How To Prepare Your Windows For Spring
Your desire to be near to a window is your desire to be close to life.” Mehmet Murat ildan
Spring is just around the corner (thank goodness!), and all around the country, the minute the sun hits the windows, people can be heard saying…”Oh! Those windows are filthy!”
Winter can cause all kinds of havoc with your windows, from rain and snow causing rot and other damage, to freezing temperatures causing sealant or caulking to crack, even to windows separating from their frames. And that’s in addition to the winter dirt and debris that’s left behind.
Spring is a great time to make sure your windows are not only clean, but also in good condition. Use this small list as a checklist to determine what, if any, maintenance needs to be done.
Inspecting Your Windows For Spring:
- Check the exterior glass of your windows, looking for cracks or chips, discoloration, or moisture between the window panes.
- Keep in mind that there is not way to repair insulated windows that have condensation between them, they will need to be replaced.
- Open and close each window to make sure they are all working properly, which could indicate whether or not there is a problem that needs addressing.
- Check the weather stripping and caulking around the windows to make sure there are no cracks or crevices that will allow the outside weather to creep inside.
- Look for gaps between the wall and the window frame.
Check all of the window hardware…the hinges and locks, to make sure they are all in tact, well-attached and working correctly. (Lock integrity should be checked from the inside and the outside) Once inspected and cleaned, be sure to lubricate not only the hinges and locks, but the window tracks as well, with a silicone lubricant.
- If locks aren’t working correctly, the window might not completely seal shut.
- Check the wood around your windows, inside and out, to make sure there are no imperfections such as peeling, cracking or corrosion in the finish.
- Check your skylights for all the same issues as your windows.
- Don’t forget to check your screens for tears that will allow bugs and dirt into your home.
Whether repairs can be done DIY or you need to call a professional, don’t put them off. If you use this checklist annually to keep your windows maintained, your windows will serve you longer, better and more economically.
Once your windows have been inspected and any damage repaired, your windows are ready to be cleaned for the Spring.
Not everyone likes cleaning their own windows, so don’t do it…
Call me! I have been cleaning windows in the Seattle area for nearly 30 years, and quite frankly, I enjoy it! I can also help you with your gutters and other outside tasks. I will be happy to answer all of your questions, and I know the mistakes to avoid. I clean private homes or apartment complexes.
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