Doors & Windows
Specialists in domestic and commercial refurbishment
» THE UK-WIDE STEEL WINDOW Association members are the established , proven experts in the renovation and sympathetic refurbishment of steel windows and doors in both domestic and commercial premises ; typically , those in listed buildings or properties in heritage and conservation areas .
One of the best qualities of a steel window or door is its longevity and this is where refurbishment and servicing are vitally important ; this is where SWA members can help . For owners of buildings or houses within listed or conservation areas , or those who would like to preserve the history of their own property , the SWA offers the ability to recycle , reuse and renew .
In a complete refurbishment , all the windows and doors are removed and taken to a factory environment for shot blasting , potentially galvanising , powder coating and servicing ; then comes the reinstallation and reglazing . There is also the possibility of hand painting and reglazing .
On-site servicing includes servicing , easing and adjustment of opening windows and doors for good operation ; replacing or using draught excluder , replacement of defective or missing ironmongery including hinges and pivots ; removal of broken or cracked glazing ; and replacement of lead lights .
On-site overhaul is as above but includes removal of visible surface paint ; treatment of the visible steel substrate ; tightening or replacement of coupled frame intersections and perimeter fixings ; replacement of damaged weather seals ; potential for upgrading of glass specifications ; potential to modernise or refurbish existing ironmongery to include enhanced security ; re-introduction of perimeter and window mastic seals ; replacement of glazing beads , mastic and putty ; and redecoration of painted surfaces .
Full off-site overhaul includes removal of existing frames , and possible temporary protection of apertures , shot blast to bare metal to remove all existing paint and priming material ; fully recorded survey of necessary repairs and replacement section , hinges and couplings ; full pre-treatment primer and re-painting of the steel sections to required specification ; re-installation of frames to apertures , re-glazing with the possibility of thermal / acoustic upgrades ; refurbishment and replacement of existing specialist glazing ; application of new mastic and primary weather seals ; and re-instatement of refurbished or new ironmonger .
www . steel-window-association . co . uk
AN ARTFUL STEEL WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT ROYAL ACADEMY
» A RECENT CONTRACT , UNDERTAKEN BY London-based ASWS , has required the steel window repair specialist to exhibit a degree of artfulness in ensuring a large composite replica window , fabricated as part of alterations to a prominent Grade II listed building , not only matched the original , but could also operate in a manner to facilitate safe cleaning .
The large composite bay consisting of a pair of semi-headed frames with a separating fixed infil frames , measuring 2136 wide by 2430mm high overall , dated from the late 19th century and were too badly corroded to repair . ASWS removed them with minimal damage to the stone reveals ; and saved the ironmongery for reuse . The company ’ s highly skilled craftsmen utilised W20 profiles to fabricate the new frames , with odd-leg sections and JB mullions selected to help maintain an authentic appearance .
The team also created new steel cills to raise the level of the window slightly and utilised Parliament hinges to enable the opening lights to clear the ornate stone columns , positioned just outside of the main building line .
Kris Bennell , Contracts Director for ASWS , comments , “ Despite this being just one composite bay , there was an extensive design process in order for permission to be gained .
“ The original windows had not been made from standard steel sections so matching them was challenging . In addition , the presence of the two very decorative columns outside made it difficult when it came to cleaning ; we had to ensure we used the correct hinges to create sufficient space for window cleaners to reach out – safely .
“ The replacement windows were single glazed with 6mm laminated glass , avoiding the slightly distorted reflections characteristic of double glazing , and the frames were polyester powder coated in the factory , before being resprayed internally after fitting to achieve the dual colour required inside and out .”
ASWS installed a mastic seal right around the new frames before handing the job back to the main contractor to complete the plastering and any masonry work required .
www . asws . co . uk
42 JANUARY 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM