So, you just installed new windows in your Arizona home. Now what?

The general life expectancy of new windows is 20 to 25 years, and you can make your windows last even longer with regular care and maintenance. Below are three simple tips to help extend the life of your new windows so you and your family can enjoy their beauty, security, and energy efficiency for as long as possible.

Clean your windows often.

Keeping your windows clean is important for several reasons.

Routine cleaning removes dust, dirt, grime, and other substances that can shorten the lifespan of your windows. These particles can enter the pores of the glass, causing damage and corrosion over time.

Window cleaning also helps to control insects. Spiders and other bugs love to hang out in the crevices of windows, especially if they know they won’t be disturbed. When you routinely clean your windows, you can help to eliminate these pests and keep your windows bug free.

Finally, windows that are covered in dirt and grime limit the amount of natural sunlight that comes into your home. This can increase your usage of indoor lighting, making your home less energy efficient.

Generally, it is recommended to clean your windows at least twice a year. This includes a thorough wash of both the interior and exterior windows, and the indoor sills. If you have a high-traffic household with small children, pets, or both, you may want to consider cleaning your windows three or four times a year.

Use care when opening and closing your windows. 

There is nothing better than the smooth glide of a newly installed window.

However, that smoothness may cause you to open or close your window too quickly, and the last thing you want to hear is the sound of your new window slamming into the frame.

To prolong the life of your windows and avoid causing long-term damage, practice gently lifting and lowering each window until it becomes second nature. (Be sure to pass along this tip to your little ones, too!)

Regularly check your windows for cracks or damage—and repair them immediately. 

Life gets busy, and windows are one of those things that are easy to forget unless major damage occurs. This means that minor cracks or other signs of trouble (e.g., condensation, warping) can often go unnoticed for a while.

To prevent small problems becoming bigger—and costlier—problems, be sure to check your windows regularly for signs of damage. If you do see a problem, contact your window professional immediately to get it fixed.

Need a few more tips on caring for your Arizona windows? 

For Arizona homeowners, taking a few extra precautions before and during monsoon season (June through September) can go a long way toward protecting your new windows from major damage. Here are four important tips to help your windows weather the storm. Also check out our Summer and Winter dos and don’ts for Arizona window care.

Contact the experts at XO Windows to learn more. 

Like most home improvement projects, Installing new windows in your home is a significant financial investment. Be sure to partner with a contractor you can trust to help you keep your windows looking beautiful and working properly for as long as possible.

XO Windows has been providing window services in the Valley since 2008. We are licensed, bonded, certified, and insured, and we look forward to serving all of your window care needs.

For a free estimate, complete our online form or contact us at (602) 455-6616.