Windows can show signs of wear as your home gets older. Regular care helps you spot changes before they turn into bigger problems.
Good window care also helps keep glass clean and tracks clear. It gives you a chance to check hardware and other parts that help your windows work.
These nine window care tips cover the main areas to check throughout the year. You’ll learn how to care for the different parts of a window, including the frames and tracks. You’ll also learn when a problem may be too much to handle on your own and may need a professional’s help.
Start by taking a close look at your window glass several times throughout the year. The change of seasons is a good reminder to do a quick check. You may also want to check your windows after severe weather.
Look for cracks, chips, or other visible damage to the glass. Check each pane from both inside and outside when it’s safe to do so. Watch for anything that looks different from the last time you checked.
Next, open and close each window that’s designed to open. Make sure the sash moves smoothly and the window closes securely. Test the lock while you’re there.
Cleaning old windows does more than improve your view. Regular cleaning also gives you a chance to check the glass and frame up close.
Plan to give your windows a thorough cleaning at least twice a year. You can clean them more often when pollen, dust, or other dirt builds up.
Before choosing a cleaner, check the manufacturer’s care instructions if you have access to them.
Cleaning needs can vary based on the glass, finish, and frame material. Mild soap and water may work well for many surfaces. Avoid rough cleaning tools or harsh chemicals that could scratch the glass or damage the finish.
Window tracks tend to collect dirt over time. Dirt, dust, and leaves can settle into these narrow spaces. Too much buildup may make some windows harder to open and close.
Check the tracks now and then. If you see dirt or pet hair, use a vacuum to remove anything loose. Then gently clean the areas you can reach. Never force a window open or closed if it feels stuck.
Some windows also have weep holes or other openings for drainage. These openings help water drain away from the window. Dirt and other buildup can keep water from draining if they block the openings.
Keep drainage areas you can reach clear as part of your regular window care. Be gentle and avoid changing or making the openings larger.
Weather stripping helps keep air from leaking around the parts of a window that open and close. Over time, these materials can wear out or become damaged.
Take a close look at weather stripping you can reach when you check your windows. Watch for visible gaps and cracks. Material that has become brittle or damaged may also need attention.
You may first notice a change from inside your home. For example, an older window that suddenly feels draftier could have a problem around the sash or another part of the window.
Moisture can offer another clue. Changes in condensation or water around a window may mean you should check the window and nearby area more closely.
Avoid pulling out seals or weather stripping just because they don’t look the way you expected. Window designs vary. If you find damaged parts, check the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a professional before you make repairs.
Your inspection should include more than the window itself. Look at the outside edges and the materials around the opening.
Check for visible cracks or gaps. Caulk that has pulled away from the surface around it may also need attention.
Pay attention to the area below and around each window as well. Water stains or damaged materials may be signs of a moisture problem. Finding the source matters because the water might not be coming from the window. A leaky roof or cracked siding could be the cause.
There’s no single schedule for adding new caulk that works for every window. The condition of the materials already there and how the window was installed both matter.
Keep in mind that repeatedly adding caulk over a large gap or an ongoing moisture problem may hide a bigger issue. Have a professional check badly damaged materials or ongoing water problems so you can learn what’s causing them.
Check the handles, locks, hinges, and other hardware you can reach while you clean. Remove dirt gently. If something is hard to move, don’t force it.
Tracks and moving parts may need different types of care depending on the window. Some manufacturers suggest using lubricant on certain parts. Others may warn you not to use certain products.
That’s why no single lubricant is the best choice for every home window track. Follow the care instructions for your specific windows before you apply silicone spray, oil, or another lubricant.
A little moisture on the side of the glass facing your room doesn’t always mean the window has failed. Condensation can form when warm, damp indoor air touches a cold glass surface.
Controlling moisture inside your home may help. Run exhaust fans while cooking or showering. Keep the bathroom fan running long enough to remove extra moisture after a shower. A dehumidifier can also help if the air in your home stays too damp.
Outdoor temperatures affect how much moisture your indoor air should hold, so one humidity setting won’t work for every home or season.
Where you see the moisture also makes a difference.
Condensation on the surface of the glass is different from moisture that shows up between panes of insulated glass. Moisture that stays between the panes may mean there’s a problem with the insulating glass seal.
Look beyond the glass, too. Water stains, peeling finishes, or damaged materials around a window may be signs of a bigger moisture problem. If moisture keeps coming back, have someone check the source instead of simply wiping it away.
Window frames can change as they age. The signs you notice will depend partly on the frame material and the conditions around your home.
Check wood closely because moisture that stays too long can cause it to break down. Look for peeling paint or cracks in the finish. Swelling and soft areas can also be warning signs.
Basic care can help keep a working window clean and make new damage easier to spot. It can’t undo serious damage that has already happened.
Rot, badly warped frames, or structural damage need more than routine cleaning. The same is true if damage keeps a sash from closing or locking properly.
Regular care can help you get more from windows that are still in good condition. At some point, though, an older window may develop problems that cleaning and basic care can’t fix.
There’s no set number of years that every home window will last. Frame material makes a difference. Installation quality and climate also play a role. Exposure to weather can affect how a window ages over time.
Focus on your windows’ condition and how well they work rather than their age alone.
Drafts that keep returning may need attention. So can broken glass or serious frame damage. Windows that are very hard to open or won’t lock securely should also be checked. Moisture that stays between glass panes is another reason to ask a professional for advice.
While drafty windows aren’t the only cause of high energy bills, they can add to your home’s energy use.
If you have several of these ongoing problems, a professional can help you decide whether your old windows need repairs or replacement.
Regular care can help older windows stay clean and work well. But drafts, damage, or trouble opening and closing them that keep returning may mean it’s time to consider replacement.
Renewal by Andersen offers custom replacement windows with strong, low-maintenance Fibrex® composite frames. We handle the process from taking exact measurements through professional installation by Certified Master Installers.
If your older windows are getting harder to maintain, schedule a consultation with Renewal by Andersen to learn about your replacement options.
Make window care part of your seasonal home routine. Check your windows throughout the year and after severe weather. A more thorough cleaning at least twice a year can also help you keep an eye on their condition.
There’s no single lifespan that applies to all home windows. Frame material, installation, climate, weather exposure, and regular care can all affect how long a window works well. Instead of replacing a window based only on age, consider its current condition and how well it works.
Check the manufacturer’s care instructions before you apply lubricant. Different window designs can have different care needs. Don’t assume that oil or a silicone-based product is safe for every track or moving part.
