Maintenance & Long-Term Care
Consistent seasonal maintenance preserves the airtight integrity of your window assemblies and extends the functional lifespan of their moving components.
Quarterly Cleaning and Drain Maintenance:
Clean glass surfaces using a non-abrasive microfiber towel and a mild solution of equal parts water and white vinegar or pH-neutral dish soap. Avoid harsh chemical solvents, razor scrapers, or abrasive scouring pads that can scratch glass surfaces or degrade sensitive Low-E coatings. Inspect the exterior sill weep holes every spring and fall; clear away accumulated dirt, leaves, and insect debris using a pipe cleaner or compressed air to prevent rainwater from pooling inside the frame tracks.
Hardware Lubrication and Seal Conditioning:
Apply a dry PTFE or silicone spray lubricant to sash tracks, crank gears, roller wheels, and locking mechanisms twice annually. Avoid oil-based lubricants like WD-40, which attract airborne dust and grime that clog moving parts. Inspect perimeter rubber and foam weatherstripping every autumn, wiping surfaces clean with a damp cloth to remove grit and ensuring the materials remain soft, pliable, and properly seated in their mounting channels.
Managing Indoor Humidity:
Maintain indoor relative humidity levels between 30% and 40% during the heating season by running kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans and using whole-house dehumidifiers. High indoor humidity creates interior surface condensation on cold window glass, which can damage wooden sills and create mold growth if left unmanaged.
