Windows are our own private portals to the world lying just outside, but they are more than just that. Windows are one of the first things that people will notice about your home, therefore, the condition they are in will have a significant influence on any onlooker’s impression about the house and its residents. Other than that, windows that are not kept in pristine condition can also end up affecting the indoor environment negatively. Cold draughts from a cracked window sash, or mould growth in between or around rotting wooden frames are never good for anyone’s health. Keeping these and several other issues that arise with poorly maintained windows in mind, let’s go through three tips for optimal window maintenance, as suggested by the experts.
Periodically Look for Fading/Deepening Colour Spots on Your Window Sashes
Wood does not rot in a week under normal circumstances, but it can crack in a matter of hours during winter. What this means is that you will need to periodically look for fading or deepening colour spots on all your window sashes, especially after a few months of rain and a few days of frost. During the winter months, the moisture that may have seeped inside the window frames will freeze and expand, compromising the timber’s integrity.
A deepening of the wood’s natural colour indicates that the frame is already in its initial stages of rotting but repairing it at this point is quite possible. Faded spots may indicate that the moisture has already seeped in deep, and it has been there long enough to fade away the paint. Partial or full replacement might be necessary to repair the window sash in such instances.
Press Firmly on the Located Spots
If you do see discolouration of any kind, press a finger firmly on the spot to note whether it feels softer than it should. The more advanced the damage is, the softer it will feel. If you have real timber sash windows, call in a sash windows London professional at the earliest possible time to help repair them. It is possible to have timber sash windows repaired or replaced as needed without changing the aesthetics of your home in any way that you don’t wish to.
Clean in Accordance with Your Window Material
Not every window has timber in its construction, but most do. Practice caution while cleaning to make sure that the wood is not exposed to copious amounts of water. Also, don’t leave the sashes and the frame soaking wet after you are done cleaning. Use damp wipers only, or at least wipe and dry off as much water as you can after a cleaning session.
It’s true that most wood sashes and frames are sealed off against water damage these days, but the less exposure they get, the longer they will last. There’s enough rain to do that already, so it’s best that you don’t end up adding to the problem. In case of vinyl, be careful with the cleaners that you use, as PVC can become extremely toxic on coming into contact with certain chemicals.
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