How to Extend the Life of Your Windows: Essential Maintenance Tips

Your windows are a major investment. With proper care, quality windows should last 15-20 years or more. Here's how to make sure yours do.

Spring Window Maintenance (April-May)

After a harsh Rochester winter, your windows need attention.

1. Deep Clean Inside and Out

What you need:

• Mild dish soap and warm water
• Microfiber cloths
• Squeegee
• Vacuum with brush attachment

How to do it:

• Vacuum tracks and sills to remove dirt and debris
• Wash glass with soapy water, rinse, squeegee
• Clean frames with appropriate cleaner (vinyl, wood, or aluminum)
• Don't use abrasive cleaners that can damage surfaces

Pro tip: Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaking from quick drying.

2. Inspect Weatherstripping

Look for:

• Cracks or tears in the weatherstripping
• Gaps when window is closed
• Hard, brittle material (should be flexible)

If damaged: Replace immediately. Weatherstripping costs $2-5 per window but saves hundreds in energy costs.

3. Check and Replace Caulking

Inspect the exterior caulk around:

• Where the window frame meets the siding
• Corner joints
• Where trim meets the frame

Look for:

• Cracks or gaps
• Missing sections
• Peeling or separation

To replace:

• Remove old, damaged caulk completely
• Clean surface thoroughly
• Apply new exterior-grade caulk
• Smooth with a wet finger or tool

4. Lubricate Moving Parts

Apply lubricant to:

• Sliding tracks (use silicone spray)
• Hinges on casement windows
• Locking mechanisms
• Crank operators

Don't use: WD-40 (attracts dirt), oil-based products on vinyl

Summer Maintenance (June-August)

Light maintenance while enjoying the nice weather.

1. Test Window Operation

• Open and close each window
• Check that locks engage properly
• Ensure screens fit snugly
• Verify that windows stay open when raised

2. Clean and Repair Screens

Process:

• Remove screens
• Wash with mild soap and water
• Check for tears or holes
• Repair small tears with screen patch kit
• Replace severely damaged screens

3. Touch Up Paint (Wood Windows)

Rochester summers are the perfect time for exterior painting:

• Scrape any peeling paint
• Sand smooth
• Prime bare wood
• Apply exterior paint (2 coats)
• Paint in temperatures above 50°F

4. Clear Weep Holes

Those small holes at the bottom of window frames aren't defects—they drain water!

• Use a thin wire or pipe cleaner
• Gently clear any blockages
• Ensure water can drain freely

Fall Preparation (September-October)

Get ready for winter before the cold hits.

1. Inspect for Air Leaks

The candle test:

• Light a candle
• Hold near window edges on a windy day
• Watch for flickering = air leak

Fix leaks by:

• Adding/replacing weatherstripping
• Re-caulking gaps
• Adjusting window sashes

2. Clean Tracks Thoroughly

Debris in tracks prevents proper closing = winter drafts

• Vacuum first
• Scrub with old toothbrush
• Wipe clean and dry
• Apply silicone spray

3. Check Drainage

Test exterior drainage:

• Pour water along the sill
• Watch it drain through weep holes
• Clear any blockages

Why it matters: Ice buildup from poor drainage can damage windows all winter.

4. Consider Storm Windows

For older windows:

• Add interior or exterior storm windows
• Significantly improves insulation
• Removable for summer

Winter Care (November-March)

1. Manage Condensation

Causes:

• High indoor humidity
• Poor air circulation
• Single-pane windows

Solutions:

• Use exhaust fans when cooking/showering
• Run dehumidifier in winter
• Keep curtains open during day
• Wipe away condensation regularly

Why it matters: Persistent condensation leads to mold and frame rot.

2. Remove Ice and Snow Carefully

Never:

• Use sharp objects to chip ice
• Force frozen windows open
• Use heat guns on vinyl windows

Do instead:

• Let ice melt naturally
• Use de-icing spray (safe for windows)
• Gently brush off snow

3. Monitor for Frost

Interior frost indicates:

• Failed seal
• Poor insulation
• High humidity

Address the root cause to prevent damage.

Year-Round Best Practices

Things to NEVER Do:

• ❌ Pressure wash windows directly
• ❌ Use ammonia cleaners on tinted glass
• ❌ Paint over weatherstripping or locks
• ❌ Force stuck windows (find the cause first)
• ❌ Leave windows open during rain

Things to ALWAYS Do:

• ✅ Keep tracks clean and dry
• ✅ Address small issues immediately
• ✅ Use appropriate cleaners for your frame material
• ✅ Document maintenance (helps with warranty claims)
• ✅ Keep trees and bushes trimmed back from windows

When to Call a Professional

Contact Rochester Window Pros if you notice:

• Windows that won't stay open
• Broken locks or hardware
• Cracked or broken glass
• Damaged frames (rot, warping, etc.)
• Persistent fogging between panes
• Water intrusion

Maintenance Schedule Cheat Sheet

Monthly:

• Quick clean of glass and sills
• Check for obvious issues

Quarterly:

• Deep clean glass
• Inspect weatherstripping
• Lubricate moving parts
• Test operation

Annually:

• Inspect caulking
• Check paint condition
• Professional inspection (recommended every 3-5 years)

The Bottom Line

Fifteen minutes of maintenance per window, four times a year, can extend your windows' lifespan by 5-10 years. That's a return of thousands of dollars on less than an hour of work.

Not sure if your windows are beyond maintenance? We offer free inspections to assess your windows' condition and recommend the best course of action.

Contact Rochester Window Pros today for your free window health check!