Most people tend to look through their windows a lot more often than they look at them. However, it is important to examine our windows themselves from time to time, making sure they look and perform as they should. What should we be looking for? And if we find any problems, what do we do about them? What kinds of exterior painting or maintenance do our windows need?
Cleaning
One of the most basic ways to care for our window frames is to clean them periodically. This can be done with a scrub brush and a garden hose, or with a light pressure washing. A little bit of soap helps remove dirt and mildew. If there is any failing paint or hard-to-remove surface dirt, use a wire brush to get it off.
Obviously, the cleaning process keeps your windows looking fresher and more attractive. In addition, it is an essential step prior to other parts of window maintenance. If you try to caulk, prime or paint a dirty window frame, the results will be frustration and disappointment.
Repair any Damage
Window frames tend to be susceptible to dry rot and other kinds of deterioration. Minor damage can be remediated with wood filler, but in many cases, the best option is to replace damaged wood. Fully remove the deteriorated piece and cut a new one to fit. Before you install the new piece, prime all six surfaces and wait for them to dry.
Caulk the Edges
Caulk serves two vital functions around your windows. Aesthetically, it closes gaps and creates an attractive edge where the frame meets the siding. More importantly, the caulk also serves to keep out moisture (rain, snow, ice, humidity) and insects.
Before applying new caulk, remove brittle and cracked caulk from the seams. For best results, use a premium, paintable exterior latex/acrylic caulk, and give it time to dry before you apply paint or primer.
Prime and Paint
Now that all the preliminary steps are complete, it’s time to wrap up the project! If there is any bare wood or metal, apply a quality primer first. Then use at least two coats of exterior latex/acrylic paint. Most people use semi-gloss or glossy paints for exterior trim and details.
Cherry Hill Painting
The easiest way to make sure your windows look great and endure the seasons year after year is to work with a reputable local house painter. For homeowners in New Jersey and the Philadelphia area, the name you can trust is Cherry Hill Painting. Since 1968, we have been enhancing the beauty and prolonging the life of homes all around the region.
Cherry Hill painting offers every service you need to keep your window frames (and every part of your home exterior) looking great. In addition to exterior painting, we provide carpentry, pressure washing, interior painting, popcorn ceiling removal, drywall services, wallpaper removal and more.