The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Your Windows and Doors
Your windows and doors are essential components of your home, protecting you from the elements, offering security, and enhancing your home's overall appearance. Regular maintenance is critical to ensure they remain in top condition and serve you for years to come. Quality Screening, Window & Door, Inc. of Sarasota, Florida, is here to provide expert tips for maintaining your windows and doors for optimal performance and longevity.
Inspect Your Windows and Doors Regularly
Regular inspections are essential in identifying potential issues with your windows and doors before they worsen. By catching problems early, you can save time, money, and prevent further damage to your home. Here are some key areas to focus on during your routine inspections:
Frames and Sashes
Check for signs of wear and tear, cracks, or warping in the frames and sashes of your windows and doors. Damaged frames can impact the structural integrity of your windows and doors, leading to decreased energy efficiency and potential security risks.
Glass and Glazing
Inspect the glass for cracks, chips, or fogging between the panes. Also, examine the glazing compound or sealants around the glass to ensure they are intact and providing a proper seal.
Hardware and Locks
Ensure that all hardware, including handles, hinges, and locks, are functioning smoothly and securely. Loose or damaged hardware can compromise the security of your home and may lead to issues with the operation of your windows and doors.
Weatherstripping and Seals
Look for any signs of wear, damage, or gaps in the weatherstripping and seals around your windows and doors. Damaged weatherstripping can reduce energy efficiency, letting drafts, moisture, and pests enter your home.
Tracks and Rollers
Examine the tracks and rollers on sliding windows and doors for any signs of wear, debris, or damage. Keeping these components clean and in good condition is essential for smooth operation and preventing potential damage to the glass.
Screens
Inspect your window and door screens for holes, tears, or damaged frames. Damaged screens can allow pests to enter your home while also reducing the effectiveness of natural ventilation.
Keep Your Windows and Doors Clean
Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, affecting the functionality and appearance of your windows and doors. Regular cleaning is essential to keep them in top condition. Here are some cleaning tips and recommendations for products to use and avoid:
Frames
Gently clean the frames of your windows and doors using a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water. For vinyl and aluminum frames, avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or strong detergents that can damage the surface. For wooden frames, avoid using excessive water, as this can lead to warping or rot.
Glass
Clean glass surfaces using a soft, lint-free cloth or a squeegee, along with a glass cleaner or a mix of mild dish soap and water. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, such as ammonia or bleach, which can damage the glass or leave streaks.
Tracks and Rollers
Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dirt and debris from the tracks of sliding windows and doors. For stubborn dirt, use a small brush or toothbrush along with mild soap and water. Avoid using oil-based lubricants or heavy-duty cleaners, as these can attract more dirt and cause the rollers to malfunction.
Hardware and Locks
Wipe down hardware and locks with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or chemical solvents that can damage the finish or cause corrosion.
Screens
Remove screens from your windows and doors, and gently clean them using a soft brush with mild soap and water. Rinse the screens thoroughly and allow them to air dry before reinstalling. Avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washing, as these can damage the screens or their frames.
Weatherstripping and Seals
Wipe down weatherstripping and seals with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using petroleum-based cleaners or solvents, as these can cause the weatherstripping to break down and lose its effectiveness.
Lubricate, Weatherproof, and Maintain the Exterior Finish of Your Windows and Doors
Proper care and maintenance of your windows and doors involve more than just cleaning. To ensure smooth operation, energy efficiency, and a visually appealing appearance, it's essential to lubricate moving parts, inspect weatherstripping and seals, and maintain the exterior finish. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to tackle these tasks:
Lubricate Moving Parts
Regularly lubricate hinges, locks, and other moving parts of your windows and doors to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear. Use a silicone-based lubricant for best results, as this type of lubricant is less likely to attract dirt and debris. Apply the lubricant to hinges, sliding tracks, and locking mechanisms, wiping away any excess to avoid attracting dust.
Inspect and Replace Weatherstripping and Seals
Periodically check the weatherstripping and seals around your windows and doors for any signs of wear, damage, or gaps. Damaged weatherstripping can reduce energy efficiency and allow drafts, moisture, and pests to enter your home. Replace any worn-out or damaged weatherstripping to maintain optimal performance. When selecting replacement materials, choose durable, high-quality products designed for your specific window and door types.
Maintain the Exterior Finish
Protect your windows and doors from the harsh Florida sun and weather by keeping their exterior finishes in good condition. For wooden frames, regularly paint or stain them to prevent rot, warping, and fading. Ensure that the paint or stain is specifically designed for outdoor use and offers UV protection. For metal or vinyl surfaces, periodically clean and polish them to maintain their appearance and prevent damage from exposure to the elements. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the surface or strip the protective coating.
Schedule Regular Professional Inspections and explore our services
While DIY maintenance is essential, scheduling regular professional inspections can help identify potential issues that might be difficult to spot on your own. Quality Screening, Window & Door, Inc. offers expert inspection services to ensure your windows and doors remain in top condition.
In addition to inspections and maintenance, our team specializes in a range of services, including window replacement and door replacement. If you're considering upgrading your windows and doors to better withstand Florida's extreme weather, explore our hurricane info page to learn about our impact-resistant solutions, such as PGT glass products. You can also find information on our service areas, including Sarasota, Bradenton, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Lakewood Ranch, and the surrounding Florida Suncoast communities.
By following these maintenance tips and utilizing our professional services, you can extend the life of your windows and doors, saving money in the long run and keeping your home safe, energy-efficient, and visually appealing. For any maintenance, repair, or replacement needs, contact Quality Screening, Window & Door, Inc. at (941) 953-2670 or visit our website at https://qswd.net. Trust our professional team to provide you with the highest quality service and products, as we have been doing for nearly 50 years on the Florida Suncoast.
Protecting Your Home During Hurricane Season: A Guide to Hurricane-Resistant Windows and Doors
Expert Tips from Quality Screening, Window, and Door, Inc. - Your Local PGT Select Dealer
Hurricane season in Florida can be a daunting time for homeowners. With high-speed winds, heavy rains, and flying debris, it's essential to take steps to protect your home. One of the best ways to safeguard your home is by installing hurricane-resistant windows and doors.
At Quality Screening, Window, and Door, Inc., we specialize in PGT products, a leading manufacturer of hurricane-resistant windows and doors. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about hurricane-resistant windows and doors and how to prepare your home for hurricane season.
Understanding Hurricane-Resistant Windows and Doors
Hurricane-resistant windows and doors are specially designed products built to withstand high-speed winds, flying debris, and even the impact of large objects like trees and vehicles. At Quality Screening, Window, and Door, Inc., we offer a range of PGT products that meet or exceed local building codes and standards. PGT products are designed and tested to ensure maximum protection for your home. Features like impact-resistant glass, reinforced frames, and hardware create a strong, durable barrier against severe storms.
Preparing Your Windows and Doors for Hurricane Season
Before hurricane season, it's crucial to inspect and maintain your existing windows and doors. Repair or replace any damaged components like seals, frames, or hardware. You can also reinforce your existing windows and doors with storm shutters or panels and impact-resistant film. At Quality Screening, Window, and Door, Inc., we offer a range of storm shutters, panels, and impact-resistant film designed to fit your specific windows and doors.
Choosing a Reliable Window and Door Company and Installing Hurricane-Resistant Windows and Doors
Choosing a reliable window and door company is critical when it comes to hurricane protection. Look for a company with experience in the installation of hurricane-resistant products, such as PGT windows and doors. At Quality Screening, Window, and Door, Inc., we specialize in the installation of PGT hurricane-resistant windows and doors. As a PGT select dealer, we have access to the latest products and technologies, ensuring that you get the best hurricane protection for your home. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction, from start to finish.
Protecting your home during hurricane season is essential, and hurricane-resistant windows and doors are an excellent investment for your home's safety and security. Whether you choose to reinforce your existing windows and doors or install hurricane-resistant products, it's essential to work with a reliable and experienced window and door company. At Quality Screening, Window, and Door, Inc., we offer a range of solutions designed to keep your home safe and secure during even the most severe storms. Contact us today at (941) 953-2670 or visit our website to learn more about how we can help you protect your home during hurricane season.
Save Money with Energy Efficient Windows and Doors
Quality Screening, Window and Door recently replaced all of the windows and doors in this North West Bradenton, Florida home with hurricane and energy efficient windows and doors.
Are You Ready for an Active Hurricane Season?
QSWD just replaced our customers old windows and doors with new hurricane resistant and energy efficient folding doors from Euro Wall, and new French doors and picture windows from PGT.
Quality Windows Protect Local Business From Looting
Bradenton, Florida — Early Monday, June 1, 2020, looters broke into several businesses in downtown Bradenton. The suspects attempted to gain entry to the businesses by breaking windows and glass doors with baseball bats and hammers.
Jess Jewelers was one of the businesses targeted in the early-morning attack. According to general manager Darren Blum, the hurricane resistant storm windows from Quality Windows and Doors helped keep the intruders from entering the business despite being attacked for several minutes.
The attack was caught on a nearby surveillance camera and can be seen in the video below.
Bradenton Herald
Bradenton Herald