How to Prepare Your Windows and Doors for Summer

Summer in Toronto and around the GTA brings plenty of sunshine, soaring temperatures, and high humidity. While we all look forward to outdoor barbecues and waterfront sunsets, these same conditions place tremendous stress on your home’s windows and doors. Cracked seals, swollen frames, fading finishes, and inefficient performance can lead not only to discomfort but also to higher energy bills and potential safety hazards.

At ALDA Windows & Doors, we do entry door installations and vinyl window installations to help withstand the hot Ontario summers. We’ve spent over two decades partnering with Ontario homeowners, builders, and architects to deliver factory-direct, locally manufactured products that stand up to the summer heat – and beyond. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share steps on how to prepare your windows and doors for the summer. Let’s dive in.

1. Stressors on Windows & Doors

Before rushing into preparation, it’s essential to understand what exactly you’re up against:

• UV Radiation & Fading: Being exposed to the sun for a long period of time breaks down paints, stains, and vinyl coatings, which accelerates fading and chalking.
• Thermal Expansion & Contraction: Daily temperature swings cause aluminum, vinyl, wood, and composite frames to expand in the heat and contract at night, stressing seals and fasteners.
• Humidity & Moisture Intrusion: The GTA’s summer humidity can warp wood frames, corrode metal components, and encourage mold growth in poorly sealed cavities.
• Air Infiltration & Energy Loss: As seals degrade, conditioned air seeps out, forcing HVAC systems to work overtime – driving up energy costs.

2. Pre-Summer Inspection: The Foundation of Prevention

The best way to protect your windows and doors from summer damage is with a thorough inspection that should be done in late spring. Our fully licensed and insured team follows strict safety standards and uses the latest tools to spot issues before they turn into costly problems. Here’s our step-by-step checklist:

Visual Assessment:

• Look for cracked, peeling paint or chalky vinyl coatings.
• Check for rot or splitting in wooden frames and sills.
• Examine metal components for rust or pitting.

Seal & Weatherstripping Test

• Run a candle flame or incense stick along the perimeter; flickering indicates drafts.
• Inspect rubber gaskets and brush-pile weatherstrips for tears, brittleness, or gaps.

Hardware & Operation Check

• Operate every sash, casement, and slider to ensure smooth movement.
• Test locks, hinges, and multipoint systems for secure latching.

Glass & Glazing Review

• Look for condensation between insulated glazing units (IGUs), which signals seal failure.
• Check for chips or cracks that can worsen in extreme heat.

Drainage & Flashing Inspection

• Ensure weep holes are clear of debris.
• Verify that exterior flashing is intact and properly sloped.

From this inspection, you’ll know exactly which components require servicing, resealing, or replacement – saving you time, money, and last-minute headaches.

3. Seal the Deal: Weatherproofing & Caulking

Effective weatherproofing keeps conditioned air in and moisture out. We recommend:

• Premium Exterior Caulks: Use 100% silicone or polyurethane caulks that are rated for UV exposure and Ontario’s temperature extremes. Avoid acrylic latex for high-stress joints.
• Factory-Matched Finishes: At ALDA, our locally manufactured windows allow us to offer factory-matched colour caulk cartridges, ensuring a seamless aesthetic and consistent performance.
• Compression Gaskets & Fin Seals: Replace brittle, sun-damaged gaskets with new EPDM rubber seals. For sliding doors, consider high-pile brush seals to block fine dust and humidity.
• Proper Application: Our licensed team follows CSA A440 standards for caulk bead dimensions and tooling, guaranteeing a flat, properly tooled joint that flexes with frame movement.

4. Lubrication & Hardware Maintenance

Aluminum and vinyl frames rely on metal tracks and rollers for smooth operation. Sticky sliders or stiff hinges not only sound awful but also accelerate wear:

• Roller Tune-Ups: Clean the track of debris, then apply a dry PTFE (Teflon) lubricant. Avoid aerosol silicone sprays, which attract dust.
• Hinge & Lock Care: Inspect friction-stay hinges and locking mechanisms for rust. Lightly oil pivot points with a non-drying, high-temperature grease.
• Multipoint Lock Systems: Test the full throw of locking bars; adjust striker plates as needed to maintain even compression across the frame.

Regular hardware servicing, performed by our experts with modern inspection cameras, prolongs component life and ensures effortless operation even when mercury rises.

5. Frame & Finish Protection

Heat, humidity, and UV can be brutal on exposed surfaces:

Wood Frames

• Sand and re-stain or repaint any bare spots at least every 3-5 years.
• Use high-build primers and 100% acrylic exterior paints meeting CSA A440 colour retention criteria.

Vinyl & Composite Frames

• Clean with a mild, eco-friendly detergent and soft brush to remove airborne pollutants.
• For stubborn stains, our factory-direct cleaning kits restore original gloss without compromising the polymer.

Aluminum Clad

• Treat anodized or powder-coat surfaces with non-abrasive cleaners.
• Touch up chips promptly using manufacturer-matched aerosols to prevent corrosion.

Our environmentally conscious approach means we only recommend low-VOC coatings and cleaners – good for your home, your health, and Ontario’s air quality.

6. Glazing Upgrades: Boost Energy Efficiency & Stay Comfortable

In the heat of summer, your windows can be one of the biggest sources of indoor temperature spikes – accounting for as much as 25% of heat gain in your home. The good news is that upgrading your glazing can make a huge difference in comfort, energy efficiency, and utility bills.

Here’s what we recommend at ALDA:

• Low-E Coatings: These advanced coatings reflect solar heat while still letting in natural light. We typically recommend dual-silver, spectrally selective Low-E glass for the best performance during hot Ontario summers.
• Argon or Krypton Gas Fills: The space between your window panes can be filled with inert gas to improve insulation. These fills lower your window’s U-factor by up to 20%, which means less heat transfer, fewer drafts, and even less risk of condensation.
• Triple-Pane Glass: If you’re looking to maximize efficiency – especially in high-performance or net-zero homes – triple-glazed windows are worth the investment. Combined with warm-edge spacers, they offer outstanding thermal insulation and noticeable noise reduction.

At ALDA, we offer custom glazing packages designed to meet your goals – whether that’s energy savings, aesthetics, or staying within a specific budget. As a factory-direct provider, we cut out the middleman, and every installation we do is handled by our fully licensed team in accordance with CSA A440 standards and the Ontario Building Code.

7. Door Durability: Weather Sealing & Summer-Proof Security

Your front door isn’t just about curb appeal – it’s a critical line of defense against the heat, humidity, and potential intruders. Unfortunately, summer temperatures can warp doors, weaken seals, and create gaps that compromise both comfort and security.

Here’s how we help protect your entryways:

• Threshold & Sill Care: Water buildup in door sills is a common issue. We recommend checking for blockages, cleaning weep holes, and applying non-corrosive silicone grease to metal components to ensure smooth operation.
• Seal Replacements: Over time, the seals at the bottom of your door and along the jambs can break down. We use high-temperature EPDM gaskets that compress evenly and hold up to harsh summer conditions, blocking out drafts and moisture.
• Hinge & Pivot Adjustments: Heat can affect heavy doors, especially those with glass inserts. We inspect and adjust pivots to prevent sagging and sticking, and we offer modern hydraulic hardware that controls door movement and reduces stress on frames.
• Multi-Point Locks: For added security and better sealing, we install multi-point locking systems that engage smoothly – even in the summer heat. These also help prevent frame warping by distributing pressure evenly.
• With over 20 years of experience, we know that a properly sized, installed, and sealed door is key to keeping your home secure and comfortable. Every ALDA door is custom-fit to the millimetre and built to perform in our climate.

8. Your Summer-Ready Home Action Plan

Want to beat the heat and avoid mid-summer headaches? Here’s how to get ahead:

Book Your Free Consultation
Reach out to us for a no-obligation, on-site assessment. We’ll inspect your current windows and doors, talk through your concerns, and provide tailored recommendations.

Tackle the Critical Repairs First
Broken seals, damaged hardware, and outdated glass are top priorities. Fixing these sooner rather than later prevents larger issues when the heat peaks.

Consider Smart Upgrades
Looking to reduce your energy bills? We’ll help you weigh the benefits of Low-E coatings, argon or krypton fills, and triple-pane upgrades – including how quickly you’ll see a return on investment.

Leave the Work to the Pros
Our team of licensed and insured professionals uses the latest equipment and techniques to get the job done right. Every installation meets OBC requirements and keeps your product warranties intact.

Enjoy a Cool, Efficient, and Worry-Free Summer
With high-performance windows and doors that are built to handle the GTA’s summer extremes, you’ll stay comfortable, cut energy costs, and rest easy knowing your home is protected.

Let’s Get Started

Don’t wait until your windows are fogging up or your door starts sticking every time you try to open it. Whether you need quick fixes or a full upgrade, ALDA is here to help.

With factory-direct pricing, locally manufactured products, and over 20 years of trusted experience serving Toronto and the GTA, we’ve got everything it takes to get your home summer-ready – so get in touch with us today.