Would you like to save money and maintain the function and appearance of your windows/doors for a long time? Then you should subject them to regular maintenance. This will increase their service life and keep them looking like new even after many years.
Window and door maintenance – WHY?
No matter what material your windows/doors are made of, the effects of the weather, the high sash weight and the frequency of use cause wear and tear that not only affects the appearance but also impairs the mechanical functionality of windows.
Rubber seals become hard and porous and therefore leaky, rust builds up on metal screws and hinges. Window handles can become loose, which often happens when windows are opened and closed frequently, and the pressure of the sash against the frame can be greatly reduced by worn cams.
The consequences range from high heat loss due to leaks to functional problems when using the windows or even a total loss with enormous investment costs. Regular maintenance significantly reduces wear and tear, preserves the new look and significantly extends the service life of windows.
The most important components for maintenance
Three areas in particular need to be checked and maintained at regular intervals to ensure your windows/doors are properly cared for:
- Seals
- Fittings
- Stick and frame
Here you can avoid high costs and regular maintenance is easy to carry out yourself, even without technical knowledge.
Seals – so they stay functional for a long time
For annual maintenance, ideally clean all four inner sides of the frame with a vacuum cleaner so that dust and dirt are reliably removed and do not settle on the window seals later. Wipe all sides of the seal with a damp cloth and leave it to dry completely with the window open. Then grease the window seals with an acid-free grease. Special greases are available from specialist dealers for this purpose.
If the entire seal surround is thickly greased, the grease must be absorbed. Check for any damage to the seals. As soon as seals are no longer in their optimum position and no longer fit together perfectly in the corners or if cracks are already visible, you will not be able to help with maintenance alone. This is usually the time to call in a specialist.
You can use the candle trick to find out whether your window seals are intact or the sashes are correctly adjusted by lighting them near the window frame. If the flame flickers, you know for sure that the window is leaking – a specialist is required.
Fittings wait for smooth movements
It is recommended that window fittings are serviced once a year. Maintenance only involves oiling, which can be carried out in no time at all. The most important thing here is that you work with an oil can and place it on the individual window fittings in such a way that the oil can be optimally distributed.
It is advisable to use resin and acid-free oil. The scissor bearings, gearbox and striker plates should also be greased.
Scissor bearing/corner bearing
The plastic cover must be removed and a drop of oil dripped onto the top of the scissor bearing.
Gearbox
There are two holes above and below the gearbox. Drip a drop of oil into each hole.
Strike plates/locking pins
You can achieve an optimum and even result by brushing or applying oil to the top of the strike plates with a brush or clean cloth.
Lock/locking mechanism
These components of doors are subject to particular stress and can be serviced twice a year if they are used very frequently. To do this, the lock latch (the movable metal bolt in the door rebate), the door handle and, if present, the locking cylinder must be cleaned and oiled.
Correctly maintain stick & wing
Window frame maintenance is part of the annual maintenance process. Careful cleaning prevents dirt from damaging the material. Maintenance depends on the frame material.
Plastic and wooden windows are simply cleaned with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. If window paint or an impregnating varnish has been applied to the wooden window, check for even coverage and adhesion or any flaking. If damage is visible, a new coat of paint should be applied.
With wooden windows, the silicone joint (joint between the window frame and glass) on the outside should also be checked more closely and replaced if necessary. This joint cracks over time and rainwater can penetrate the window between the glass and the wood and destroy it from the inside in the long term due to rotting.
Aluminum windows should only be wiped down with cleaning agents that are especially suitable for the material, otherwise you run the risk of tarnishing the material. For material care, we recommend rubbing the frame with conventional car wax once a year to protect it from external influences. In the case of stubborn and heavy soiling, it is better to hire a specialist to clean it due to the limited choice of cleaning products for aluminum.
Window maintenance – the basis for a long window life
As you can see, with just a little effort, window maintenance can be carried out quickly and easily by anyone. However, damage repairs and adjustments should be carried out by a professional, because without specialist knowledge, windows can become so damaged that even a professional repair is not always possible. Regular maintenance is a must if you want to enjoy your windows for a long time, as it can often double the time it takes to replace windows. Another reason is to maintain the best possible energy efficiency and functionality in the long term, making premature window replacement a distant prospect.
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