Seasonal Window Care Checklist: Extend Life & Keep Efficiency High

Your windows play a major role in your comfort at home, not to mention the curb appeal and energy efficiency of your property. This is particularly true in regions with four distinct seasons, such as the Chicago area. If you’re a homeowner in the Chicago suburbs, it’s important to keep in mind that harsh winter conditions and humid summers can put significant stress on your window frames, panes, and seals. Maintaining a seasonal window care checklist can enable you to extend the life of your windows despite the constant pressure that they’re under. Plus, these maintenance tasks can improve their energy efficiency and help you understand when a window replacement is needed.

At Craftsmen Revival, we offer window replacements using premium systems that are prized for their energy efficiency and durability. Our experts can help you understand how to best care for your new windows throughout the year to keep them in tip-top shape for as long as possible. Below, we’re providing a quick overview of some of the main maintenance tasks that need to be completed on a season-by-season basis.

Spring Care

Chicago winters can be particularly tough on windows, making it essential to inspect them for potential damage as temperatures start to rise in the spring.

Here are some things to watch out for:

• Foggy panes that indicate seal leaks
• Cracked glass
• Rot or peeling on wood panes
• Gaps in weatherstripping
• Caulking issues
• Operational problems such as sticking

If any of the above issues come to your attention, it may be time to schedule repairs or replacement in order to prepare for an energy-efficient summer.

Summer Care

Without high-performance windows, you may find yourself using your HVAC system on overdrive to cool down your home. Aging single-pane windows and those that are poorly sealed increase the risk of heat transfer, which makes it tough to maintain consistent temperatures indoors.

Don’t forget to take care of the following as part of your summer checklist:

• Clean interior and exterior glass – Removing dirt build-up from the spring is essential for maintaining the longevity of your windows.
• Assess locks and latches for a proper seal – Keeping windows sealed is necessary to keep heat out and cool air in.
• Inspect screens for tears – If you often open your windows to let in a breeze, you’ll want to address damaged window screens immediately.

Fall Care

As autumn weather sets in, it’s time to start preparing your windows to handle cooler temperatures. Some things that you can do to prevent drafts include:

• Re-caulking around frames
• Replacing worn-out weatherstripping
• Checking for condensation between glass panes
• Inspecting exterior elements for potential moisture intrusion points

Winter Care

During the wintertime, it can be difficult to ignore that your windows are nearing the end of their lifespan or aren’t as efficient as they could be. Now is when you may realize that a window replacement is a must. Here are some indicators to take note of:

• Cold drafts near window frames
• Ice build-up and interior condensation
• Increased heating costs

Turn to Craftsmen Revival for Energy-Efficient Window Replacements in Chicago

While proper maintenance is important, at some point the best strategy may be to have your aging windows replaced. Look to the local experts at Craftsmen Revival to ensure your home in the Chicago area is equipped with high-performance, energy-efficient window replacements. We offer a wide range of options, including vinyl, wood, and fiberglass windows made by industry-leading brands such as Andersen, ProVia, and Marvin.

If you’d like to learn more about our window replacement services for Chicago-area homes, simply contact our knowledgeable team today. We’ll give you a free quote and provide you with a streamlined, hassle-free home improvement experience.