Maintenance Tips

Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to extending the life and performance of your windows and doors. Dirt buildup, humidity, and seasonal weather changes can all impact functionality, appearance, and energy efficiency. With just a few simple routines—like cleaning glass and frames, clearing weep holes, and lubricating tracks—you can prevent long-term damage and keep everything operating smoothly.

Beyond cleaning, it’s important to inspect hardware, weatherstripping, and seals to ensure your home stays protected and comfortable year-round. This guide offers practical tips for regular upkeep, seasonal checks, and professional-level care. Following these steps not only preserves your investment but also helps maintain warranty coverage and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Inspection & Upkeep

Seasonal Tips

Long-Term Care

Adjustable Thresholds

Cleaning & Maintenance

Clean regularly
Wipe down frames, glass, and hardware with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage finishes, especially on colored window frames. Use a vinegar-water mix or a commercial glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive pads, which can scratch glass or damage coatings (like Low-E).
Screen maintenance
Remove and gently scrub screens with soapy water and a soft brush. Let them dry completely before reinstalling. Check for holes or tears and replace if damaged.
Check and clean weep holes
These small drainage holes at the bottom of window frames prevent water buildup. Clear any dirt or debris to avoid water damage. You can use water, pressurized air or a small screwdriver or other pointed tool to help remove solid debris from the weep holes.
Clean and lubricate tracks
For sliding windows and doors, vacuum the tracks and apply a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation. Do not use WD-40.

What to Avoid

Don’t use pressure washers
They can force water into seals and damage your windows, screens and doors.
Avoid tape or stickers on glass
Adhesive residue can be tough to remove and may damage special coatings.

Inspection & Upkeep

Inspect seals and weatherstripping
Look for cracks, gaps, or wear. Replace if needed to keep your home energy-efficient and draft-free. Silicone based caulk is best for the exterior and paintable acrylic caulk is best for interior areas that are painted.
Check caulking and sealant annually
Look at exterior caulking around windows and doors—if it’s cracked or pulling away, remove and reapply a high-quality sealant to prevent water intrusion. Silicone based caulk is best for the exterior and paintable acrylic caulk is best for interior areas that are painted.
Monitor interior humidity
High indoor humidity can lead to condensation on windows. Use a dehumidifier or increase ventilation if needed. Ideal interior humidity is 30–50%.
Tighten loose hardware
Periodically check screws, locks, and handles to make sure they’re secure.
Test locks and latches
Ensure all security features are working properly and adjust or replace faulty components.

Seasonal Tips

Check for moisture or condensation
Persistent fogging between panes may indicate seal failure—contact Folkers if under warranty.
Look for warping or swelling
Especially in wood doors/windows, changes in humidity can cause swelling. Keep areas well-ventilated and reseal wood as needed.
Repaint or reseal exterior wood
If you have wood frames, repaint or reseal every few years to protect from rot, UV damage, and insects. Folkers uses composite door frames in order to avoid wood damage.

Pro Tips & Long-Term Care

Keep a maintenance log
Record dates of inspections, repairs, and product warranties to track performance and stay organized.
Review warranty conditions
Most window and door warranties require proper maintenance. Improper care, such as power washing or using harsh chemicals, can void your coverage.
Professional inspection every 3–5 years
Especially important for large or custom installations—get a pro to assess seal integrity, insulation performance, and hardware wear.

For Adjustable Thresholds (Most Modern Exterior Doors)

These thresholds have screws that allow you to raise or lower the threshold cap to create a tighter seal with the bottom of the door.

Steps:

Locate the adjustment screws
Look for 3–5 screws across the threshold cap. They’re often hidden under small plastic covers—pop them off with a flathead screwdriver.
Open the door fully
Give yourself clear access to the threshold area.
Turn the screws to raise or lower
1. Clockwise = Raises the threshold
2. Counterclockwise = Lowers it
  Adjust each screw slightly at a time to keep the threshold level.
Check the door fit
Close the door after each adjustment. You want the door sweep or bottom gasket to press lightly against the threshold, creating a seal without resistance.
Test with a flashlight or paper
From inside, shine a flashlight at the bottom edge—if light leaks out, continue adjusting. You can also close the door on a strip of paper; if it pulls out easily, the seal is weak.

Pro Tips

Don’t over-tighten adjustment screws—they can strip or break the cap.
If your door is hard to close after adjusting, lower the threshold slightly.
For wood thresholds, reseal or repaint as needed to prevent rot and swelling.
Make seasonal adjustments—weather and humidity can shift door alignment slightly.

We Are Your Trusted Window Professionals

For almost 50 years, Folkers Window and Home Improvement has served the Gulf proudly. Since 1972, our product line has grown to include a wide variety of exterior home improvements including windows, hurricane shutters, doors, and more.

Our mission is to provide our customers and neighbors with superior levels of customer satisfaction through project excellence. In addition, we strive to ensure that our team members are treated with respect and provided a safe work environment. Lastly, the company and its team members are in a unique position to act as good corporate citizens.

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