Before the temperatures even begin to drop, now is the time to tackle your fall window maintenance checklist to ensure your home is ready for the winter months ahead.
Completing just a few maintenance tasks can help ensure energy efficiency within your home and prevent small issues from turning into costly problems.
In our guide below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fall window maintenance so your home is ready for whatever winter throws its way.
Importance of Fall Window Maintenance
While addressing fall window maintenance might seem like just another annoying task on your to-do list, it can actually save you from a lot of headaches down the road.
It simply involves inspecting, sealing, and cleaning your windows to ensure they’re ready for the harsh winter elements. You see, when you properly prepare your windows, you can save money on your energy bills, enjoy a comfortable home, extend the lifespan of your windows, and address small issues before they become bigger problems.
Benefits of Regular Window Maintenance
There are many benefits of conducting regular fall window maintenance.
For starters, when you inspect your windows, you’ll look for any gaps, holes, or cracks that may let cold air in and warm air out. If you have a drafty window, it can disrupt the inside temperature of your home and strain your heating system as it tries to keep up. Not only can this make your home uncomfortable and colder than usual, but it can also drive up your energy bill costs.
Cleaning your windows can do wonders for your home as well. When your windows are clear of dust and dirt, more natural sunlight can enter through them, helping to warm your home. Removing the grime also helps prevent the dirt from etching the window pane if it’s exposed to freezing temperatures. Of course, as an added perk, you can see better through your windows when they’re clean and clear!
Furthermore, regulating completing these tasks can help prolong the life of your windows.
Seasonal Challenges for Windows
Another reason completing your fall window maintenance checklist is so important is that you’re not only identifying potential problems that will arise during the window, but you’re also addressing any issues that occurred during the prior spring and summer months.
This is because outside temperatures and weather can influence your windows in various ways. For example, warm summer temperatures can cause the window frames and the glass to expand, putting a strain on the seals and creating gaps. These high temps can also cause the frames to warp.
Cold winter temperatures can do a number on your windows, too. Freezing temperatures can cause your windows to shrink and contract, resulting in warping and bowing of the frames. You also need to be mindful of thermal stress cracks and condensation buildup, which can occur when the frigid outdoor temperatures come into contact with the warm indoor temperatures on the other side of the window.
Moisture is another factor to consider, especially during rainy and snowy seasons. Rain, snow, frost, and ice can rust metal parts, rot wood, swell window frames, create permanent fog damage on the glass, and even encourage mold to grow in cracks and crevices. Not to mention, if your windows have holes and or gaps, rain can leak into your home.
Essential Fall Window Maintenance Tasks
With a better understanding of the importance of this kind of upkeep, let’s discuss some tasks that belong on your fall window maintenance checklist.
Inspecting Seals and Weatherstripping
Begin by examining the seals and weatherstripping, which are responsible for creating a barrier against outside influences, such as air, dirt, and moisture.
You should see caulk along the stationary cracks, like where the window frames meet the wall, and weatherstripping (made of foam, vinyl, or rubber) around the moving parts, such as the tracks.
If the caulk or weatherstripping is cracked, broken, brittle, or missing, replace it and ensure an airtight seal.
Cleaning Windows and Tracks
Now, it’s time to start cleaning! You’ll want to remove any dirt and grime from the window panes, tracks, and screens.
Gently wipe down the glass, shake out the screens, and vacuum along the tracks. We recommend using gentle dish soap or a mixture of water and vinegar on the glass panes and tracks to remove any stubborn stains.
After cleaning the glass, be sure to wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.
Checking for Drafts
Next, double-check for drafts. These are areas where air can enter or escape your home through gaps in the window.
You can run your hand along the window to feel for any breezes or light a candle to see if any air makes the flame flicker.
If you find a drafty spot, apply weatherstripping or caulk to seal it up.
Examining Screens and Hardware
Our final fall window maintenance tip involves examining the screens and hardware for any damage.
Ensure the screens don’t have any holes or rips that could let in outside air or moisture. If you notice damage to the screens, you may need to apply a patch or replace the mesh altogether.
As for the hardware, check that the locks, latches, and hinges are all working properly and replace or fix any loose, rusty, or damaged parts. While you’re at it, use some silicon spray to lubricate them.
Tips for Efficient Window Maintenance
When it comes to fall window maintenance, it’s essential to have the right tools and know when to turn to a professional.
Tools and Supplies Needed
Be sure you have all the necessary supplies before servicing your windows.
We recommend having the following tools on hand:
- Caulk
- Weatherstripping
- Vacuum
- Cleaning solution (mild dish soap or a water and vinegar solution)
- Microfiber cloth
- Silicone spray (for lubricating hardware)
- Screwdrivers and screws (for addressing loose or broken hardware)
- Ladder (for hard-to-reach windows)
When to Call a Professional
In many cases, fall window maintenance is something you can tackle on your own.
However, there are instances in which you may need to turn to a professional. For example, if you notice structural issues, water damage, rotting wood, or broken glass, these are situations that may require a professional’s expertise.
A professional will have the skills and experience to safely and efficiently address these issues for you. They may repair the problem or advise you to consider window replacements if the issue is too significant.
Contact MILGARD Today
Upon inspecting your windows before winter, you may discover that you’re ready to invest in new windows. Perhaps you’ve found issues that are beyond repair or you’ve decided that it’s time to consider energy-efficient windows. Whatever the case, MILGARD is here to help.
We’ll guide you through the entire process, from measuring your windows to finding the ideal ones to match your interior design. What’s more, we’re currently offering some of the best discounts during our special fall promo.
Contact us today to find a certified dealer near you!
FAQs
Yes, we recommend cleaning your windows as part of your fall window maintenance routine. Remove any dust, dirt, and grime from the window panes, tracks, and screens to help ensure they’re clean and clear for the upcoming winter months.
Maintenance involves inspecting the windows for damage, sealing any holes and gaps, and cleaning the glass, tracks, and screens. It’s also important to examine the hardware, replacing any damaged or faulty parts and lubricating hinges and locks.
Identifying and sealing any holes, gaps, and crevices are crucial steps when preparing your windows for winter. This helps prevent air and moisture from seeping into your home, which can disrupt the indoor temperature, place a strain on your heating system, and even increase the cost of your energy bill. It’s also important to clean your windows and replace any broken hardware.
