Doing the maintenance of your windows is often underestimated, but it is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of your home and preserving the environment. In a world where sustainability and resource conservation are becoming increasingly vital, every effort to protect our planet matters.
Did you know that regular window maintenance can significantly reduce your ecological footprint? This blog provides practical tips for environmentally friendly window maintenance, helping you extend their lifespan while taking concrete action to benefit our planet.
How does window maintenance affect the environment?
Regular window maintenance benefits the environment in many ways, some of which often go unnoticed. Here are a few examples:
Waste reduction
Proper window maintenance extends your windows’ lifespan, reducing the need for them to be replaced. This leads to less waste in landfills and a decreased demand for new windows, thus minimizing the environmental impact of manufacturing and transporting them.
Energy efficiency
Well-maintained windows are more energy efficient. When caulking and weatherstripping are in good condition, they prevent air leakage, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool a home, consequently lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
"Windows and doors can be responsible for up to 25% of a home's total heat loss." - Source: Government of Canada
Resource efficiency
Manufacturing new windows consumes resources like plastic, aluminum, and glass. Regular maintenance reduces the need for these materials, minimizing the environmental impact associated with their extraction and processing.
Ecological awareness
Practicing ecological window care raises environmental awareness, contributing positively to our planet.
Window Maintenance: Control Humidity Levels
Condensation is a phenomenon that many may consider harmless, but it can have a great impact on the longevity of your windows. When indoor air moisture condenses on cold window surfaces, several problems may occur if the situation remains untreated.
How to Control Humidity?
Condensation may seem harmless but it can affect your windows’ longevity. When indoor moisture condenses on cold window surfaces, it can lead to problems if left untreated.
- Use a dehumidifier.
- Install an air exchange system.
- Promote ventilation.
- Avoid drying wet clothes indoors or ensure proper ventilation if you do.
- Air out your rooms by opening windows for 15 to 20 minutes daily to reduce indoor humidity
By following these steps, you not only extend your windows' lifespan but also maintain their full efficiency and aesthetics.
Window Maintenance: Lubricating the Mechanisms
Lubricating moving parts and hardware is often overlooked but essential for window care. This includes locks, rails, handles, and hinges, ensuring the windows remain fully functional and extending their lifespan.
How to Lubricate Window Mechanisms?
Cleaning: Before lubricating, thoroughly clean all moving parts with a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris.
Type of lubricant: Use a silicone-based lubricant, as it is less likely to scrub or attract dirt.
Application: Apply the lubricant according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to cover all moving parts and hardware.
Frequency: It is recommended to perform this operation each season to maintain the effectiveness and durability of the mechanisms.
By following these steps, you will not only ensure the proper functioning of your windows, but you will also contribute to their longevity. You will also have a positive impact on the environment by avoiding the acquisition of new windows!
Basco Windows & Doors Mechanism Replacement Service
If you notice that your mechanisms have not been well maintained in the past and that they show signs of wear or malfunction, Basco Windows & Doors provides parts, weatherstripping and mechanisms repair services. We are here to help you restore the full functionality and durability of your windows.
Check the Condition of the Caulking
Caulking is an essential component to weatherproof your windows and therefore it contributes to the energy efficiency of your home. Over time, caulking can deteriorate, crack or loosen, which can lead to air and water leaks. Regularly checking and maintaining the caulking is crucial to preserve your windows' efficiency and longevity.
How to Check and Maintain the Caulking:
Visual inspection: Check the caulking around your windows for signs of deterioration such as cracks, peeling or wear.
Leak test: Run your hand along the frame of your windows to detect drafts that may indicate faulty caulking.
Cleaning: Before you redo the caulking, clean the area to remove any trace of dirt or debris.
Replacement: If the caulking is in poor condition, remove the old layer and apply a new one according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Frequency: It is recommended to check the condition of the caulking at least once a year and replace it every 3 to 5 years (depending on its condition).
By following these steps, not only will you extend the lifespan of your windows, but you will also improve their energy efficiency for a positive impact on the environment.
Basco Windows & Doors Caulking Service
If you need an expert to help you weatherproof your windows, you can rely on Basco Windows & Doors’ Professional Caulking Service to get the job done!. We are here to help you restore the full functionality and durability of your windows.
Check the Condition of the Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is necessary to properly insulate your doors and windows. It is designed to minimize air infiltration to contribute to the energy efficiency of your home. As with caulking, it is recommended to check the condition of the weatherstripping at least once a year. Depending on how often you use your doors and windows, the weatherstripping may require more frequent replacement.
How do I check and maintain the weatherstripping?
Visual inspection: Look for any for sign of wear and tear and/or deterioration.
Leak test: Run your hand along the frame of your windows and doors to detect drafts that may indicate faulty weatherstripping.
Replacement: Should you need to replace the weatherstripping, make sure you get the correct model. We suggest you check with the manufacturer to confirm you have the right model on hand.
By following these steps, not only will you extend the lifespan of your windows, but you will also improve their energy efficiency for a positive impact on the environment.
Basco Windows & Doors Weatherstripping Replacement Service
If you are not comfortable replacing the weatherstripping by yourself, you can rely on Basco Windows & Doors’ Professional Weatherstripping Replacement Service to get the job done!
We are here to help you maintain the full functionality and durability of your windows.
