Just like the roof and other exterior components of your home, every composite window deserves an inspection at the end of winter. As a matter of fact, you should inspect your windows at least twice a year: once before winter, and another when the cold season is over. Freezing winters are especially challenging for different materials, so it’s important to inspect your windows for damage.
Here’s what you should do to prepare your windows for spring:
Clean Your Windows
Windows age over time, and the biggest contributing factors are sun and dirt. To clean your windows, mix some mild liquid detergent with clean, warm water. Spray your windows with a regular garden hose (not a pressure washer) then use a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth with the detergent and water mixture to wipe your windows carefully.
When you’ve covered one window, hose it down. Do not use a strong stream of water to avoid damaging the window, especially if it’s a wood window. Use a window squeegee to remove excess water. Then wipe it dry with another clean microfiber cloth. You can now move on to the next window.
If there is some stubborn dirt or grime, mix a little bit of distilled vinegar with clean water and use it to spray the affected area. Let it sit for about two to three minutes, then wipe it with the detergent-water solution. Hose it down and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
The interior side of the window is not likely to be as dirty. A damp microfiber cloth should be enough to remove most of the dust. You can also use a product like Windex on the glass.
Avoid using strong and harsh chemicals for cleaning your windows.
Inspect the Weather Stripping
Your windows are sealed with weather stripping between the sash and the pane. However, if there is one thing that deteriorates quickly with a window, it’s the weather stripping, so inspect it whenever you clean your windows. If the weather stripping is damaged or starting to wear down, call your window contractor to repair it.
Inspect the Caulk
To ensure the space between the window and the wall is leak-free, your installer uses caulk. Caulk, like weather stripping, deteriorates over time, so make sure to inspect it carefully, as well. If there are water leaks you didn’t know of before, you’ll probably notice them while you’re cleaning the window. You can buy caulk at your local home improvement store and apply it yourself. However, if you want the seal to be perfect, it’s always best to call a professional.
Inspect the Hardware
Windows that stick or are difficult to operate might need some servicing. After cleaning your windows and inspecting their seals, take a close look at their hardware. Lock and unlock them to see if they operate flawlessly. You should notice a marked difference in the sound coming from outdoors when your windows lock and form a seal.
If there are hardware or operability problems, such as sticking, a recommended lubricant should be able to solve them. If it doesn’t work, or if a lock is broken, contact your window contractor immediately. You should be able to easily lock your windows for security reasons and easily open them too because you might need to exit through a window in case of emergency.
Get in touch with Skyline Windows of Richmond for your window replacement needs. We offer various wood, composite, and fiberglass window choices. Call us today at (804) 270-4008 or leave a message here.
