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How to Properly Maintain and Clean Your Storm Windows

Storm windows play a crucial role in a house by providing an extra layer of protection against harsh weather conditions. While constantly preventing these elements from directly impacting the interior, providing an extra layer of insulation and keeping you comfortable indoors, windows are prone to degradation. Neglecting their maintenance can lead to various issues, such as reduced energy efficiency, increased utility bills, and an overall decrease in the comfort of your living space. 

Investing a little time and effort into regular maintenance and cleaning will enhance the longevity of your storm windows and ensure a more pleasant and energy-conscious home environment. In this guide, we will provide you with simple and effective steps on how to clean storm windows and why you need to maintain them regularly. 

The Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Extend Lifespan of Windows: 

Like any other part of your home, storm windows require care and attention to ensure longevity. Regular maintenance aids in identifying and addressing minor issues before they transform into more significant problems, such as air leaks, water infiltration, or malfunctioning mechanisms. You prolong the lifespan of your storm windows by addressing these issues promptly, ensuring they continue to protect and enhance your home for years to come.

Preserve Your Aesthetics: 

Some storm windows offer additional benefits, such as UV protection. You protect your furniture, flooring, and belongings from harmful ultraviolet rays by properly maintaining these windows. This protection helps prevent fading, discoloration, and damage, preserving the aesthetics and integrity of your interior furnishings.

Maintain Comfortable Temperatures:

When you keep your storm windows in good shape, they act like a cozy blanket for your home. They prevent cold drafts from sneaking in during winter and help keep your home cooler in the summer. This means you can enjoy a comfortable indoor temperature without feeling the need to adjust your heating or cooling systems frequently.

Preventing Costly Repairs: 

Wind, rain, and snow can be tough on your storm windows. The upfront investment of time and effort in regular cleaning and maintenance pays off in the long run by saving you from the financial burden of extensive repairs or premature replacements. 

For example, by routinely checking for any damages, you can address minor issues before they escalate into major problems. Simple tasks like cleaning away debris or fixing small cracks can prevent larger, more costly repairs. Additionally, by ensuring that your storm windows are properly sealed and functioning efficiently, you reduce the risk of energy loss, which can lead to higher heating or cooling bills.

Easy Operation:

Lubricating moving parts during maintenance ensures smooth operation with reduced friction and wear on mechanical components. This makes opening and closing your storm windows easier and extends their overall functionality.

Clear and Unobstructed Views: 

Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on your storm windows, obscuring your view of the outside world. Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure that your windows remain transparent and clear, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature and your surroundings without any hindrance.

Damage Possibilities With Storm Windows

Structural Deterioration:

Your storm windows are like defenders for your home, and the wind and snow act like tough opponents with sharp swords. However, when dirt, leaves, and water accumulate on your windows, these elements can contribute to the window’s degradation. Moisture near dirty windows can lead to rot in wooden frames, causing bending and weakening. This deterioration may also loosen the seals, creating openings that compromise the protective barrier. These openings allow drafts, moisture, and outside elements to infiltrate, making your windows less effective in shielding you from the weather. Regular cleaning is crucial to avoid these issues and ensure long-lasting performance.

Hardware Issues: 

Hinges, latches, and other hardware may rust and malfunction if not properly maintained. Rust and corrosion weakens the metal, making it fragile and resulting in challenges when opening and closing the windows or, in severe cases, complete failure. Weak metal may cause windows to wobble in the wind, creating a risk of falling. So, it’s important to check and fix any loose screws, rusty hinges, or damaged latches to keep your windows strong and secure.

Risk of Water Damage:

Irregular inspection of storm windows may develop openings like gaps, cracks, or loose seals. During rain or snow, water can seep through these openings, creating a risk of damage to walls, floors, and the structure itself. Additionally, it creates favorable conditions for mold growth, which harms your property and your health. 

Tools and Materials Needed for maintenance and cleaning

  • Vacuum and a Soft Brush 
  • Bucket of Warm Water
  • Mild Detergent (Such As Dish Soap)
  • Sponge or Soft Cloth
  • Squeegee (similar to a window wiper)
  • Dry and Clean Towel or Rag
  • Ladder (for high windows, you should always have assistance available)

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Storm Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Safety is Crucial 

If your storm windows are high, you will require the assistance of an adult while using a ladder. Carefully inspect the ladder, whether or not it is stable and secure. Wear nonslip shoes and, if possible, have someone hold the ladder while on it. Keep in mind that safety is more important than everything else.

Step 2: Remove The Window From The Frame

If your storm windows can come off, take them out carefully. Put them on a flat surface covered with a clean towel or cloth to keep them safe from scratches. If they can’t be removed, just clean them where they are.

Step 2: Get rid of  Loose Dirt and Debris 

Before you begin cleaning the windows, use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum to eliminate any dirt or debris from the surface of the glass. It should be soft because we do not want to scratch the glass. Brush away any dust, leaves, or spider webs you encounter. 

Step 3: Use Soapy Water 

It’s time to make your storm windows shine! Mix warm water with a gentle soap. We need warm water because it helps the soap dissolve, making a good cleaning mix. 

Take a soft cloth or sponge and dip it in the cleaning mix. Gently clean the storm window glass all over, including the edges and corners. Keep washing the cloth or sponge in clean water often to prevent dirt from piling up on it.

Step 4: Time to Squeegee

After your windows have had a soapy treatment, it’s time to clean them. Begin from the top of the window and drag the squeegee all the way to the bottom. To avoid streaks, move in a steady, continuous motion. The squeegee removes all of the water and soap from your windows, leaving them clear and streak-free.

Step 5: Allow to Dry

Almost finished! Wipe away any remaining water drops with a fresh, clean cloth. Wipe off the borders and the frame, as they need to be dry and clean. Take a moment to check your work. Your storm windows should now be completely crystal clear, allowing more light in and providing a better perspective of the outside world.

Check for Repairs:

Storm windows can get little cracks, or the frames may start to get loose. So, watch out for any small changes. If you see a crack, something loose, or anything that seems strange, tell an adult. Fixing small problems early is important. It keeps your windows in good shape, and windows that are in good condition are easier to keep clean.

Seasonal Upkeep:

Before Winter:

When the cold winds start blowing and the days get shorter, it’s time to get your storm windows ready for winter. Cleaning them thoroughly is not just about making them attractive but also making your home cozy and warm. Cleaning your storm windows before winter helps them do their job better, keeping your home insulated from the cold.

Clean windows also let more sunlight in, brightening up those short, gray days. Don’t forget to check the seals around your windows. Make sure they are tight and in good shape. This is really important because it keeps the cold and warm air out.

After Spring:

After the lovely springtime with blooming flowers comes the season of pollen. Once spring is over, it’s a smart move to clean your storm windows again. If you or someone in your home has allergies, removing the pollen on your windows can be really helpful. Cleaning your windows after the pollen season keeps them clear, allows more sunlight in, and makes your home a happier, sneeze-free place.

Conclusion

Keeping your storm windows clean is like a multi-step process, and each step is equally important. Follow the steps carefully, and your windows will look great, making your whole home feel cozy and welcoming. It’s an easy job that should be done regularly to keep your place comfy and attractive.

Now, sometimes, there might be repairs that are a bit tricky and cannot be fixed on your own. That’s when you call in the experts, like ‘The Window Depot.’ They have a skilled and experienced team who can fix or replace your windows perfectly. So, if you ever need a hand, they are the ones to call!

 

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