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Winter can be really hard on your windows. Especially if your Michigan home still has older, wooden windows, you need to spend some time checking them over and caring for them each spring. This helps ensure any issues are identified and dealt with early on, and it extends the life of your windows, hopefully preparing them for the challenges of the coming year. Here are four window tips to help you give your windows the post-winter care and checkup they deserve.
1. Clean the Inside and Outside of Your Windows
In the harsh Michigan winter, road salt has a habit of accumulating on the outside of windows — especially those on the front of your home. Dust sticks to the insides of windows, thanks to the dry indoor air so common during this season. Both dust and salt do more than make your windows look dirty. They work their way into the crevices between the window glass and sash, where they can grab onto moisture and ultimately contribute to the premature deterioration of the windows.
Thoroughly cleaning your windows each spring will help keep them in good shape. With new replacement windows, you can clean the outside of the window from inside your home, just by folding the window pane inwards. With older windows, you may wish to hire a window cleaning professional to clean the exterior surfaces so you don’t have to climb a ladder.
2. Check for Condensation
Condensation on the very outside or very inside of the windows is nothing to worry about, especially in the spring when temperatures and humidity levels are fluctuating. But condensation between the panes of glass on a double-pane window means that window’s seal has been broken. A broken window seal can lead to higher energy bills year-round. You may wish to have that window replaced or repaired before high summer temperatures arrive. If your window is still under warranty, the problem should be covered.
3. Look for Water Damage
Look around the borders of your windows — both on the window frames and on the walls surrounding them — for signs of moisture infiltration. If the paint along the side of the window is bubbling, you see any mold growth whatsoever, or the surface feels damp to the touch, that window is not doing its job. Caulking the window may allow some short-term protection from water, but once a window starts leaking, it really needs to be replaced.
4. Test the Hardware
As you’re cleaning and inspecting your windows, make sure all of the latches and locks still work. If they seem a little stiff, one of the best window tips is to lubricate them with a little WD-40 or similar lubricant. (This is a common problem with the hinges on older casement windows after a cold, long winter.) If your windows no longer latch or lock, consider replacement windows to better protect your Michigan home.
Winter brings snow, cold, and lots of fluctuations in temperature to the Midwest. By cleaning and checking over your windows each spring, you ensure big issues don’t go overlooked. Follow the window tips above, and contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free, in-home consultation. We can recommend replacement windows that are perfectly suited for your Michigan home and the harsh winters we get in this area.