Getting your windows or doors ready for winter is another matter, altogether. Cold temperatures, snow, salt and ice all conspire to do damage to them. So many homeowners take great care to get them winterized.
Because summer is all about sunshine and great weather, much thought doesn’t go into making sure your doors and windows are ready for the heat.
The truth of the matter is that there are things you can do to ensure your doors and windows can handle the summer heat.
Doors
Install weather stripping
In the winter, weather stripping is vital to keep cold air out and warm air out.
If it was a particularly harsh winter, your weather stripping may have worn out, cracked or peeled. Which means that in the summer, hot outside air is going to make its way inside.
High quality weather stripping will make sure the inside of your house stays cool while it’s excessively hot outside.
Wash off the pollen from your doors
You may not see it (but if you have allergies, you’ll feel it), but there’s probably pollen stuck to the exteriors of your doors.
Over time, excessive amounts of pollen could potentially damage your doors by leaving a thin, sticky film. However, washing away pollen is easy and will save you time while making your life easier when it comes to allergies.
Here’s what you need:
- Bottle of soapy water
- Rag
- Garden hose
Just like washing your car, rinse the door, then was it thoroughly and rinse again. You may have stubborn spots on your door which are hard to remove. Keep at it – and perhaps use a brush to really scrub those tough areas.
Tighten those hinges
Your door hinges may have become loose during the winter and spring – which can cause problems like:
- Door stickiness
- Floor scrapes
- Floor binding
Fortunately, tightening door hinges is a relatively simply process. Just find the right screwdriver to match the screws in the door hinge and tighten until your door is properly secured in place.
Windows
Wash your windows
Winter and spring weather can leave a layer of grit, grime, salt and dirt on your windows.
Cleaning the windows in your house – inside and out – will allow more natural sunlight to shine through. In addition, it will also make it easier to open your windows to let in that nice summer breeze.
Here’s what you need:
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar and water
- Plastic bristle brush
- Windex window cleaner
- Squeegee
And here’s what to do:
- Fill the spray bottle with the vinegar/water solution
- Use the brush to scrub the dirt away from the windows
- Use the Windex on a squeegee to remove any leftover dirt
Replace your windows if it’s needed
Single pane windows can be drafty and are not energy-efficient.
Using double-pane windows is a great way to:
- Save energy (and money)
- Reduce outside noise from coming into your house
- Improve the look and value of your home
Installing replacement windows with a low-e coating can help lower your cooling bills by lowering the heat coming through its glass inserts by up to 58%.
We can help get your doors and windows ready for summer
The Door Centre is your source for information and tips regarding doors and windows.
If you need help getting your doors and windows ready for summer, then contact us today.
We’ll be happy to talk to you about your doors and windows and make sure they’re ready to handle the summer heat and weather.
