Fall is officially here, which makes it the perfect time to start running through your home maintenance list. Your roof, siding and HVAC system get top priority, but make sure you don’t forget about your windows. They do a lot of things for your home, and if they’re not in tip-top shape, you may not be able to enjoy the increased thermal comfort, curb appeal and energy efficiency they can provide. Luckily, fall window maintenance isn’t as difficult as you may expect. Here’s what to do:
Check Their Seals
If you want to keep your home warm and comfortable this season — minus the high heating bills — you should take a closer look at your windows’ condition. Check the area around the window frames for gaps and cracks. When overlooked, failed window seals may cause drafts to enter your home, compromising indoor comfort and making your heating system work overtime. If you see any openings around your windows, have them caulked and sealed immediately. This way, your windows can help insulate your home against outdoor temperatures.
Clean Your Windows
Sparkling clean glass and a well-maintained appearance can make your windows the highlight of your home. To ensure proper window cleanup, use only nonabrasive cleaners, microfiber cloths and a squeegee. A window vacuum may also be needed to suck away dust and grime from hard-to-reach sections. Make sure to clean your windows on a cloudy day. If you do it when it’s bright and sunny out, the cleaning solution will dry too quickly on the panes and create streaks.
Be on the Lookout for Mold
Mold may start forming on your windows because of excess indoor moisture. The first step in preventing mold growth on windows is to deal with your home’s humidity problem. Running exhaust fans when showering or cooking, using a dehumidifier or simply leaving your windows open a few minutes every day to promote ventilation should help. Once that’s done, you’ll have an easier time clearing the mold from your windows and stop it from coming back. To do this, just take these steps:
- Wipe down the area using a cleaning solution made of warm water and soap. If the mold growth is persistent, break it down with a scrubbing brush.
- Use a bleach-and-water solution to disinfect the area. Don’t forget to wear rubber gloves for this particular step.
- Dry the area using paper towels. Take care to remove every trace of moisture.
Give Us a Call Today
Hinkle Roofing specializes in residential roofing services, but if you need a professional to work on your window upgrade, we’re more than ready and willing to fill that role as well. Is window maintenance no longer working for you? Let us know and we’ll help you get started on new installations. Call us today at (205) 324-8545, or fill out this contact form to request a roofing quote. We proudly serve Birmingham, AL, and other areas in Jefferson County.
