Regular Check-Up and Maintenance on Your Windows and Doors in Terre Haute, IN Published on July 07, 2015When you first purchase a home, you do a pretty thorough walk through of the home to make sure everything is in great condition. Depending on when you moved in, it could have been a little while since you inspected your home with that same close eye. Now that the colder weather is gone in Terre Haute, take some time to stroll through your home and inspect your windows and doors to check for any potential maintenance concerns. It’s fast, easy and it may save you money by uncovering areas that necessitate maintenance. Read through some tips from Pella in Terre Haute to help you conduct regular 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 good condition? Flaking and peeling are signs that you may have to refinish the surface.Look at exterior surfaces – Condensation and water penetration can induce cracking, deteriorated wood or other damage. Keep an eye out for signs of moisture. You should also check the walls, floors and ceilings for discoloration.Find the source of any problems – If you view any discoloration or signs of moisture; try to uncover what’s causing the issue. Discolored wood around a window might be caused by a leak some distance away. In the case of roof leaks, sometimes the water may 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. You should also do this with 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 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 take its toll. 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 operating properly.Look at caulking and sealants – Rain, water and extreme sunlight can be tough on exterior sealants and caulking. Remove 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 talk with a pro, call 812-234-0729 to speak with a Pella representative or visit the showroom in Terre Haute. Back to Blog
Regular Check-Up and Maintenance on Your Windows and Doors in Terre Haute, IN Published on July 07, 2015When you first purchase a home, you do a pretty thorough walk through of the home to make sure everything is in great condition. Depending on when you moved in, it could have been a little while since you inspected your home with that same close eye. Now that the colder weather is gone in Terre Haute, take some time to stroll through your home and inspect your windows and doors to check for any potential maintenance concerns. It’s fast, easy and it may save you money by uncovering areas that necessitate maintenance. Read through some tips from Pella in Terre Haute to help you conduct regular 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 good condition? Flaking and peeling are signs that you may have to refinish the surface.Look at exterior surfaces – Condensation and water penetration can induce cracking, deteriorated wood or other damage. Keep an eye out for signs of moisture. You should also check the walls, floors and ceilings for discoloration.Find the source of any problems – If you view any discoloration or signs of moisture; try to uncover what’s causing the issue. Discolored wood around a window might be caused by a leak some distance away. In the case of roof leaks, sometimes the water may 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. You should also do this with 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 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 take its toll. 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 operating properly.Look at caulking and sealants – Rain, water and extreme sunlight can be tough on exterior sealants and caulking. Remove 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 talk with a pro, call 812-234-0729 to speak with a Pella representative or visit the showroom in Terre Haute.