How to Keep Your Windows & Doors in Top Shape All Year Round

uPVC Windows & Doors

uPVC Windows and doors are popular as they are known for being low maintenance, and still providing strong weather protection, and long lasting. They are also highly versatile, allowing you to choose a range of styles to suit your home. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need maintenance every once in a while.

How best to look after them:

• Cleaning: A quick wipe down with warm soapy water and soft cloth every couple of months will help keep them looking fresh and performing at their best. It’s best to avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that will dull the surface.
• Seals & Gaskets: Make sure you check their rubber seals annually for cracks or shrinking. Usually a light application of silicone spray will help keep them flexible and watertight, but if there are major cracks, it might be time to replace them.
• Hinges & Locks: Make sure your hinges and locking systems stay lubricated and help them smoothly opening and closing.
• Glass: Clean your windows and glazing with a good glass cleaner and lint free clothing to keep them looking sparkling.

Aluminium Windows & Doors

Aluminium windows and doors have come a long way in recent years, and are now far from their first appearance on the market. They are now strong, energy efficient and durable options, that while a little more expensive, give you bright open windows and doors that will outlast other options. Thanks to their powder coated finishes, they are more resistant to the weather than their counterparts.

How best to look after them:

• Cleaning Frames: Washing them down with a mild detergent and a thorough rinse with clean water at least twice a year will help prevent a build up of dirt and keep them looking incredible.
• Check Drainage: Aluminium frames often have a drainage slot at the base, keeping these free of dirt and debris will help prevent a build up of water and keep them performing at their best.
• Hinges & Locks: Make sure your hinges and locking systems stay lubricated and help them smoothly opening and closing.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Strong solvents that appear in some cleaning products can damage the powder coated finish, risking a build up of rust. Using mild or natural options will prevent this.

Conservatories & Patio Doors

Conservatories and Patio doors are popular ways of maximising your living space, through building a seamless link to your garden. They allow you to create bright and air living spaces that feel larger.

How best to look after them:

• Roof Cleaning: Keeping your glass or solid roof free from leaves, moss, and bird droppings will make sure your conservatory roof performs at it’s best. Whether it’s capturing as much natural light as possible or preventing staining, it’s an important task. You can use a telescopic brush or hire professionals for higher roofs.
• Tracks & Rollers: Sliding patio doors and bifold doors rely on clean, smooth tracks to keep them performing well. Vacuuming the tracks regularly to remove grit, and adding a few drops of lubricant or a silicone spray will make sure these are well cared for.
• Weather Seals: Check seals around large glazed panels annually, especially after winter. Replace if they show signs of wear.

General Tips for All Windows & Doors

Regardless of the style you’ve chosen, whether it’s a tilt & turn window or a composite front door, there are some general checks you can do to help protect your investment and home.

• Seasonal check-ups: In spring, clear away winter grime. In autumn, check that frames and seals are weather-tight before colder months.
• Condensation control: Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and keep rooms ventilated. Condensation on the inside usually points to ventilation, not window failure.
• Security check: Test all locks, handles, and hinges a couple of times a year to ensure they engage correctly. Promptly replace any that feel loose or stiff.

Modern windows and doors, like our full range at New Windows, are designed to be low maintenance, but a little care goes a long way. By following these simple checks and cleaning routines throughout the year, you’ll keep your home looking great, running efficiently, and staying secure for decades to come.