Missing pieces or cracks can also indicate the need for attention. By keeping the caulk fresh and tight around the window, you help ensure the repelling of moisture and prevention of leaks.
Cracks in the caulk can also lead to drafts, which as we know can make it difficult to keep the temperature regulated in the interior of your home. You might have the most energy-efficient windows on the market, but if there are cracks around the seals you will be wasting more energy than necessary. Check the caulk periodically throughout the year for damage. This will help you keep your home sealed up and less prone to leaks. It can also help you make the most out of your older windows that need all the help they can get.
Weatherstripping is another feature you can check. This is the strip found on the bottom of the window sash where it meets the window sill for a tight seal. It is also found on the top of the sash on a double hung window where the upper sash meets the trim at the top of the window. The weatherstripping is used to create a tighter seal than would be possible with only the sash and sill. The strip is usually made of either foam, rubber or metal. Check and make sure they aren’t broken or bent in a way that allows air or moisture to seep in. If they are bent, try and reshape them, or find a replacement weatherstripping at the local hardware store.
Another aspect of window maintenance is making sure your window sashes are moving smoothly and not getting caught or jamming on debris in the frames. Some windows may need a good cleaning on the edges to make sure they don’t get stuck. When windows jam, we may exert excess pressure to try and get them back into place, often causing excess damage to the tracks. Maintaining clean edges can help keep window sashes moving fluidly.
Windows that are jammed or crooked are not only frustrating to homeowners who want to open or close the windows, but they also can create gaps between the sashes and sills. This leads to more drafts and the entrance of moisture. If your windows are beyond basic maintenance and repair, contact us today to see how A Pane In the Glass can help you get your windows back on track and your Minnesota home weatherproofed.
Also check out this article if you think your windows might be ready to replace.