Did you know that well-maintained vinyl windows, on average, can last between 20 to 40 years while still retaining functionality? With windows being an essential part of a house, it’s important to perform regular window maintenance. Apart from making your home aesthetically appealing, quality windows, such as those made by SoftLite shield your home from the elements, offer protection for you and your family, and contribute to energy savings in your home.

Without proper maintenance, windows can eventually lose their beauty, become worn out, stained, or damaged, and even lose their ability to perform. Cleaning your windows is an essential part of window maintenance, providing many additional benefits.

Keeps Your Home Clean and Inviting

It’s no secret that windows are more appealing when clean and well maintained, but the upkeep also enhances the look of your interior space and overall curb appeal. If you want to make a lasting impression, cleaning your windows is a great first step as it will bring in more natural light and make the rooms of your home appear larger.

Cleaning the glass and window frame is an easy process, especially if you do it regularly before allowing dirt to build up. A simple dusting can sometimes do the trick. Or, try a mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth to get the job done.

Glass Degradation

The condition of your windows’ glass is one of the most noticeable ways to know they need some sprucing up. Depending on the location of your home, the exterior of windows could be regularly exposed to a wide variety of damaging elements and adverse weather conditions like rain, wind, dust, hail, ice, and snow.

For homes near roads or construction sites, overspray from streets and paints will affect the glass and cause potential damage. The same goes for homes near forests, which are regularly subjected to tree sap and pests. Similarly, houses near oceans can be threatened by constant exposure to sand and salt, which can quickly accumulate on windows.

The first signs that the glass is breaking down include cracks and light scratches, which can lead to it becoming fully corroded and more difficult to see through. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent dirt particles and hard water from penetrating the glass pores that can lead to contamination, corrosion, and deterioration.

Enhance Window Function

When you make it a habit of cleaning and taking proper care of your windows, you can be confident that your windows are in the best condition to provide your home with maximum efficiency. This is also a great time to inspect your window for any issues. Without regular inspections, your windows are more at risk of damage since you will not know repairs are needed before the issue progresses further.

Malfunctioning windows can lead to irregular temperatures in your home. This means your home will lose heat in the colder months, which will lead to higher energy bills in winter. Vice versa, this will also make cooling your home in the summer more expensive than it should be. Maintaining the relevant window components, like the seal and framing, will ensure that the window functions properly to offer all the incredible benefits of energy efficiency. A good rule of thumb is to always keep your windows locked when closed – this helps proper function of the window and with air infiltration.

Extend Window Life

Arguably the most imperative reason to take the time to care for your windows is to increase their longevity. The outside of windows can get dirty quickly due to the dust, rain, snow, and other elements they have to endure daily. Likewise, the interior is often affected by chemicals, hard water, and smoke from cooking. Since windows are constantly exposed to these conditions over time, regular maintenance is essential to promote durability, helping you save money on costly repairs down the road. It’s crucial to do regular visual inspections and promptly fix any issues before they worsen.

Maintenance Tips

Our team of experts has compiled a Care and Maintenance guide to ensure you’re getting the job done correctly. From stain-fighting solutions to how to best take care of each specific type of SoftLite window, there are also a few general window maintenance principles that every homeowner should follow. Be sure to:

• Clean your windows two to three times per year.
• Use the proper cleaning tools based on the material of your window.
• Check for cracks, dents, scratches, and marks after a large storm.
• Replace any damaged components as you notice them.
• Check the sealing and re-seal when necessary.

SoftLite Windows

While regular maintenance ensures your windows last, if a window is beyond repair, it’s time for a replacement. A new SoftLite window can ultimately give you improved energy efficiency, an upgraded exterior design, greater protection against the elements, and a solid return on investment. Find a SoftLite dealer near you to get started.