Refurbishment
In Situ Refurbishment
Steel windows can suffer from surface rust, distortion, heavy paint build up and failed hinges and fittings. They often look beyond repair, but in most cases they are not. Where the steel is still sound, we restore the windows on site without removing the frames from the building.
In situ refurbishment suits occupied buildings where disruption must be kept to a minimum, including homes, schools, offices, churches and listed buildings. The weatherproof envelope stays in place throughout, and we are one of very few companies in the UK able to carry out this process on site.
Every project starts with a survey, so we can check each window and confirm that in situ is the right method. We protect floors and finishes, then use dust free blasting to remove visible corrosion and nylon abrasion to remove excess paint and smooth the frames. We make localised welding repairs, restore hinges and brass fittings, replace failed glazing compound and reduce draughts. We then hand apply C5 marine grade resin primer and undercoat, finished with a polyurethane topcoat.
Our methods follow current Historic England and SPAB guidance, extending the life of the steel frames while keeping their historic features and architectural interest.
Ex Situ Refurbishment
When corrosion has gone too far for on site work, we remove the windows to our workshop in Small Dole and board up the openings for security.
In the workshop each window is dismantled and de-glazed, then shot blasted back to bare metal and inspected piece by piece. Severely corroded steel is cut out and replaced with new sections, welded using MIG and TIG techniques. We can recreate original Crittall, W20 and W30 profiles so repairs blend in with the original.
The frames are then sprayed with hot zinc at 400 degrees for lasting corrosion protection, followed by powder coating to 160 microns or hand painting, depending on the finish you need. Where suitable, we can also fit vacuum insulated glass to improve thermal performance.
Which Method Is Right For Your Windows?
In situ is quicker, less disruptive and usually lower in cost, so it is our first choice wherever the steel is sound. Ex situ is the most comprehensive option and suits extensive corrosion or a full restoration. Our survey tells you which one your windows need.
English Heritage has commissioned, inspected and approved our in-situ restoration, ex-situ restoration and new replica window methods on listed building projects.
Built To Last
With proper restoration and periodic maintenance, steel windows can last well over a century. Some of the earliest windows we restored date from the 1880s and still work as intended. Modern uPVC and aluminium replacements typically last 20 to 30 years. Our approach is simple: preserve wherever possible, replace only where absolutely necessary.
