Domestic Refurbishment

Steel Window Association members are specialists in the renovation and sympathetic refurbishment of steel windows, typically in listed buildings or buildings of special interest such as those 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 our members can help. Options range from a very basic ease and adjusting, where the windows and doors will remain in-situ and are serviced, to a full in-situ overhaul involving significant paint removal and redecoration.

All levels of refurbishment are possible as discussed here.

Standard Metal Windows

There is also the option for a full refurbishment where all the windows and doors will be removed, taken to a factory environment for shot blasting, potentially galvanised, powder coating, servicing and the reinstallation and reglazing. There is also the possibility, especially in heritage situations, of maintaining the original aesthetic of the original window by hand painting and reglazing.

We would strongly recommend the paint removal is undertaken by a professional, such as a SWA member, as there is potential for the paint to contain lead pigments which need to be treated as a hazardous material.

With the later type of refurbishment, you can often get an upgrade in usability and security as well as both thermal and acoustic performance, through glazing and sealant enhancements. And of course, the windows will be significantly more aesthetically pleasing.

For owners of buildings or houses within listed or conservation areas, or those who would like to preserve the history of their own property, refurbishment is an invaluable and satisfying option. With this level of refurbishment, the SWA offers the ability to recycle, reuse and renew. In a world where we care more and more about genuine sustainability, there is no better way to help protect the world we live in – as it is now for our children.

On Site Servicing:

• Servicing, easing and adjustment of opening windows and doors for good operation
• Replacement of defective or missing ironmongery including hinges and pivots
• Removal of broken or cracked glazing
• Replacement of lead lights
On Site Overhaul – as above but extended to;
• 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
• Redecoration of painted surfaces.

Full Off-Site Overhaul:

• Removal of existing frames, and possible temporary glazing 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, 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
• Re-instatement of refurbished or new ironmonger

Specifier’s guide

The specifiers guide is a technical document published for architects and designers. It contains our members range of products, section details and technical specifications.

Find a member

Our members are more than happy to discuss a project with you and then provide pricing, design details and specification criteria. Please click on the link above to locate a manufacturer or installer that can carry out a project in your area.