Maintaining Your Impact Windows
Maintaining Impact Windows for Optimal Home Protection
Maintaining your impact windows is vital to their longevity. Investing in impact windows protects your home against nature’s forces. These windows, designed to resist hurricanes and enhance security, require proper maintenance for sustained effectiveness. This comprehensive guide emphasizes the significance of maintaining your impact windows. It offers practical tips for ensuring their optimal condition, actively contributing to enhanced home protection.
Understanding the Crucial Role of Impact Windows
Before delving into maintenance tips, let’s briefly grasp the fundamental role of impact windows in home protection. Impact windows, also known as hurricane windows, withstand powerful forces during storms and deter potential break-ins. These windows often undergo rigorous tests to ensure they can handle up to category 5 wind speeds.
Unlike traditional windows, they consist of reinforced glass layers laminated to a durable interlayer, forming a robust barrier against high winds, debris, and extreme weather conditions. Many product lines even fill the space between glass with gasses to help bolster the window’s other benefits.
Beyond storm protection, impact windows offer enhanced safety, energy efficiency, noise reduction, U.V. protection, and potential insurance savings. Prioritizing regular impact window maintenance is essential to constantly enjoy these advantages.
Significance of Regular Maintenance
You need to check your windows regularly for any signs of wear or distress. As we’ll soon cover, regular maintenance and inspection will ensure your windows last as long as possible.
Ensuring Structural Integrity
Regularly check impact windows for structural integrity by inspecting frames, seals, and glass for any signs of damage. Identifying and addressing issues promptly prevents further deterioration, ensuring windows remain effective.
Preserving Energy Efficiency
The U.S. Department of Energy emphasizes that windows can contribute to 25-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Impact windows contribute to energy efficiency, and their performance may improve with proper maintenance. Inspect for gaps, cracks, or seal issues to maintain insulation properties, keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
Sustaining Storm Protection
Regular maintenance ensures impact windows are in optimal condition to provide reliable storm protection. Identifying and promptly addressing any damage is crucial for their effectiveness during severe weather events.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) records an average of 12 named storms and about 9 hurricanes annually in the U.S. Reports from the Insurance Information Institute share that severe storms and hurricanes cause billions of dollars in property damage annually. Proper maintenance ensures that your home is always ready for Mother Nature.
Extending Lifespan
Impact windows are a long-term investment. Regular maintenance extends their lifespan, maximizing the return on investment. With proper care, impact windows can continue to protect your home for decades.
However, ensure that the company you choose to buy windows from offers a robust warranty program and post-installation assistance. For instance, Florida Window & Door offers a double lifetime warranty to the next owner should you choose to sell that home. We even provide a dedicated service team ready to help you should the need arise.
Maintaining Aesthetic Appeal
Not everything has to deal with efficiency. At the end of the day, your windows should be as visually appealing as they are functional. Impact windows contribute to your home’s aesthetics. Regular cleaning and maintenance preserve their appearance, preventing dirt, debris, or water stains from buildup.
Care Instructions for Your Windows
Cleaning the Glass, Frame, and Track
Use mild-non abrasive cleaners with a soft rag or sponge to clean your window frames. Rinse thoroughly afterward with clean water to eliminate any residue or buildup.
Then, ensure that the track is debris-free and has no blockages. These tighter spaces should be vacuumed regularly. Lastly, dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Microfiber and non-coarse materials are highly recommended to avoid micro-scratches. Power washers and garden hoses should be bypassed to protect the frame’s finish.
Screens
When cleaning, carefully remove any screens. These should be washed with mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and ensure that they are completely dry before reinstalling them. Be careful to avoid excessive pressure, sharp objects, or any harsh chemicals.
Weatherstripping and Seals
Special care is needed in the areas lining your windows and doors. Regularly inspect for chips, cracks, and shrinkage; re-caulk as necessary to prevent water from seeping in from the outdoors. Examine your products periodically to ensure the weatherstripping and seals are in good condition.
To avoid sticking, use a silicone-based lubricant. Once a year, it’s recommended to apply a small amount of silicone spray to the window tracks and rollers. Refrain from using petroleum-based lubricants such as WD-40, which can attract dirt and grime.
Address Water Infiltration Promptly
Promptly address signs of water infiltration, such as water stains or moisture around windows. Water can compromise window integrity if not managed promptly, leading to significant problems.
The Insurance Information Institute reveals that water damage is one of the most common and costly claims for homeowners. Impact window maintenance actively helps prevent water infiltration, reducing the risk of water damage to the home’s structure and belongings.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
Adhere to impact window maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Different types may have specific recommendations, ensuring necessary steps are taken to keep windows in optimal condition.
Schedule a service inspection with your window and door provider to ensure that your products are still performing at their best.
Industry experts affirm that well-maintained impact windows can boast a lifespan of 20 years or more. Regular maintenance actively contributes to extending the longevity of impact windows, maximizing the return on investment over time.
Special Considerations
Here are a few additional items to consider to protect your windows, doors, and other home features.
Ensure that any newly applied stucco is promptly painted. Stucco is not waterproof and needs immediate painting to prevent water from seeping into your home.
Keep any permanent labels on your product and the permit pack for future reference or to pass on to the next homeowner.
If you live in a coastal region or anywhere near saltwater, clean your windows regularly with fresh water to remove any salt residue.
Metalic tools and sharp objects, such as razor blades, putty knives, and abrasive pads, should be avoided to prevent damage to your product and void its warranty.
If your windows and doors are built from adonized materials, click here for a more tailored breakdown of maintenance and cleaning advice.
Conclusion
Maintaining impact windows is crucial for preserving their appearance and functionality. Regular cleaning, inspections, and prompt repairs improve their longevity and reliability. As a homeowner, investing time and effort in impact window maintenance enhances your home’s safety, security, and overall well-being. Prioritize the maintenance of impact windows to enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your home is well-prepared to face the elements and potential security threats.
But if you don’t already have hurricane windows, then click below to contact us and schedule your FREE home assessment:
Contact Florida Window & Door for a free 30-day quote. Let our team guide you through the process – from assessing your home’s needs to the final installation. Our team is committed to quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. For over 30 years, we’ve been the go-to for hurricane-protective products throughout Florida. Invest in your home’s safety and security and install impact windows and doors. Call Florida Window & Door today!
