Shine Bright: Window & Screen Care for Comfort & Savings
As you dive into your January deep cleaning, it’s the perfect opportunity to tackle built-up condensation, fingerprints, and any salt or dirt left from holiday gatherings and geographical locations. Adding window and screen inspections to your checklist is a smart move. Cold winter temperatures can worsen existing issues like small chips or cracks and expose failing seals that cause drafts. January is also ideal for removing holiday grime, letting in more natural light, and protecting screens from snow and ice damage. With fewer scheduling conflicts this time of year, it’s easier to spot and fix problems early—saving money, improving comfort, and preventing minor issues from turning into costly repairs later.
Preventive window and screen maintenance begins with regular cleaning using mild soap and water, followed by careful inspection for damage such as holes, tears, loose frames or spline, and cracked caulking. Lubricating moving parts like tracks and hinges ensures smooth operation, while proper off-season storage extends the life of your screens. Trimming nearby vegetation, maintaining weather-stripping, and ensuring good ventilation all help boost energy efficiency, reduce condensation issues, and keep pests at bay.
In many regions, including Florida, January is also an excellent month for pool screen preventative maintenance, thanks to favorable weather and seasonal conditions.
Why January is the ideal time
Lower Usage: Homeowners use their pools less frequently in January due to the cooler weather, which makes maintenance work less disruptive to the household and allows contractors to work without interrupting swimming time.
Pre-emptive Action: Performing maintenance in January prepares the windows and screens for the coming spring and summer seasons when intense heat, heavy rainfall, and potential severe weather (like hurricanes) become more frequent. Addressing small issues before severe weather hits can prevent major, costly damage later.
Contractor Availability: Maintenance companies may have greater availability and potentially offer better pricing during the off-season compared to the busy summer months following a storm or during peak demand.
Reveals Winter Damage: Cold temperatures cause glass to contract, allowing small chips and cracks to spread quickly. Addressing them now helps avoid expensive repairs later.
Highlights Drafts & Failing Seals: Cold air makes it easier to detect poor window seals, improving comfort and energy efficiency during peak heating season.
Protects Against Snow & Ice Damage: Removing screens in northern climates prevents damage from ice
Mild Weather: In areas like Florida, January typically features milder, drier weather with less rain and humidity compared to the summer months. This weather allows sealants and patches to cure effectively and quickly.
Window Screens
1. Remove & Label: Gently remove screens and label them so you know which window each one belongs to.
2. Clean: Vacuum away loose debris, then scrub lightly with a soft brush and warm, soapy water. Rinse gently and allow screens to air-dry completely. Avoid using pressure washers.
3. Inspect & Repair: Check for holes, tears, or loose mesh. Small damage can be patched with a repair kit; larger issues may require full screen replacement.
4. Store Properly: If screens are removed for the winter, store them flat or upright in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.
Window Frames & Glass
1. Clean Glass & Frames: Use an appropriate glass cleaner and wipe down frames thoroughly.
2. Clean Tracks & Hardware: Vacuum dirt from tracks and lightly lubricate hinges, pulleys, and other moving parts, wiping away any excess.
3. Check Seals: Inspect caulking and weather-stripping and replace any worn or damaged areas to prevent drafts and energy loss.
4. Clear Drains: Make sure weep holes and drainage channels are unobstructed to allow proper moisture control.