Tips to Extend the Life of Your Home's Windows

Windows need periodic upkeep to keep them lookingwindow may not open and shut properly. Further, a
good and functioning correctly.The biggest threat towindow may not seal properly if dirt accumulates. Dirt
your windows depends on where you live. Inand dust can also prevent a window from locking
Phoenix, replacement windows' biggest enemy is dustproperly leaving your home unsecure.
and sun whereas in Miami it's moisture.Maintaining Your Window's Glass
Even "maintenance free" vinyl, aluminum andThe glass on windows should be cleaned, inside and
fiberglass windows need periodic upkeep to extendoutside periodically. Even new replacement windows
their life and make sure they continue functioningwill look terrible with the glass is dirty. How frequently
properly. Proper window upkeep should includeyou clean the inside of the glass is up to you and
cleaning and maintaining the glass as well as thevaries based on the what room a window is in, if
frame. If windows are not adequately maintainedpeople smoke in the home, etc. Often neglected,
they will not function correctly and will need to beparticularly in second story windows, the exterior
replaced more often which is expensive.glass is exposed to harsh contaminants such as dirt,
Maintaining Your Window's Framessmog, acid rain, bird droppings and tree sap.
It is recommended that you clean the inside andContaminants become more difficult to get off the
outside of window frames annually at a minimum.longer they are left on a window. Heat and cold bond
More often depending on the amount of dust, dirtcontaminants to the glass and in some cases
and moisture they are exposed to. A good allbecoming permanently bonded to the glass.
purpose cleaner and cloth or sponge and brush shouldContaminants left on the glass can create permanent
do the trick. If a window opens, pay special attentionetching of the glass. A good quality window cleaner
to the track of a sliding window, the crank and glideor all purpose cleaner work well. For more stubborn
of a casement window and the locking mechanismscontaminants a non-scratching scouring pad helps.
for all windows. If dirt and dust accumulate the