How Long Can You Maintain Your Windows And Doors?

You can improve your home by installing new windows or doors. They improve security, curb appeal, and energy efficiency. Regular maintenance is required to extend the life of these benefits. It is essential to maintain your Edmonton doors and windows to preserve their functionality.

Maintenance practices vary depending on whether your home has wood, vinyl, or composite frames. However, the goal remains the same: to protect your investment. The following is a guide to maintaining your windows and exterior doors for their long-term performance.

1. Establishing A Regular Cleaning Routine

Dust, grime, and other pollutants can build up over time on exterior surfaces. Cleaning the glass with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and a soft microfiber cloth is recommended. Avoid harsh chemicals, which may damage seals or coatings.

On frames, clean them with warm, soapy water, paying particular attention to the corners. Rinse and dry the frame with a clean cloth. By performing this task every season, you can keep windows and doors in good condition while minimizing corrosion.

2. Inspect Weatherstripping Seals

Edmonton’s doors and windows are known for their superior insulation. This relies on the integrity of seals and weatherstripping. Over time, these components will wear out or dry up. They may also peel off.

Two times a year, inspect seals around doors and windows. If you notice cracks or gaps in the weatherstripping, replace it immediately. This simple act can dramatically improve the energy efficiency and comfort in your home.

3. Lubricate Moving Elements

It is important to lubricate hinges, locks, and sliding tracks on windows and exterior doors. This will ensure smooth operation. Use a silicone oil lubricant for hinges. Do not use an oil-based lubricant as it can attract dirt. Clean any dirt and buildup off the hinges, locks, and sliding tracks before using a silicone-based lubricant.

Regular lubrication prolongs the life span of hardware while preventing sticking, squeaking, and unnecessary wear.

4. Refinishing or Repainting When Required

To protect wood-framed window and door frames from moisture and sun damage, it is important that they are refinished regularly. Examine wooden frames every year for signs of rot and peeling paint. You may have to repaint or reseal exposed wood surfaces every couple of years, depending on how much exposure they receive.

Even metal or composite frames will benefit from a fresh finish when they show signs that the surface is fading. This protects against external elements and maintains aesthetic appeal.

5. Keep Tracks & Sills Debris-Free

In particular, during seasons of transition, tracks for windows and doors are prone to collecting dirt, debris, and even insects. This buildup may obstruct motion and wear down the components.

Regularly brush or vacuum tracks, and then wipe them clean. It’s especially important when it comes to sliding windows and doors. They operate smoothly if the tracks are free of debris.

6. Safety And Test Locks

All windows, doors, and locks must be secure. Testing locks, stops, and latches to ensure proper operation is important. If a latch or lock no longer aligns with its strike plate or sticks, it could need to be replaced or adjusted.

For families with small children or windows that are located on the ground, it is especially important to keep safety features in good condition.

7. Trim Nearby Vegetation

Plants, overgrown shrubs, and vines trap moisture on window and door frames. This can lead to an increase in deterioration. Trim any vegetation touching or crowding the exteriors of your windows and/or doors.

If you maintain your space properly, it can prevent scratching and insect nesting.

8. Monitor Caulking Around Frames

Caulking on the exterior of the house is vital in sealing any gaps between the frames and the walls. The temperature fluctuation can cause the caulking over time to shrink and crack.

The sealant must be checked annually, but especially after harsh winters or summers. Scrape the old material if it seems brittle or if it’s pulling away. Then, apply a bead of new weather-resistant caulk.

Final Thoughts

Although they might be expensive, new windows and doors improve comfort, save money, and raise the value of a property. It is only when you regularly maintain your windows and doors that they will pay off. If you properly maintain your Edmonton Doors and Windows, they’ll continue to perform for decades and provide the energy efficiency, safety, and design that you expect.

These simple yet effective practices will help you enjoy lasting peace and preserve the value of your home for decades to come.