If you’ve recently invested in new windows for your Calgary home—or you simply want to protect the windows you already have—proper, routine care is essential. Windows are a significant investment, and while modern vinyl windows are built to last, they aren’t maintenance-free. Neglecting them, especially in the harsh Alberta climate, can lead to drafts, sticky operation, seal failure, and a shorter lifespan.
By following these simple window maintenance tips, you can significantly extend window lifespan, maintain their energy efficiency, and reduce the need for costly repairs down the road. This guide provides the routine window care Calgary homeowners need, brought to you by the team you trust, Window & Door Guys.
Why Window Maintenance Matters in Calgary’s Climate
The weather in Alberta is tough on homes, and your windows bear the brunt of it. Extreme cold winters, intense UV exposure during sunny days, and dramatic temperature swings throughout the year constantly stress crucial components like window seals, caulking, and frames.
This continuous thermal cycling can cause materials to expand and contract, leading to:
- Failed Seals: The protective seals around your glass can break down, leading to fogging and a loss of insulating gas.
- Cracked Caulking: The exterior seal that protects your frame from moisture infiltration can dry out and crack, leading to drafts and water damage.
- Sticking Operation: Dirt, dust, and grit settle in tracks and on hardware, making it difficult to open and close your windows smoothly.
Regular maintenance helps mitigate these effects, ensuring your windows continue to keep the cold out, the heat in, and your home comfortable.
Clean Window Tracks and Hardware Regularly
Dirt in window tracks is a leading cause of sticking windows and can prematurely wear down the hardware and rollers. Keeping these areas clean is one of the easiest ways to ensure smooth operation.
Remove Dirt, Dust, and Debris
For sliding windows (horizontal or single/double hung), focus on the tracks:
- Vacuum: Use a narrow vacuum attachment or a stiff brush to remove loose dirt, dust, and dead insects from the tracks.
- Clean: Wipe the tracks down using a cloth and a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the vinyl window maintenance material.
- Dry: Ensure the tracks are completely dry before closing the window, as standing water can encourage mold or collect new debris.
Lubricate Moving Parts for Smooth Operation
Once the hardware is clean, proper lubrication ensures minimal friction and effortless use.
- What to use: Apply a silicone-based lubricant spray. Avoid oil-based lubricants like WD-40, which can attract and trap dirt, worsening the problem over time.
- Where to apply: Spray the lubricant lightly onto the window rollers, hinges (especially on casement windows), and the weatherstripping where the sash meets the frame.
- Frequency: Repeat this process twice a year, ideally during your seasonal check-up.
Inspect and Repair Window Caulking
The exterior bead of caulk around your window frame is your home’s primary defence against moisture and air intrusion. Regular window caulking inspection is vital to prevent window leaks and heat loss.
Signs of Failing Caulking
Inspect your windows at least annually, paying close attention to these indicators:
- Cracking or Shrinking: Visible splits, gaps, or areas where the caulk has pulled away from the frame or siding.
- Hardness: Caulking should be somewhat flexible. If it is rock-hard and brittle, it needs to be replaced.
- Air Movement: Feeling a draft when you place your hand near the edge of the frame, even when the window is closed, suggests a failure.
When to Re-Caulk Windows Safely
When the caulking shows clear signs of failure, it’s time to repair vs replace caulking.
- Remove Old Caulk: Carefully scrape out the old, failing caulk using a utility knife or caulk removal tool. Ensure the surface is clean and dry.
- Choose the Right Product: Use a high-quality, exterior-grade, paintable silicone or polyurethane sealant rated for Alberta temperatures.
- Apply Evenly: Apply a consistent bead of caulk into the seam, ensuring it adheres well to both the window frame and the house siding.
If the damage is extensive or you are unsure, you can always contact our Calgary team for professional resealing advice.
Protect Your Glass and Low-E Coatings
Many modern windows feature Low-E glass, which has a thin, invisible coating that reflects heat while allowing light through, dramatically improving energy efficiency. It’s crucial to know how to clean this glass properly to avoid damage.
Proper Cleaning Techniques
- Use Mild Cleaners: A solution of mild dish soap and water is usually the best cleaner.
- Soft Cloths: Use soft, lint-free cloths or a clean squeegee.
- Frequency: Clean the exterior glass when necessary to remove environmental grime, but be gentle.
Avoiding Abrasive Cleaners
Never use abrasive cleaning pads, harsh chemicals, or scrapers on your windows, especially not on the Low-E coating, which is often on the interior surface of the glass pane (inside the sealed unit). Abrasives can permanently damage the coating, reducing your window’s energy performance.
Prevent Moisture Problems and Condensation
Condensation is often the first sign of humidity imbalance or seal failure. While some condensation on the interior of the glass on very cold days is normal (it means your windows are performing their job of keeping the cold exterior temperature separate from the warm interior temperature), excessive or persistent moisture is a problem.
- Check Interior Seals: If moisture appears between the glass panes, the insulated glass unit (IGU) seal has failed. This is not a repairable issue and requires a full glass unit replacement.
- Control Indoor Humidity: Persistent interior condensation often indicates high indoor humidity. Consider using exhaust fans, a dehumidifier, or adjusting air circulation to maintain optimal home humidity levels (ideally between 30% and 40% in winter).
Check for Drafts and Air Leaks
Checking for signs of air leaks or frame damage is paramount to maintaining energy efficiency. Failed caulking is a common source of heat loss, but other areas, like weatherstripping, can also wear out.
- The Draft Test: On a windy day, slowly move a lit incense stick or a thin piece of paper along the edges of the closed window frame. If the smoke wavers or the paper flutters, you have a leak.
- Inspect Weatherstripping: Check the condition of the material (rubber, vinyl, or foam) that seals the gap between the window sash and the frame. If it’s compressed, cracked, or missing, it needs replacement.
If you are dealing with significant drafts, it might be time to consider energy-efficient window upgrades from our Calgary window installation experts.
Basement Windows: A Special Maintenance Case
Basement windows, particularly those below grade, require attention to prevent water seepage.
Window Well Care and Drainage
- Clear Debris: Keep window wells free of leaves, dirt, and debris that can block drainage.
- Check Drainage: Ensure the drain at the bottom of the well is clear and functional. If your window well frequently fills with water, it can put hydrostatic pressure on the basement window seal, leading to leaks and potential water damage.
Key Window Maintenance Tasks
To keep your windows performing optimally and to maximize their lifespan, follow this seasonal maintenance schedule:
| Season | Key Maintenance Task | Objective | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Full cleaning of glass, tracks, and hardware. Lubricate moving parts. | Remove winter grime, prepare for smooth summer operation. | Annual |
| Summer | Inspect exterior caulking and paint/stains (if applicable). | Check for heat-related cracking or pulling away from the frame. | Mid-Season Check |
| Fall | Inspect weatherstripping and check for drafts (Draft Test). Clear window wells (basement windows). | Prepare for winter by sealing against cold air and moisture. | Annual |
| Winter | Monitor interior condensation and indoor humidity levels. | Ensure windows are keeping cold out and managing home moisture. | Ongoing |
When to Call Calgary’s Window Experts
While routine maintenance can extend window lifespan by 5–10+ years, some problems require professional intervention.
It’s time to call Window & Door Guys when you notice:
- Fogging Between Panes: Indicates seal failure and a need for glass replacement.
- Frame Damage: Cracks, warps, or rot in the frame that can compromise structural integrity.
- Major Drafts: Drafts that persist even after weatherstripping and caulking repairs.
- Inoperable Hardware: Mechanisms that are broken or cannot be repaired with lubrication.
As your trusted Calgary window installers, we offer professional window maintenance advice and can handle all major repairs, glass replacements, and window replacement services. We’re here to help you protect your window investment for the long term.