How to Maintain Your Windows Through Every Season

Your windows play an important role in keeping your home safe and energy-efficient. Unfortunately, windows aren’t immortal and rely on cleaning and maintenance steps to extend their lifespan. Homeowners often put a significant investment into their windows but fall behind on taking care of them. Don’t be that person.

Your windows add not only functionality but incredible curb appeal and value to your home. So, it’s up to you or your trusted window experts to take care of them and make any repairs right away.

Defending your home against the elements can be a challenge, and maintaining your windows through every season (especially winter) requires some crucial actions.

Fall & Winter Maintenance

Your windows will go through their toughest test during the wintertime. Poorly sealed or damaged windows can cost you a fortune on your energy bill. So, it’s important that you prep for the cold and take the necessary precautions to keep your windows in tip-top shape.

Seal Your Windows

Sealing your windows for winter is perhaps the best way to reduce your heating bill and keep the cold out of your home. So, where should you start?

Conduct an inspection of your windows to locate any leaks or problem areas that may cause issues. On a cold and windy day, take a visit to every room in your home, being especially mindful of drafts or drops in temperature. A temperature sensor around windows is always a great way to find leaks or windows that need some love.

You can also get an energy audit done on your home too. They’ll conduct tests and suggest methods for how you should seal your windows to protect your home from the elements.

Seal up your windows with a reliable caulking solution. It’s one of the quickest and most affordable ways to defend against cold air and will last all winter if installed correctly. Leaky windows require a layer of caulk around the exterior perimeter — along with the space between the interior trim and wall.

There are other options for sealing up your windows as well.

Removable caulk allows you to seal the entire window, but it won’t be operational until the caulk is removed.
A heat-shrink film is a super-cheap and easy way to seal up your windows for winter.

Replacing your windows with higher quality and more efficient solutions can often save you a lot of money in minor repairs and maintenance. As we said, windows are an investment — hiring the right installation experts, and window specialists can be your best defense against the cold winter months.

Spring Window Cleaning

Once the groundhog decides what it’s going to do with its shadow and the wintertime is behind us, it’s time for a good old fashion spring cleaning.

One of the best ways to keep your windows from wear and tear is a regular cleaning schedule. Dirt, debris, and overall use can take a toll on your windows, leaving them vulnerable to damage that can increase your energy bills and require costly repairs. So, being proactive is often the best strategy for window maintenance.

So, here are some helpful window cleaning and overall care tips that will help your windows last through every season.

Grab a high-quality window cleaner or create your own DIY solution with 2 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon dish soap, and 1/4 cup vinegar and some paper towels.
Leave the paper towels behind; they’ll leave streaks and unwanted lint spots on your windows. Opt for a squeegee or microfiber cloth.
Use a sponge brush to tackle the window tracks.
A wooden window frame can rot, which means you’ll need to scrape out the rotted areas and fill with epoxy putty.

Note: Vinyl window frames are an incredible alternative to traditional wooden frames. They’re extremely easy to maintain and clean — plus, you won’t have to worry about warping, cracking, rotting, or painting!

Summer Window Checklist

Summertime is by far your most relaxed window maintenance season, but that doesn’t mean you get to sit around and do nothing at all. During the summer, it’s good to go through a little checklist and ensure that your windows are ready for harsher seasons.

Check your weather stripping for wear and deterioration that could cause leakage or increases in energy bills. Cracking or dry stripping should be replaced right away so that you don’t run the risk of letting unwanted air into your home.
Inspect your window caulking for any deterioration as well. While caulking has a fairly long lifespan, unwanted wear in this area can increase your home’s energy bills as well.
Make sure your windows operate to their fullest — and are able to open and close without issues. This is especially important for fire safety.
Take a close look at your window panes to ensure that there is no damage that may require replacement before the weather gets cold.

Energy Efficiency Starts With Window Care

As with any part of a home, storm and weather damage can take a toll on your windows. Residential properties in the Midwest are especially susceptible to the elements, as constant fluctuations in temperature and moisture levels can wreak havoc on your window systems.

Maintaining your windows through every season should be a proactive measure, one that works to prevent problems before they ever start. The more diligent and attentive you are as a homeowner to the condition of your windows — the quicker you’ll be able to identify problem areas and take care of them. Here’s something to remember: The faster the fix, the cheaper the solution.

That being said, window replacement can be an inevitable symptom of your home, and having a trusted window partner to help with installation and high-quality window solutions can be a lifesaver.

We work with a handful of reliable and premier window brands that will help upgrade your home, boost curb appeal, and save you money on your energy bill.