Impact windows are installed to withstand harsh weather events and protect the house from possible damage from flying debris, high winds, and potential intrusion. When adequately maintained for efficiency and longevity, this investment will assist with protecting the property.

When the professional team performs the window installation, instructions are typically provided on care and upkeep, including cleaning. The greater the window efficiency and functionality, the added security and safety. This is particularly crucial in zones where catastrophic weather conditions are prevalent.

When you design your house for dangerous situations, the consequences are often less devastating than if you go into the dire situations ill-prepared. Each element of the home’s structure will impact how it fares following dangerous weather conditions.

If the windows shatter but don’t break, the interior will be protected from various damages, including water damage. How should you care for your impact windows to ensure they function with optimum efficiency and endure extended longevity? Let’s learn.

How To Clean and Maintain Impact Windows

When investing in impact windows for the highest level of safety and security for your home, a priority is to ensure they are cared for and maintained in excellent condition to achieve optimum functionality when dire circumstances call for it.

That’s especially true when you live in a zone with harsh weather. Go here for the benefits associated with high-impact windows.

Preventive measures in these areas are a priority to avoid devastating results from constantly dangerous conditions. There are a few different options, one of the most effective being impact window installation. When these are installed, homeowners are given instructions on proper maintenance.

Here are a few steps to follow to give you incredible peace of mind and comfort, knowing your property is prepared in the face of a storm.

Heavy dirt and debris

Impact windows will be less efficient when grime and debris coat the surface. You can avoid this by washing them routinely. When the windows are installed, the professionals will offer instructions on cleaning using proper supplies instead of standard solutions.

With an investment such as high-impact windows meant to protect the safety and security of your home, specialized cleaning products will keep the dirt from interfering with overall performance and won’t affect the window’s protective film.

Before applying a cleaning solution, the windows should be washed to break up the grime and debris. If this step is performed in direct sunlight, water stains can develop. After washing, the solution can be applied and wiped away with a soft microfiber towel.

The priority is maintaining the integrity of the windows’ surfaces, particularly the protective film, for optimum functionality.

The cleaning materials

While many people tend to use paper towels when washing windows, it’s essential to use more appropriate materials for cleaning these surfaces. Paper towels are too abrasive when trying to protect the window’s film.

Installers will instruct homeowners to avoid anything harsh on the surface when installing a high-impact window. Towels should be soft, microfiber materials, and all cleaning solutions should be nonabrasive.

A squeegee is an excellent tool for eliminating water residue after hosing down the window’s surfaces from the cleaning products. Microfiber wipes are another quality option that cleans without leaving residue, streaks, or interfering with the protective film.

Check for flaws

With impact windows, the surface consists of a specific coating to prevent damage. Whenever there’s a weather event, high winds, flying debris, or other devastation, installers advise homeowners to check the film to ensure it hasn’t been affected.

If there are any flaws or shifts, contact the repair techs for immediate corrections. If the film becomes damaged, the house will be vulnerable to water and UV radiation. Inspecting your windows should be done with relative frequency, especially in storm-prone areas. Neglecting damage can only lead to the possibility of devastation in the interior of your household.

Pay attention to the hinges

Another care and upkeep instruction homeowners will be provided concerns the hinges on each window. To preserve them, they need to be lubricated with a little oil, like hemp or mineral oil. This will also include the “thumb turns” and all other mounting elements.

When handling this maintenance, the installation team advises that the water drainage system be inspected. This is also referred to as a “window weep system.” The team recommends that the high-impact surfaces be vacuum-cleaned to remove debris routinely.

The frame

The frame is the part of the structure that increases its durability and strength, although the glass is a prominent component. When a heavy storm passes through, a weak structure can collapse under the pressure of high winds and flying debris with glass shattering.

This would result in air infiltration into the home’s interior, inflicting considerable damage. While impact windows are strong and less likely to fracture compared to a standard structure, the frames do have the potential for bending. Because of this, it’s essential to have weather stripping.

Weatherstripping prevents water from entering the house if the frames become bent; it’s an added layer of protection. When inspecting for damage, use a soap and water mixture and only a damp cloth to keep these weather strips clean.

Without weather strips or if these are damaged, water will enter into the house each time a storm passes through, particularly if the winds are high.

Final Thought

When high-impact windows have been installed, professional installers will instruct homeowners on the proper use and function of the windows and adequate care and upkeep for efficiency and longevity. A priority is to learn to wash and clean the surfaces without affecting the protective film.

In addition to washing and cleaning, the windows should be inspected regularly for possible damage. If found, these flaws should be repaired immediately by a professional repair tech. Weatherstripping should be applied in case the frame becomes bent during a storm to avoid the possibility of water entering the home.

When high-impact windows are well-maintained, you’ll be prepared when dangerous storms come passing through your area.