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The best way to clean outside windows is by using a garden hose. Start by spraying the windows with a high-pressure stream to clear off loose dirt and grime. Then use a mixture of hot water and dish soap and scrub the windows with a sponge. Rinse off the soapy water with the hose. Before you finish up, spray the windows with a solution of vinegar and water and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth.

Fiberglass and wood windows last the longest, with lifespans of up to 45 years or more with proper maintenance. Wood windows are more expensive than vinyl and aluminum windows, but they’re 10% to 20% less expensive than fiberglass windows. Repairing and restoring wood windows is also easier than with fiberglass windows, so they’re considered the more durable option overall.

Deciding whether to repair or replace a window depends on the specific issue, the window's age, and the cost-effectiveness of the solution.

Repair is often better for:

• Minor issues such as a single broken glass pane, a stuck window, or small leaks. Repair is typically more affordable for isolated problems.

Replacement is the better long-term solution for:

• Major problems like deteriorating or rotting frames, significant leaks, or drafts.

• If your windows are over 15 years old, as repairs may only be a temporary fix for an aging unit.

• If you have a widespread problem affecting several windows.

Folding window installation costs about $1,600 on average, ranging from $500 to $3,000. The cost factors of this project include the size, the type of folding windows, the number of panels, and the type of glass. Different types of folding windows include:

• Standard folding window: $200 per linear foot

• Glazed folding window: $240 per linear foot

• Standard folding window and swing door: $1,000 per linear foot

• Folding window and sliding door: $2,000 per linear foot