How to Repair Storm Windows
1 Answer
How to Repair Storm Windows
To complete this task you will need these materials and tools:
Mineral Spirits or Tack Cloth
Primer for Galvanized Metal
Stiff-bristle Brush
Scraper or Old Chisel
Paintbrush
Replacement Glazing
Gel for Dissolving Aluminum Oxidation
Soft-bristle Brush
Awl
Garden hose with Spray Nozzle and Cleaning Attachment
Cleaning Cloths
No. 0000 Steel Wool
Siliconized Exterior Latex Caulk and Caulking Gun
Screwdriver
Silicone lubricant Spray
Acrylic-latex Exterior Trim Paint
Maintenance
Well, first off, you need to know how to maintain your storm windows, clean your screens and windows every year at least. It will also help prevent excess condensation. All you need to do is remove them, lay them onto a flat surface and proceed to clean them using a soft bristle Brush
. Then rinse them off by spraying them with a garden hose or by pouring a bucket of water over them–while they are off you can clean the out side of the storm windows from the ground, consider brushing it out and then hosing it. If they are still holding out the water this is a good test–if any water gets in the house then it is obvious you have a sealant problem. Next, remove the storm windows from inside for cleaning the windowsills to prevent sealant debris from making the windows ineffective. With the sills clean, you can be sure to avoid any problems with water making it in.
Dealing with Cracked or Crimped Parts
In addition to this you should thoroughly inspect the small vent holes located between the bottom of the aluminum frame and the exterior wood windowsill, which are sometimes cut into the frame itself. The windows must be opened and free to allow the escape of water vapor, and allow for the proper drainage when the storm windows are fully opened. If the glazing is cracked, scratched, or even broken, then you should remove the screen sash or storm sash, and then take out the glazing by removing the screws or the keys that hold it. If you notice the corners are crimped, use an awl to take it out. Next install the new glazing and lay the glazing vinyl onto the glass and press it down into the frame. Now it is time to reassemble the corners, or slide on the crimped parts, and make sure it is secure, then place it back on to the sill.
Repairing/Cleaning the Sash
If the sash slides slowly, or has trouble sliding, remove it and clean the channels again using a stiff bristle brush. The sash frames should then be cleaned with steel wool to remove the dirt and any oxidation. Next, lubricate it with a cloth sprayed with silicone lubricant before reinstalling the it. Remember that cleaning the windows and the screens just before winter will maximize the amount of sunlight that can reach your houses inside, thereby decreasing your heating bill. If you have recently done work around the sill, you should clean any caulk from the vent holes to prevent any condensation buildup.
Some Precautionary Measures
As always, when you do your work, set your ladder on firm soil, and use a board if you need to in order to level it or keep the ladder from sinking while you work. Remember to wear gloves to keep your hands protected from the glass when you are scrubbing with the steel wool or using chemicals that could harm your fingers. Be warned, never to paint the sash frames of the channels, unless you like having to use a forklift to open your windows. For the love of windows, do not use any kind of primer on aluminum other than one formulated for galvanized metal–no matter what anyone says.
To complete this task you will need these materials and tools:
Mineral Spirits or Tack Cloth
Primer for Galvanized Metal
Stiff-bristle Brush
Scraper or Old Chisel
Paintbrush
Replacement Glazing
Gel for Dissolving Aluminum Oxidation
Soft-bristle Brush
Awl
Garden hose with Spray Nozzle and Cleaning Attachment
Cleaning Cloths
No. 0000 Steel Wool
Siliconized Exterior Latex Caulk and Caulking Gun
Screwdriver
Silicone lubricant Spray
Acrylic-latex Exterior Trim Paint
Maintenance
Well, first off, you need to know how to maintain your storm windows, clean your screens and windows every year at least. It will also help prevent excess condensation. All you need to do is remove them, lay them onto a flat surface and proceed to clean them using a soft bristle Brush
. Then rinse them off by spraying them with a garden hose or by pouring a bucket of water over them–while they are off you can clean the out side of the storm windows from the ground, consider brushing it out and then hosing it. If they are still holding out the water this is a good test–if any water gets in the house then it is obvious you have a sealant problem. Next, remove the storm windows from inside for cleaning the windowsills to prevent sealant debris from making the windows ineffective. With the sills clean, you can be sure to avoid any problems with water making it in.
Dealing with Cracked or Crimped Parts
In addition to this you should thoroughly inspect the small vent holes located between the bottom of the aluminum frame and the exterior wood windowsill, which are sometimes cut into the frame itself. The windows must be opened and free to allow the escape of water vapor, and allow for the proper drainage when the storm windows are fully opened. If the glazing is cracked, scratched, or even broken, then you should remove the screen sash or storm sash, and then take out the glazing by removing the screws or the keys that hold it. If you notice the corners are crimped, use an awl to take it out. Next install the new glazing and lay the glazing vinyl onto the glass and press it down into the frame. Now it is time to reassemble the corners, or slide on the crimped parts, and make sure it is secure, then place it back on to the sill.
Repairing/Cleaning the Sash
If the sash slides slowly, or has trouble sliding, remove it and clean the channels again using a stiff bristle brush. The sash frames should then be cleaned with steel wool to remove the dirt and any oxidation. Next, lubricate it with a cloth sprayed with silicone lubricant before reinstalling the it. Remember that cleaning the windows and the screens just before winter will maximize the amount of sunlight that can reach your houses inside, thereby decreasing your heating bill. If you have recently done work around the sill, you should clean any caulk from the vent holes to prevent any condensation buildup.
Some Precautionary Measures
As always, when you do your work, set your ladder on firm soil, and use a board if you need to in order to level it or keep the ladder from sinking while you work. Remember to wear gloves to keep your hands protected from the glass when you are scrubbing with the steel wool or using chemicals that could harm your fingers. Be warned, never to paint the sash frames of the channels, unless you like having to use a forklift to open your windows. For the love of windows, do not use any kind of primer on aluminum other than one formulated for galvanized metal–no matter what anyone says.