Maintaining your windows is a key component of helping them last as long as possible. It’s also important for your home’s general curb appeal. If you’re new to homeownership, though, you may not know where to start or what you really need to do for your window maintenance. 

Windows are a big investment, and you want to ensure they’re maintained properly. Sure, they probably need to be cleaned… And at some point, they’ll need to be replaced… But what do you do aside from that for window maintenance?

Not to worry! That’s why we’ve put together this window maintenance 101 guide to help you ensure that you get the most life possible out of your beautiful new windows. If you have specific questions about maintaining your home windows, don’t be afraid to ask your window company.

Window Maintenance 101

#1. Schedule Regular Window Cleanings

Like anything else, windows need regular cleaning in order to stay in good condition. It’s generally advised to clean your windows twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. However, the environment you live in, how much the windows are used, and more can all influence the ideal cleaning schedule for you. Consult with your local window cleaning company to determine how often you should be cleaning your windows.

When cleaning your windows, this includes all parts, not just the glass. You want to ensure that you’re cleaning the sill, the caulking, the casing, and so on and so forth. Dirt and debris buildup can result in damage, as well as impact the functionality of your windows. Regular cleaning is an essential part of window maintenance if you want them to both look good and last as long as possible.

#2. Don’t Forget The Screens

It can be easy to forget about your window screens, but doing so can result in all sorts of issues. For starters, your windows may appear dirty from dirt and debris getting caught in the screen. Any tears or holes in the screen can let pests into your home, like pesky summer flies. Regularly cleaning your window screens and repairing damage as needed prevents contaminants from entering your home when you open your windows. So, keep your screens in mind for window maintenance!

#3. Address Repairs In A Timely Manner

Any part of your window can be damaged, from the glass itself to the caulking to the panes and more. If your windows have any sort of damage, you want to have it repaired in a timely manner. Neglecting to do so will only result in the damage worsening over time. 

For example, if you have drafty windows and don’t do anything about the drafts, you’ll pay for it – literally, with a spike in your energy bill. By fixing the drafty window, you make it more energy efficient and save yourself money in the long run.

Many different types of window damage can be repaired, so if you’re stressed about the crack in your window and thinking it means you need a complete replacement, don’t be. Your window company will work with you to repair what can be fixed and replace what can’t be. 

#4. Replace Windows As Needed

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, even if you take excellent care of it. Sooner or later, your windows will need to be replaced. If you’re due for window replacement, you don’t want to put this off. Not only can old windows bring down the curb appeal of your house, but they can also cause your energy bills to spike. Additionally, old windows make your home less secure and don’t do as good of a job at soundproofing, which both make your home a less peaceful place to be.

Plus, if you’re looking to sell at some point in the future, new windows can increase your home’s value.  

Professional Window Services In And Around Kaysville, UT

Creekside Windows & Glass provides top-of-the-line window services in Northern Utah. We install, replace, and repair windows, yes. But we’re also here to help you with your window maintenance. From our window cleaning services to our window maintenance program, count on our experienced professionals for the expert services you need to keep your windows clear and beautiful for years to come.

Contact us today to learn more about our window services and the other services we provide, such as shower doors.

Beautiful and modern as glass shower doors are, they do require cleaning in order to sparkle. From hard water stains to soap scum to mold and mildew and beyond, there’s a lot of grime that can mar your otherwise beautiful shower. However, trying to clean glass shower doors without streaking them can be frustrating. 

Here’s what you need to know to clean glass shower doors without streaking them. Let’s get into it.

How Often Should You Clean Glass Shower Doors?

Ideally, you should clean glass shower doors after each use. This doesn’t need to be a deep clean, of course. But basic maintenance with the occasional deep clean makes keeping your glass shower doors clean so much easier than it otherwise would be if the dirt and grime was allowed to build up. 

If you’re keeping up with basic maintenance, you’ll only need to deep clean your shower door once a month or so. If you don’t, you should plan on cleaning your shower door each week to minimize buildup. 

Methods To Clean Glass Shower Doors

Vinegar, lemon, and specialized shower door cleaning products are all great options to clean glass shower doors. There are also products specifically designed to target mold and mildew, if that’s something you’re struggling with. Avoid using abrasive materials, as these can scratch the glass. Protect your hands with gloves if using harsh cleaners and depending on the amount of soap scum.

For Hard Water Stains

Rinse off your shower door when you’re done with your shower and then squeegee it. This prevents hard water stains from occurring. If you have stains, vinegar and distilled water mixed together in a spray bottle and then wiped away with a microfiber cloth can remove them.

For Soap Scum

Wet dryer sheets can remove soap scum. You can also use vinegar and water sprays on your doors in order to prevent soap scum from building up.

For Mold & Mildew Prevention

Mold and mildew grow in damp environments – making bathrooms a hotspot. Good ventilation is key to prevent this, but not every bathroom has a window. You can be sure to turn on the fan when you shower. You can also be sure to wipe all the water from your shower doors with a squeegee, as well as utilizing vinegar and baking soda spritzes. 

Leaving the door open after your shower can also help dry your shower out.

Cleaning Shower Door Tracks

Unless you have frameless shower doors, you’ll also need to clean the shower door tracks. Dirt and grime are pesky things that get anywhere they can. Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning shower door tracks. Set down a towel first, to avoid making a mess on your bathroom floor. You can scrub your shower door tracks with baking soda and a wet old toothbrush, then add some distilled white vinegar. Once the fizzing has stopped, you can rinse with regular old water.

Keeping Your Shower Doors Cleaner Longer

As previously mentioned, the best way to keep your shower doors cleaner longer is to give them a brief little clean after each use. 

Some methods you can utilize to clean glass shower doors easier include:

• Squeegeeing water after each shower. You can keep a squeegee in the shower to make this a breeze. This prevents hard water stains.
• Using liquid body wash instead of bar soaps. Bar soaps are more reactive with the minerals in water, leading to soap scum. Making the switch to a liquid body wash can curb this issue.
• Using a cleaning spray. This can prevent both soap scum and hard water stains.
• Opening a window or turning on the fan. Air circulation is needed in order to prevent mold and mildew growth. Just opening the window or turning on the fan when you shower can make keeping your bathroom cleaner easier. 
• Use a windshield rain repellent. As on a windshield, this helps the water slide right off of your doors. Be very careful with this, as it can make your floors very slippery if it gets on them.
• Install a water softener. If you have the means, installing a water softener can keep you from having to deal with hard water in general, which doesn’t just make keeping your glass shower doors cleaner easier, it’s also better for your hair, skin, and overall health. 

Looking For Stunning New Glass Shower Doors?

Creekside Windows & Glass provides beautiful glass shower doors in and around the Kaysville, UT area. From frameless to European to framed, count on us for quality that lasts. Contact us today to learn more about our shower doors, windows, and any of the other services we provide. 

Many people assume that you can’t replace windows in winter. They think that it’s too cold and wet for window installers to be able to do a good job. They also worry about their home’s interior being exposed to the elements, as they think that all of the windows are taken out before the new ones are installed.

In truth, you can indeed replace windows in winter. The process is a bit different than it is in the warmer months and weather impacts scheduling, of course. However, if you have a broken window or you just want to get some windows replaced, there’s no need to wait for spring. You can replace windows in winter by working with expert window specialists who know how to work with the elements to provide you with the highest quality work, regardless of the season. 

How Do You Replace Windows In Winter?

Winter window replacement is done a bit differently than other seasons. The basics of measuring, removal, and installation are the same. However, in order to keep your home as warm as possible and minimize interior exposure to the elements, window installers work one window at a time. 

Energy bills just keep spiking. Money aside, no one wants to feel like they’re freezing in their own home. By closing the doors to the room they are working in (if possible) or using floor-to-ceiling plastic barriers and working only one window at a time, installers are able to keep as little cold air from entering your home as possible.

What About Winter Weather Conditions?

Concerned about the cold, wet weather impacting the quality of your window installation? That’s a valid concern to have. Window professionals know how to work in each season – including when the temperatures have dropped down too low or when the weather would impact the quality of a job. 

If rescheduling is necessary, you can trust an experienced pro to communicate with you. That way, you can rest assured that even if the job has to be rescheduled due to the weather or the temperature, it will be done, and when it is, it will be done correctly. The last thing you want is to shell out the money for window replacements only for shoddy workmanship. 

When you work with professionals like the team here at Creekside Windows & Glass, you can rest assured that we’ll get the job done right – the first time.

Should You Replace Windows In Winter?

The answer to whether or not you can do something is usually yes, depending on the amount of effort you put in. However, whether or not you should is another question entirely. For many things, like DIY pressure washing, yes, you can, but no, you really shouldn’t.

Winter window replacement, on the other hand, is something that you should have done if you need it. If you’ve got old, drafty windows, those are driving your energy bill up and making your home less comfortable. Old windows can lead to mold and mildew. Like any other season, if your windows need to be replaced, your curb appeal is suffering and your wallet is hurting.

As such, if you need to replace windows in winter, you can go ahead and schedule a service.

Benefits To Replacing Your Windows In The Winter

Beyond the obvious benefits that accompany window replacement as a whole, there are some unique perks to when you replace windows in winter. 

• Easier scheduling. The warmer seasons tend to be very busy, as everyone is trying to get their window issues taken care of. Since many people prefer to wait until winter ends before getting their windows replaced, you may find that it’s easier to get your project scheduled.
• Potential for “off season” deals. This isn’t always the case, of course. But some installers and window companies will provide incentives during the winter months that they wouldn’t otherwise.

Need To Replace Windows In Winter?

Creekside Windows & Glass is here to help! Whether you’re looking to replace windows in winter, you need window glass repair, or you have an interior project, like getting new shower doors installed, you can count on our experienced professionals for top-quality work – no matter the season.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help homeowners in and around Kaysville.