When Saundra* upgraded her home’s old, worn-out windows with vinyl windows last year, she let out a huge sigh of relief. No more worrying about cold drafts, latches that will not lock, and overall poor performance—just high-end windows that glide open and close and not only look great but are also built to last. However, she kept remembering a conversation she had with the windows installer, who recommended occasional maintenance to ensure she get the most out of her investment.
She agreed at the time yet now wonders why. After all, vinyl windows are supposed to look great, perform great, and stay that way forever. Right? Well, yes and no. While everything we know about the superiority of vinyl windows over traditional products is true, they still require routine cleaning and maintenance to prevent dirt, mildew, grime, and other nasty items from accumulating and accelerating the degradation of parts and overall performance.
In other words, take care of your vinyl windows, and they will take care of you and your home for years to come. And here is the good news: you can maintain your vinyl windows yourself without heavy lifting or excess spending.
Vinyl Windows Still Need Their Share of TLC
Saundra made a great choice with her vinyl windows selection, and we do not have to convince her why. After all, the right window materials can dramatically enhance the look, feel, comfort, and energy efficiency of any home. They really are THAT important. In addition, it has become increasingly popular in all home segments, from starter homes to luxury homes. Among the myriad options available today, vinyl windows are a particularly effective choice because of their quality, versatility, performance, and alignment with contemporary design and efficiency demands.
Vinyl windows were initially introduced in the 1970s as an affordable alternative to wood and aluminum and have surged in popularity ever since. A home’s vinyl windows may be performing perfectly, regardless of what Mother Nature is doing outside. But that does not mean they will stay that way forever.
Wind, heat, harsh winters, rain, snow, and more will test the limits of new windows 365 days a year. This will also lead to dirt, grime, mildew, and other substances accumulating on the surface of windows and inside all the mechanics, which need to be rinsed off or wiped down.
Just a few of the benefits of regularly cleaning and maintaining vinyl windows include:
- Keeps windows looking shiny and brand-new
- Helps maintain their original color and finish longer
- Catches small issues and prevent costly repairs later
- Keeps tracks and hardware working smoothly, reducing sticking and hard-to-open windows
- Prevents debris from damaging seals, weatherstripping, and moving parts
- Extends the window’s lifespan
- Maintains energy efficiency
- Deters pests
Experts typically recommend deep cleaning vinyl windows once or twice a year. Homeowners need to do it more often if they experience a lot of dust or extreme weather patterns. Beyond cleaning, it is good to take stock of how the tracks and hardware work every few months. The good news is that with a few simple DIY tips, vinyl windows can keep looking new year-round.
If you have vinyl windows, here is a concise yet effective checklist to help you get started on vinyl window maintenance.
8 Tips for Maintaining Vinyl Windows
1. Inspect tracks and hardware
Check regularly to ensure your vinyl windows continue to open and close seamlessly. They need to glide along the tracks versus being sticky and hard to lift up and down. WD40 and other cleaning agents can loosen buildup and reduce friction but make sure to wipe tracks clean after application and address any worn or damaged hardware early to prevent bigger issues down the road.
2. Give vinyl windows a quick wash
It is good to spray a gentle cleaner on the windows and wipe them down thoroughly to get rid of built-up dirt and grime. Do not just focus on the windows, though. Work your cleaner into the grooves to avoid hidden buildup within the hardware. Outside, use a garden hose to clear away any additional debris that may have accumulated. Often, this light wash prevents long-term staining and mold growth.
3. Do a quick visual inspection for signs of pests
Pests are relentless and can wreak havoc on vinyl windows over time if not properly addressed. Look in the corners and along the sides of the windows for potential damage. Examples might include small holes, chipped edges, scratch marks, and nest activity.
4. Check caulking and seals
A quick maintenance task any homeowner can do is to make sure all areas of their vinyl windows are still sealed tightly. Reapply caulk where needed to keep water and pests out, while also reducing the chance of having loose panels.
4. Repair small issues early
Address minor cracks, loose panels, or gaps as soon as they appear to prevent moisture intrusion and more costly damage over time. If your windows are still relatively new and under warranty, this can be addressed quickly and free of charge by bringing your installation crew back in for an inspection. That said, many minor repairs can be handled by the homeowner, including caulking trouble areas.
6. Trim nearby trees and bushes
Prevent scratches, moisture buildup, and debris accumulation on your windows by trimming back overgrown trees and bushes that consistently rub against the window frames from the outside. Doing so will eliminate years of built-up damage and debris.
7. Repaint or touch up small areas, if necessary
If you did not choose vinyl windows and instead chose different material for your past installation like wood or metal, now is the time to check for areas that have faded or are starting to peel after a harsh winter, a bumpy spring, or a scorching summer.
8. When in doubt, call a professional
There will be instances where you cannot do light maintenance on your vinyl windows. Perhaps the areas that need to be reached are simply too high and challenging to reach on your own. Perhaps the cleaning you need requires more specialized work, and you are not comfortable doing that alone. For these and many other reasons, it may be time to call in a professional.
Experts typically recommend deep cleaning your vinyl windows once or twice a year. You may need to do it more often if you experience a lot of dust or extreme weather patterns. Beyond cleaning, it is good to take stock of how the tracks and hardware work every few months.
You can rely on our experienced window installers at Siding and More Construction Company to ensure proper care is taken during vinyl window installation in your home. Siding and More only installs high-performance, high-efficiency NT Window’s Energy Master Series and Simonton Reflection windows. We are backed by some of the strongest manufacturers’ warranties in the industry and will do everything we can to ensure you are 100% satisfied.
Even after your installation, we are here to address any issues that arise with your warrantied windows. So, if it is a maintenance issue that you can’t handle on your own, or there is a defect that must be addressed now, we can help.
Siding and More Construction Company Are Experts at Vinyl Window Installation
Investing in high-quality vinyl windows for your Dallas home provides a durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing exterior. But that does not mean they are not immune to issues in the future. This is where ongoing maintenance and cleaning of vinyl windows is so important.
Do not hesitate to ask our sales professionals about this process. We are happy to explain everything to you in detail. For the best results, opt for high-efficiency NT Window’s Energy Master Series or Simonton Reflection windows, ensuring your home stays protected and beautiful for decades.
At Siding and More Construction Company we offer a wide range of vinyl siding and vinyl window options tailored to withstand the Texas climate. With nearly 40 years of experience in the Dallas area, Siding and More Construction Company is one of the best siding contractors around.
Our experts are ready to assist you in choosing the perfect windows for your home, ensuring both durability and curb appeal. To get started, call us at 972-636-3513 or contact us for a consultation and to discover how we can enhance your home’s exterior.
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Siding and More Construction Company serves the North Texas area including these cities in the Greater Dallas metroplex and more: Addison, Allen, Arlington, Canton, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Dallas, Desoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Lancaster, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, Rowlett, Irving, Terrell, Royse City and nearby areas.
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