IN THIS POST:
– Window Maintenance Tips
– Caring for Different Types of Windows
– Importance of Window Maintenance
There are three common types of windows used in Pakistan, and each type has its own features that make it unique. However, as a homeowner, you need to maintain your windows, irrespective of whether they’re made of wood, aluminium, or uPVC (vinyl). Thus, we’re sharing some top window maintenance tips below for your ease.
After the general tips, we’ll also cover some advice to help you take care of different types of windows at home, as well as elaborating on the importance of cleaning, repairing, and maintaining the windows in your house.
Window Maintenance Tips for a Long Lasting Finish
While you go about your home care routine, you might overlook the windows until their functionality becomes hindered, but by then, it’s generally too late to make amends on your own. So, here are some tips to help you maintain your windows in perfect condition for a longer time:
- Inspect the Windows
- Clean Them Regularly
- Check the Seals
- Lubricate Moving Components
- Repaint as Needed
- Replace Damaged Parts
Let’s discuss these tips briefly below.
Inspect the Windows
Window frames can warp, crack, or get stuck with the changing seasons. This is why you should always inspect your windows seasonally to check for rot, moisture, bending frames, jammed locks, and so on.
Clean Them Regularly
Most window types can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth once every few weeks. This will prevent dirt and dust from collecting in its moving parts and help you maintain them for longer. You will also need to clean the window panes, which can be done once a week with a glass cleaner and an old newspaper.
Check the Seals
Insulated windows and sliding windows usually have a rubber seal in place that prevents external elements from affecting the indoor temperature. These seals also help keep the glass pane in place, and it is vital to check that the seal is intact for better functionality of the window.
Lubricate Moving Components
Check for smooth opening and closing of all the windows as well as their locks. If your window is jammed or stuck, you will need to use oil to lubricate its moving parts and return it to its full functionality.
Repaint as Needed
If your window frame is fading in colour or has peeling paint, give it a fresh coat to make it look like new. Repainting can be done once every three to four years, but remember to disassemble the window while you paint to avoid getting paint into its moving parts, or else the window will become stuck once the paint dries off.
Replace Damaged Parts
Broken glass, cracked siding, and locks with lost keys should be replaced as soon as the damage is detected because it can make your home vulnerable to external elements as well as giving easy entry to intruders.
Caring for Different Window Types
As mentioned above, there are three common types of windows used in Pakistan, and each material needs different care practices to guarantee and extended life. So, here are some window maintenance tips for wooden, aluminium, and uPVC windows.
Caring for Wooden Windows
Wooden windows are generally very sturdy if they are maintained properly. Here are some ways to do that:
- Wood is easily affected by seasonal changes, and therefore, requires thorough inspection after every season.
- Use a few drops of oil at the hinges if your windows are stuck due to seasonal expansion or contraction of the wood.
- Wooden windows are also susceptible to rot and termite attacks in areas having high humidity levels, so you will need to keep an eye out for signs of rot or flaking wood.
- These windows are sealed with varnish to give them an additional layer of protection, but you will need to retouch the protective coatings every few years.
- You can easily clean wooden windows using some soap and water, and a soft cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or brushes as they may stain or scratch the surface of the wooden frame.
- Windows facing the sun will automatically fade quicker than others and will require a touch of paint after about three years or so.
- Polish the wooden windows to make them shine like new.
Caring for Aluminium Windows
Regular maintenance of the windows in your house is easy if you know just what to do. Here’s how you can keep your aluminium windows looking great:
- Most aluminium windows are sliding or casement windows, which increases the need for lubricating them periodically for smooth functioning.
- Aluminium windows are easy to clean with warm water and a mild soap solution.
- Avoid using polishes or varnishes on the aluminium frame as that will make the metal lose its shine and lustre.
- The glass panes in aluminium windows are generally held in place using rubber seals, so you will need to inspect the seals and replace them if they are loose, cracked, or torn.
Caring for uPVC Windows
uPVC windows are also commonly known as vinyl windows and here’re some easy tips to help you maintain them:
- Clean vinyl windows easily using a soft cloth, dipped in a soap and water solution.
- Repaint the windows if accidental bumps have damaged or peeled its paint.
- Reseal as needed after checking the fit of the glass pane, which might become loose over time as the plastic heats up in summer.
Why Should You Maintain Your Windows?
As windows provide a convenient entry into your home for intruders, it is vital to maintain them properly and ensure better safety of your home and your belongings. Overall, uPVC windows require the least amount of maintenance, but they are also the least sturdy of the three options.
Another major reason why you need to consider maintaining your windows is that damaged and improperly sealed windows will affect your home’s indoor temperature to a large extent, resulting in higher energy bills when you are trying to cool down or heat up your home.
Moreover, windows add to the aesthetic appeal of a property. If your windows are just falling off the hinges or showing bare patches where the paint has peeled off over time, you’re not making a good first impression on your guests or your homebuyers. Make the most of these window maintenance tips to rectify the situation immediately.
Aside from maintaining the windows, you also need to use the right type of tempered glass for your windows. If you’re renovating your home, consider changing the placement of your windows to make the most of the sunlight and fresh air entering your home.
Stay tuned to Zameen Blog for more posts on how to care for your home and keep it looking like new. Email us at blog@zameen.com with your questions and suggestions.
