The Hidden Window & Door Maintenance Most Homeowners Never Learn — And Why It Can Save You Thousands - Jason Yoder - The Michiana Exterior Pro

Most homeowners have no idea their windows and doors require exterior maintenance to maximize their lifespan — especially around the bottom glass seal area.

I’m talking about major brands too:

Andersen Windows & Doors, Pella Windows & Doors, Marvin Windows and Doors, Weather Shield, Jeld-Wen, Kolbe, Loewen, and many more.

Even premium windows and doors eventually require maintenance.

Here’s why.

Every time it rains, snows, or moisture forms on your glass, physics takes over. Water naturally sheets downward across the glass surface and exits at the bottom edge of the window or door sash.

The MOST critical area on the entire unit is where the glass meets the frame or glazing bead at the bottom exterior side.
That seal is your first line of defense against water intrusion.

Over time, UV exposure, temperature swings, moisture, and age cause the original sealant to dry out, crack, shrink, or separate from the glass and sash.

Once that happens, water can begin getting behind the exterior cladding — whether it’s aluminum-clad, vinyl-clad, fiberglass, or composite construction.

Homeowners usually never see the damage until it’s severe because the rot starts INSIDE the sash system.

I see it constantly.

The result can be:

• Rotting wood cores
• Soft window sashes
• Failed patio doors
• Interior water damage
• Fogging issues
• Structural deterioration
• Full window or door replacement

And here’s the reality:

Many older windows and doors could last YEARS longer with proper maintenance and resealing.
One of the most important preventative maintenance steps is inspecting and re-caulking the bottom exterior glass-to-frame connection before failure occurs.

This is especially important on:

• Older clad wood windows
• Sliding patio doors
• French doors
• Casement windows
• Double-hung windows
• Large picture windows
• High-exposure south and west facing elevations

Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not heavily educate homeowners on long-term exterior maintenance requirements that help prolong window life.

But maintenance matters.

A properly maintained window system can dramatically outlast a neglected one.

A few professional tips:

• Inspect your windows and doors yearly
• Focus heavily on the BOTTOM glass-to-frame seam
• Look for cracking, shrinking, separation, or missing sealant
• Use high-quality exterior clear silicone designed for windows and doors
• Clean surfaces thoroughly before resealing
• Never block drainage or weep systems
• If wood already feels soft, deeper repairs may be necessary

Windows and doors are one of the largest investments on your home.
Protect them.

A small amount of preventative maintenance today can save thousands in premature replacement costs tomorrow.
I’m Jason Yoder a Home Improvement Pro in Michiana

I believe homeowners deserve to know how to properly maintain and protect their windows and doors — not just replace them after failure.
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The Michiana Exterior Pro