When
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.