Can You Restore Aluminium Window Frames?
Can aluminium windows be repaired?
Aluminum windows are popular for their strength and modern appearance, but they can be prone to damage. These windows can corrode, dent, and fade if not repaired properly.
If your home’s aluminum windows are damaged, it’s important to repair them as quickly as possible. This can prevent further deterioration and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Cracked Glass
A pebble tossed by the lawnmower or a baseball slammed into your window may cause a crack in glass. A cracked glass window can be a security risk and needs to be repaired. Depending on the type of crack, you can fix it yourself or call in a professional.
Impact cracks appear as a starburst pattern, with a prominent point at the point of impact and lines radiating outward. This type of crack is sensitive and best left to a professional.
Stress cracks are more common and can result from dramatic temperature changes. These are most likely to occur in large windows near shaded areas or on a recessed wall. They are also more likely to spider if the glass is old. A plastic brace is a quick solution that can keep the crack from getting worse and buy you time to find a more permanent solution. A more extensive fix is to use epoxy, a thermosetting polymer that provides the strongest seal and can even erase a crack if done correctly.
Leaking Seals
The seals that keep argon gas between window panes and prevent water from leaking in your home are meant to last for decades, but they can wear down over time. Window seals can break due to house painters using heat guns to strip paint around the frame or pressure washing insulated glass units (IGUs). They can also deteriorate due to natural causes like seasonal expansion and contraction of the window panes, causing the caulk to crack.
The good news is that window seals are typically easy to repair for a homeowner. The first step is to inspect the leaky windows for damage. Look for gaps and cracked or rotting caulk on the outside of the windows as well as on the sill or frame inside the house. Then, check the inside of the window for condensation and leaks. Homeowners can purchase insulating window caulking and follow a simple instruction guide to repair the leaky windows.
Damaged Frames
A common criticism of historic aluminum windows is that they are too drafty and require excessive maintenance. It is important to note that cyclical cleaning of the frames and sashes using mild detergent, pumice, and a soft scouring pad will keep these windows gleaming.
Historic aluminum window frames are often composed of several different pieces that connect to the glass panes and the exterior sash. For this reason, it is not as easy as a wooden window frame to replace broken glass and components. It is a job best left to glazing professionals. However, it is possible to restore many of the loose joints in an aluminum window and door frame without completely dismantling the entire unit. To do so, you will need needle-nose pliers, a flat surface, wood putty, sandpaper, and a small clamp. Carefully remove the back of the frame and photo, then use the pliers to carefully separate any loose joints. Once separated, scrape out any old nail holes and fill with wood putty, smoothing and sanding to ensure it is ready for the next step.
Window Handles
Window handles are essential to the operation and security of all types of windows. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles to complement different interior decors. They can also be fitted with integrated locks for extra security.
Espagnolette window handles are often used with tilt and turn aluminium windows, although they can be used with other frame types too. This type of handle has a spindle that projects out from the back of the handle and into the gearbox of the lock hidden within the frame. When the handle is turned, this activates the shootbolt rods and opens the window.
Cockspur handles, which are commonly used with timber and uPVC casement windows, have a simpler latch and catch mechanism. They are available in a range of styles, materials and finishes for maximum versatility. All handle types are offered in both left and right-hand versions. They can also be 'handed' so that they open and close in the correct direction for comfortable and safe use.
