As the days get shorter and the nights get longer and colder, we Canadians naturally start to retreat to indoor spaces. That makes autumn the perfect time to focus on home maintenance. 

With the chill of winter on the way, you’ll want to ensure that your windows and doors are in tiptop shape. Proper maintenance now can help to keep your home cozy, comfortable and energy efficient when extreme weather hits.

A bit of preventative maintenance now can also help to extend the life of your windows and doors, saving you from costly repairs or replacements down the road. Read on for our practical tips to help you prepare your home’s windows and doors for the wintry months ahead.

Create a fall window and door checklist

Whether you prefer pen and paper or a notes app, start by building a checklist of the routine maintenance tasks you want to accomplish this fall. When it comes to windows and doors, cleaning is a great task to put at the top of the list. You’ll want to remove built-up grime, mould, mildew and debris from window panes, frames, doors and thresholds. 

An accumulation of moisture and dirt over many months not only looks unpleasant–it can also degrade the fixed and operating components of windows and doors, including the glass. You might eventually see water spots, thin scratches and cracks. 

Some simple cleaning and maintenance now can mean windows and doors last longer, securing your investment as well as your home comfort. Left unwashed for long periods, windows and sills are at risk of developing mould build-up too, creating a potential health risk for your home’s inhabitants.

For a hassle-free fall maintenance routine, download our ready-made checklist and keep your windows and doors in perfect condition!

How to clean windows and doors

Start by removing any loose dust or dirt from window frames, glass and doors using a handheld brush or a vacuum cleaner. Be sure to pay extra attention to horizontal surfaces where dirt collects, like tracks and sills. 

Wipe down windows and doors inside and out to remove dirt, dust and smudges. Check out our expert advice for sparkling clean windows to create an unbeatable shine on windows and sliding glass doors. 

For door surfaces, fill a small bucket or bowl with a squirt of mild detergent and warm water. Soak a soft, non-abrasive, lint-free cloth in the solution, wring out and wipe down the door’s surfaces from top to bottom. Avoid cleaning products that are abrasive or contain solvents or harsh chemicals. These could harm window and door components and discolor hardware.

While you’re hard at work, consider washing any curtains according to the directions on their labels and remove blinds to give them a soak in the bathtub with a small amount of grease-lifting dish detergent. 

With the kinder temperatures of fall, you’ve likely had your windows open more often, possibly introducing dust and contaminants from the outdoors. A thorough washing of windows, doors and window coverings will contribute to good indoor air quality for the upcoming winter. 

Don’t forget moving parts too–dirt trapped in hinges, locks and window operators can make windows difficult to open and close effectively. Now and throughout the year, keep a dry brush handy for quick touch-ups that will ensure a better seal.

Inspect windows and doors

Next up on your window and door maintenance list–the inspection! Luckily this can be done while you are cleaning. Check your windows and doors from top to bottom, looking for signs of wear and tear, such as drafts, cracks and gaps that could lead to energy loss.

Inspect the sealant around your windows, as well as the window and door frame materials and the glass. Be sure to pay attention to window and door components and hardware, including hinges, operators, locks and rollers. 

Any wood or other materials that have deteriorated from exposure to water can allow drafts or moisture into your house, reducing home comfort and increasing heating costs. 

Consult a window and door expert if you see deterioration of surfaces, rust, rotten wood or cloudy glass. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need new windows and doors. Replacement parts or new window glass may be an option.

Check for leaks and drafts

Run your hand around the edges of each window and door to check for drafts. Pay particular attention to areas that are often faced with extreme weather or strong sunlight. If you feel a draft or cold air seeping in, your home’s energy efficiency is likely compromised. You might notice sunlight shining in at door or window edges too. 

Another option is to light an incense stick and move it slowly around the window and door frames. If the smoke flickers or gets pulled towards a particular area, that can signal a draft. When your windows and doors are closed, they shouldn’t permit a noticeable amount of air to enter.

Open and close each window to see if it fits snugly in its frame. Any gaps when the window is closed could indicate a problem with the frame or the window itself. Ensure doors close properly and latch securely. Misalignment can cause gaps that let cold air in.

Inspect insulation around window and door frames. It should be intact and properly fitted. Look out also for excessive condensation between window panes, on sills or around door frames, as this can indicate poor seals or insulation issues.

Finally, inspect for signs of mould or mildew around windows and doors, especially in areas with poor ventilation or where water might have infiltrated.

Weatherproofing and maintenance

In order to prepare for the season ahead, consider weatherproofing and other simple maintenance that will help to protect your home from the elements. This could include the application of caulk or weather stripping to seal gaps and prevent drafts.

Take note of those leaky areas you identified above and reapply sealant or caulk around doors and windows where needed. Effective sealant can help to keep your home draft-free and comfortable throughout the colder months.

Check the weather-stripping around your windows and doors for any signs of damage, wear or noticeable gaps. Weather-stripping should form a tight seal against the frame.

For moving window components like locks, operators and hinges, apply a dry lubricant to ensure smooth and easy operation. A product with corrosion inhibitors can help to safeguard hardware components against extreme weather elements.

Energy-efficient windows and doors reduce heating costs, improve comfort

By regularly cleaning, inspecting and maintaining your windows and doors, you can enhance the energy efficiency of your home, reduce heating costs and improve indoor comfort.

If your home has old windows and doors, including single-pane glass options, it might be time to look at new, energy-efficient selections. Effective options like fibreglass exterior doors and triple-pane windows can mean better home insulation, lower energy costs and a snug and secure home.

With a little bit of work this fall, “future you” will be much happier this winter.  After all, you will have given yourself a more comfortable, energy-efficient home in which to hibernate. So let’s get started on that to-do list before the winter chill sets in!

To make your fall maintenance even easier, check out our ready-made checklist and ensure your windows and doors are in top shape!