When
you first purchase a home, you perform a pretty detailed
walk through of the home to make certain everything is in
good condition. Depending on when you moved in, it may
have been awhile since you inspected your home with that same eagle eye.
Now
that the colder weather is gone in Casper,
take some time to walk through your home and inspect
your windows and doors to check for any potential
maintenance problems. It’s simple, easy
and it might save you money by finding
areas that need maintenance.
Here
are some tips from Pella in Casper to
help you conduct simple 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 presentable
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 cause
cracking, deteriorated wood or other damage. Check
for signs of moisture. You should also look at the walls,
floors and ceilings for discoloration.
- Find the
source of any problems – If you view any discoloration or signs of moisture;
try to find out what’s causing the issue.
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 stack 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 reduce
the performance of your windows by permitting air to enter the home.
- Open and
close windows to check on sliding – If it feels like your windows are sliding unevenly 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 hard on it. Look for any
loose strips that need to be reattached or swap out
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 doing
their job properly.
- Look at
caulking and sealants – Rain, water and extreme sunlight can be tough
on exterior sealants and caulking. Pull off any damaged
material around your doors and windows and reapply sealant.
If
you see any signs of concerns with your home’s windows or
doors, or you want to talk with a
professional, call 307-234-1518
to speak with a Pella representative or visit
the showroom in Casper.