Your windows are the eyes of your home. 

You may not think that you need to pay much attention to them unless they are broken.  While today’s uPVC products are very low maintenance, they do still need to be cared for in order to keep working and looking their best.  Many people have windows and doors made from less durable materials such as timber or lead which require more specialist care. 

They are an important part of the curb appeal of your home and could deter potential buyers if you fail to maintain them properly.  The fact is they go through a lot in their lifetime.  Everyday use, pollution, wind, sun, and rain can all affect how they look and work.  

Since replacing doors and windows can be a very expensive process, it’s better to make a little effort regularly to maintain them and deal with any small issues before they become big ones.  

General tips for maintaining your windows and doors

Regardless of which type of windows and doors you have or what they’re made of, there are a few things you should be doing as a standard to keep them in good condition.

• Clean the windows and frames regularly. Once a season is a good amount. 
• Don’t use abrasive cleaners or sprays meant for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Don’t use glass cleaner on the frames.
• Check the action of the windows and doors regularly (especially those that aren’t used often)
• Examine window seals for cracks and gaps
• Inspect double glazed panes for moisture.
• Looked for broken or cracked panes of glass.
• Check locks and latches are working correctly.

Timber

Maintaining

Timber-framed windows and doors require a lot more effort than those made from other kinds of materials but the overall aesthetic look is usually much better, especially in period properties. 

With the proper care and attention, they will give you decades of good service and continue to look great. Unlike uPVC, you can also change the color and finish relatively easily if the inspiration takes you. 

Clean them regularly with soapy water and a soft cloth.  Don’t use anything too harsh and not too much water. Using a lot of water can cause the frame to expand and warp. 

Check for woodworm and rot regularly.  

Repairing

Any deep scratches or chips, if left untreated, can let water into the wood fiber, warping the grain and causing bigger problems.  As soon as you notice any damage, clean the area of any debris with a wet cloth, let it dry completely and then repaint it.  

From time to time, you will need to recoat the timber frames and doors.  Prepare the surface carefully, remove all loose material. Be especially cautious if you are using a heat gun to remove the existing paint as this can crack the glass if you aren’t careful.  

When repainting doors, remove them from their hinges first.  This will enable you to repaint all surfaces and edges, preventing them from warping if moisture gets in. 

If you have sash windows that are sticking, use some oil on the pulley system and beeswax on the edge of the sashes. 

Replacing

If you are replacing a pane in a sash window, make sure it is exactly the same thickness and weight, otherwise, you will unbalance the system. 

Occasionally, the sash cords will need to be replaced.  The sashes are hung on pulleys and connected to hidden weights within the frame.  Worn and broken cords must be replaced to prevent injury or damage to the windows. Use braided cord as it is much stronger than the twisted kind. 

Larger windows will probably contain a chain rather than a cord. This is a two-person job as they will need to be removed from the frame. 

uPVC

Maintaining

uPVC is the most common material for windows and doors these days.  It is relatively low maintenance compared to timber but still needs some TLC to keep it looking good. 

Clean the windows and frames regularly with a soft cloth and some soapy water.  If you’ve been neglecting your windows for a while, you might need something with a bit more cleaning power.  Discolored frames with stubborn stains need a specialist uPVC cream cleaner to bring the frames back to their best.  

Don’t be tempted to use bleach or a cleaner designed for your kitchen or bathroom, it may work at first, but you’ll be damaging the surface and future dirt and stains won’t budge as they are deep within the frame. 

Repairing

Luckily, uPVC is very resilient as there is not a lot of repairs you can do yourself.  Squeaky hinges and frozen locks can be sorted with a simple oil.  

Replacing

Replacement of frames or glass will have to be done by a specialist company such as Renewal by Andersen or a local contractor with experience in dealing with replacing uPVC.  

Lead 

Maintaining

Leaded windows are much rarer but some have lasted for hundreds of years.  General (gentle) cleaning with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner will keep them looking great.  

Repairing

The majority of problems with leaded windows are a result of the fracturing of the ironwork.

Loose glass can often be fixed with some glaziers putty in the leadwork. Small broken pains can be replaced by gently bending the ironwork resealing with putty.  

Replacing

Due to their age and the way they were built, leaded windows can be extremely complicated for all but the most experienced. Be realistic about your DIY skills. There’s a good chance you will do more damage. So it is advisable to consult a contractor that specializes in these types of repairs. 

Keep energy efficiency in mind

Your windows and doors play a vital role in the energy efficiency of your property.  Draughtproofing will save you money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.  The average family spends over $2000 per year on their energy costs which means that there are big savings to be made. 

There are a number of do-it-yourself kits available online but these can look unsightly if they’re not installed correctly.  A specialist contractor can install brush strips or silicone to stop draughts. Even small changes such as fitting covers to the keyhole or letterbox can have a huge effect.  

Consider investing in storm windows/shutters

If you live in an area of the country that experiences extreme weather conditions, you might want to consider storm windows.  These are windows that are installed externally to protect your other windows from being damaged by extreme weather.  

By following these rules for routine maintenance, you’ll get many, many years of enjoyment from your doors and windows.  It can also save you a lot of money.