Spring is a season of renewal, a perfect time to nest and clean inside and outside your home. After the extremes of weather during the winter months, your home deserves a little tender loving care–especially your windows and doors. Good cleaning will enhance the appearance and even increase their longevity and functionality.
This guide will take you through why it’s important to clean your windows and doors, how best to do it, and how to recognize when it’s time for replacement windows and doors.
How winter affects windows and doors
Winter can be tough on windows and doors. Cold temperatures, ice, and snow can lead to wear and tear, including cracks in the sealant, warping of materials, and build up of dirt and grime in hard-to-reach areas. These elements affect the appearance of doors and windows and can even damage them, leading to drafts and reduced energy efficiency in your home.
The importance of cleaning windows and doors
Regular cleaning of your windows and doors extends their life, improves their function, and increases your home’s overall energy efficiency. Clean windows allow more natural light to enter your home, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and offering a clear view of the outdoors. Clean doors make your home’s entrance more welcoming to your guests and can prevent long-term damage caused by dirt and moisture.
Steps to cleaning windows
Though seemingly a simple task, tackling spring cleaning your windows in the following order will give you the best results.
Start with the frames
Use a mixture of mild soap and water to wipe the window frames and tracks. A soft cloth can remove most of the dirt and grime that has built up over the winter.
Weather stripping
Give your weather stripping a refresh by wiping it down with a soft, damp cloth. This is a common place for dirt to build up which impacts how the window seals your home from the elements.
Clean the glass
For the glass, a solution of vinegar and water works wonders for removing dirt and minimizing streaks. Apply the solution with a sponge and wipe down with a squeegee for a streak-free finish. Dry the edges with a clean cloth to prevent watermarks.
Don’t forget the screens
Screens capture dust and grime over the winter. You’d be surprised how much! Improve your view by removing the screens and gently vacuuming debris using the soft brush attachment. Give them a wipe with a damp cloth or soapy water, and rinse them clean. Remember to always use the lightest pressure possible when cleaning your screens to avoid damage.
Steps to cleaning doors
Wipe down the door and frame
Start by cleaning the interior and exterior surface of the panel, frame, and sill with a solution of mild soap and water using a soft cloth. Pay special attention to areas around handles and locks where dirt tends to accumulate. Be sure to thoroughly rinse surfaces with clean water to avoid filmy residue that will make your door look cloudy.
Clean and lubricate the hardware
Polish door knobs, handles, and locks with warm, soapy water and towel dry. Lubricate the hardware and hinges to ensure ongoing operation and reduce possible corrosion from moisture and salts.
Check weather stripping and seals
Inspect and clean weather stripping and seals around your doors. If they’re damaged, replace them to maintain energy efficiency.
When replacement is necessary
Despite regular maintenance, there comes a time for doors and windows replacement. Here are some signs to watch for.
Drafts or increased energy bills
Experiencing drafts near your windows and doors or seeing a significant increase in your energy bills can indicate poor insulation and efficiency, a problem that often arises from a problem that often arises from worn-out seals, broken sealed units, damaged doors or frames, or structural issues. Installing replacement exterior doors along with new windows can lead to significantly improved comfort and energy savings, making your home more efficient and reducing unnecessary heating or cooling expenses.
Difficulty opening or closing
Windows and doors that become challenging to operate can signify warping, frame damage, or issues with the foundation. These problems can inconvenience you and also compromise security and insulation. Replacements may be necessary to restore functionality, ensure safety, and keep your home snug and warm.
Visible damage
Visible signs of damage, such as cracks, rotting, or extensive wear and tear affect your home’s aesthetic and can be indicators of structural issues. If left unchecked, this damage can lead to further issues, including water infiltration and pest entry. Replacing damaged windows and doors will maintain both the safety and appearance of your home, while also potentially increasing its value.
Condensation between panes
Condensation between the panes of double- or triple-glazed windows is a clear indicator of seal failure which compromises the window’s insulating properties, leading to energy loss and reduced comfort. Whenever you have a broken sealed unit it’s important to determine why the unit failed so you can address the underlying cause. Replacing only the sealed unit can leave you vulnerable to it breaking again.
Your best bet to restore energy efficiency, prevent mold growth, and ensure your home remains comfortable and secure throughout the seasons is through replacement windows.
A fresh new look with Centennial Windows & Doors
Spring cleaning and maintenance will keep your home looking top-notch and can extend the lifespan of your windows and doors, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and enhance its curb appeal. When replacements are necessary, however, choose the right windows and doors to maximise the aesthetics and comfort of your home. Contact Centennial Windows & Doors for a consultation today to learn more about available options.
