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Your windows have a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal. You have to make sure they’re spotless and fully functional all the time. In this entry, we want to focus on window cleaning and maintenance tips that should come handy this spring.
Springtime Is Cleaning Time
This season presents the most ideal weather conditions for working on your home’s exteriors. The sun is up, the sky is clear, and temperatures are comfortable overall. Make the most of this splendid opportunity to perform these much-needed maintenance tasks on your windows in Westchester, NY.
Things to Do
1. Clean the framing.
Use a brush or a soft rag to wipe the main frame, sash, and grilles with a mild solution of soap and water. This will help preserve the unit’s good looks. If you have wood windows, they may need to be scraped, repainted, or restained.
Tip: If you’re not a fan of frequent wiping and repainting, opt for replacements that are specially designed for long-term appeal. Composites like Fibrex® are infused with long-lasting color during the manufacturing process. They don’t need to be painted, scraped, or stained once installed.
Fibrex frames are made with reclaimed wood fibers and thermoplastic polymer. The resulting material is sturdy enough not to expand and contract under extreme temperatures. In terms of insulation, their performance is on a par with vinyl, fiberglass, and natural wood. Maintenance is a treat because these frames are less likely to bow, crack, or corrode compared with other materials.
2. Lubricate hardware.
For operable windows like double-hung, casement, and sliding windows, make sure you lubricate all moveable parts. These include locks, hinges, and rollers. Consult a window expert for more thorough hardware refurbishing.
Tip: Your choice of hardware can affect your window’s overall performance. For the best selection, we suggest looking at the superb roster of replacement window products from Renewal by Andersen®. Hardware is customizable—you can choose from multiple color options, finishes, and other features. These are especially crafted to have a long service life.
3. Wash the glass.
The glazing makes up the biggest component of your window unit. It can collect grime over time, especially during the rainy reason. Wipe off loose dirt with a soft dry cloth, taking care not to scratch the surface. For more stubborn muck, use a mild cleaning solution.
Tip: Some manufacturers make replacement units with self-cleaning glass. Renewal by Andersen, for example, uses metal oxide coating on the exterior surface of the glass. Thanks to the coating, water sheets off on its own, and spotting is reduced up to 99%. Metal oxide coating is thin and invisible too, so it won’t take away from the beauty of your window.
Bonus: When you clean the glass of your Westchester window, watch out for condensation. If there’s fogging inside the glass, the window’s weather seals may be broken or its insulating properties may be inadequate. Either way, we suggest upgrading to a replacement unit that has better seals and thermal performance.
Renewal by Andersen of Westchester offers replacement units that use highly efficient glass packages. Call us at (866) 609-5033 to determine which one is best for your home. Let us know a convenient date for a free, no-obligation window consultation.