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        ![]() Repaint all steel sections with two coats of finish paint 
compatible with the primer.  Caulk masonry surrounds with high 
quality elastomeric caulk. 
Heavy Repair of Steel Windows.  Bent or bowed metal sections 
can sometimes be straightened in place by applying pressure. 
Straighten bowed muntins with a wire cable and winch, applying 
(First, remove 
progressively greater pressure over several days. 
the glass and protect the muntins with 2 x 4 bracing).  Bowed 
sections caused by corrosion may have to be cut and welded.  Weld 
loose joints or replace decayed pieces with new steel.  Patch 
small holes and uneven areas with auto body compound or plumbers 
epoxy.  Most hinges and hardware on steel windows are made of 
bronze.  Clean with mineral spirits, bronze wool, and clean 
cloths , and spray with a non-greasy lubricant. 
o Replacement.  If a sash must be replaced, some 
manufacturers make rolled steel windows and can fabricate 
replicas for large orders.  Standard, pre-World War II, 
multi-light windows using traditional 12" x 18" or 14" x 
20" glass sizes are available in industrial, commercial, 
security, and residential configurations.  Do not replace 
with sash using other materials, such as extruded aluminum 
or wood and vinyl, because they cannot match the thin 
profiles of rolled steel sections.  If you need help 
finding product information, contact the Steel Window 
Institute, 1230 Keith Building, Cleveland, Ohio  44115. 
4.10.4 Weatherizing Windows.  Although historic metal windows 
are generally not energy efficient as built, they can be 
weatherized to a level that compares favorably with that of new 
windows.  Caulking and weatherstripping are cheap and easy (if 
somewhat time-consuming) and have a fast payback period. 
Consider installing interior storm windows and low-emissivity 
(low-E) glass in the steel sash.  If muntins are deep enough, it 
may be possible to use insulating glass.  There are commercially 
available replacement windows that closely match the originals in 
appearance but have integral weatherstripping, thermal break 
construction, and insulating glass. 
Caulking and Weatherstrippinq.  Caulk around masonry openings 
to reduce air infiltration, then add weatherstripping. 
Spring-metal, vinyl strips, compressible foam tapes, and sealant 
bead types are all acceptable.  Different circumstances call for 
different types of weatherstripping, and any given building may 
need more than one type of weatherstripping.  Always use the 
thinnest material that will fill the spaces, since thick 
weatherstripping can spring hinges, causing more gaps. 
Spring-metal clips are recommended for steel windows in 
good condition.  Paint the window before installing 
weatherstripping to prevent galvanic corrosion of steel 
from contact with brass or bronze strip material.  Do not 
apply stripping to the hinge side of casement windows. 
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