When you’ve invested time and money in new windows for your home, you want to ensure they look and perform at their best for years to come. This may include calling your window contractor when problems emerge and never missing a maintenance appointment. However, there are additional steps you can take throughout the year to keep them looking their best.
Once your window contractor leaves, it is up to you to perform seasonal maintenance to keep them looking and functioning properly. But if you’ve never performed this maintenance before, you might not know where to begin. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a list of maintenance tasks you should perform each season to maintain peak performance.
Why Seasonal Maintenance is Important
Immediately after your new windows are installed on your home, you may find yourself cleaning and caring for them more frequently than you did before this installation. However, as the newness wears off and you get busy with other responsibilities, it isn’t uncommon for these cleanings to get put on the back burner.
While it might not seem like a problem, choosing to put off seasonal maintenance can have a significant impact on your windows. When you’ve invested in installation from window contractors, you want to ensure your windows look and perform properly for years to come. Choosing to put off maintenance, however, can compromise this.
Uncleaned and uncared-for windows can compromise your home’s energy efficiency, put your security at risk, and hurt your curb appeal. To maximize the benefits of your window installation investment with window contractors, it is essential to schedule regular maintenance appointments throughout the year.
Start the Year Off Strong with Spring Cleaning
As winter weather conditions begin to subside and flowers start to blossom, this is the perfect time to inspect your windows. The weather conditions through the winter months can be incredibly harsh on the seals of your windows, which is why the spring is the perfect time to inspect for signs of damage.
If you notice any damage, it is best to contact a trusted window contractor to make the necessary repairs. Additionally, take some time to clean your windows, frames, and screens. Debris buildup from heavy snow and rainfall can impact the appearance and function of your windows, making spring the perfect time for a thorough cleaning.
Finally, consider cleaning and lubricating the hardware across your windows. If you reach out to your window contractors for essential repairs, consider asking them if this is included in their repair and maintenance services. By cleaning and servicing your windows and their hardware, you can trust that they’ll look their best through the spring months.
Prepare for Brighter Days with Summer Maintenance
Much like harsh winter weather conditions, summer can also be tough on your windows. As temperatures rise, check the caulking and seals, and make any essential repairs. Additionally, this is the perfect time to trim back any trees and foliage that are close to your home and could damage your windows.
Even the softest leaves and foliage can scratch new windows, causing aesthetic and functional damage that may be difficult to address. Whether your windows are new or have been recently replaced, keeping your foliage trimmed back can help you avoid this damage and keep your property looking its best.
Finally, don’t hesitate to invest in UV-blocking films if you notice that your home is warmer than normal. However, speak to your trusted window contractor before investing. They may have high-quality recommendations that can help you avoid damaging new, scratch-free windows.
Watch the Leaves Fall Through Crystal-Clear Windows This Fall
Fall is the perfect time to perform window maintenance that protects your home and boosts energy efficiency before temperatures drop. Start by washing the glass inside and out; clean windows make it easier to spot small problems that may have developed over the summer. Inspect the caulking and weather-stripping around each frame, as worn or cracked materials allow drafts and increase heating costs.
Replace any damaged seals, then check for gaps where pests or moisture could enter. Examine the frames and sills for signs of rot or peeling paint, and make minor repairs before winter weather exacerbates the issue. Lubricate hinges, locks, and tracks so windows continue to open and close smoothly.
If you use storm windows, install them early in the season; if you rely on screens, remove and clean them before storing. Taking these steps helps keep your home warm, comfortable, and well-insulated throughout the colder months.
Protect Your Windows From Winter’s Chill
While there may not be as much window maintenance during the coldest months of the year, there are still a few things you can do to keep them looking and performing their best. If snow and ice buildup accumulate along your windows, be sure to wipe it away, as it can cause damage to the seals, frames, and glass.
This is also the perfect season to watch for signs of drafty windows. If you notice cold air seeping into your home, this may be an indication that it is time to consider investing in replacement windows. While some damaged seals can be addressed, major draft problems are more challenging to resolve, and replacement is often the best option.
Finally, check for signs of condensation and mold growth between glass panes. Much like drafts, this also signifies damage to the essential seals around your windows and should be addressed by reliable window contractors who can help you make necessary repairs or replacements when warmer weather returns.
Trust Our Window Contractors for Expert Installation and Care Tips
If you’re looking for a reliable window contractor in Greenville, SC, to help you find new windows for your home, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Surface Bella. For years, we’ve helped homeowners replace old, unreliable windows with the upgraded windows of their dreams. No matter what you’re looking for, trust that we have your back.
When you’re ready to schedule installation with our expert window contractors, don’t hesitate to contact our team.