Your doors and windows are subjected to the full forces of the changing seasons, which include heat waves, cold winds, rainstorms, and icy drafts. Doors and windows may seem like a lower maintenance part of your home, but neglecting to maintain them can lead to high energy costs, structural issues, and ultimately, repairs that could have been avoided. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. A simple seasonal maintenance process can help you avoid expensive glass repair and issues with your retractable screen. We will list what to check and fix throughout the seasons to keep your home efficient and comfortable.
Spring: Clear Out the Winter Buildup
Spring is a great time for a reset. After months of moisture and cold, your doors and windows need to be cleaned and inspected to prepare for warmer weather.
Clean and Inspect Glass and Frames
It is possible to accumulate salt, dirt, and moisture on glass and window frames throughout the winter. Clean all glass panes using a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. Inspect for cracks, chips, and condensation between the panes, which could mean that a glass repair is necessary. In the event that you have double-paned windows and see fogging, the seals might be broken, meaning the insulation might be compromised.
Check Retractable Screens
As spring begins, it’s time to put your retractable screen back into regular use. Extend and retract each screen to check if there is smooth gliding. Clean the mesh with a soft brush or vacuum attachment to clean dust, pollen, or spiders from the mesh. Torn or sagging screens should be replaced to ensure they function properly for air flow and insect protection. Make sure to check all housing on your screens to check for insect nesting and rust. Torn or sagging screens should be replaced to ensure they function properly for air flow and insect protection.
Re-Caulk and Seal Window and Door Edges
Even if you caulked last year, changing seasons may have cracked or separated old caulk. Check outside and inside edges of your windows and doors for gaps. Reapply caulk where needed, mainly focusing on wood frames or joints that have shrunk due to moisture loss. Properly sealed spaces will improve insulation as well as reduce the chance that water might invade your home during spring rain.
Summer: Maximize Comfort and Function
With summer comes heat, humidity, and more reasons to open up your space. This season will be all about maximizing air flow, safety, and securing your house from sun exposure.
Use Retractable Screens to Improve Airflow
A retractable screen will help you enjoy the breezes that summer will bring into your space without allowing unwanted pests to join you. Make sure they glide smoothly and latch securely. Clean them regularly as dust builds up. Before you retract your screens, always ensure that they are dry so that you can avoid mold and mildew. You may want to separately check your magnetic closures and other locking mechanisms to ensure they hold properly in breezy weather.
Inspect Locks, Hinges, and Handles
Because of the increased use in summer, operational components are at risk of wear and tear. Check all locks, latches, and hinges for windows and doors. Tighten loose screws and lubricate hinges and locks with a silicone spray to reduce squeaking and resistance. Door handles and window cranks should operate smoothly and close tightly. For sliding doors, clean and lubricate the tracks to allow better sliding.
Protect Against UV and Heat
Direct sun exposure can deteriorate window trim and raise the temperature of your rooms. Consider using curtains or UV film to prevent sun damage to your interior. Window tints or treatments built for UV ray blocking will protect your furniture and flooring from fading and keep your interior space cool. Some UV-blocking screens and curtains will also offer energy savings as they can reduce cooling demand.
Fall: Prepare for Cold and Moisture
With temperatures beginning to drop, fall is your chance to get ahead of winter damage. Fall is the time to focus on keeping moisture out and managing climate control from causing significant drafts, while helping your heating bills stay down.
Clean Frames and Remove Debris
During the summer months, your window and door tracks can accumulate leaves, dirt, and insect nests. Clean your window and door frames, and any place where debris has built up, to reduce clogs or water accumulation. Use a small brush or some compressed air to clean any tight corners. Don’t forget to remove dirt and debris that may have collected under door thresholds and behind shutters, where moisture may have taken root and made its way into your home.
Check for Drafts and Insulate
It’s much easier to find drafts in the fall when warm days shift to cool evenings. Light a stick of incense and hover above the window and door edges; movement in the smoke indicates airflow. Next, install or replace any weather stripping that is damaged or missing. Even windows rated for thermal efficiency can benefit from additional weatherproofing in the winter months. Consider adding insulating film to the inside of your windows or temporary storm windows for added warmth.
Secure or Store Retractable Screens
Retractable screen systems can be damaged in high winds or more severe winter conditions. Remove debris, thoroughly clean the screen and its frame, retract the screen back to its fully closed position, and secure the housing. If your system permits, removal from the housing can help improve the longevity of the frame or screens by storing the screens inside. Look for signs of corrosion and fatigue in frame hardware, and repair if necessary before winter arrives.
Winter: Monitor Damage and Condensation
Cold temperatures and moisture can wreak havoc on unseen damage if left unattended. Maintenance through the winter months is all about protecting your indoor space by keeping it dry, safe, and insulated.
Watch for Moisture and Mold
An indoor humidity level and a cold outdoor temperature create a risk of condensation. Wipe away any moisture collecting on glass or frames to prevent mold growth; doing this prevents moisture accumulation that could lead to mold growth. Pay special attention to wood frames, as they will absorb moisture and swell. Remember to run a dehumidifier to reduce the risks of condensation on windows.
Remove Ice and Snow from Openings
Ice and snow accumulation around window and door edges could lead to cracking and sticking when opening or closing. Remove snow and ice gently with a plastic scraper or soft broom. Do not pour hot water on frozen parts of your home. Hot water can displace and weigh down other frozen parts of the home, creating bigger cracks.
Inspect for Glass Damage
Remember that glass can also be brittle in cold temperatures. Check every pane of glass for chips and/or cracks. Damage to glass should be repaired when noticed, before it spreads.
When to Call the Experts
Many issues are easy to detect and repair on your own. But when seasonal wear turns into deeper damage or safety concerns, it’s best to call the professionals.
Signs That You Need Professional Help
- Persistent condensation between window panes, which is likely caused due to failed seals
- Cracked or chipped glass that gets worse over time.
- Warped or misaligned doors and windows
- Retractable screens that no longer retract smoothly or are stuck in place
- Drafts that continue even after sealing efforts
- Difficulty opening or closing doors due to swelling or structural shifting
- Loose or corroded exterior caulking despite touch-ups
These problems may require specialized tools or replacement parts best handled by trained technicians.
Why Experts Are Worth It
A professional can identify issues related to the structure of your house to help you prepare for the coming seasons. If the project includes the installation of new windows or doors, professionals may need to understand installation requirements to improve energy performance and use energy-efficient materials for their work. Proper glass repair or screen replacement helps you avoid repeated fixes and long-term issues.
Final Thoughts
Doors and windows are the first barrier of protection for your home against the outside world. Each season, your efforts will result in well-maintained doors and windows throughout the year. Use the checklist provided as a tool to not only remain ahead of wear and tear but also improve comfort and preserve your investment. Seasonally structured routine reduces your risk of needing emergency repairs in a timely manner.
