Spring Maintenance For Your Windows
The windows in your home are an important part of the building. Proper window maintenance will help ensure that your windows don't contribute to heat transfer, which can cause energy loss and increase your monthly utility costs.
Spring is the perfect time to give your windows a thorough inspection and repair any damage sustained during the harsh winter months.
Seal Air Leaks
Residential windows can develop air leaks over time. These air leaks allow heat transfer between your home's interior and the outside environment. It's important that you seal all air leaks if you want to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
There are a few ways that you can check for potential air leaks around your windows. Try moving the window to see if it rattles. Movement is a sign of poor seals, which typically are associated with air leaks. You can also use your hand to feel for temperature changes. Hot or cold spots can be an indication of an air leak.
Apply caulk or weatherstripping to the window to eliminate any air leaks that might compromise the comfort of your home in the future.
Seal Small Cracks
You should conduct a visual inspection of each window in your home to check for cracks in the glass. Stress cracks can form when the glass is exposed to sudden temperature changes. These stress cracks usually start near the outer edges of the glass and spread inward.
If you do see a stress crack, you should seal it immediately with a special glass epoxy. However, this is only a temporary solution that will prevent the crack from spreading until you can have a glass specialist replace the window.
Replace Damaged Hardware
Your windows rely on hardware to function properly. It's important that you inspect each window for evidence of hardware damage. Locking latches, hinges, and crank handles can all be affected by the elements.
Corrosion is a common form of damage that might render your window hardware inoperable. It's important that you have a window specialist replace any hardware showing signs of damage to preserve the safety and integrity of your windows over time.
Don't let damaged windows compromise the comfort and efficiency of your home. Inspect each part of your windows for damage during the spring season so that you can invest in the repairs needed to maintain the integrity of each window.
Proper maintenance can reduce heat transfer and help lower your energy costs in the future.
To learn more, contact a window repair company.