Is It Possible to Extend the Life of Your Windows?
Sometimes you just need to bite the bullet and replace your old windows, and though it can be costly, the energy savings is really nice. But if you don’t have to replace them or you have already replaced your windows, you definitely want to extend their life as long as possible.
Your windows and window frames are battered and beaten up by weather 24/7, but with a little bit of time, a little bit of money, and by following these tips, you will be able to preserve the integrity of your windows as well as protect the look of your home.
Keeping your windows in good condition takes surveillance, you need to check them periodically for the following problems.
Water seepage:
This is one of the most common problems with windows…water seeping in through cracks and causing damage.
- Check and replace the caulking. Often the caulking is the culprit. The weather can dry it out and it looses its seal, allowing water to enter into your home and damage wood and drywall.
- Another cause of water doing damage is window condensation, which occurs when the interior window surface is cooler than the exterior of the window. Condensation can not only do damage to the window itself, but any surrounding wood or drywall that it is consistently in contact with moisture, causing mold, decay and paint problems. Increasing ventilation and raising the temperature slightly in the home can often help prevent condensation.
- If the condensation is between the panes of glass, the seal is broken or damaged and the only cure is to replace the window.
Damaged wood:
No matter how vigilant you are, wood framework around your windows can be damaged. A little cleaning and maintenance can repair and protect lightly damaged wood.
- If there is moisture damaged wood, the damaged area must be removed and the area cleaned well with bleach water.
- Using wood epoxy, fill the damaged holes.
- Sand, prime and paint to restore the area.
Maintaining windows that are not framed by wood:
Vinyl, aluminum or fiberglass are materials that are not prone to rotting, but they can become dingy and dirty looking, so the maintenance here is to preserve the way they look.
- Using a mild detergent, clean them on a regular basis.
- Buff them periodically to restore their “new” look.
Maintain the weatherstripping:
- Like the caulking, weatherstripping can dry out and crack and allow the outside to go inside. It can also come loose, get bent or even break. If this happens at your home, it will need to be replaced.
- Cleaning the weather stripping periodically will help maintain its look and help prevent damage.
By performing these simple maintenance jobs on your windows you will be able to keep your windows in good working condition and extend their life.
If you need your windows cleaned, don’t have the time to do them yourself (or you would rather not do them yourself)…Contact me for a Complimentary Quote.
I know how to make your windows shine!
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