A Practical Window Maintenance Calendar

Every month or after heavy dust

Remove loose dust with a soft brush or vacuum attachment before adding water. Clear tracks and visible drainage exits without pushing debris further into the frame. Wipe handles and check that moving parts travel without unusual resistance.

Use cleaning products compatible with the frame finish, sealants and glass coatings. Avoid blades, abrasive pads and strong solvents unless product documentation specifically permits them.

Every six months

• Inspect accessible gasket corners and joints.
• Check perimeter sealant for separation or cracking.
• Look for staining that may indicate a drainage path.
• Clean removable insect screens on a flat surface.
• Compare sash movement across similar windows.

Do not paint over drainage holes, flexible seals or moving hardware. If a component needs adjustment, identify the system before attempting work.

Once a year

Review the difficult elevations and high-level units using a safe access plan. Retain dated photographs to track whether a change is stable or progressing. Confirm emergency or egress-related openings remain usable where applicable.

Lubricants are not universal: some attract dust or affect plastics. Follow the hardware manufacturer's instructions and apply only where directed.

When to stop and investigate

Repeated water entry, cracked glass, a loose unit, sudden operating change or visible movement at the perimeter calls for competent assessment. Keep the area safe and avoid forcing the sash.

Maintenance cannot correct an underlying interface or design problem. Good records—photos, weather conditions and the exact location—help distinguish an isolated event from a pattern.