How to Maintain Your Windows and Doors for a Longer Lifespan

Quality windows and doors are built to last — but like any part of your home, they perform better and last longer with regular care. A simple maintenance routine twice a year can add a decade or more to the life of your investment.

Twice-a-Year Inspection Checklist

We recommend a full inspection every spring (after the hard freeze) and every fall (before the cold returns). Here's what to look for:

Exterior Inspection

• Check caulking around all frames for cracks, gaps, or shrinkage. Re-caulk any areas where daylight or outside air is detectable.
• Inspect weatherstripping on doors — it should form a complete seal. Replace if compressed, torn, or brittle.
• Look for paint peeling or discolouration on wood-trimmed windows, which signals moisture intrusion.
• Check that exterior weep holes (small slots at the bottom of window frames) are clear of dirt and debris.
• Inspect door thresholds for wear. A worn threshold lets cold air in under the door.

Interior Inspection

• Run your hand around window frames on a cold day — any draft means the seal needs attention.
• Look for condensation between panes (not on the glass surface). Fogging between panes means the insulated glass unit seal has failed and the unit needs replacing.
• Check hardware: locks, hinges, rollers, and cranks should operate smoothly without forcing.

Cleaning Your Windows

For vinyl and fibreglass frames, a mild soap solution and a soft cloth are all you need. Avoid abrasive cleaners or bleach-based products, which can dull the finish. Rinse thoroughly and dry to prevent streaking.

For glass, a solution of white vinegar and water (50/50) works as well as any commercial product. Wipe with a lint-free cloth or newspaper for streak-free results.

Never use a pressure washer on windows — the force can damage weatherstripping, force water past seals, and even crack glass.

Lubricating Hardware

Hinges, lock bolts, and rollers should be lubricated once a year with a silicone-based lubricant (avoid WD-40 for long-term lubrication — it attracts dust). Casement window cranks benefit from a light application of silicone spray on the gears. Sliding door tracks should be cleaned and lubricated for smooth, effortless operation.

Door-Specific Maintenance

Steel and fibreglass doors are virtually maintenance-free, but check the bottom sweep annually — it takes the most wear. Garage-facing doors and doors on exposed sides of the house may need the sweep replaced every few years.

For wood doors, inspect the finish every year. Any area where the paint or stain has worn through should be sanded, primed, and repainted before moisture gets into the wood.

When to Call a Professional

If you find failed glass seals, significant hardware failure, large gaps in caulking, or signs of rot or water damage in the surrounding frame, it's time to bring in a professional. Catching these issues early prevents much more expensive structural repairs down the road. Our team at Best Windows & Doors is always happy to do a complimentary inspection.