Steel windows – rusted frames

Causes

Exposure to air-borne salt, dust or dirt; atmospheric moisture

Galvanised protective coating (if galvanised) has eroded

A deteriorated paint finish has exposed the metal

Common

Listed under: Interior, Exterior, finishes, metal, steel, paint, windows, durability, corrosion, rust

Cause

Exposure to air-borne salt, dust or dirt; atmospheric moisture

Repair

  • if the window is sound, scrape off paint and sand to remove rust; prime with a zinc-rich primer; fill areas of pitting; paint using a product suitable for steel
  • alternatively, remove windows; remove the glass from the frame; scrape off paint and sand to remove rust; hot-dip galvanise; prime and paint using products suitable for steel; reinstall window and glass
  • if the window is severely affected by corrosion, replace it

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Cause

Galvanised protective coating (if galvanised) has eroded

Repair

  • if the window is sound, scrape off paint and sand to remove rust; prime with a zinc-rich primer; fill areas of pitting; paint using a product suitable for steel
  • alternatively, remove windows; remove the glass from the frame; scrape off paint and sand to remove rust; hot-dip galvanise; prime and paint using products suitable for steel; reinstall window and glass
  • if the window is severely affected by corrosion, replace it

Back to top

Cause

A deteriorated paint finish has exposed the metal

Repair

  • if the window is sound, scrape off paint and sand to remove rust; prime with a zinc-rich primer; fill areas of pitting; paint using a product suitable for steel
  • alternatively, remove windows; remove the glass from the frame; scrape off paint and sand to remove rust; hot-dip galvanise; prime and paint using products suitable for steel; reinstall window and glass
  • if the window is severely affected by corrosion, replace it

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