Regular Check-Up and Maintenance on Your Windows and Doors in Beltsville, Maryland Published on July 07, 2015When you first purchase a home, you do a pretty in-depth walk through of the home to make sure everything is in decent condition. Depending on when you moved in, it might have been a little bit since you checked out your home with that same detailed look. Now that the colder weather is gone in Beltsville, take some time to stroll through your home and look at your windows and doors to check for any possible maintenance concerns. It’s fast, easy and it could save you money by uncovering areas that necessitate maintenance. Check out some tips from Pella in Beltsville to help you conduct basic 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 decent condition? Flaking and peeling are signs that you may have to refinish the window or door.Look at exterior surfaces – Condensation and water penetration can mean cracking, deteriorated wood or other damage. Look 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 find out what’s causing the concern. Discolored wood around a window can 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 build up in your window sills. Open the windows and clean out the tracks with a soft brush. Make sure this is also done on your patio doors. Debris can diminish 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 have uneven sliding 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 exchange sections that are torn.Check locking mechanisms – Locks not only keep people out of your home, but they also help make sure your windows and doors are tight. This helps to keep out rain, wind, insects and even the hot air. Make sure they are operating properly.Look at caulking and sealants – Rain, water and extreme sunlight can be tough on exterior sealants and caulking. Get rid of any damaged material around your doors and windows and reapply sealant. If you see any signs of problems with your home’s windows or doors, or you want to chat with a pro, call (301) 327-3013 to speak with a Pella representative or visit the showroom in Beltsville. Back to Blog
Regular Check-Up and Maintenance on Your Windows and Doors in Beltsville, Maryland Published on July 07, 2015When you first purchase a home, you do a pretty in-depth walk through of the home to make sure everything is in decent condition. Depending on when you moved in, it might have been a little bit since you checked out your home with that same detailed look. Now that the colder weather is gone in Beltsville, take some time to stroll through your home and look at your windows and doors to check for any possible maintenance concerns. It’s fast, easy and it could save you money by uncovering areas that necessitate maintenance. Check out some tips from Pella in Beltsville to help you conduct basic 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 decent condition? Flaking and peeling are signs that you may have to refinish the window or door.Look at exterior surfaces – Condensation and water penetration can mean cracking, deteriorated wood or other damage. Look 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 find out what’s causing the concern. Discolored wood around a window can 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 build up in your window sills. Open the windows and clean out the tracks with a soft brush. Make sure this is also done on your patio doors. Debris can diminish 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 have uneven sliding 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 exchange sections that are torn.Check locking mechanisms – Locks not only keep people out of your home, but they also help make sure your windows and doors are tight. This helps to keep out rain, wind, insects and even the hot air. Make sure they are operating properly.Look at caulking and sealants – Rain, water and extreme sunlight can be tough on exterior sealants and caulking. Get rid of any damaged material around your doors and windows and reapply sealant. If you see any signs of problems with your home’s windows or doors, or you want to chat with a pro, call (301) 327-3013 to speak with a Pella representative or visit the showroom in Beltsville.