When it comes to home maintenance, some things are easily forgotten about. But, with the right care, you can save money and keep your house from falling into disrepair. One easily overlooked aspect of your home is the windows. Ensuring that your windows are properly resealed every few years can reduce your energy bill, prevent leaks, and more.

Do My Windows Need to Be Resealed?

Windows should be revealed to reduce wear, cracking, or peeling. Even if you don’t see signs of damage, resealing regularly can help improve the quality of your window, and increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Causes of Window Seal Degradation

Most often, aging is a reason for resealing. Over time, the materials degrade. Windows that are exposed to direct sunlight are more likely to degrade faster. Other common causes could be physical damage, the natural settling of your building, poor installation quality, excessive moisture, or pest problems.

How Often Should You Reseal Windows?

Generally, Windows should be resealed about every 5 years. If you live in areas of extreme heat or extreme cold, they should be redone every 2 to 3 years. Additionally, older windows may require more frequent maintenance. Invisible cracks or gaps are a sign that you need resealing. If you feel a draft from a closed window, it may indicate that the seal is compromised. During or after rainstorms, water infiltration in and around the window can show that it’s time to reseal. Spikes in your energy bill that are not attributable to other factors may also be a sign of a leaky window.

Benefits of Resealing Windows

There are many positives to properly resealing the panes of your home. One of the main advantages is reducing utility costs and improving your energy efficiency. Drafty windows will cost more money on heating and cooling. A properly sealed window will also reduce the noise pollution from outside coming into your home. Regularly resealing for maintenance can also increase the longevity of your panes.

When is the Best Time to Reseal a Window?

Generally, the best time to reseal your windows is during the spring and fall seasons. You want to do it when it isn’t raining, which could affect the efficiency of outdoor seals. Performing repairs before the summer or winter can also reduce the energy loss from your drafts. Homeowners are overall less likely to run the heating or AC units during milder seasons.

Why Should I Hire A Professional?

For any major home repair, you should always trust a licensed professional. When it comes to ensuring that your windows are properly sealed, you should hire a window installation and maintenance specialist. They will know how to properly check your windows to ensure that they are well taken care of. They will also be more likely to do a proper job on the outside of windows, especially those that require a ladder to access.

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