Not Ready For Home Window Replacement? How To Care For Screens

Homeowners often think of window cleaning, but cleaning a screen easily slips their minds amongst the many other necessary maintenance tasks. Many homeowners know they should do this as a part of their deep spring cleaning, but aren't exactly sure how to do it. Whether you clean them every year, or it's been a while, learn how to properly complete this important part of house maintenance.

Why Bother Cleaning Screens?

The mesh material is actually your house's first line of defense. Without a proper cleaning, dust, soot, salt spray and other residues can find their way into your house. Cleaning a screen helps remove these items and can help filter out harmful materials that can come into your home. It also helps lengthen the lifetime of the screens.

How To Clean Screens?

Giving screens a good cleaning isn't difficult. The first thing you want to do is remove each screen from the windows. If it is made of aluminum, all that's needed is a stiff brush and a spray hose. Sometimes, however, a little more effort is required. If your screen looks grimy, remove it and wash it with a mixture of diluted dishwashing liquid and a sponge. However, take care to not apply undiluted soap directly to the screen. Pressure washing is not recommended because it can cause holes to form or the frame to bend or crack. Before reinstalling, make sure everything is completely dry.

If there are holes, you'll want to replace the screens because they cannot be patched. Large holes can provide a space for insects and other pests to slip into your home.

How Do You Know If It's Time For Home Window Replacement?

If you need more than just a good cleaning to get your windows looking good, it might be time to replace them. There are a number of home window replacement companies that can help you determine if it's time for this step.

One easy way to know if it's time for replacement is to look at your curtains and blinds when it's windy. Are they moving? If they are, it's a definite sign that outside air is leaking into your house. A seal that's not tight enough means your energy bills could skyrocket as your house's furnace or air conditioner works extra hard to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Another sign that it's time to find home window replacement companies is if you get condensation or frost in between the glass panes. Is the glass pane cold in the winter? Is the glass broken or the frame rotted? These are all signs that it's time to replace your house's windows.

Some projects may qualify for federal and local tax credits. Qualified window replacement companies can help you pick the brands and models that qualify and provide an excellent resource when considering this type of project.

Whether you're looking to start a yearly screen cleaning regimen or it's time for a window replacement, taking care of your windows is an important part of home maintenance.

Chris Harmen writes for Opal Enterprises, a company that offers window replacement in Downers Grove and surrounding areas. A home window replacement in Downers Grove from Opal Enterprises can help reduce a home's energy consumption.