Home Window Maintenance

Winter weather is demanding on houses, and in order to ensure that your home's windows are prepared for the freezing temperatures, cold winds and more, you'll want to inspect, clean and reinforce them this fall.

Legacy Remodeling, a seasoned team of Pittsburgh window contractors, knows that pre-winter window maintenance will help not only keep your home functioning at its best, but also extend the lifespan of your windows, too. Below we have outlined small steps that any homeowner can take this September to bring big comfort in December!

1. Inspect Seals Around Windows

One of the first things you should do to make sure your windows are structurally-sound is to stand near them and see if you notice an air draft. If you can feel a slight breeze or a change in temperature when you are near your windows, you may be experiencing issues with the seals. You can also check for seal problems by looking for condensation between glass panes, which is another sign of a broken seal.

2. Reinforce Through Recaulking

If your windows are currently letting air or moisture seep inside, you'll want to get your windows reinforced before the start of winter. You can do this by recaulking your windows. Start by removing all old, cracked caulking and applying a fresh layer to reseal your windows and keep your home protected against the cold temperatures around the corner.

3. Install Updated Weatherstripping

Caulking can only be used for non-movable parts of your window, such as between the frame and your wall. Sometimes, the components of the window itself are the culprit behind unwanted drafts, including parts like:

  • Sashes
  • Tracks
  • Joints

To reinforce the integrity of these areas, consider purchasing new weatherstripping, which is a more flexible material used to insulate windows around the moveable components. If installed correctly, updated weatherstripping should result in less drafts and a more comfortable indoor atmosphere!

4. Consider Getting Storm Windows

If your windows are old or single-paned, they won't have the strength to properly insulate your home against weather typical of Pittsburgh winters. One of the best ways to reinforce old or single-paned windows is through installing storm windows. Storm windows will go on the outside of your existing windows, and provide an extra layer or buffer between the harsh weather and your aging windows, helping to slow the process of heat transfer.

5. Clean Your Gutters Thoroughly

In Pittsburgh, winter is characterized by ice, snow and temperature fluctuations—a combination that often results in excess moisture for homes to properly drain through their gutter systems. If your gutters aren't clear of debris heading into winter, that excess water could fall on your windows and begin making its way inside your home! You can avoid this by cleaning out your gutters thoroughly after the last leaves of autumn have dropped. 

If maintenance seems mute and you're interested in a window replacement in Pittsburgh ahead of winter, get in touch with Legacy Remodeling. We source our windows from Restorations, a leading manufacturer known for the extremely energy-efficient products they design. Our windows are specially-designed to withstand the harsh elements of winter, the intense heat of summer, and the wind, rain and hail known to hit the Steel City throughout the year through features like:

  • Low-E Glass Coatings
  • Inert Gas-Filled Chambers
  • Multiple Glass Panes
  • Welded Frames and Sashes
  • Warm-Edge Spacer Systems

Get in touch with Legacy Remodeling today to learn more, and we'll give you a free estimate on a window replacement featuring energy-efficient windows in Pittsburgh right off the bat!