Vinyl window frames are so popular that more and more homes are making the switch. They’re modern-looking and sleek, and they can also come in different designs. If you’ve had other kinds of window frames, such as wood, you might have noticed how they wear down, especially if you live in an older building.
As vinyl windows are energy-efficient, versatile, low-maintenance, durable, and affordable, they’re considered to be some of the best windows for your home. But just because they’re low-maintenance doesn’t mean you won’t have to do your due diligence in properly caring for and maintaining them.
Just like any part of your home, the windows require attention, mainly because they tend to be exposed to various elements. If they’re looking weather-beaten and ragged, here are some things you could do to freshen them up.
Deep Clean The Frames
Before anything else, you might have to do a deep cleaning of the frames. There could be a coating of mold or dust that’s making it look duller than it was when it was brand new. While you’re cleaning them up, here are some things to remember:
- Use a delicate cloth or a soft-bristle brush to avoid scratching the frame
- Don’t use stiff brushes or anything too harsh
- Don’t use chemicals like bleach
- Stick to a vinegar and water solution
Remember to get into the nooks and crannies, as there are all kinds of dust in those areas. Spots like the top of the frame, corners, and the bottom are some areas that you might forget to wipe down. Also, don’t forget to do the outside of your windows too.
If you have a mold problem, you’ll need a more potent cleaning agent to treat it. Try this mixture below:
- 1 gallon of water
- 4 cups bleach
- 2/3 powdered house cleaner
- 1/3 laundry detergent
Use a spray bottle and soft-bristled brush to scrub down the spots where there’s mold and oxidation.
Do Regular Cleaning
Deep cleaning could be done every month, but to keep your windows from accumulating too much dust and dirt, regularly wiping them would be helpful. You don’t have to be thorough with it; just wiping it down quickly every week could make deep cleaning easier on you. Plus, it keeps your home looking fresher and brighter day in and day out.
Get Professional Window Cleaning
If you’re too busy to clean up the windows yourself, or if it’s dangerous to clean up the outside of your windows, you could hire professional window cleaning services. They have the materials and solutions needed to get rid of any dirt and stains for you. It saves time, and you don’t have to worry about whether you’re ruining your windows by using the wrong cleaning solution.
Repainting The Frames
If the window frames look heavily discolored, you could easily repaint them. But first, you still have to deep clean them. It’s also important to consider the materials you use and how to go about painting so as not to ruin the vinyl frames. Below are the main steps you must remember:
- Get vinyl-safe primer and paint
- Look for reflective polyurethane enamel paint
- Dry the vinyl frames after cleaning
- Put painter’s tape on the glass to protect it
- Use a coat of primer and let it dry completely
- Do one layer of vinyl-safe paint and let it dry
- Apply another layer of paint
- Paint evenly and avoid bumps and drips
Ensure that you paint carefully and protect the glass to not end up painting over it. If you accidentally apply paint on the glass, you don’t have to worry since there are ways to clean paint off vinyl windows.
Replace The Windows
After inspecting the windows and realizing that they have severe damage and are in terrible condition, window replacements might be needed. However, you might want to get a second opinion from a contractor on whether it could still be repaired instead. Either way, a total replacement might be necessary if your vinyl windows are way past their lifespan.
Some low-quality vinyl windows are said to last for around 10-20 years. However, high-quality vinyl windows can last for 30 or more years. And depending on the company that installed them, they could also have a lifetime warranty. So, when you decide to replace your windows, looking into the brand and their services would be beneficial before making a decision.
Conclusion
Installing vinyl windows can give you many benefits. But to make these benefits last, it might be necessary for you to take care of them by cleaning and inspecting them regularly. You could also repaint them to make them look brand new. However, you’ll need to remember to get the proper primer and paint that’s safe for vinyl. But more importantly, when you have vinyl windows installed, look for professional and trustworthy contractors who can provide you with high-quality materials and services.
