How To Keep Your Window Screens In Good Condition For Longer
Dirty window screens impact your indoor air quality, your energy costs, and the curb appeal of your home. They cause your windows to get dirtier and become more prone to damage and pest invasions. As such, it’s important to do what you can to keep them in good condition as long as possible.
In our previous blog, 4 Signs You Need To Repair Or Replace Your Window Screens, we discussed common causes of window screen damage and signs that you need to replace your window screens. Head on over there if you would like to learn more about that, then come back here for effective steps to take to keep your screens in good shape for longer.
Don’t Neglect Your Window Screens
Most homeowners only notice their window screens when they get damaged or when they clean their windows. Window screens are seldom cleaned and maintained as they should be. As such, they can become brittle and need more frequent replacement. Neglected screens can fall apart when removed.
This can greatly shorten the lifespan of your screens, causing you to spend more money replacing them than you would have to otherwise. Window screens last 10-15 years, on average. This is when they remain dry, mostly in the shade, and cleaned on occasion. You can add 5-10 years to your screens’ lifespan with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Different Screens Have Different Needs
It’s not just whether or not you clean and maintain your window screens that impact their lifespan. In order to keep your window screen in good condition for as long as possible, you’ll need to take their different needs into account.
Some of the factors that affect your screens’ lifespans include:
- Quality
- Mesh type
- Frame type
- Usage, such as being moved/handled
- Water exposure, as from sprinklers, rain, and the like
- Environment, such as sun exposure, ocean proximity, climate, and the like
- Whether or not you have children
- Whether or not you have pets
The higher quality the materials, the longer your screens are likely to last. If you have furry pets or young children, it’s likely that your screens won’t last as long, due to increased exposure to dirt and factors like pets and children leaning against them, throwing things at them, and the like.
Clean Regularly
It’s easy for dust and grime to build up on your screens, especially if they are on the exterior of your home. You can carefully remove the screens, rinse them off, wash them, then allow them to dry completely before you put them back in place. You can do this whenever you notice buildup. You may want to clean your window screens more frequently during allergy season.
How Often Do You Need To Clean Your Window Screens?
This depends on the factors mentioned above. Generally speaking, you want to give them a really good, deep clean once or twice a year. However, you may need to clean them more frequently, such as 1-3 times a month.
Your window cleaning professionals here at VUE Window Cleaning are happy to provide you with personalized advice for how often you should clean your screens to keep them in good condition.
Should You Remove Your Screens In The Winter?
Screens are excellent for allowing you to enjoy fresh air during the warmer months, without needing to worry about pests or dirt coming through open windows. However, come winter, you’re likely leaving your windows closed to preserve heat.
You may decide to remove your window screens in the winter to protect them from winter weather damage. In the spring, you can ensure your window screens get a nice, deep clean before putting them back in the frames.
You will need to check your local ordinances before doing this, as some county and municipal housing codes mandate that windows that can be opened have screens in place.
Repair As Needed
Just because your window screens are no longer in perfect condition doesn’t mean it’s time to replace them. Many damages can be repaired, so you can get more use out of your window screens by restoring them to good condition. Ensuring that you have repairs taken care of in a timely manner prevents the damage from worsening and causing you to need premature window screen replacement.
Do You Need Window Screen Repair?
VUE Window Cleaning is here to help! We provide top-of-the-line screen repair services in addition to professional window cleaning. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your home sparkling clean all year round.
