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Don’t always rush to replace your windows whenever they have issues.
It could be a crack, fog, rot, rusted hinges, or sticking sashes, to mention a few.
Regardless of how bad your old windows may look, there are other alternatives for fixing them; an excellent example is repair.
You have to figure out how to repair old windows instead of replacing them correctly for excellent results. Fortunately, this article discusses this window replacement alternative in detail.
So, let’s unveil how to go about it without further ado.
A step-by-step guide on how to repair old windows
If you want to repair your old windows, these guidelines will make a huge difference;
Determine whether you should repair or replace the old windows
The inevitable wear and tear can leave your windows damaged beyond repair.
So, it is crucial to scrutinize these windows to determine the extent of the damage and thus determine whether to repair or replace them.
If the window sashes are warped or don’t fit in the frames excellently, you may want to contact experts such as HomeBuddy to replace the windows instead.
Other issues that often warrant a replacement include separated glazing, cloudy or cracked glass, chipped paint, rotten or broken wood, broken seals, and failing mechanisms, including failing to lock or open.
Any severe damage warrants a replacement, but if that’s not the case, follow the next steps to repair the window.
Gather the necessary tools.
Once you confirm that repair is a suitable solution, gather the following.
- Glass scraper
- Glazing pins
- Heat gun that has a glass protection nozzle or settle for a hair dryer
- Mineral spirits
- Paint primer
- Paint scraper
- Paint stripper
- Paintbrushes
- Painter’s tape, although optional
- Palm or orbital sander
- Pliers
- Protective gloves
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Window glazing putty
- Window paint or stain
- Wood filler
- Wood glue
Remove the window glasses
It prevents cases of breaking glass while repairing the window.
Use the hair drier or heat gun to soften the glazing before gently scraping it off the window frame using a putty knife.
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The pliers remove the glazing pins around the panes, whereas the scraper will eliminate the glazing.
Loosen the windowpane by tapping the glass and then tackle the window sash.
Be careful to avoid breaking the glass and store it safely for later use once out.
Repaint or strip the window frame paint.
It is optional as it depends on the window’s state and the repair’s goal.
Sometimes, you only need to work on specific spots.
For instance, don’t spare flaking or chipped paint.
A paint scraper often does the trick, but if it is too much or stubborn, use a chemical paint stripper.
Repair your window accordingly.
The nature of the damage determines how you proceed.
Some issues, such as rotten wood, may require you to find a replacement part.
The same applies to other rusted or broken hardware.
If there are broken or splintered pieces, use wood glue to repair them.
Wood filler comes in when filling holes and cracks.
Sanding the window
This step makes the surface smooth for painting, and you can use a hand or orbital sander for this job.
Focus on the window sash and the frame, not forgetting to be gentle to avoid damage to these areas.
Cleaning the window
Sanding the window leaves behind dust, thus vital to vacuum the wood.
Use cleaners such as mineral spirits and protective gloves when using such chemicals.
If latex is near the window, mineral spirits may not be ideal since they can break it down.
Paint the window
Paint the clean window and follow the paint manufacturer’s guidelines.
For example, unless you have a two-in-one paint, you should first paint the pre-stain or primer.
Then, proceed to the enamel paint or wood stain only after the primer dries.
Consequently, the paint will withstand even the harshest elements, and your window won’t stick in the jambs.
One can’t insist enough on letting the previous coat dry before applying a new one.
Return the glass
Return the glass you removed earlier, but only after the paint dries.
If it was broken before or while removing it to commence repair, replace it with a good one.
While reinstalling it, ensure it perfectly fits in the sash.
Secure the glass with glazing pins while filling the edges using the glazing putty.
A putty knife will ensure the look is uniform and visually appealing.
Conclusion
It turns out that you don’t need to replace your windows whenever you find problems.
On the contrary, you can repair them, thus restoring their long-lost glory. Interestingly, it isn’t that hard to repair old windows.
The process requires several steps and essential tools that even a non-expert in the field can handle.
Therefore, you may not even require professional assistance to fix it.
You never know the significance of that old window in determining that great look of your home that you and others appreciate until you replace it.
Don’t wait for the reality to dawn on you when it is too late.
Equally important, you don’t have to take it away unless unavoidable.
