Anything that you spent a modest sum on, especially practical things around the home like your windows, deserves to be taken care of. Renee Millar talks about caring for your vinyl windows in an article for SFGate:
“Proper maintenance and care of your vinyl windows saves you time and money in the long run. Lubricating the track and the frame where the sash slides ensures that the window functions properly, and should be part of your yearly maintenance.”
Vinyl windows are known for their energy efficiency, something that many residents of Fort Collins, CO can agree on. A good-quality vinyl window conducts little or no energy, especially those made to industry standards. A quality provider of vinyl windows in Fort Collins, such as Fort Collins Roofing Consultants, can provide you with the right product for your home, but the maintenance of these windows will largely be your lookout as the homeowner.
One element that should be taken into account when maintaining a vinyl window is that some sections may stick, notably the track and liners for the sashes. Miller states that when this happens, it will be harder to operate the window, and excessive force can damage it completely. This can be corrected by lubrication, and the first step is to remove the sash to access the track.
Once this is done, you can then proceed with the cleanup. Start by using a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove all dirt and debris, then apply cleaning solutions to remove all the dirt. It is important to use the right cleaning product, however, as not all will work on vinyl; some, like grease removers, bleach, and even nail polish removers, may degrade the vinyl.
The next step is to apply silicon lubricants on the window tracks. It will be best to spray the lubricant onto a cloth, then wipe the lubricant onto the window tracks. It is not advisable to spray the lubricant directly on the tracks as this can leave streaks on the vinyl and the glass. You can then reinstall the sash.
The process of lubricating a stuck window is one of the things that an amateur homeowner can do to keep their windows functional. However, certain problems can be too big and complicated for amateurs, and DIY fixes may only add to the damage. If you are unsure on how to go about a window repair work, it is best to call on a reliable Fort Collins window replacement contractor to avoid damaging your precious investment any further.
(Article Information and Image from How to Lubricate Vinyl Windows, SFGATE)