Would you like to save money and keep your windows functional and looking good for many years to come? Then you should not neglect to have your windows serviced regularly. This triples the durability of your windows and keeps them looking as good as new even after many years. Find out which tricks let you carry out some maintenance work yourself, and when it is best to call in a professional.
Window maintenance - why it is so important
Whatever material your windows are made of, wind, rain, sun, cold and heat all take their toll. They cause wear that not only affects the appearance but also the various details that ensure a window functions properly.
Rubber seals warp or become porous, and rust builds up on metal screws and hinges. Window handles can lose their tension - which often happens through frequent opening and closing of the windows - as can adjustments that no longer keep the window in its optimal balance so that it can be closed correctly. The consequences range from heat loss to problems opening and closing the window.
For you, this would mean having to buy new windows prematurely. To put it briefly: window maintenance noticeably extends the service life of your windows.
The most important window components to maintain
To care for your windows properly, there are above all three areas that need to be checked and maintained at regular intervals. These are the seals, the hardware and the window frame. Here you can save real money and easily carry out basic maintenance yourself, even without any technical knowledge.
To do so, you should find out exactly how to proceed and which tools you need to care for and maintain the various areas optimally.
Window seals - how to keep them working properly for a long time
For the annual maintenance, ideally clean all four inner sides of the frame with a vacuum cleaner, so that dust and dirt are reliably removed and do not later settle on the window seals. Wipe the seal all the way around with a damp cloth and let it dry completely with the window open. Then grease the window seals. There are special greases available from specialist retailers for this purpose. However, ordinary petroleum jelly also does a good job and gives the seals suppleness and flexibility in their material structure.
Once the entire seal surround has been thickly greased, the grease needs to soak in. Check the seals for any damage. As soon as the seals are no longer in their optimal position, no longer meet neatly at the corners, or when cracks are already visible, maintenance alone will not help. As a rule, this is the moment when a professional needs to be called in.
You can find out whether your window seals are intact with the candle trick: place a lit candle in front of the closed window. If the flame flickers, you know for certain that a professional will be needed here.
Maintaining window hardware for smooth movement
With window hardware, it is advisable to service it once a year. The maintenance simply involves oiling, which can be done in no time at all. The main thing is to work with an oil can and apply it to the individual pieces of window hardware in such a way that the oil can spread evenly.
A resin-free and acid-free oil is recommended. The scissor bearings, the gearing and the strike plates should also be greased.
Scissor bearing
The plastic cover has to be removed. A drop of oil is applied to the top of the scissor bearing.
Gearing
There are two holes below and above the gearing. Here you drip one drop of oil into each hole.
Strike plates
You will achieve an optimal and even result by brushing or applying oil to the top of the strike plates with a brush or a clean cloth.
Maintaining the window frame correctly
Maintaining the window frame is part of the annual maintenance process. Careful cleaning prevents dirt from damaging the material. The care required depends on the window frame material.
uPVC and timber frames are simply cleaned with lukewarm water and a mild cleaning agent. If window paint or an impregnating varnish has been applied to the timber window, you should check for even coverage and any flaking. If damage is visible, a new coat should be applied.
Aluminium windows should only be wiped down with cleaning agents specifically suitable for the material, as otherwise you risk the material tarnishing. To care for the material, it is advisable to rub the frame with ordinary car wax once a year so that it is protected from external influences. For stubborn and heavy soiling, given the limited choice of cleaning products for aluminium, it is preferable to have a professional carry out the cleaning.
Window maintenance - so that new windows are a long way off
With very little effort, window maintenance can be carried out quickly and easily by anyone. Repairing damage and making adjustments, however, are best left in the hands of a professional, because without expert knowledge windows can be damaged to such an extent that even a professional repair does not always promise success. Nevertheless, regular maintenance is a must if you want to enjoy your windows for a long time, because as a rule you only need to buy new windows after 15 to 20 years. The reason for this should be the best possible energy efficiency and not a premature replacement due to a lack of maintenance or improper treatment.
