There are two common problems that can cause bay window damage. They are:
- Faulty seal between either the glass and the frame, or the frame of the window and the wood trim. This problem usually results in leaks, leading to water damage on the surrounding wood.
- Damaged window sills.
Residential window repair can sometimes be carried out without requiring the services of a professional. However, a professional glazier can be contacted to replace a cracked or broken window. If you need to know how can assist you and fix window in Chicago, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Otherwise, here are the steps you may want to try on your own.
Materials required for bay window repair
- Masking tape
- Paintbrushes
- Primer
- Caulk
- Polyurethane sealant
- Caulking
- Paint
- gun
- Wood stain
- Hand sander
- Fine-grit sanding block
Sealing a Leaky Window
- Get a masking tape and apply it on both sides of the original caulking. Allow a 1/4-inch width between them.
- Between the tape, lay down a 1/4-inch bead of caulk. Release the caulk by depressing the caulking gun trigger.
- Using the bottom of a spoon, smooth out the caulk. Performing this enhances the finished appearance of the caulk.
- Remove the masking tape immediately. Disallow the tape from sitting to prevent the caulk to cure on it, or else, you will be unable to remove it.
Repairing a damaged bay window sill
- Examine the damage done to the seal. If the damage done by water extends beyond 1/4 inch into the wood, the entire sill will be replaced. Otherwise, you can repair it.
- With the aid of a hand sander, sand down the window sill. To avoid the sander gouging the surface, avoid starting it when in contact with the wood. To use the sander, hold it up, turn it on low and lower it slowly on to the wood. Ensure sanding the entire sill to remove the damaged area.
- With the aid of a fine-grit sanding block, sand the surface again in order to prepare the wood for refinishing.
- Stain or paint the wood and prime it. To stain the wood, apply a coat of stain and allow it to dry for four hours. Having reached the desired color, move on to the finishing stage. However, if the desired color has not been reached, apply another coat and allow it to dry. To paint the room, begin by priming the surface to enable the primer becomes dry. At least, one coat of the paint should be applied to the wood.
- With the aid of a clear polyurethane sealer, seal the wood to avoid future water damage. Paint on a coat of sealant and allow it to dry.