Maintaining New Windows

Maintaining Your New Windows: A Complete Care Checklist 🪟✨

Now that your new windows are installed, the hardest part is over.

Well-installed windows should last decades with minimal maintenance. The simple seasonal habits outlined below will keep your windows performing beautifully for years to come. The key is consistency—a little preventive care today can save you from costly repairs down the road. 🛠️

1. Routine Glass Cleaning 🧼

Clean windows not only help protect them from wear and tear but also provide more natural light and better views. For best results:

  • Use non-abrasive materials: Mild soap and water or a glass cleaner free from abrasives, paired with a microfiber cloth or squeegee, deliver streak-free results.

  • Clean 2–4 times per year: Routine cleaning also reveals hidden issues, such as damaged seals or cracks.

  • Timing matters: Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight to reduce streaking.

Pro tip: Clean both interior and exterior surfaces, and remove screens beforehand for best access. 🪣

2. Frame & Screen Care 🖼️

Different frame materials require specific care approaches:

  • All frame types: Wipe with water and a soft cloth. Use a mild cleaner only if manufacturer-approved.

  • Screen maintenance: Remove screens and gently vacuum with a soft brush attachment or rinse with water. Let them dry fully before reinstalling.

  • Annual inspection: Check screens for tears, holes, or loose fits that might affect function.

3. Track & Hinge Lubrication 🔧

Applying a silicone-based lubricant helps reduce friction, prevent sticking, and extend the life of your windows.

Why it matters: Proper lubrication ensures smooth operation and prevents wear on moving parts.

How to do it:

  • Frequency: Every 6–12 months

  • Product choice: Use silicone-based lubricants (avoid WD-40, which can degrade tracks and attract dirt)

  • Preparation: Clean debris from tracks first using a small brush or compressed air

4. Check and Maintain Caulking 🪟🧴

Inspect exterior caulking annually—especially before winter.

  • What to look for: Cracked, peeling, or separated caulk around the window frame

  • When to re-caulk: Replace deteriorated sealant immediately to preserve the window’s integrity

  • Timing: Schedule inspections before harsh weather to prevent moisture intrusion 🌧️

5. Inspect Weatherstripping 💨

Checking the sealing, caulking, and weatherstripping around your windows helps maintain energy efficiency.

Annual checklist:

  • Look for wear, brittleness, or peeling

  • Check for visible gaps that allow drafts

  • Test by holding a damp hand near the window edges

  • Replace damaged weatherstripping right away

Best timing: Inspect before the cold season begins ❄️

6. Keep Weep Holes Clear 💧

Weep holes, found at the bottom of exterior window frames, are vital for drainage.

What they do: Allow water that enters the wall or frame to drain out, preventing buildup and damage.

How to maintain:

  • Location: Small rectangular holes at the bottom exterior frame

  • Cleaning method: Use a wire hanger, soft brush, or compressed air to clear debris

  • Frequency: At least once a year—more often in rainy climates

  • Testing: Spray the outside of the window with a garden hose 🚿. You should see a steady stream exiting the weep holes.

7. Watch for Signs of Trouble 🚨

Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive repairs. Look for:

Immediate concerns:

  • Condensation between panes (possible seal failure)

  • Drafts, even when windows are closed

  • Difficulty opening or closing windows

  • Cracks, peeling paint, or warping on frames

Additional warning signs:

  • Water stains or streaks around window frames

  • Fogging that won’t wipe away

  • Rising energy bills without explanation

  • Peeling paint or dark stains near windows

Remember: Small fixes now prevent major headaches later. 🧠

8. Seasonal Maintenance Checklist 📅

Spring Tasks (March–May):

 🌷

  • Deep clean glass (inside and out)

  • Wipe down all frame materials

  • Remove and clean screens

  • Inspect and clear weep holes

  • Check caulking for winter damage

Fall Tasks (September–November):

 🍂

  • Lubricate all moving parts (tracks, hinges, rollers)

  • Inspect and replace weatherstripping as needed

  • Clear weep holes before snow begins

  • Check and re-caulk where necessary

  • Test window operation and locks

Year-round vigilance: Stay alert for the red flags mentioned above 👀

Conclusion ✅

Well-installed windows should last decades—and with just a little maintenance, yours will. By following these practical tips, you can extend your windows’ lifespan and ensure optimal performance. A small seasonal investment of time now means:

  • Better energy efficiency ⚡

  • Greater comfort year-round 🏠

  • Fewer surprise repairs down the road 💸

Need a hand?

If you’re unsure what to look for or need help with any maintenance tasks, just give us a call. We’re here to help your windows stay at their best—for years to come. 📞

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