Reduce Your Window Maintenance with These Five Tips

When it comes to windows, maintenance needn’t be a lesson in defeat. If you’re facing window replacements, wood window installation or general check-ups, you might be going about it the wrong way. Often, homeowners overextend themselves with window installation, removal and maintenance, leading to hefty expenses, long-term clean-up jobs and unwanted fixes. To keep your home prim and proper while protecting your window area, check out the five tips below. Each has been pulled from industry expertise, guaranteeing less window check-ups, easier repairs and long-term durability on both ends of the glass:

Tip One: Plan for Size Changes

Firstly, you should determine upcoming size changes within the industry. Windows, alone, are highly susceptible to temperature cycle exposures. That said, they’re also susceptible to changing industry standards. If you want to avoid unnecessary alterations down the road, you should pre-plan your window installation to be adaptable. Install a window capable of accommodating for upcoming commercial changes, and don’t get caught up buying unwarranted additions.

Tip Two: Check Your Caulking

Next, you should make sure each window’s caulking job allows for flexible maintenance. All too often, homeowners sink dollars in advanced repairs due to caulking needs. A lot of window designs feature flexible seal designs. However, continuous exposure to ultraviolet light, extreme temperatures and moisture can lead to lost flexibility. Redo your caulking before it’s too late.

Three: Turn to Foam

To fill your window’s voids, use foam. Foam, when used to cover window frames, stud wall frames and other gaps can accommodate for seasonal expansions. Rely on it to reduce cracking, splitting and wearing due to summertime expansion, and don’t forget to reapply as necessary. If you don’t, your window frames may bow inward when temperatures get too hot.

Four: Identify Moisture Quickly

Window damages can be mitigated when moisture is spotted quickly. Inspect your window’s finish regularly, and constantly examine its exterior for moisture damage. If an area has failing paint, it should be checked for moisture, too. By being proactive about moisture damage, you can ensure a quick response to a situation otherwise susceptible to prolonged damage—and expensive treatment.

Five: Open Windows to Check for Warping

Sometimes, deeper issues can be spotted via day-to-day use. Open your windows frequently, and ensure their operational capacity by checking them for warpage. If your window has difficulty opening, you might have a moisture problem. That said, you can circumvent serious moisture damage by checking out your window’s main functions every so often. It may sound simple, but it’s entirely worthwhile.

Rot, decay, paint damage and broken frames can be spotted ahead of time. By following the above maintenance tips, you can save a great deal of cash in the long run. Remember: Be proactive, be careful and be considerate of long-term problems.