Homeowners have a wide variety of maintenance checklists. There’s one for summer and one for winter. Make sure you include an annual window checklist among them.
Just follow these five easy steps to make sure your windows are living up to the standards they should.
- Test the locks. Your windows should lock easily, without having to force them. If it doesn’t lock easily, the window isn’t completely closed.
- Check the reveal. The reveal is the gap between the bottom of the window and the window pane. When you open the window an inch, you should have an inch reveal along the full width.
- Inspect the weather-stripping. A drafty window drives up your energy bill. Look at the weather-stripping along the frame. Is it even? Next, open your window and inspect the weather-stripping along the inside of the sash. Run your hand along the weather-stripping. Is it intact? Can you feel any gaps? If so, you might need to replace or repair it.
- Look at the pre-drilled holes. If you have Simonton windows, your windows have four holes inside the tracks on the upper and lower sashes. Look to see if they are filled. If not, fill them with 100% silicone putty.
- Inspect the exterior sealant. Examine the sealant around the outside of your windows. If you find any damage or cracks, repair them now, before those issues worsen.
If you’re still living with old windows that aren’t energy efficient, talk to us at Johnson County Siding & Window Company. We provide high quality, replacement windows—like Simonton Windows—throughout the Kansas City region.
