When
you first purchase a home, you do a pretty in-depth
walk through of the home to make sure everything is in
good condition. Depending on when you moved in, it might
have been a little bit since you looked
at your home with that same eagle eye.
Now
that the colder weather is over in Indianapolis,
take some time to stroll through your home and look at
your windows and doors to check for any potential
maintenance concerns. It’s fast, easy
and it could save you money by catching
areas that require maintenance.
Read through some tips from Pella in Indianapolis to
help you conduct regular maintenance on your windows and
doors:
- Inspect the
interior and exterior finishes – Check on the condition of the finish
around your windows and doors. Is the paint or stain in good
condition? Flaking and peeling are signs that you may want to
refinish the unit.
- Look at
exterior surfaces – Condensation and water penetration can mean
cracking, deteriorated wood or other damage. Check
for signs of moisture. You should also inspect the walls,
floors and ceilings for discoloration.
- Find the
source of any problems – If you notice any discoloration or signs of moisture;
try to uncover what’s causing the issue.
Discolored wood around a window could be caused by a leak some
distance away. In the case of roof leaks, sometimes the water will
run down the inside of the wall and reach the window.
- Clean window
sills and tracks – Dirt and debris such as leaves, insects and sand can stack up in your window sills. Open the windows and clean out the tracks
with a soft brush. You should also do this with
your patio doors. Debris can decrease
the performance of your windows by allowing air to enter the home.
- Open and
close windows to check on sliding – If it feels like your windows are sliding unevenly when you open and close
them, try a non-oily lubricant such as paraffin wax on the opposing finishes to
get it back on track.
- Review
weather stripping – All your windows and doors have weather stripping, and well,
weather can be troublesome. Look for any
loose strips that need to be reattached or replace
sections that are torn.
- Check
locking mechanisms – Locks not only keep people out of your home, but they also help ensure your windows and doors are tight. This helps to keep
out rain, wind, insects and even the hot air. Make sure they are doing
their job properly.
- Look at
caulking and sealants – Rain, water and extreme sunlight can be rough
on exterior sealants and caulking. Pull off any damaged
material around your doors and windows and reapply sealant.
If
you see any signs of concerns with your home’s windows or
doors, or you want to talk with an expert, call 317-983-5922
to speak with a Pella representative or visit
the showroom in Indianapolis.