Grit, grime, dirt and debris can cause long-term, irreparable damage to windows, shutters, and frames. The best investment you can make to keep your windows in prime condition is to regularly clean them. Unwashed windows may eventually break at the seams, literally.
It's also not recommended to leave dust or buildup on a window before cleaning, as these small particles can scratch the glass.
For about one year or so, until it blows away or settles into the soil, you can expect this dust to get on the window glass. It is important to carefully wash the windows often during this period. These fine particles left over from the house construction are very abrasive and can scratch the window's glass surface.
What happens if you don't clean your windows? "Mostly, you will slowly have less light coming into your home," Ek explains. "However, over time, a buildup of dirt particles can actually etch or degrade the glass."
Over time, extreme weather can break down your window's glass. The obvious culprits are things like heavy hailstorms or powerful winds blowing debris into your windows. However, all kinds of weather can harm window glass. Extreme humidity and heat can make your glass expand, while extreme cold causes it to contract.
Most windows with direct sunlight exposure fail more often. Heat causes the window units to expand and contract, this process breaks down the window seals. It softens and weakens the seals until they develop a crack which allows moisture in or the sealant basically oozes away.
To sum it up: Scheduling yearly or twice-yearly window cleaning services is ideal. And even if that's not doable, the closer you can stick to that schedule the better. Aim for at least once a year and you'll notice a remarkable improvement.
According to their report, windows should be washed twice a year, while screens need only to be cleaned annually. For many home owners and even renters, window cleaning usually is a once-a-year chore.
Dirty windows can affect how much light actually gets inside your home since the dirt can actually block out portions of sunlight.
Just add a splash of vinegar to the bucket of water. Vinegar dissolves ingrained dirt and makes your windows shiny clean, without leaving streaks.
If window glass is not clean, less light will be able to come into the space and the home will appear dark and dingy. Keeping windows free of hard water, smoke film buildup, oxidation and dirt particles will allow the maximum amount of light to filter into your home and illuminate what's inside.
Razor blades, scrubbing pads, diamond rings: these are common causes for scratched windows and doors. Pets that put their paws on the glass can cause scratches as well. Having too much buildup of sand and dirt on the glass can cause scratches during the cleaning process.
Scratches occur when objects scrape or collide with the window surface. Common offenders include tree branches, pet claws, or balls thrown against the surface. Over time, these small scratches accumulate and dull the glass.
Scratches are the most common damage that your exterior window glass can incur. Scratches can be caused by several elements such as tree branches rubbing against the exterior glass. They could be caused by children, pets, or even be the aftermath of recreational activities.
How Often Should Windows be Replaced? The average lifespan of windows is between 15 and 30 years. Depending on the craftsmanship of the original installer, the materials used, and the weather conditions where you live, the functional life of your windows can vary between ten and fifteen years.
When to Replace Your Windows. Home windows have a lifespan of 15-20 years. Once they reach this age, the seals start to weaken or fail, which leaves you open to drafts and water seepage. In addition, single-pane windows were the standard 15+ years ago.
The best time of year to wash windows is the fall and spring months. These times are optimal because, in most locations, they offer the best temperature to wash outside windows. Most pros agree that temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (10-24C) are best for effectively cleaning windows.
Perhaps your windows haven't even had the dirt removed properly. This can happen if you keep reusing a sponge that isn't being washed frequently. Or if the technique used is sloppy and not thorough. And some squeegees give a really patchy finish, especially poorer quality models not designed for professional use.
Any high-traffic areas in your home should be wet mopped once a week. Rooms in your home that are not frequently used—such as a guest room—do not need to be mopped weekly. Mopping every other week or monthly should be sufficient.
Darkness and grime can interfere with the amount of sunshine that penetrates through windows. In the winter months it's even more important to ensure that as much sunshine makes it into interiors as possible so getting windows regularly cleaned is key.
Window replacement is a big job—one with a hefty price tag and major influence on the look and feel of your home. Whether it's because you're facing an issue with one particular window or because you hope to save money, it's often better to replace all your windows at once, rather than opting for just one or two fixes.
Check the weather-stripping. You want neoprene and multiple layers/applications of it in each window. Stay away from brush type as its inferior in every way. Look for powder coated or stainless steel hardware.