Clear a Path

The first thing you want to do is remove everything that might get in the way of the installation crew. This means clearing a path both inside and out. Move furniture away from the windows, roll up area rugs that might get underfoot, and clear as much stuff away from the work area as possible. The window contractors may need to use things like scaffolding, ladders, and lift mechanisms and those tools need a lot of space to maneuver. So you should also trim the landscaping if needed.

Remove Drapes and Wall Hanging

In addition to clearing stuff off the floor, it is also important to remove blinds, shutters, drapes, and curtains. These will only get in the way. You will also want to remove any wall hangings in close proximity to the work area. That way you don’t have to worry about anything getting accidentally knocked off the wall.

Decide What to Cover

Window removal and installation both create a little bit of construction dust. The installers will do what they can to cover the immediate work area with their own drop cloths to help contain the mess. But it might be wise to take the extra precaution of covering some of your other furniture as well. This will help prevent dust from settling on your furniture and cleaning up will be so easy.

Expose the Outlets

The installation crew will want access to outlets for any of their power tools. So while you are preparing for new windows, consider making sure they also have easy access to the outlets around the home.

Set Up a Worksite

Installers will need an area to set up their equipment, usually in the driveway, garage, or front yard. So you may want to plan an area ahead of time. The garage will be best if there is a chance of rain.

Give Installers Access to the Home

This involves more than simply being on-site to let the contractors into the home. It also includes deactivating the alarm system—especially if it includes window sensors.

Make a Plan for Children and Pets

You want to do what you can to keep children and pets away from the work area. This is for their safety, as well as the safety of the installation team. So during installation, make a plan to restrict access to the work area.

These are a few of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for your replacement window installation. Following these steps will ensure the project can run smoothly. And before you know it, you will be enjoying your new windows in Portland, OR.

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1. Holiday Clean Up
Once family or out of town visitors are gone, most homeowners start taking down their Christmas decorations for a fresh start in the New Year. This is even more important if your home was a gathering hub for the holidays. You want to organize and label all of your Christmas decor as you put it away so it is easier to get out and assemble next year. And instead of pitching all the cards and Christmas wrapping in the trash, save some of the scraps in your wrapping bin to cut up for next year’s gift tags.

2. Deep Declutter
Another common practice is to make room for the new toys, clothes, and gifts you received for Christmas. Gather a bin of all the old clothes, shoes, and toys you can get rid of. You might also consider adding some old books, puzzles, or kitchen appliances you haven’t used in the past year. Take your gently used items to a charitable donation or secondhand store. This will cut down on the post-holiday clutter and help you feel a little lighter for the start of the year.

3. Check your Hardware
After a busy holiday, go around the house with a screwdriver to tighten down loose door handles, window latches, or deadbolts. Test all the smoke detectors and check your air filters. You can also carry some silicone lubricant to spray squeaky hinges or sticky window tracks. While you perform these tasks, make a list of any cracked switch plates, burned out light bulbs, or other small repairs you notice. Once you have a list of materials, it is easy to make one trip to the repair store to get everything you need.

4. Protect Your Pipes
Pipes are a big concern during the winter. A pipe that has frozen and broken (even just 1/8th of an inch) can leak 250 gallons a day. So pay special attention to the vulnerable pipes both indoors and outside. Check the hose bibs and sprinkler lines as well as any pipes in your attic, basement, and garage. If necessary, insulate pipes exposed to the cold. And when temperatures drop below freezing, occasionally run the faucets in your home to keep the water moving.

5. Check for Storm Damage
The dead of winter is when you want to be most vigilant in your home maintenance. The last thing you want is water damage from a broken window or leaky gutter. So take a tour around the outside and inside of your home checking the gutters, down spouts, eaves, windows, and doors. Seal any leaks you can find that may be letting in water and cold air. Insulation, weather stripping, and caulk will do the trick most of the time. But if you notice major damage to a window or door, contact a professional right away to talk about getting a replacement.

If during you notice that you need window replacement in Lake Oswego, OR contact EnergyGuard Windows and Doors. We can come out to Lake Oswego, OR and the surrounding area to provide a free in-home consultation and estimate. Feel free to stop by 516 E. 2nd St., Newberg, OR 97132 or call 503-554-5500 with any other window and door maintenance questions you have.

The post Easy Home Maintenance Tasks to do in January appeared first on EnergyGuard Windows & Doors.

Step 1. Assemble Your Tools

Before getting started, you want to make sure you have everything you need on hand. Along with some soft, lint-free cloths and your favorite glass cleaner, you also want to gather some mild detergent, a soft bristle brush, a plastic putty knife, and some silicone lubricant. You might also want your vacuum cleaner. DO NOT use high pressure washers, razor blades, or abrasive cleaning solutions on your windows.

Step 2. Remove Screens and Sashes

This depends on the types of windows you have. For casement windows and sliders, you want to remove any screens to access the tracks. For double-hung windows, you can usually tilt the panes and clean both interior and exterior glass from the inside.

Step 3. Wipe the Frames

Next, remove dirt and dust from the surface of your window frames. This is where the mild detergent comes in. Combine it with water and use a damp cloth to wipe away grime. Then, rinse out your cloth and use clear water to wipe off the soap. Do not let water drip down the frames. It could collect in the bottom of your windows and cause you trouble later.

Step 4. Clean the Glass

Everyone has their own tried and true method for cleaning windows. Some insist on using a solution of water and vinegar, others say newspapers are the best way to get a streak free shine. Try a few different products and methods until you find something that works for you. Our favorite secret is using a dry blackboard eraser on the glass once it is clean and dry.

Step 5. Clean and Grease the Track

Vacuum away lose debris and then use the soft bristle brush or plastic putty knife to dislodge anything that is stuck. Once you have a clear track, wipe it with a clean, dry cloth. Then spray your silicone lubricant on your cloth and wipe down the track or jamb liner. For casement windows, you will want to clean and lube any moving parts. Do not spray directly on the track or hinges. You might have to clean up the overspray and that isn’t easy.

Step 6. Clean the Screens

Last, but not least, place the screens in the shower or on a flat surface outside. Gently spray them down with the shower head or garden hose. You can use your mild detergent and soft bristle brush again to clean away tough dirt. Rinse with clear water and let the screens dry before replacing them.

The Low-Maintenance Advantage of Vinyl Windows and Doors

One of the biggest benefits of replacement windows and doors in Beaverton, OR is how easy they are to maintain. Unlike wood, which requires regular sanding, painting, and sealing, vinyl windows and doors are resistant to moisture, warping, and fading. A simple wipe-down with mild detergent and water is enough to keep them looking new. Plus, vinyl’s durability ensures long-lasting performance, making it a smart investment for homeowners who want beautiful, energy-efficient windows with minimal upkeep.

Getting ready for spring is also a great way to evaluate the condition of your windows. If you notice cracks, leaks, or condensation between the panes then you might consider getting new windows in Beaverton, OR. Call us at EnergyGuard Windows & Doors today for a free in-home design consultation and estimate. Our number is 503-554-5500. Or you can come visit our showroom at 516 E. 2nd St., Newberg, OR 97132.

The post Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home Windows appeared first on EnergyGuard Windows & Doors.

Here are 5 secrets to having super clean windows – without spending a fortune:

1. To make windows and mirrors sparkle, dip a clean cloth in a 50/50 mixture of borax and water or denatured alcohol and wipe down. Polish with a lint-free rag or paper towel.

2. To achieve the highest shine and clearest view on windows and other glass surfaces, after washing and drying thoroughly, wipe them down with a clean, dry blackboard eraser.

3. To clean windows that you’ve put off for so long that they’re now absolutely filthy and completely daunting, add three Tablespoons of clear ammonia (not sudsy ammonia, which will leave streaks) or three Tablespoons of vinegar to a small bucket of cool water. (Note: Do not use both ammonia and vinegar, as they will neutralize each other)

4. For particularly hard spots, use full-strength rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits, a clean rag, and some elbow grease.

5. To get accumulated grit out of window edges and corners, use a Q-tip dipped in vinegar. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

If tackling this window cleaning projects inspires you to replace some old windows or doors, don’t hesitate to give EnergyGuard Windows and Doors a call.

EnergyGuard has over 30+ years experience in window installation in Hillsboro. Call the experts at EnergyGuard for a Free in home consultation today at 503-554-5500 or submit our online consultation request.

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