It’s important for homeowners to keep the look and function of their windows in good shape. If you buy high-quality windows, expect them to last about 20 years or more with proper maintenance. However, if you make any of these mistakes with your windows, you might have to replace them much sooner. Make sure to steer clear of these poor maintenance habits to preserve – and even extend – the life of your windows:
1. Not cleaning the tracks. Check the tracks of your sliding windows if you have them in your home. Along these tracks, dirt, hair and other debris can build up and make the windows stick or jam. Make sure to keep this part of your sliding windows clean so that they can work well.
2. Not replacing your windows promptly. Putting off replacing your windows can lead to a number of problems, from less security to a lot of energy loss. So, if you can’t fix your windows, you should replace them.
3. Being careless with window cleaning. Don’t wash your windows. Instead, clean them. If not, excess water will leak into the walls and window frames. Use a bottle of mild cleaning solution that you can wipe off with a soft cloth. If it’s sunny outside, don’t clean your windows because the cleaning solution will dry too quickly and leave streaks that are hard to remove.
4. Not locking the windows. When you lock your windows, you tighten the seal between the sash and weatherstripping. This keeps out drafts and noise from the outside. On the other hand, windows that are closed but not locked can let moisture move between the inside and outside, which can lead to mold or rot. To avoid this kind of damage, make sure to lock your windows as often as you can.
5. Power washing walls around the window. Some people use power washers to clean their home’s siding. This can be a problem when they are cleaning areas around the frame where dust and dirt can get blown into the glass surface and frame material. Window replacement companies usually advise against the use of power washers and instead suggest a regular hose to spray the areas close to the window.
For quality window replacement services, you can rely on Renewal by Andersen of Long Island. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (855) 728-1756, or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate today. We serve homeowners in Massapequa and the surrounding communities.