Remember Window Maintenance When Window Washing

Some people are so focused on washing their windows each spring that they don’t realize window maintenance is a separate and equally important window task. If your window frame or casement is suffering from some type of damage, cleaning dirt and dust from the window glass should be the least of your concerns. We all want our homes to look good, but they need to provide shelter and protection, first and foremost, and comfort and reasonable energy-efficiency, next, before you can polish your glass and call it a day. So, before you take out your chamois and squeegee, here’s what you need to know about potential window damage and maintenance.

Window Damage: Causes and Consequences

When most people think of window damage they think of broken windows caused by baseballs and storms, but there are many subtler forms of window damage. Water damage from faulty roofing, gutters, or poor interior ventilation, stress fractures caused from ice, or a shifting foundation that warps window openings can each cause damaged window frames and air leaks. If you’ve noticed a draft from your windows or something simply doesn’t look right, it’s probably time to have the window looked at by a professional. It doesn’t matter how highly rated your window glass is, if outside air can permeate your window through the frame. Your room won’t be as comfortable and your utility bills will rise. Unfortunately, this damage can develop slowly over time, making it easy to miss by homeowners, who simply assume their windows are holding up just fine. Left unattended, extensive damage can occur that will force you to replace the entire window, rather than complete a relatively simple window repair.

Window Hardware and Treatments

Once you know your window is in solid, airtight condition, it’s tempting to quickly move on to window washing and call it a day. But your windows are more than the glass and the frame. Window hardware is what allows your windows to smoothly open and close. Both hinged and sliding windows are susceptible to damage than can inhibit a window’s ability to stay open…or to stay closed. Chances are you’ve known about this problem for a while and used a stick to prop the window open or have been jamming it shut, while risking further damage to the window. Since you’re working on your window maintenance, this is the excuse you need to call in a window professional and get it taken care of. You may be pleasantly surprised by how inexpensive these repairs can be.

And while you’re it, take a moment to evaluate your window treatments. Are there energy-efficiency benefits to be had by new, adjustable window blinds or shutters? If you’re like most homeowners and washing your windows in the spring, now is the time for window treatments as well. During the summer, you want to be able to easily close your window coverings during the day and open them up in the evening and throughout the night.

You might think this is overkill, but from interior decorating to energy-efficiency and the long-term health of your home, it’s hard to overestimate the importance of your windows. Rather than bland spring cleaning, your home will be in better condition by focusing on comprehensive window maintenance. Save the dusting and carpet cleaning until the fall, if that’s what it takes to ensure your windows are in good shape.

Window Washing

Now that you’ve completed your basic window maintenance, it’s time to wash those windows. If you’re exhausted by this previous maintenance or you’ve gotten lucky and didn’t have any window maintenance costs, you should consider splurging on the cost of professional window washers. There’s no shame in calling in the pros. Even the most diligent homeowners are unlikely to match the level of cleanliness provided by reputable window washers. They’re equipment and technique won’t just create immaculate window panes, but they’ll leave your windows static-free so they don’t attract new dust in the days and weeks ahead. And long-term planning is what the best window maintenance is all about.