Tips for Winter Window Maintenance

If you live in Kanata, you likely have to live through long, brutal winters. While this fate is hard for Canadians to ignore, you can take efforts to make sure your windows are in tip-top shape and that damage from the elements is minimal. 

There are specific measures that you can take to ensure that your windows are in the best condition possible.If you live in Kanata and have window issues you might need a window replacement Kanata. If your issues are only minor (or if you don yet have them), read on.

Clean your windows

This might not sound like something you need to do for Winter maintenance in particular, but you may be surprised. During the winter months, different types of dirt and debris collect on windows that can block much-needed sunlight from entering your home.

To clean your windows, follow these steps:

1. Use warm water and mild dish soap. Put the soap in a spray bottle to clean them evenly, particularly the bottom corners.
2. Be sure to clean the inside and outside. Dirt can accumulate anywhere, after all.
3. When you’re finished cleaning, use a vinegar- based solution for the end part. This will help your windows sparkle.

Making a point of cleaning your windows on a regular basis will help ensure that they stay in good shape.

Check your seals

If you live in a cold climate, it is absolutely essential that you check your seals. Especially if you live in a climate with harsh winters, you need to be sure that you invest in sealant that is both super strong, and which you check on a regular basis.

Some 

• UV resistance. UV rays should not be allowed to get in. You might not feel the effects of this immediately, but they will have an impact.
• Moisture protection. If moisture seeps into the spaces around your windows, it could damage your frames irreparably and affect even larger areas.
• Strong adhesion. Obviously, the main purpose of sealant is to stick things together. So adhesive quality is paramount.

Categories of sealants

To know how to choose a sealant, you should understand their core mechanisms. Sealants generally fall into two groups:

• Acid cure silicones. This more common type works by releasing acetic acid into the air. It does have some drawbacks, being somewhat corrosive and don’t work very well with certain other materials, so check this in advance.
• Natural cure silicones. This slightly more expensive material will certainly be worth the investment.

Don’t forget weatherstripping 

While sealant is important to provide a solid layer of protection between windows and frames, it is important to use weatherstripping, as well. Weatherstripping gets into small places where traditional sealants cannot reach. 

In terms of types, there are several common ones that people use:

• V-strip. This type received its name because it looks like the letter V and is made of vinyl or metal. It works very well with sliding windows, is cheap, and allows for easy installation.
• Felt stripes. Felt steps can slide onto windows either vertically or horizontally and are reasonably good at preventing droughts. Although not as strong as V-syrips, they are very cheap.
• Foam. This type of weatherstripping comes in tape form and works well with windows that have odd shapes.
• Tubular rubber. Tubular rubber weatherstripping is particularly good at preventing moisture and works well with windows that need to be opened and closed during the winter.

Caulking 

It might sound excessive, but there is yet another element that you can add to your windows to provide super-strong protection. Caulking helps to conserve energy and also helps to prevent pestilence in your home.

Caulking has several advantages: it is waterproof, it expands and contracts along with changes in temperature, and it is also very good at absorbing vibrations. The best type of caulking is acrylic latex caulking. It is easy to use and clean, and it is safe for different surfaces. So it will be well worth your while to take this final step in protecting your windows against the elements.

A lot of work, but worth it

Taking care of your windows does require a fair amount of work, but you will see the results in reduced energy bills, a warmer home, and less damage. Making a regular effort to take care of these things will help you create a routine, and soon there will be less effort involved. You and your family will be warmer, safer, and happier.