Fall Maintenance Checklist for Replacement Windows

Window cleaning should be part of your regular home maintenance, especially if you want your replacement windows in Portland, OR to last for years to come. Fall is the perfect time to pay special attention to your windows and start preparing for winter. Here is a checklist of cleaning items to follow:

Inspect the Window Frame and Glass

Any maintenance routine should always start with an inspection to make sure nothing is amiss. Inspect the window frame both inside and out, checking for scratches, dents, chips, or flaking. Check the glass for any chips or fractures.

Check for Water Damage

In addition to checking for physical damage, you should also check for signs of water damage. This can be more subtle and harder to detect than simply a pool of water. Things to look for include discoloration, mold, or peeling paint. You might also notice condensation between the panes. Any one of these could indicate a leak.

Clean Window Treatments

If nothing seems amiss it is time to get to work. Start by removing and cleaning the window treatments around the windows. That way the dust won’t transfer from your dirty drapes or blinds to your clean windows.

Clean Around the Window

Once the window treatments are down you can wipe down the window frame and sill with water and mild detergent. It is important to work quickly rinsing and drying so water does not seep down into the substructures of your windows. You should also clean out the window track to remove any sand, leaves, insects, or tiny rocks.

Clear Weep Holes

Inspect the weep holes on your windows and remove any debris from blocked holes. These breather holes allow air exchange with certain components and help moisture to escape.

Remove and Wash Screens

Carefully remove the screens from the windows and place them on a flat, clean surface. Spray screen with water to remove some of the dirt. Scrub with a mild detergent and a soft brush for tougher stains. Rinse and let air dry completely before installing.

Rinse Exterior

Rinse the outside of the windows at least once a quarter. This is especially important in coastal areas where salt spray and fog damage can have a corrosive effect on the metal parts of windows.

Clean the Glass

Once the frames and the exteriors of the windows are clean you can move on to the glass. You can use a generic glass cleaner or water and a mild detergent to remove dirt, streaks, and greasy film from the glass. Then dry and polish with a lint-free cloth.

Fix Locks and Sticky Parts

Operate the locking mechanisms and latches on your windows to see if any of the parts need adjustment. Then feel for uneven sliding or sticking when you open and close a window. Use a non-grease lubricant to smooth operation.

Check Caulking and Weather-Stripping

Last, but not least, check the seals on you for any leaks or gaps. Hopefully, there are no issues, especially if you just barely got replacement windows. If necessary, you can remove the damaged material and reapply the sealant to help maintain energy efficiency.

For more information about maintenance, or for replacement windows in Portland, OR call the experts at EnergyGuard Windows & Doors.