Expert Advice for Maintaining Your Windows
Benefit from the Experience of the Pros
Your windows play an essential role in the comfort, energy efficiency, and protection of your home. Constructions Réno-Fenêtres shares some tips here to help you extend their lifespan and avoid costly repairs. For any questions, contact us!
A window's thermal unit (sealed glass unit) can lose its effectiveness over time. Replacing the thermal unit allows you to keep the window's existing frame while restoring its effectiveness, often an economical solution compared to a full window replacement.
Foggy Thermal
Window Glass Replacement
Signs that a replacement is needed
- Condensation or fogging between the two panes
- Moisture marks or deposits inside the glass
- Loss of clarity or a permanently cloudy appearance
- A feeling of cold near the window
- Decreased energy performance
Expert tip: Before replacing an entire window, an evaluation of the thermal unit can often fix the problem at a lower cost.
Exterior caulking is an important step for maintaining the seal on your windows. Properly done caulking reduces air infiltration, prevents water infiltration, improves indoor comfort, and protects the structure around the window.
Successful Caulking
in 4 Easy Steps
Over the years, seals can
- Dry out and crack
- Peel away from the window frame
- Lose their flexibility due to temperature changes
- Let in water or air
Expert tip: Effective caulking isn't just about adding sealant over the old layer. You need to prepare the surface, remove damaged sections, and apply a product suited to the building's movement.
If you decide to do it yourself, follow these 4 steps for quality results:
1
Inspect
Do a visual inspection of the caulking and look for signs of wear (mould, tears, etc.) that could confirm an air leak or water infiltration. Indoors, you can hold a candle flame in front of the caulking to check for air leaks; spider webs are also a good indicator.
2
Clean
The area to be caulked must be completely cleaned to ensure maximum adhesion. Using a blade or scraper, remove the damaged seal. You may also need to replace certain window components, such as the wood framing; if that's the case, we can help!
3
Prepare
Gather the necessary materials (caulking gun, cartridge, etc.) and cut the tip of the cartridge. You can pierce the protective film using a long nail.
4
Apply
Holding the caulking gun at a right angle, follow the seam to be caulked while lightly pressing the trigger for a smooth, continuous application.
Caulking done right comes with a 10-year warranty.
Prefer to leave the work to our specialists?
Crank windows are built to last, but their internal mechanisms wear out over time. Replacing the hardware can often restore the window without replacing the entire frame.
Hardware and Mechanisms
When Should You Take Action?
The most common problems
- A crank that's hard to turn or spins freely
- A window that doesn't close properly or has play in the mechanism
- Worn opening arm
- Loose or detached handle
- Difficulty achieving proper seal compression
- A lock that no longer locks properly
Constructions Réno-Fenêtres carries parts compatible with mechanisms from the past 50 years: slides, cranks, folding handles, and locks.
Expert tip: A window that's hard to operate shouldn't be forced. A quick repair can prevent further damage to the mechanism or frame.
Preventive annual maintenance can avoid costly repairs and significantly extend the life of your windows. Moving parts need regular lubrication to keep working smoothly; a well-maintained window keeps its seal, comfort, and energy efficiency longer.
Graissage et lubrification
Annual Maintenance Plan
Components to maintain annually
- Crank window mechanisms
- Hinges and pivot points
- Opening arms and gears
- Closing points and latches
Want to protect your mechanisms for the long term?
