Spring is in the air! And on your windows and on your siding!
When we welcome spring we also welcome all the dust, the pollen and the spring showers that can create a film on your window and a coating on your siding.
Here are some tips to keep your windows sparking this spring:
- Use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to kill the germs that can build up on the inside and on the tracks of your windows. The solution is a great alternative to chemical cleaners.
- Grab an old toothbrush to use as a perfect tool to clean the window tracks from sticky pollen or crusted dirt. Take a paper towel or a clean cloth to do a final sweep.
- Clean your windows during the time of day when the sun is not shining directly on them. This will keep the heat from drying up the cleaning solution and causing streaks.
- Microfiber cloths or a squeegee will make sure there is no lint left on the panes.
- If you have storm windows, now is the time to remove them and clean the interior panes.
- Scrub screens with soap and water before installing them. Dirty screens can ruin your view and can also bring bugs, dirt and dust into your home. Make sure to spray both sides and use a non-abrasive brush to remove winter’s grime. Take care to label the screens so you are sure to put the back on the correct window.
By design, vinyl siding is created to be as maintenance free as possible. So although you won’t have to scrape and paint the side of your house this spring, you should spend a little time ridding it of the winter’s grime.
Check out these tips to clean your vinyl siding from the Vinyl Siding Institute:
- Use a soft cloth or long-handled soft bristle brush and use a cleaning solution that does NOT include undiluted chlorine bleach or organic solvents, furniture polish or liquid grease remover.
- Start from the bottom of the house and work up rinsing the cleaning solution completely before it dries.
- Make sure to cover any brick on the facade so it is not damaged by the runoff.
- The Institute recommends using a solution of 30 percent vinegar and 70 percent water to clean large sections of siding with mold or mildew growth.
- If cleaning siding using a power washer, keep the power washer at eye level. Aiming a power washer upward can drive water under the siding causing leaks in your drywall.
When it comes to installing hassle-free, maintenance-free windows and siding, your Thompson Creek experts will put the spring in your step. Our Thompson Creek siding will bring your home the energy-efficiency to help save you money and the curb appeal to increase your home’s value. Our Thompson Creek high quality, energy efficient replacement windows will keep your energy bills down and your comfort level up.
So this spring, enjoy the weather, try out a new hobby, work on your backyard BBQ skills. With your maintenance-free windows and siding from Thompson Creek you won’t be spending your spring with a paintbrush in your hand.