Essential Tips on Window Maintenance and Repair

Person Doing Window Maintenance

Depending on the material, windows tend to last somewhere between 20 and 50 years. That said, if you want your windows to reach the full potential of their intended lifespan, you need to provide them with proper maintenance.

What does window maintenance entail? We’re going to tell you below, giving you tips on both window maintenance and repair. Let’s go!

Lubricate Your Window Tracks

If you have hung windows, sliding windows, or any other windows that slide on tracks, it’s imperative that you lubricate those tracks every six months or so. This way, the windows can glide easily across said tracks instead of being subjected to rough and deteriorating friction.

What do you use to lubricate window tracks? A silicone-based lubricant is your best option. Make sure that you clean the tracks first, then spray this lubricant over their entirety. This will ensure that the window sash can move easily, optimizing both the performance and lifespan of the window.

Need help lubricating your windows? Your local window repair company can help you.

Repair Cracks as They Appear

Whether there are cracks in your window frame or cracks in your window itself, you should repair them in as timely a manner as possible. The longer you allow such cracks to exist, the more they’ll spread and the more moisture they’ll enable to enter your window’s structural components. This can result in premature warping and premature deterioration in general.

The process of repairing cracks is dependent on the material you’re dealing with. Wood cracks can be repaired with a wood putty filler. Cracks in the glass can be repaired with clear epoxy, provided that they’re not too large. If they are too large, you’ll have to replace the pane entirely.

Note while you might be able to make these repairs on your own, you should know that they’re not always as easy as they seem. Therefore, it might be a better idea to utilize the services of a professional window repair company. They know exactly how to fix a window and will ensure that yours is repaired properly.

Clean Your Windows

You also need to clean your windows regularly. This helps not only to maintain their appearance in the short term but in the long run as well.

See, if you fail to clean your window panes at least twice a year, they will start to fade, taking on a white-ish color that makes them difficult to see through. To be safe, clean both their interiors and exteriors monthly.

As far as the frames go, these should be cleaned more frequently. Their interiors should be cleaned weekly. Their exteriors can do with monthly cleanings.

Repaint Your Windows When Chips Appear 

If you have wood windows, they’re likely painted. At some point, that paint is going to chip. When this occurs, it will leave portions of the windows exposed to moisture, thus putting them in a position for premature warping.

As such, you should repaint your windows at the first sign of chipping. And if you want to keep your windows looking nice, you should repaint them every 3 to 5 years regardless.

When painting, be sure to use either tempera or acrylic paint. Both are built to withstand weathering.

Seal Your Windows

If you have wood windows, you should seal them regularly as well. This will help to stave off water-related damage, including but not limited to warping, fading, and buckling.

There are all sorts of waterproof sealers that you can use on windows. Some of the best options include varnish, polyurethane, and lacquer solutions. You can buy these online and at home improvement stores.

Make sure to apply two coats with a standard paint brush so as to produce the best results possible. Do this every three years or so, and you’ll likely add a few years to the overall lifespan of your windows.

Fix Gaps in Your Windows

When they’re installed, your windows will be lined with caulk so as to keep them airtight. Note, however, that over time, this caulk will form gaps. When this occurs, your windows will become drafty and thus put further strain on your HVAC system.

This is why, whenever you notice a gap in your caulk, you need to apply a new coat of caulk. Even if it’s a small crack, you still need to make the repair.

Applying caulk is likely something you can do on your own. However, if you’ve never done it before, you might have trouble doing it in an aesthetically pleasing manner. In this case, it would be a good idea to call up a home window repair specialist.

Assess the Fit of Your Window

As time passes, your home will shift. This could result in fit problems for your windows. They could have trouble opening and closing and might even possess small gaps through which air and moisture could pass.

This is why it’s important to assess the fit of your window regularly, every six months or so. Look for any spots that don’t sit flush against the window frame. If you do find any of these spots, call up a window repair tech and have them make the necessary changes.

Need Help With Window Maintenance in Las Vegas?

Not confident in your ability to maintain your windows? Don’t have the time? If not, and if you need help with window maintenance in Las Vegas, we here at Cut-Rate Glass are the people to see.

Our team is well-versed in the ins and outs of glass window repair and maintenance, having maintained and repaired countless windows throughout the Las Vegas area. Regardless of the types of windows you use, our skilled and seasoned team can accommodate you.

Contact us now to request a quote!