Design Glass / Products & Services
Steel Windows
Restoring steel windows allows us to bring a traditional window back to its former glory. The object is to salvage as much original material as possible, retain all original features (if possible) and when finished, have a window that functions as well as it did on the day it was first made.
We can also manufacture brand new steel casements to look virtually indistinguishable from the original.
Modern finishes mean a long life but more importantly they maintain clearances for ease of operation and prevent the slow slide into violent operation and its subsequent damage to historic fabric.
Non-ferrous fixings and fastenings, in the correct forms, preserve heritage features whilst preventing the onset of corrosion at the most vulnerable points. These also allow for ease of future repair and maintenance without recourse to violence or heat, with their attendant damaging effects.
It should be noted that many original frames were not galvanised, and that galvanising such frames is a destructive act of vandalism. Some frames were not painted in any way before installation and do not even have clearance for any type of finish. Besides rust, the single most problematic feature of original steel frames is the build-up of paint finishes and forced-on ‘draught preventers’ by well-meaning users over the decades.
Our tried, tested and proven methods will make any steel window truly as good (and, more importantly, as bad) as the day it was made. The materials we carefully select and employ will defend any window efficiently against the biggest scourge to such fenestration - namely, water ingress and rust.
To do this we:
Identify method of fixing into sub frame of timber or stone
Carefully remove undoing screws wherever possible
Label all parts separated to ensure correct assembly on completion
Transport to works for complete overhaul of frames
Carry out complete disassembly to single component parts
Inspect each part and carry out repairs as required
Repair of all threads to facilitate replacement of all screws with non ferrous fasteners in original thread form
Clean and coat all ferrous and non ferrous parts on all surfaces
Reassemble using non ferrous fastenings and grease all moving parts
Replace, rebuild, restore glazing panels to relevant specification
Reglaze frames using suitable sealants and fixings
Refit to opening using non ferrous screws and fixings
We also offer:
Pattern making from scratch or original parts
Casting of parts in Iron, bronze, brass and other metals
Sand casting, lost wax casting and general fabrication
Welding, brazing or soldering, silver and lead/tin
Stitching cast iron in as a repair
Frame sections from blacksmith to W20 to patent to thermally broken
Hinges from pintle to butt to projection to friction – including Victorian ones!
Thread forms in Whitworth BSC,BSW, and if needed metric
Blast cleaning in all media, silica ,beads, soda, even walnut shells
Glass types and selection from Norman Slab through mouth blown, sheet and float
Glazing format from groove to patent to gas filled high performance IGUs
Glazing execution from pitch to putty to polymer
Finishes from oiling to paints to powder coating and its removal
We think that the above covers just about any and all eventuality, but we know that we haven’t seen it all and can’t wait to see something different.
Visit our Showroom & Workshop
Whether you’re restoring a heritage building or commissioning a new piece, we’d be delighted to hear about your project. Visit our Yorkshire workshop or speak with our team to explore the options for your project.