Updated on February 14, 2025 by 
When it comes to your home’s energy efficiency, security, and overall comfort, your windows are a key player. Properly maintained windows can help reduce energy bills, prevent damage, and extend their lifespan. However, different seasons bring different challenges, from extreme temperatures to debris buildup.
By following a seasonal window maintenance checklist, you can keep your windows in peak condition all year long. This guide will walk you through essential spring, summer, fall, and winter window maintenance tasks, ensuring that your home stays well-insulated, secure, and looking its best.
If you notice cracks, drafts, condensation issues, or difficulty opening and closing your windows, it may be time for professional maintenance or replacement. Always Be Fair Roofing offers expert window inspection, cleaning, repair, and installation services to help keep your home efficient and comfortable.
Spring Window Maintenance: Cleaning & Damage Inspection
Spring is the perfect time to give your windows a fresh start after months of cold weather. Winter snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures can cause warping, seal deterioration, and debris buildup. A thorough inspection and cleaning will help prepare your windows for warmer months while improving energy efficiency and visibility.
Spring Window Maintenance Checklist
✔ Wash Windows Inside & Out – Use a mild glass cleaner or a vinegar solution to remove dirt, pollen, and winter grime, improving natural light flow.
✔ Clean Window Tracks & Frames – Vacuum dirt and debris from window tracks and use a damp cloth to wipe down the frames for smoother operation.
✔ Inspect Window Seals & Caulk – Look for any cracks or gaps around window edges. Reapply weatherproof caulk to prevent air leaks and water damage.
✔ Check for Winter Damage – Inspect for signs of warping, cracked glass, or moisture damage caused by freezing temperatures.
✔ Lubricate Hinges & Locks – Apply a small amount of lubricant to window hinges, locks, and moving parts to prevent sticking or rusting.
✔ Replace Torn or Damaged Screens – Repair any holes in window screens to keep bugs out while allowing proper ventilation.
Summer Window Maintenance: Ventilation & Sun Protection
Summer heat and increased sunlight exposure can affect your windows in different ways. High temperatures may cause materials to expand, while excessive UV rays can lead to fading of furniture and flooring. Proper ventilation is key to keeping indoor air fresh and preventing condensation buildup.
Summer Window Maintenance Checklist
✔ Inspect Window Screens – Check for tears or damage in screens and repair or replace them to allow proper airflow while keeping insects out.
✔ Test Window Functionality – Open and close windows to ensure they glide smoothly. If they stick or don’t open fully, clean tracks and apply lubricant.
✔ Apply UV-Protection Film – Installing UV-blocking window film can help reduce heat absorption and prevent fading of furniture and decor.
✔ Check Window Seals for Condensation – If you notice fogging between window panes, it may indicate a broken seal, reducing energy efficiency.
✔ Use Blinds or Curtains to Reduce Heat Gain – Keeping blinds or curtains closed during peak sunlight hours can help lower indoor temperatures and reduce cooling costs.
✔ Monitor Humidity Levels – High humidity can lead to moisture buildup on windows. Use a dehumidifier to prevent mold and condensation issues.
Fall Window Maintenance: Preparing for Cold Weather
As temperatures begin to drop, fall is the ideal time to weatherproof your windows before winter sets in. Proper insulation and draft prevention can reduce heating costs and keep your home warm throughout the colder months.
Fall Window Maintenance Checklist
✔ Check for Drafts – Hold a lit candle near the edges of your windows. If the flame flickers, there’s an air leak that needs sealing.
✔ Apply Weatherstripping – Installing foam or rubber weatherstripping around windows helps block drafts and improve insulation.
✔ Install Storm Windows (If Needed) – Older homes may benefit from storm windows to add an extra barrier against cold air infiltration.
✔ Clean Gutters & Downspouts Near Windows – Leaves and debris can clog drainage areas, leading to water damage around window frames.
✔ Inspect Window Locks & Security Features – With shorter days and longer nights, ensure that all windows lock securely to enhance home security.
✔ Seal Window Edges with Exterior Caulk – Look for small cracks in exterior window frames and reapply waterproof caulking to prevent rain or snow infiltration.
✔ Switch to Thermal Curtains – Heavy or insulated curtains can help retain heat and keep your home warm throughout the winter.
Winter Window Maintenance: Preventing Ice & Condensation
Winter weather can put significant stress on windows. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice buildup can lead to moisture damage, drafts, and condensation. By taking preventative measures, you can keep your home warm and reduce heating costs.
Winter Window Maintenance Checklist
✔ Check for Ice Buildup Around Windows – If ice forms inside your window frame, it could be a sign of poor insulation or excessive indoor humidity.
✔ Use Draft Stoppers or Insulation Film – Placing draft blockers along the bottom of windows and using plastic insulation film can help keep warm air inside.
✔ Reduce Indoor Humidity – Use a dehumidifier or run exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to prevent condensation buildup on windows.
✔ Clear Snow & Ice from Window Sills – Heavy snow or ice can trap moisture and cause long-term window damage. Keep window exteriors clear to avoid issues.
✔ Inspect for Cracks or Leaks – Cold weather can cause glass and frames to expand and contract, leading to cracks or seal failures.
✔ Plan for Spring Repairs or Replacements – If windows are drafty, difficult to open, or showing signs of wear, consider replacing them when warmer weather arrives.
When to Call a Professional
While regular seasonal maintenance can help keep your windows in good shape, there are times when professional expertise is necessary. Some window issues can’t be fixed with DIY solutions and may require professional inspection, repair, or replacement. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to higher energy bills, security risks, and long-term structural damage to your home.
Windows are only as good as their installation process. Having a quality professional installation is necessary to ensure a proper seal and high efficiency. It is also important to remember that window efficiency standards have changed, so if your windows were installed before 2007, there is likely a much more energy-efficient window available. At Always Be Fair, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality installation and repair services.
Signs You Need a Professional Window Inspection
- Persistent Drafts or Air Leaks – If you’ve sealed gaps with caulk or weatherstripping but still feel a draft, your windows may have failed seals or improper insulation.
- Condensation Between Glass Panes – Fogging or moisture inside double- or triple-pane windows indicates a broken seal, reducing energy efficiency.
- Difficulty Opening or Closing Windows – Warped frames, rusted hinges, or misaligned tracks can make it hard to operate your windows, potentially affecting home security.
- Visible Cracks or Damage to Glass – Even small cracks can spread over time, reducing window strength and insulation.
- Rotted or Warped Window Frames – Wooden window frames that show signs of rot, mold, or warping may no longer provide a proper seal against the elements.
- Excessive Outside Noise – If you’re noticing more noise from the street, your windows may have worn-out insulation or thin, outdated glass.
- High Energy Bills – A sudden increase in heating or cooling costs could be due to poor window insulation, allowing heat to escape in winter and enter in summer.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it may be time to replace or repair your windows. Let the experts at Always Be Fair Roofing inspect your windows and provide professional solutions to improve efficiency, security, and comfort.
Schedule a Free Window Inspection Today!
Don’t wait until small window issues become costly repairs. Always Be Fair Roofing offers expert window inspections, repairs, and energy-efficient replacements to help keep your home safe and comfortable in every season.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let our professionals ensure your windows are performing at their best year-round!
Frequently Asked Questions About Window Maintenance
How often should I clean my windows?
It’s best to clean your windows twice a year, preferably in spring and fall, to remove dirt, pollen, and seasonal buildup.
How do I know if my windows need new caulking?
If you feel drafts, see gaps around the window edges, or notice cracking or peeling caulk, it’s time to reapply fresh weatherproof caulk.
What causes condensation between window panes?
Condensation inside double-pane windows usually means the seal is broken, which reduces insulation. This typically requires window replacement to restore energy efficiency.
When should I replace my windows?
If your windows have excessive drafts, cracked glass, broken locks, or condensation issues, it may be time for a replacement. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can help reduce energy bills and improve insulation.
