Your Complete Window Inspection and Maintenance Checklist for a Sparkling View

Your windows are the key to filling a room with natural light and protecting your home from the elements. But you need to check in on your windows from time to time, and even give them a little TLC to help them last for years. Check out our two checklists below—one window inspection checklist, and one window maintenance checklist—to keep your windows in tip-top shape. 

Your Ultimate Window Inspection Checklist

To keep your home cozy and free from drafts, dust, pollen, water, and weather, you should thoroughly examine your windows to make sure they’re working correctly. 

Here’s your window inspection checklist to keep them in tip-top shape:

• Check window panes for signs of moisture and scratches or cracks.

• Inspect screens for rips, holes, and tears.

• Look over casing, caulking, and seals for gaps or cracks.

• Study the window screen’s spline for signs of warping.

• Make sure your locks work properly.

• Inspect windows for loose screws.

• Check if your window reveals are even.

• Examine weather-stripping for damages and make sure it's even.

• Check that any pre-drilled holes are sealed.

• Inspect windows for drafts from inside your home.

• Test each window to see if it opens and closes easily.

• Use turn handles to ensure they work properly.

• Examine safety stops to see if they’re functioning well.

• Check that tilt-in windows can close securely and fluidly.

• Analyze each window’s frame for rot (look for soft or spongey wood) or cracks.

• Inspect the condition of your frame’s paint or stain.

• Examine window weep or breather holes for obstructions.

• Inspect your window’s film for damages such as bubbling, discoloring, and scratches.

• Check for signs of mold and mildew.

If you need to repair or replace your windows, and you’d rather not DIY, call a window repair company near you to help.

Your Essential Window Maintenance Checklist

Photo: Andrey Popov / Adobe Stock

After examining your windows, it’s time for some window maintenance. Here’s our window maintenance checklist to keep them sparkling clean:

• Use a non-abrasive cleaner on panes for squeaky clean windows.

• Clean casing, caulking, and seals.

• Remove old, inefficient caulk.

• Gently scrub window sashes to clean them.

• Clean horizontal and vertical tracks.

• Remove your window screen and clean off dirt and debris.

• Wipe down window hardware.

• Apply a non-oily lubricant to window hardware for smooth operation.

• Clean your window frame with a cleaning solution.

• Caulk and seal holes or cracks around the frame.

• Use manufacturer cleaning instructions for window film.

• Replace any broken or cracked glass.

• Clear your weep or breather holes from obstructions.

• Clean exposed metal on windows frequently if you live in coastal regions.