With winter approaching, it is very important to make sure that your windows do not let cold air into your home. This is not difficult to do, but it is extremely important: your personal comfort and your heating bills depend on it. The FixHomeGlass team is happy to provide you with a checklist to check your windows for cold weather readiness.

Cleaning windows of dirt

First of all, you need to clean your windows of dirt. We thoroughly clean the glass, frame, and window sills. Don’t forget about the fittings and seals.

A couple of tips for cleaning windows:

1. Use non-aggressive cleaning products and soft cloths (microfiber or sponges are suitable) to remove dirt, especially if you have vinyl windows. Harsh cleaning products can scratch the surface and spoil the appearance.

2. Rubber squeegees (for streak-free glass cleaning) and a spray bottle for even distribution of cleaning products can make the job easier.

3. We do not recommend using powdered abrasives, as they scratch the glass. Also, do not wash windows in strong wind or rain — there is a chance that the dirt will quickly return. Do not apply too much detergent to avoid leaving streaks.

4. Before applying detergent, rinse off dirt and dust with plain water.

Thorough visual inspection

Next, we move on to a visual inspection:

1. Be sure to check the hardware (handles and hinges) for proper functioning and rust. Everything should move easily and smoothly. These elements bear the heaviest load, so they require special attention.

2. Carefully inspect the glass for chips and cracks. Not only does this pose a risk of injury, but it also allows heat to escape from the room.

3. Check the window for condensation inside the double-glazed unit. Condensation often occurs as a result of everyday activities and disappears on its own. However, you should be concerned if the condensation is caused by a faulty seal. To find out what exactly caused the windows to fog up, we recommend reading our article «Window Glass Condensation: When Is It Time to Replace?»

4. Carefully inspect the integrity of the frame, window sills, and sashes. If you notice that the sash has sagged or does not fit tightly, or perhaps you have found cracks and gaps in the seal, do not delay! These problems must be fixed as quickly as possible.

DIY troubleshooting

Here is what can you do yourself to improve the condition of your windows and prepare them for winter?

1. If, after cleaning the sealant, you find that it is cracked, you can replace it yourself by purchasing it at a hardware store. We recommend using rubber or silicone seals, as they perform well in the long term.

2. If your seal is intact, check that it is sufficiently lubricated and, if necessary, correct this by purchasing a special lubricant from a hardware store.

3. To improve thermal insulation, you can consider purchasing thick curtains/blinds or using special thermal insulation film for windows.

4. If the fittings stick, get into the habit of regularly lubricating them with special silicone grease. This should be done once a year before the cold season sets in.

5. Regularly check your windows for integrity, clean them, and fix minor problems so that they do not turn into major and serious breakdowns.

Contact the specialists

If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, don’t hesitate to call us! The FixHomeGlass team specializes in replacing broken window glass:

• Foggy glass unit replacement
• Cracked glass unit replacement
• Glass replacement in aluminum windows
• Glass replacement in wooden windows
• Glass replacement in vinyl windows
• Replacement units with broken thermal seal
• Patio door glass replacement

Types of windows we work with:

• Double-hung windows
• Single-hung windows
• Garden windows
• Picture windows
• Awning windows
• Bay windows
• Bow windows
• Casement windows

Types of glass we install:

• insulated glass units
• annealed glass
• tempered glass
• low-emissivity glass
• patterned and colored glass

We take a responsible approach to the selection of materials for our work. For more than 9 years, we have been using the American-proven window glass brand Cardinal Glass Industries. We do not skimp on the quality of glass, nor do we manufacture it ourselves. We know that our supplier will provide us with flawless glass with a 20-year warranty on the thermal seal within the agreed time frame. In our article on Cardinal Glass Industries, we explain in detail why we chose this particular brand of glass for our collaboration. The customer receives confidence in the result, a warranty on materials and workmanship.

Call us +1 (630) 225-3105 or leave a request on our website. We’ll provide you with a free estimate and help you to prepare your windows for the cold season.