Keeping up with your home is no easy task. From ensuring the floors are clean to repainting the walls to hide flaws, there’s always something to be done around the home. But, if you’re like most homeowners, you very rarely give the windows in your home much attention. You may wipe them down every so often, but other than that, the windows generally go untouched.
If you have bay windows in your home, there are certain maintenance steps you’ll want to follow to keep them looking their best. Proper maintenance will also help to ensure that your bay windows are in good shape.
Here’s what you need to know about bay window maintenance:
Conduct Routine Inspections
At least once a year you should conduct a thorough inspection of the bay windows in your home. You want to take a close look at the condition of the sash and the window frame. It’s important to look for any signs of rot, mold, or mildew. All of these issues point to a moisture problem that you’ll want to resolve sooner rather than later.
A telltale sign of moisture is condensation in the window frame. This means that the seal in the window is broken, which allows moisture to seep into the layers. Moisture also means that the window isn’t insulating your home as effectively anymore, which could impact energy usage for regulating your home’s temperature.
It’s also important to look at the health of the frame and any weather stripping. After years of sun exposure, paint can start to fade and chip just as the frame can warp in certain areas.
Seal & Caulk
After inspecting the window, if you notice any gaps between the wall and the window casing, it’s important to fill them in as quickly as possible. Gaps around a bay window allow air to come into your home, which can have a serious impact on how hard the HVAC system needs to work to regulate your home’s temperature.
The good news is that these gaps can be easily closed by using caulk or even spray foam insulation. This reduces air and water leaks while also better securing the bay window in place which means that you’re at a much lower risk of impacting your home’s temperature or energy usage.
Repaint
Exposure to the elements will impact the look of a bay window. If you’ve noticed that the paint has started to chip or fade on the external window frame, it’s a good time to apply a new coat. Repainting the bay window not only makes it look nicer, but also adds a new layer of protection from the sun, rain, and wind.
At the same time, you may also want to repaint the bay window awning. This area also gets high exposure to the natural elements, which means the color is likely to be pretty faded. When painting, be sure to use high-quality outdoor paint so that your hard work and effort actually last.
Routine Cleaning
Even though bay windows don’t open, windows and window frames have a great way of collecting dirt and grime from both inside and outside of the home. To clean a bay window properly, use a mix of water and distilled vinegar. This solution will ensure your windows are streak-free while also removing any dirt from the frame.
When a bay window or the frame is dirty, it can impact the look of the entire room. Be sure to wipe down your windows at least every three months to get rid of any build-up. When cleaning, keep an eye out for any issues such as cracks around the seams, film degradation, and glazing issues.
Check the Glass
Aside from moisture between the panes, bay window glass can also crack or chip. Be sure to take a close look at the bay window to check for any cracks or chips that may have occurred in the last few months. If you notice any damage to the glass, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. Chips and cracks will turn into bigger problems if they’re left unfixed.
Depending on the size and depth of the chip or crack, you may be able to use a store-bought window repair kit that can be applied to the problem area to prevent it from spreading.
Conclusion
While windows are often the last thing you think about when taking care of your home, if you have bay windows, you’ll want to ensure that you take good care of them. Using these tips, you can ensure your bay windows not only look nice but also that they’re structurally sound for years to come.