When
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.