Why do we choose spring to tackle those big projects around the house? Why not choose summer or fall to get all those big home-maintenance tasks out of the way? For some reason, there is something about spring that naturally lends itself to self-improvement.
Spring represents rebirth. As the flowers start popping up and the sun slowly starts making a warm reappearance (very slowly in Ontario this year), we all start to think about positive transformation. Spring cleaning fits nicely into this ethos — with a little elbow grease, a little ambition, and some expert helping hands you can transform your home into the one you have always wanted it to be. You can clear away all the accumulated junk, replace the inefficient installations, improve the aesthetics and even up the curb appeal of your home. All in time for the hot summer months when you play host and entertain your guests.
This year make the most out of your spring cleaning. Focus on the big picture and make changes that will improve your home. As Ontario’s leading windows and doors manufacturer, Golden Windows always has your home’s best interest in mind. In this article, we’ll look at a few spring cleaning tips — some concerned with doors and windows and others regarding general cleaning and maintenance, so you can create a checklist that works for you.
WINDOWS AND DOORS
In this section, let us explore the few windows and doors related spring projects you can undertake.
Replacing Old and Drafty Windows
There are a few reasons to replace drafty windows in your home. For one, they’re inefficient; they allow more cold air in during the winter, and more hot air in during the summer, meaning that you end up paying more for your heating and air-conditioning bills. Secondly, they do a disservice to the look of your home; windows should be a dazzling focal feature in a room, allowing in abundant light. If you’re staring out a drafty window at the flowers this spring, it’s time to call in a replacement.
The first step toward replacing your drafty windows is visiting the Golden Windows gallery for inspiration. There, you will find an assortment of styles:
- Awning Windows: Open completely from the bottom outwards, allowing you to direct natural airflow into your home.
- Casement Windows: Hinged at the side and open completely for plenty of light and fresh air.
- Single/Double Slider Windows: Panels, or sashes that slide either from one side or both for quick easy access to airflow.
- Single/Double Hung Windows: Offer space saving benefits as well as easy ventilation.
- Architectural/Picture Windows: Come in a range of shapes, such as half rounds, quarter rounds, gothic, ellipticals, segmental, arch, ovals, etc. and add an artistic panache to your home.
- Bay & Bow Windows: Three or more sided windows that allow light in from multiple directions and increase the space in your room.
From there, choose the materials you want for your windows. Do you want maintenance-free ease of vinyl, the durability of aluminum-clad, or the rustic appearance of wood? Do you want grilles in your windows, or an unobscured view? You can also choose from an array of Low-E glass to lessen your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bill. The great thing about custom windows is that Golden Windows will tailor your order to compliment your home. And of course, our expert sales representatives are here to answer any questions you may have and offer style suggestions.
Replace Your Doors for Better Efficiency and Curb Appeal
The front door is the centerpiece of your home. It is often the first thing people’s eyes are drawn toward, and the last thing they see when exiting. In other words, it is the first and last impression your home makes. This spring improve the curb appeal of your home and improve its energy efficiency by replacing your front entry door.
For inspiration, visit our GoldenClad® and GoldenWood® Entry Systems, manufactured in Kitchener and shipped across Ontario and the United States. They are designed with the GoldenGuard® sill that eliminates the need for unsightly door sweeps while incorporating an efficient drainage system. For the door slab, we offer a selection of steel and fibreglass designs, as well as wood grain embossed fibreglass to reflect your personal taste, lifestyle and the architectural style of your home.
To access our catalog of completed door installations, visit our door gallery. You can choose from attractive sliding doors that offer easy access to the backyard this summer, as well as terrace doors that reinforce the architectural and aesthetic integrity of your home.
Maintain Your Existing Windows and Doors with These Easy Tips
If you have recently replaced your doors and windows and are happy with the way they function, performing some easy maintenance will keep them looking like new. Luckily, window and door maintenance is straightforward. Golden Windows recommends that you perform annual maintenance to ensure maximum warranty coverage. Here are a few simple tips you can follow this spring:
- Clean all operating hardware, hinges and tracks at least twice per year and lubricate lightly with a silicone spray or light oil.
- Clean vinyl surfaces with mild soap and water.
- DO NOT clean glass or other finishes with abrasive materials or cleaners.
- Clean aluminum with mild soap and water. An application of automotive paste wax may renew the lustre of the aluminum.
- Care should be taken to ensure weather-stripping and hardware is not painted over. This could hamper the operation and seal of the window and cannot be claimed under the warranty as a manufacturing defect.
- Inspect face caulking annually to ensure proper seal against the glass.
- We recommend removing the internal screens during the winter months to lessen the likelihood of condensation forming on the glass surfaces.
For more information, read through the seasonal maintenance tips article on our website.
Prevent Condensation
For a deep dive into the subject of window and door maintenance, please read our Condensation Information Package, within which you will find information on controlling moisture in your home. Condensation forms when there is an excess of moisture in the home without adequate ventilation. It forms on cold surfaces like windows: on the glass, the frames and sashes, near the weather seals and sometimes between the panes (if the seal is broken).
Controlling moisture and maintaining appropriate humidity levels are critical to avoiding condensation. In the spring and summer, when engaged in a humidity-producing activity like showering or boiling water, ventilate accordingly. We also recommended that you dehumidify your basement to avoid condensation build-up on the cool foundation walls and add ventilation fans in high humidity areas such as the laundry room, kitchen and bathrooms.
EXTERIOR PROJECTS
Let’s move outside now to take a look at the few, essential spring-cleaning projects you can add to your checklist.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
They may seem like an afterthought on your home, but gutters and downspouts are an essential first line of defense against leaks and water damage. By routing rainwater away from your home’s siding and foundation, they save you money on costly repairs and maintenance. That is, if they are clean enough to work properly.
Throughout the stormy winter and spring, leaves and other debris collect in the gutters and inhibit the necessary flow of rainwater. Fallen branches and wear-and-tear may also cause structural damage to the gutters and downspouts. Working carefully, following strict ladder safety protocol, clear out any accumulated debris and do a spot check for any signs of damage. Ideally, you want to clean your gutters at least once a year, so if you’ve neglected it since last spring, make it a priority.
Fertilize and Reseed Your Lawn
Ontario winters can be cruel to lawns. As with your gutters, the first step in good lawn maintenance is to clear debris: that means raking away any fallen branches, leaves and litter from the yard. According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, balanced fertilizers offering a diet of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are critical to lawn success. This website also lists a handy timing guide for fertilizing and over seeding, the latter of which should be done in late spring.
Spot Check Everything, and Call an Expert Where Necessary
There is a lot to check outside your home: the irrigation/sprinkler system, faucets, concrete (both ground and foundation), chimney, woodwork (including the deck and fence), paint and more. Be thorough. Take your time to inspect each element. If you can, take on a few of the issues as a DIY project. If it is “beyond your pay-grade”, however, don’t feel bad about calling in an expert!
Inspect Your Roof for Signs of Winter Damage
The winter can be tough on roofs. Ice expands and then melts, causing warping and damage. Hailstorms batter the shingles and cause branches to fall. The cold weather and abundance of debris attracts birds and other animals. And ice damming — when a ridge of ice forms at the edge of roof, preventing melt form draining off — can be particularly destructive. After all that, it is best practice in the spring to give your roof an inspection. At best, it may just need to be cleared. At worst, you may need to call in a roofing expert to re-shingle or waterproof your roof.
Clean Up the Grill
There is nothing worse than opening the grill on the first day of grilling season to find a petri dish of last year’s carbonized grease, mould and gunk. Be proactive this spring and clean your grill before company comes over. Depending on the grill type and level of buildup, all it may require is a bristle brush, heat and elbow grease. Work the grill itself, as well as the inside of the lid, after having burnt off most of the offending buildup. Then, using a neutral oil, oil your grill grate for better non-stick potential.
INTERIOR PROJECTS
We head back inside now to discuss a few essential home projects. Of course, it would be difficult for a single home to tackle all these projects in a single season, so don’t feel discouraged. Your checklist can easily roll over to the summer, or even fall.
Declutter Your Storage Spaces
This is one of the quintessential spring-cleaning tasks. Throughout the year, our basements and attics act as receptacles for all the stuff we don’t want in our sight-line but aren’t ready to throw out quite yet. Be diligent as you go through the clutter — and, where necessary, be merciless. If it helps, use the popular Marie Kondo philosophy: if it sparks joy, keep it. If it doesn’t, toss it out.
Arrange for HVAC Servicing
According to Angie’s List, you should be booking HVAC maintenance once a year. Preferably, your annual HVAC maintenance is in the spring since the summer months are when you need air-conditioning the most. For the same reason, many household features need cleaning in the spring, your HVAC needs it because of accumulated dust and debris throughout the year, which can negatively affect the operating efficiency of the system.
Go Green
Spring cleaning does not just have to be about cleaning your home; it can be about cleaning the environment as well. Making small choices around the home can add up. And the greenness of your home can absolutely contribute to an overall global reduction in carbon emissions. As mentioned above, the Low-emissivity windows we offer at Golden Windows makes your home more energy efficient. You can also do the following:
- Install energy efficient LED lightbulbs
- Install low flow faucets, toilets and shower heads
- If it is time to replace an appliance, seek out an Energy Star-qualified replacement
- For a larger project, install photo-voltaic solar panels
- Use green cleaning products in your spring cleaning
Even just a few small changes, including to your windows and doors, can make all the difference!
Spring is the perfect opportunity to make sure your home is running at its operational peak — that it’s efficient, clean and enjoyable. If replacing your windows or doors is on your spring project checklist, give us a call here at Golden Windows!