• Restoring a steel window can be cost effective.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  There are many items to consider when repairing old steel windows. While going through the options it is important to consider that the cost of a new window is often less than restoration, and the end product is superior. The cost of field labor and factory labor should also be considered, as well as whether the person you hire is capable of doing the restoration work on-site. Some window companies specialize in the restoration and repair of old windows.
  
  

Restoration & Repair

• Depending on the steel window, it may or may not be galvanized. It is important to be sure of this before beginning the restoration.
  
  If it is galvanized, it is likely to reveal a tough, silvery finish beneath the paint surface. In this case, remove the excess paint from all moving parts and components. Use a wire brush to clean any debris and loose paint. A wrench can be used to ease and adjust casements that may have become distorted over the years. Oil and lubricate all hinges and working parts.
  
  The restoration process is more involved for older non-galvanized metal windows (which are made of iron, cast iron or steel) due to the higher probability of severe corrosion. The first step is to remove the glazing and any old putty from the metal frames, as well as paint and rust. There are several different methods to clean the windows, including acid pickling or the use of air-borne abrasives. Once the window has been cleaned, it will be easier to identify the metal sections which are badly corroded and need to be replaced.
  
  

Replacement parts

• In most cases, the replacement of certain pieces will be necessary when restoring steel windows. Though most pieces may be in mint condition, some may be too severely corroded to be able to reuse. In this case, the degraded pieces should be discarded. If the work is being completed by a company that specializes in the restoration of old windows, they will easily be able to see which pieces need to be replaced. This way, some pieces from the old window will be used and some pieces will be new.
  
  

New Windows

• If all else fails, one of the main options when repairing steel windows is to simply replace the windows altogether. Due to the fact that replacing each individual non-reusable window piece can become quite costly, replacing the window can be less expensive than restoring it. New windows will use the exact same sections and fit into the old frames. New windows will also have coating and finishes vastly superior to those applied over older windows.