As the weather starts to warm up in the Chicagoland area, many homeowners are opening their windows to let spring air in. But before you open yours, you should take a moment to make sure your windows and doors are in shape for the warmer months ahead. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. As window professionals, we’ve compiled the ultimate spring checklist for windows and doors for your home.

Clean Your Windows

No spring checklist would be complete without some suggestions for spring cleaning. After a winter of exposure to dirt, ice, and harsh wind, your doors and windows have faced some wear and tear. Cleaning your windows and doors will ensure they look their best while maintaining full functionality. For a well-rounded approach, clean both the interiors and exteriors of your doors and windows.

You can clean your doors and window frames with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Gently use the cloth to remove dirt and dust that has built up throughout the winter months. For windowpanes, use a cloth and standard glass cleaner to create clear, transparent glass the sun can shine through. Remember to use a gentle approach to cleaning your windows and doors. Abrasive cleaners or sharp tools like razor blades can damage the protective coatings on doors, window frames, and glass.

Inspect and Replace Hardware

While you’re cleaning your doors and windows, examine your hardware. Does anything need replacement? Now is a great time to switch out or repair latches that don’t fully lock, sticky doorknobs, or broken window or door hardware. Once everything is in working order, gently clean your hardware the same way you did your windows and doors. Cleaning your window hardware or replacing an old doorknob can go a long way in keeping your doors and windows in top shape.

Check Weatherstripping

Working weatherstrips are extremely important in the spring and summer. Though your weatherstrip may not need to keep cold air out for much longer, it will need to keep hot air out. As you inspect your windows and doors, ensure all weather strips are still in place and working effectively. A broken weatherstrip can result in higher cooling costs over the summer months. If your weatherstrip has become damaged after exposure to the winter elements, it’s time to replace it.

Inspect Your Window and Door Frames

Just like weatherstripping, window and door frames keep your air conditioning from getting out and hot air from getting in. Giving your window frames a check ensures you catch any new damage early and prevent discomfort. As you inspect your window and door frames, look for the following signs of damage:

• Soft or spongey wood, which indicates rot
• Chipped or damaged paint
• Mold or mildew
• Discoloration
• Cracks or scratches

Though these signs will visibly let you know there’s damage in your window or door frame, it’s important to note that other signs that aren’t visible to the eye are still indicators of damage. For example, hearing sounds through the window or door more easily than previously or having difficulty opening the door or window are both signs of a problem.

Lubricate Hinges and Door Tracks

As the temperatures become more agreeable, you may open your windows and doors to let fresh air in more often than in winter. However, after a cold, wet winter, your doors and windows may not open as smoothly as they once did. Spending an afternoon lubricating your hinges and door tracks will make it easier to open your windows and doors without trouble. Lubrication is not only beneficial for your comfort but also good for the longevity of your doors and windows. Lubricating your hinges and tracks will reduce friction and prevent rust from building on the hardware, prolonging the lifetime of your hardware. Though you may already have an oil-based lubricant on hand, it’s best to avoid using it on your doors and windows, as it may attract dust. A non-oily lubricant, such as a silicone one, will keep your doors and windows in excellent working condition without counteracting the hardware cleaning you did earlier as part of this checklist.

Clean, Inspect, and Install Window Screens

Before you open your windows or door for fresh air on a spring afternoon, remember to put your window or door screens back in place. As you install the screens, take some time to clean and inspect them. You can clean window screens and screen doors with a mixture of warm water and dish detergent. Using a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, gently remove any dirt, dust, or other grime built up on your screen. If you notice any tears or damage in your window screen, consider repairing or replacing them before installing them in your window or door. Small tears are patchable if you use kits available at your local hardware store.

Schedule Any Necessary Repairs

Should you notice any problems while inspecting or cleaning your windows or doors, it’s important to take care of necessary repairs or replacements in a prompt manner. Leaving door or window replacement projects to wait can result in fixtures that are difficult to open, let outside air in when unwanted, and cause cooling bills to rise. Making an appointment to get a new windowpane or fix a door can save you a headache later on and keep your home at its best.

Whether you’re looking for vinyl or aluminum window repair in Chicago, Scientific Home Services LTD is here to help. Our service technicians will execute your window repair project for you so that you can focus less on home repairs and more on the season ahead.

Every new season offers an opportunity to take stock of the state of your home and address any issues. Now that spring has sprung in the Chicagoland area, take some time to inspect your door and window frames, hardware, and weatherstripping. Lubricate hinges and door tracks; clean, inspect, and install window screens; clean your windows and doors; and schedule any necessary repairs with local contractors. Doing these projects from our ultimate spring checklist for windows and doors will ensure your doors and windows are in great condition after a harsh winter and ready for the warmer weather ahead.