A few minutes of care each season keeps your windows and doors sealing tightly, opening smoothly and looking new. Here’s what to do and when.
Good windows and doors are built to last for decades, but a little routine care goes a long way. A few minutes each season keeps them sealing tightly, opening smoothly and looking new. Here's what to do and when.
Keep them clean
Glass. Use a mild glass cleaner with a soft cloth or sponge. Skip abrasive pads and harsh chemicals, which can scratch glass and wear down coatings.
Frames. Vinyl and aluminum frames only need warm water with a little mild detergent. Wood frames need more care, so wipe them dry so water doesn't sit on the finish.
Tracks and sills. Vacuum out dirt, leaves and bugs, then wipe the tracks. Clean tracks let windows and sliding doors glide easily and seal properly when closed.
Door hardware. Wipe down hinges, handles and locks, and pay extra attention to the bottom of the door, where dirt and moisture collect.
Inspect and fix small problems early
- Caulking and seals: look for cracks or gaps around the outside of each frame and re-caulk where needed. This keeps water out and protects energy efficiency.
- Weatherstripping: replace any that is flattened, torn or missing. Worn weatherstripping is one of the most common causes of drafts.
- Hinges and locks: tighten loose screws and replace hardware that is rusted or sticking.
- Thresholds and door sweeps: if you can see daylight under a closed door, it's time for a new sweep.
A simple seasonal routine
Spring and fall: give everything a thorough cleaning, check for storm damage, and repair or replace torn screens. On wood doors, look for swelling or moisture and repaint or reseal as needed.
Before winter: make sure every window locks and every door closes tightly. Add draft stoppers or a new door sweep where you feel cold air.
Care by material
Wood needs fresh paint or stain whenever the finish starts to wear, because that finish is what protects it from moisture and sun. Watch for soft spots, warping or rot and deal with them quickly.
Vinyl and aluminum are low-maintenance, but harsh cleaners can scratch or dull them, so stick to mild soap. A little silicone lubricant on moving parts once a year keeps them working smoothly.
We're here to help
Regular care protects your investment and keeps your home comfortable. If a window or door isn't working the way it should, or you're wondering whether it's time to replace it, give us a call at 470-533-0777. We're happy to take a look.