Home Window Maintenance

Window Maintenance Tools and Tips:

The best way to add years to the life of your windows is to inspect, clean and lubricate your windows on an annual basis. Start by assembling a window maintenance tool kit that includes:

• Paper towels
• Small paintbrush for removing debris and dirt from window channels
• Battery-powered hand-held vacuum to remove dirt
• Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers for tightening loose window screws
• Aerosol spray lubricant for lubricating window locks and channels

For each window in your home:

• Open the window and clean out windowsill debris with the paintbrush or hand vacuum, then use a wet paper towel to wipe down the sill.
• Check for loose hardware and re-tighten or re-nail as needed. Use the spray lubricant to lubricate the window locks.
• Remove paint from window locks by taking out the locks and soaking them in paint remover. Follow up by cleaning, lubricating, polishing and replacing all hardware. Remove any excess lubricant with a paper towel. For an awning or casement window, open the window fully and disengage the arm from the track to facilitate easier washing and lubrication of the arm, track, cranking mechanism, hinges and lock.

This video by Marvin Windows and Doors presents spring home maintenance tips for your windows, gutters, roof, attic, siding and basement:

Opening a Stuck Window:

If you are unable to open a window (assuming it is unlocked), it may be stuck due to paint that has run between the stops and the sash and is binding the window, or it may just be that the window channels are in need of cleaning and lubrication. Don’t force the window as you don’t want to damage it. Try loosing the window by placing a block of wood against the sash frame and tapping (not pounding) the block lightly while moving it along the entire length of both stiles. If that doesn’t work, and you’ve found paint in the crack between the stops and the sash, you’ll need a serrated blade or bladed tool. Insert the serrated blade into the crack and move it along the entire length of the sash on both sides using a light sawing motion. Cut any paint bonds between the sill and the bottom rail. You should now be able to open the window.