How to secure windows during a renovation?

Renovating a flat or house is a challenging time, but it is also a promise of something new. Once we have chosen a new design, we have to start work. The first step should always be to remove everyday items from the room and to protect the unmoveable, such as joinery, from damage.

If we take good care of our windows, they will serve us for many years. During this period, interior design trends will evolve, and we will need to paint the walls or even carry out a complex renovation to turn our updated dreams of a beautiful house or flat into reality. Even the most minor projects carry the risk of damaging windows. Paint, adhesives, plaster, installation foam, and even dust can create stains on glass, fittings, and frames that are difficult to remove and can reduce windows' functionality. It is vital to protect them during the renovation process.

A basic plastic sheeting, which is adhered to the window with paper tape, can be used as window protection. Alternatively, we can apply protective sheeting already equipped with tape. There's also the stretch foil, a highly efficient and stretchy solution that adheres precisely to the surface it protects.

We should use the film to protect the glass, profiles, and hinges. The frame and fittings can be covered with easily removable paper tape. It won't leave any traces.

We need to pay special attention to securing hinges as damage can be as easily caused by chemicals as by dust. We could leave the windows closed, increasing the time needed for plaster, paints and adhesives to dry. It would also let the foul stench of solvents linger. It's best to tilt-open all windows.

If possible, we should remove all moving parts of the window, such as hinge covers, handles, air inlets, and mosquito nets. While it is not necessary to remove the handle, we would protect it from accidental damage or soiling and reduce the space through which dust can enter the frame or glass. If we remove the handle, we must remember to get a spare one to open and close any window. Let's not forget about the guides when we are securing sliding windows.

It is crucial to remove the factory protection for new windows. Although they may appear perfectly protected, we are obliged to remove the protection immediately after installation. Only then do we carefully wash the new windows and secure them with foil and tape.

And what if, despite our efforts, a window ends up dirty? We need to act immediately but not hastily. Fresh stains are easy to remove without damaging the window. A soft cloth dampened in warm water with a light detergent, such as dishwashing liquid, is all we require. There are also dedicated neutral pH cleaners available on the market if we're apprehensive about using the wrong substance.