Window care and maintenance tips from specialists

The windows and doors in a property are often the first external areas to show signs of wear and tear and pick up environmental damage. This can be a big problem as these areas are also the ones with the most direct access to the outside.

Looking after your windows is also important to help maintain a great look and feel for your home. This is because clear windows let more light in than dirty ones.

At Allerton Windows, we are experts in all things windows, doors, and home extensions. This post contains a range of tips for window maintenance, put together using knowledge gained through years of window and door installations and replacement work.

How to recognise signs of degradation in windows and doors

Damaged windows and doors lose their heat retention effectiveness. As such, they can contribute heavily to increases in your heating bill over time. If the issue is left unresolved, this could also place extra strain on your central heating potentially having a knock on effect. Things to look out for include:

• Difficulty opening, closing, or locking: Windows are designed to open and close smoothly. If this isn’t the case, there could be a problem. Plus, you might accidentally cause more damage trying to force open a stuck door or window.
• Drafts: One of the first signs of damage to windows and doors is if they have become drafty. This can be checked easily with the candle test or by running your hand along the edges of the window.
• Visible damage: Cracks in the glass will compromise the look and integrity of your windows, meaning it’s time for a replacement. Even small cracks can develop with temperature changes and impacts. Other visible damage includes rot, mold, or water damage.
• Moisture in between glass panes: If you have double glazing windows, the presence of water inside the window pane is a telltale sign that their effectiveness has been compromised. If you notice this, it’s time for a window replacement.

Common causes of window damage

There can be many possible causes of home window damage, some of which occur gradually over long periods of time. Understanding what might cause window damage helps create an effective maintenance strategy, as it informs which areas require the most attention. This includes:

• Warping due to moisture seepage
• Broken window seal
• Accidents
• Extreme temperature change
• Poor quality window installation work
• Old materials
• Low quality products that are more susceptible to damage
• Extreme weather conditions (debris, hail etc)
• General wear and tear

It’s also important to bear in mind that certain causes might be more likely than others depending on where you live. For example, those that live close to the seaside are more likely to experience window wear and tear due to high winds. As window and door specialists operating across the North West, this is something we know all too well.

Expert cleaning/maintenance tips for windows

1.Regular cleaning

Cleaning your windows and window frames every few months is essential to prevent dust, dirt, and pollution from building up. This can be done using warm soapy water applied using a soft cloth. While a fibre brush can be used on metal windows, this is not advised in other cases. It’s also best to stick to washing up liquid as your window cleaner of choice, avoiding ammonia-based agents, scouring powder, kitchen/bathroom agents, and using glass cleaner on the frames.

Aluminium windows and uPVC windows are two types of windows that require less cleaning than others. This is because the materials are far easier to maintain than wooden windows. So if window cleaning is something that’s difficult to do due to height or other factors, it might be worth investing in these modern kinds of windows.

2.Address condensation

Condensation on the outside or inside of windows is relatively common, with the former typically being a sign of effective window insulation. However, if you notice condensation on the inside of windows this could be an indication that your home is fitted with low quality or damaged window glazing, or there is a lack of ventilation. While condensation can be wiped away or left to clear up over time, you’ll likely need replacement for a long-term fix.

To prevent mold or damp-related health problems, it’s best to remove any interior condensation as soon as you notice it. This is more likely to happen in winter when there is a greater temperature difference between the outside and inside of your home. Made-to-measure, bespoke windows are less likely to suffer from condensation as they are more effective at retaining heat.

3.Check for issues

Even if you’ve recently cleaned your windows, it’s good to visually check the edges, frames, and surfaces for signs of damage or age. This includes both the inside and outside of the panes. Obvious signs of damage will be cracks, chipped or peeling paint, gaps around the edges of the window frame, moisture inside the window, and broken latches or handles.

When checking for window problems, it’s important not to dismiss small things which could develop later on. For instance, what might appear to be a small scuff could actually be covering a hairline crack that lets moisture into the glass.

4.Re-sealing windows

Gaps and cracks in the window frame are a major cause of drafts and lost heat efficiency. Conducting regular checks for worn out seals will help catch this problem early. Affected seals will then need to be replaced with caulk or rubber foam. You can try to do this yourself, but we’d recommend getting help from window installation professionals to ensure long-lasting repairs.

5.Maintenance for window parts

Although this isn’t a regular requirement, window hinges and locks should be cleaned every once in a while. Keeping these moving parts free from moisture and debris will help avoid sticking or jamming when opening and closing the window. If your windows feature stainless steel hardware, it should be cleaned more regularly using appropriate cleaning products.

Be advised that using a strong cleaning product could damage the finish on these areas. Non stainless steel surfaces can be cleaned effectively using washing up liquid.

How long does double glazing last?

Double glazing windows are among the most commonly fitted types of home windows in the UK. Unless an extreme weather event or accident damages the glass, double glazing should last 20-25 years. Although this lifespan also hinges on regular window care and repair to prevent degradation. In the absence of proper window maintenance the panes can lose their effectiveness in just 10 years.

How to clean uPVC surfaces

Proper uPVC window maintenance starts by taking care of uPVC surfaces through targeted cleaning and maintenance work.

Method:

• Prepare a bowl of warm water and add a non-abrasive proprietary cleaner. Use a product that’s suitable for plastics.
• Using a soft clean cloth, wipe down all uPVC surfaces.
• A cream-based uPVC cleaner can then be used to get rid of stubborn dirt.

Things to avoid:

• Don’t use abrasive cloths
• Don’t apply excessive force when scrubbing
• Don’t use bleach or solvents

How to clean Aluminium surfaces

Strategies for aluminium window maintenance involve a measured approach with cleaning roughly every 3-6 months depending on the conditions.

Method:

• Prepare an 80-20 mixture of washing up liquid and water.
• Clean surfaces using clean lint-free cloth, taking extra care with powder coated aluminium.
• Rinse with clean water and dry gently.
• For aluminium windows and doors exposed to salt water, this process should be repeated more regularly.

Things to avoid:

• Abrasive cleaning products and cloths
• Don’t clean aluminium surfaces too often (3-6 months)
• Don’t use solvents or bleach

How to clean Heritage Style Windows

Method:

• Prepare a diluted cleaning solution.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean exterior surfaces.
• Wipe down interior glass and framework using a soft cloth to prevent dust build up.

Things to avoid:

• Cleaning products and materials which might scratch surfaces
• Don’t apply excessive pressure that might damage surface finishes

Professional window and door installations

The best way to ensure your windows and doors last for a long time is to start with a quality installation completed by seasoned professionals. At Allerton Windows, we have been manufacturing, supplying, and fitting resilient windows for homes across the North West for over 30 years. This includes sash windows, french windows, uPVC windows, heritage windows, and more.

The Allerton Windows range of window products have been selected for security and reliability. By choosing windows that have gone through rigorous testing to meet high quality standards, you’ll be making a valuable long-term investment.

Our team is always on hand if you have any questions about home maintenance or caring for any of the products in our range. Get in touch to discuss what we can achieve for your home.