If you enjoy sitting outdoors in the sun while taking in the views during the summer, you’ll know just how frustrating the colder winter months can be. While winter is a beautiful season in its own right, it’s not ideal for people who enjoy sitting outdoors. This is where it pays to have a sunroom in your home.
Sunrooms are essentially extensions of your home that are built specifically to allow more natural light inside. They’re made primarily of glass so as to maximize the views, let plenty of light in, and also to help magnify the sun’s rays for warmth.
Because sunrooms are made of glass, they require a great deal of care and maintenance, especially when it comes to the windows. If your sunroom windows are in need of a little TLC, this guide should prove especially useful.
Here’s a DIY guide look at how to repair sunroom windows.
How to Repair and Maintain Sunroom Windows
In order to get the most enjoyment out of your sunroom, it’s important to keep it clean, tidy, and in a good state of repair. This is where it pays to care for and maintain the structure and its windows.
Whether your sunroom windows are in need of some repairs, or simply require a good cleaning, here are several tips on how to repair and maintain sunroom windows.
Use an A-Ladder
Sunrooms often not only have glass windows, but also glass roofs as well. Because of this, they need to be cleaned and inspected regularly to check for any signs of damage.
Obviously in order to clean and inspect high sunroom windows, as well as the roof itself, you’re going to need to use a ladder to get up there. Always use an A-frame ladder to gain access to the roof, rather than a ladder that simply leans against the sunroom.
There are a couple of reasons for using an A-frame ladder. The first reason is simply because it won’t damage your sunroom, whereas a regular ladder that you lean against it could. One of the most common reasons for broken guttering on sunrooms is down to the use of the wrong type of ladder.
The second reason is because A-frame ladders are much safer. You’re less likely to fall off an A-frame ladder, which is of course very important.
Check the Windows for Visible Signs of Damage
Whether or not you can see any physical signs of damage to your sunroom windows, you should still regularly inspect the windows to check for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear.
Look for any cracks or chips in the glass, and be sure to inspect the seals as well. Check to ensure that the seals are still intact and are free of any cracks, splits, or damage in general.
Don’t Forget to Check the Frame
As well as examining the windows regularly, you should also check your sunroom window frames for signs of damage.
If your sunroom window frames are damaged this could jeopardize the integrity of the windows themselves. The last thing you want is for your sunroom windows to become loose, or worse still, to fall out completely.
Regularly inspect your sunroom’s window frames and if there are any signs of damage, or excessive wear and tear, make sure you take care of it, even if it means replacing the frames.
Measure Carefully and Correctly
If your sunroom windows are in need of replacing, before you order the replacement glass you’re going to need to measure up correctly for them.
Measure the sunroom window that you’re replacing and make sure your measurements are correct. As the saying goes, measure twice, cut once.
Remove the Window Sealant, Trim, and Glass
Once you’re ready to replace your sunroom window, go ahead and carefully remove the window trim, the sealant, and the glass itself.
Take your time here, and make sure to use the right safety tools and equipment. Be sure to get rid of all of the old sealant. A scraper works very well here, though you can also use an old screwdriver if you’re especially careful.
When removing the glass, to loosen it, push from the outside. Be very careful here, especially if the glass is already broken or damaged, as it will be weaker. If you can, get some help from at least one other person.
Apply New Sealant and Replace the Glass and Trim
Once the old glass is out and safely out of the way, go ahead and apply new sealant before you replace the glass, frame, and trim.
Once you’ve applied a generous amount of sealant using a caulking gun, you can place the new glass into the new frame, set it in the new sealant and leave to firm up for at least five minutes. Once the glass has adhered to the sealant you can apply the trim and you’re all set.
DIY Sunroom Window Repair Cost Breakdown
As with all things DIY, before you can begin any new project, you’re going to need to get a rough understanding of how much it’s going to cost you.
Here’s a rough breakdown of the costs associated with repairing a sunroom window.
Complete Sunroom Window Replacement Costs
If your sunroom has suffered extensive damage, or simply if the time has come for a full window replacement, you’re going to need a rough idea of how much it will cost.
Even though prices vary hugely depending on a number of factors, based upon 10 replacement windows, you’re looking at between $3,500 and $12,000.
Single Sunroom Window Replacement Cost
If you’re only looking to replace one sunroom window, perhaps after chipping the glass when your weed whacker flicked up an errant stone in the garden, a single sunroom window will cost between $150 – $800 on average.
Again, prices depend on a number of factors, including the materials, the size, the glass itself, and any installation costs if you pay a professional.