Winter Wood Window Care Tips
Wood windows are a durable and classic choice for your home, but they do require some maintenance to look and perform their best. The following tips can help you ensure that your windows will survive the sometimes extreme weather conditions of winter.
Tip #1: Remove and Wash the Screens
Windows screens trap a lot of dust and dirt over the course of the summer and fall months. Take the time to remove the screens from every window and spray them out with a garden hose. While the screens are out, remove any dust and debris that was trapped in their tracks or in the corners. You can vacuum it out with a hose attachment or you can use a soft-bristled brush to remove it. Finally, wipe down the frames and screen tracks with warm water and then dry with a clean towel. Debris and dirt can trap moisture against the wood frames of your windows, which can lead to paint damage or even wood rot.
Tip #2: Check the Seals
The weather stripping and seals around your window are vital for keeping out cold drafts in winter. They also prevent moisture from seeping in and becoming stuck underneath the window sash, which can lead to a rotten wood sill or frame. Check that all weather stripping is undamaged and in good condition. If you find any issues, remove the old stripping and replace it with new.
Tip #3: Find and Repair Damage
Small cracks or holes in a wood window frame can lead to major damage. Water can seep into these and freeze. When it freezes, it expands, which will then cause a minor crack to grow into a major crack. This also increases the chances of wood rot. If you find cracks, fill them with a wood putty. Once the putty dries, sand it down so it is flush with the surrounding frame. Select a paintable wood putty so you can completely camouflage the repair.
Tip #4: Add a Fresh Coat
Window frames require repainting every few years or when you begin to notice that the paint is beginning to crack or peel. Sand down any rough spots in the old paint and then apply an outdoor latex primer. Follow this up with two coats of outdoor latex paint in the desired color. Keeping the paint in good condition does more than make your home look nicer, as it also provides a barrier between your wood windows and weather damage.
For more information, contact Builders Door & Window or a similar company.
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