As a homeowner, you must keep your windows in top shape year-round. Knowing what to do – and what not to do – can go a long way in making sure you get the most out of their durability and performance. Here are some of the bad habits you should avoid when it comes to window maintenance.
1. Leaving window treatments closed. It is not uncommon for some homeowners to keep the curtains or drapes closed. They have their reasons, of course – some do so because they don’t want their home interiors to be seen from the curb while others may be working at night and usually need to close them to minimize sun exposure while sleeping. Yes, they’re meant to control privacy and natural lighting, but keeping window treatments closed for a long time can lead to issues, such as blocked ventilation and trapped moisture. Consider raising the curtains or drapes so that it’s lowest part is within a few inches of the window sill base.
2. Using a pressure washer. A pressure washer is best used to clean the deck or concrete driveway, but it is not recommended for windows. The intense jet of water has enough force to leave the window finishes and seals damaged. Careless operation can also lead to the window glass breaking! Once you’re done soaping your windows with detergent, use a garden hose to wash off the suds. Better yet, use a squeegee.
3. Not following the appropriate cleaning procedures. Just because a window is called “low maintenance” doesn’t mean you no longer need to clean it for the rest of its lifespan. This can easily lead to neglect, which may result in damage. Read up on the maintenance guide for your chosen window brand so you are aware of the appropriate cleaning procedures. Renewal by Andersen®, for instance, doesn’t require homeowners to scrape or repaint its window frames. Doing it otherwise can void the windows’ existing warranties.
If maintenance no longer works for your windows, it’s time to have them replaced. For this, turn to Renewal by Andersen of Seattle. You can be sure that your window replacement experience with us goes on smoothly and safely. Call us now at (206) 777-0954, or fill out our contact form for a free in-home consultation. We serve clients in and around Seattle.