Window maintenance

The maintenance of the windows is as much a part of spring cleaning as all other cleaning work in your own four walls. After all, windows are exposed to many different stresses and strains over the year.

Without regular care and maintenance of the windows, damage can occur which reduces the efficiency of the windows. The following article shows what should be paid particular attention to.

The stresses to which windows are exposed are many and varied. On the one hand, the mechanical stresses and strains, but also the influence of the weather conditions must be mentioned. The windows are movable installations, which is why they should always be easy to open, but on the other hand they must also be able to be closed securely so that no loss of heat occurs.

The window maintenance

Checking the gaskets is a particularly important part of window maintenance. If air flows out of the building or into the rooms through the window, the window is not functional, because valuable energy is lost. Leaking windows can be identified, for example, by the so-called paper test. To do this, a sheet of paper must be clamped in the window. If this can then be removed from the closed window without complications, the seal is not functioning properly. In such a case a replacement by a specialist is necessary. An analysis of the outer seals should also be carried out by a specialist.

In addition, the window fittings must also be checked regularly. If signs of wear or even cracks are visible, the fittings are no longer in order. It should also be checked whether all screws are still tightened. Once a year the window fittings should be inspected, cleaned and greased again. All other moving parts of the window should also be lubricated.

The glazing is also part of regular window maintenance. Of course, there should not be any cracks in the glass in the first place. Air should not be allowed to enter or leave the window, nor should moisture enter. If the formation of moisture between the panes can be seen, this shows that the glazing no longer has an insulating function. In this case the windows must be replaced.

In the case of wooden windows, it is also possible to carry out window maintenance yourself by painting and sanding them. It is important that the coating is regularly inspected and renewed so that no serious damage can occur. The cost of maintaining plastic windows is comparatively low. However, damaged frames can only be repaired by the customer in very few cases. For aluminium windows it is also better to consult a specialist.

Regular window maintenance by specialist companies

Especially if there are a lot of windows, it is worth handing over the maintenance to a specialist. Special window maintenance contracts can be concluded for this purpose. It is advisable to conclude such a contract with the company that installed the windows. They are well informed about the local conditions.

The work to be carried out in particular can be set out in detail in a contract for the care and maintenance of the windows. This can range from a simple check of the functions to comprehensive cleaning and maintenance. The maintenance contracts can vary greatly in terms of pricing. Often a lump sum per year is fixed, but there are also lump sums per window or a settlement for the corresponding number of hours worked. A one-time maintenance of the windows costs on average between 50 and 100 euros.

Sources and further reading: Fensterwartung by Zeidler Group [2020]