Ross MacDonald, a senior technical assessor at FIX and window expert, shares his 5 top tips on how to care for your windows.
Looking after your windows is crucial to ensure their longevity, functionality and performance to keep your home comfortable.
Here are five tips on how to care for your windows:
Regular cleaning
Clean your window frames once a month with mild, soapy water. Stubborn marks can be cleaned with a non-abrasive PVCu cream cleaner. Internal hardware and window sills should be polished weekly with furniture polish as part of normal household cleaning.
Simple maintenance of moving parts
It’s important to ensure that all mechanisms and tracks are wiped clean and are free from dirt and grime to ensure smooth operation and prevent rusting or jamming. We’d recommend that all moving parts are lubricated every month with ‘3 in 1’ oil or a similar silicone-based lubricant.
Inspect seals and gaskets
The most common source of draughty windows and doors is when the rubber or neoprene seals fitted around the perimeter of the glass become detached or begin to perish. It’s important to keep them clean with mild, soapy water and ensure they are intact. Any that are worn out can be easily replaced to maintain insulation and prevent water leakage.
Repair mastic & silicone seals.
Over time, silicone can become detached from external brick work and it is often the cause of the annoying ‘whistling’ sound you might hear from within your home. It can easily be removed and reapplied to ensure the long-term weather tightness, comfort and subsequent value of your home.
New double glazed units
If you have condensation inside your double-glazed units (DGU), this is commonly caused by the seal that binds the glass together breaking down. To rectify this you don’t have to change the whole window, you can just replace the glass instead. While you could undertake replacing the DGU yourself, it is a skilled job that we’d suggest you contact specialists to do it for you.
When to call the professionals
If you encounter structural issues or significant water leakage, it’s best to call a professional. Window installation and major repairs require specific tools and expertise to ensure safety and efficiency.
Remember, regular maintenance and prompt repairs can extend the life of your windows significantly.
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