Window maintenance is something that can often get ahead of us if we don’t keep a keen eye on it and all it takes is one bad hinge before you’re unable to open and close your windows efficiently.
So, today, we thought we’d put a spotlight on when and how to lubricate the moving parts that keep your windows safe and operational.
When to lubricate your windows
Generally speaking, this is a job that will depend on a multitude of factors – how often you open and close your windows, where they are situated and the climate of your home.
However, if at any point you find your need to use excessive force to pry your windows open or get them to shut flush with the window sash, then the hinge probably requires some attention.
This is because hinges tend to pick up dirt and grease over time (including insect remains) that can wear away at the mechanisms.
As a rule of thumb, regardless of how easy it is to open and close your windows, we’d recommend lubricating all of their moving parts around once a year. Some manufacturers recommend twice a year but that might prove a little too much for some.
How to lubricate your windows
To lubricate your windows, you’ll want to purchase a silicone spray like 3 in one, this is because silicone is not only water-resistant but protects the mechanisms from moisture build-up.
Take your spray and a cloth to avoid getting any on your furniture or other intended areas and open the window to expose the hinges and locking mechanisms.
If it’s a bespoke spray made for lubricating windows, then you should be able to press the nozzle right into the locking mechanism, in which case you should spray two or three times to cover all the external moving parts while turning the handle to work the spray in.
Clean any excess drips with your cloth and then move onto the hinges, oiling them from top to bottom on both sides. Finally, open and close the windows a few times to ensure the spray is distributed evenly.
Finally, if your window uses a key system, drip a little oil into the lock and then work the key into the barrel a few times for distribution.
Never use solvent-based sprays like WD40 as these sprays contain chemicals that will attack parts of your window, potentially damaging them further. If it gets on the furniture, this kind of spray is also a nightmare to get rid of.
What if it’s something else?
Of course, your problem might be a little more severe than a simple lack of lubrication or something else entirely.
If your windows are on a sash it might be that dust or dirt has become lodged in the window tracks and need to be cleared out.
Or it might be that the hinges need some more precise adjustment or perhaps they need to be tightened?
In the most serious cases, meanwhile, it could be that your mechanism has completely failed and will either need to be replaced by a new system of a brand new window.
Either way, it’s always important to consult with your local window and glazing experts if you’re even remotely unsure.