Home Window Maintenance

Windows are an important part of every home. They let in light, sound and fresh air from outside. Properly-maintained and looked after, your windows will protect your home from rain, snow and other harsh weather conditions. Left unattended, they can leave you with water spraying onto your floors and cold drafts chilling you at night.

A once-a-year maintenance routine is good for your windowís well-being. Done well, you can avoid creaking sounds and stuck panes for a long time. It can add years to your windowís life, saving it from costly repairs and replacements.

Maintenance Kit

First, get your windows maintenance kit in order. You donít need much equipment. Just a few regular home repair tools should do the trick, such as:

* A small cleaning brush that can clean through the edges
* A handheld-vacuum cleaner
* Towels or spare cloths
* Spray lubricant
* Screwdrivers

Cleaning Your Windows

Vacuum the windows and window sills to siphon off loose dirt and debris. Use the brush to get dust off corners and edges. Towel the area to wipe off stuck dirt and tougher grime. A good glass cleaner should help you bring the window to a clear shine.

Fixing Them Up

Check the locks, channels and other parts for loose brads and screws. Tighten any loose parts by either hammering or screwing them in. If any screws are damaged, replace them immediately. It should prove best to fix them now than wait for them to go to waste completely.

Use the lubricant to grease up locks, hinges, cranks and levers. If the areas are covered with dried paint or cement, take apart the window and treat those areas to remove the stuck elements. Lubricate it before assembling back. Make sure to wipe off excess grease so they donít drip.

Different Windows

Maintaining a window is pretty much the same regardless of their types. You might want to take extra precautions when working on certain kinds if you arenít familiar with how they work. Double-hung windows, for example, can snap out of the frame if either side can be easily pushed forward. With casement windows, you may need to disassemble the casing in order to lubricate the crank. Whichever windows you have at home, be sure to familiarize yourself with how they work so that your maintenance tasks become easier and less troublesome as the years go by.