I learned this one the hard way after replacing some pretty expensive windows a few years back. Turns out, just wiping down the frames and tracks every couple months with mild soap and water makes a huge difference. Also, silicone spray lubricant on the tracks once or twice a year keeps them sliding smooth and prevents wear. I'm sure there's more little tricks out there, curious what other folks do to keep their windows in good shape...
You're spot on with the silicone spray—makes a huge difference. Another thing people overlook is checking the weatherstripping every now and then. If it's cracked or peeling, you're basically inviting moisture and drafts inside, which can speed up wear big-time. Learned that one after seeing way too many windows prematurely age because of neglected seals...and trust me, replacing weatherstripping is way cheaper than new windows. Plus, your heating bill will thank you later.
Good tip on the weatherstripping—I ignored mine for way too long and paid for it last winter. Felt like I was heating the whole neighborhood, lol. Finally replaced them and it's night-and-day warmer inside. Lesson learned the chilly way...
Totally agree, weatherstripping makes a huge difference. A couple other quick things I've found helpful:
- Check your window caulking too—mine cracked after a few years and let drafts sneak in.
- Curtains or blinds help protect windows from harsh sun, keeps seals from drying out.
- If you have wooden frames, a fresh coat of paint every few years prevents moisture damage.
Little things add up over time... learned that the hard way myself.
Little things add up over time... learned that the hard way myself.
Good tips here, especially about the caulking—I overlooked mine for ages and ended up with drafts. Another thing that's helped me is adding reflective window film. Keeps the heat down and seems gentler on the seals too.
Reflective film definitely helps with heat, but I'm not totally convinced it's gentler on the seals. A few years back, I put some reflective film on my south-facing windows to cut down on glare and heat. Worked great at first, but after a couple of summers, I noticed the seals seemed to degrade faster than usual. Maybe it was just coincidence or the quality of my windows, but I did some digging and found out that reflective films can sometimes trap heat between the panes, causing extra stress on the seals.
Ended up removing the film and switching to heavier curtains instead—still keeps the heat manageable, and I haven't noticed any more seal issues since. Might just be my experience, though... every house seems to have its quirks.
Interesting point about the reflective film—I was actually considering it for my west-facing windows. Right now, I've just been using blinds and cracking the windows open slightly to help with airflow. Haven't noticed any seal issues yet, but my windows are pretty new. Wondering if anyone's tried those exterior shades or awnings instead... do they hold up well over time?
I've had exterior awnings on my south-facing windows for about five years now, and they've held up surprisingly well. They do fade a bit from constant sun exposure, but structurally they're still solid—no rust or major wear yet. One thing I'd mention though is that they can be a bit noisy during storms if they're metal or retractable types. Fabric ones might be quieter, but probably won't last as long. Just something to think about...
I've thought about awnings too, but honestly, the noise factor during storms is a dealbreaker for me. My neighbor has metal ones, and every windy night sounds like someone's banging pots outside my window... not exactly relaxing. Instead, I've been using reflective window films for about three years now. They're quiet, easy to install, and surprisingly effective at reducing heat and UV damage. Might not look as charming as awnings, but practicality-wise, they've been a solid alternative for me.
I've been curious about those reflective films myself, but wasn't sure if they'd actually make a noticeable difference. Good to hear they're working out for you. Might finally give them a shot—my curtains are fading faster than my patience with noisy neighbors...