A lot of thought goes into the design and build of commercial and architectural windows. Unfortunately however, once construction has been completed many companies fail to keep up with the maintenance of their beautiful new windows.
Why exactly is regular window maintenance so important however?
First impressions count
The most obvious reason to maintain your windows is to keep them clean. The exterior of your building is the first thing that people will see when they come to visit you and if you’re trying to impress clients, you don’t want them to be put off by a dirty exterior. We often neglect our windows but think about everything they’re exposed to. Changes in temperature, the sun, wind, rain, air pollution and bird droppings can all wreak havoc on uPVC, wood, silicone and metal. Not only can all these elements damage your windows but they can also leave them looking quite shabby as well.
Saves money
Paying someone to maintain your windows may seem like an unnecessary expense but believe it or not, it will save you money in the long run. All too often companies complain that their windows start to fail just after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. This comes down to the simple fact that nine times out of ten, the windows have been neglected. If you’re regularly maintaining your windows, you can be sure that any issues are detected early on and can be rectified before they lead to something more serious and costly.
Prevents serious problems from occurring
Although you’re unlikely to have any serious issues with a good quality window, if they’re not maintained properly there are a number of things that can go wrong. You could end up having problems with the hardware, glass, gaskets, the overall finish and leaks. The good news is that all of these things can be avoided through proper care. It’s also worth bearing in mind that a lot of manufacturer’s guarantees are not valid if you don’t exercise the proper maintenance.
There’s more to it than you might think
Many of us wrongly assume that all there is to window maintenance is keeping them clean. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case however and it’s often why many companies end up requiring replacement windows.
If you’re paying someone to maintain your windows, they should do a thorough job which includes:
- Torque checking
- Replacing and/or upgrading components (including bolts, hinges, fixings and internal and external cappings)
- Re-pointing silicon joints
- Window film application
- Specialist cleaning
Your maintenance company will also be able to see if your guttering should you have any is leaking or has become damaged. If you are at all concerned about your guttering contact a specialised drainage supplies company who will be able to give you advice.
Failing to maintain your windows can affect your building insurance
Businesses have a duty of care to ensure that employees have a safe place to work. They are therefore required to adhere to health & safety regulations which includes windows. The HSE Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Guide for example states that any windows, skylights or ventilators that can be opened should not pose any undue risk to anyone. For further information visit the HSE website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/
Having your windows professionally maintained means that you can have complete peace of mind that you are adhering to these regulations. Furthermore, warranties and building insurance can become invalid if proper care isn’t taken and/or regulations aren’t being followed. For further advice visit: https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/insurance/business-buildings/