Whether you’ve just had a new vinyl window replacement installed recently or you’re planning to have one installed in the near future, it’s important that you educate yourself on how to properly care for and maintain this type of window. While vinyl is a material that is better than most at tolerating the sometimes harsh weather conditions found in Toronto, following good maintenance practices will likely extend their usable lifespan and save you money in the long run. We’re going to talk through everything you need to know in this post.
Smart Maintenance Practices for Vinyl Windows
One of the reasons that most probably had a big impact upon you in investing in vinyl windows was the fact that they are less maintenance intensive than other options. There’s no periodic painting or staining to be done, but you will need to ensure that you do the following.
- Inspections – This isn’t something that needs to be done on a frequent basis, but every six months or so (especially after the winter period) you should make your way around your property, inspecting the condition of your vinyl windows as you go. Look out for any cracks, chips or damage, and if you notice anything, make sure you contact your window contractor straightaway. The longer such damage is left, the worse it will get and the more expensive it will be to fix.
- Thoroughly Clean – Don’t wait for heavy rainfall to clean your vinyl windows. Instead, take a soft bristle brush or a soft cloth and mix a mild detergent with warm water. Then work your way around the window frames, cleaning off any dirt, dust or debris that has built up on them, before rinsing them down with some clean water.
- And the Glass Clean Too – You can use the same equipment and cleaning solution to keep the glass clean too. After you’ve finished, make sure to carefully dry the windows with a fresh cloth to avoid unsightly streaks.
- Lubricate the Tracks – This is something that we would recommend you do once per year, as otherwise your vinyl windows might stick when you try to open and close them, potentially causing damage to important components. If you’ve been having difficulty manoeuvring one or more of your windows, this is probably something that is long overdue.
Don’t Use the Following On Your Vinyl Windows
Maintaining your vinyl windows is relatively straightforward and you shouldn’t need the assistance of a professional. However, it is important that you don’t use the following when carrying out your maintenance:
- Abrasive cleaning products, which could potentially scratch and mark the frames and glass, leaving them susceptible to weathering and accelerated aging.
- Strong cleaning solutions, such as soaps or detergents that contain organic solvents, furniture polish, nail polish remover and solutions that contain chlorine bleach.
If you have any doubts or questions relating to vinyl windows, or you’re interested in a window replacement project, contact the team at Superior Home Improvements today on 416-287-0333.