If your old steel windows are in deteriorated condition, allowing heat and cold infiltration or leaking air or water, consider replacing them with modern steel windows instead of just repairing or repainting. Replacement is the most cost-efficient option to help you lower the long-term cost of maintenance and help reduce your energy bills.
Here are five reasons why replacing your old steel windows may be your best option.
Energy efficiency: Unlike many old steel windows that could only accept single-pane glass, today’s steel windows can easily accept insulated glass. Insulated glass helps windows meet modern energy requirements. Many high-performance glass options are available, so there are energy-efficient solutions for almost any application. Also, for the utmost in energy efficiency, thermally broken frames are available.
Performance: Older steel windows were designed either without weather stripping or with inadequate weather stripping. Modern steel windows include weather stripping that is designed to resist air and water infiltration to meet the latest performance codes and to help keep the weather outside where it belongs.
Sight lines: With proven strength and durability, today’s steel windows still allow the desirable narrow sight lines, so they make ideal replacements for older steel windows. Sloped glazing bead options are available that reproduce the putty-glazed look while increasing performance.
Coatings: Old steel windows may have peeling paint that could contain lead or have many built-up layers of paint that can interfere with the operation of the window. Modern factory-applied corrosion-inhibiting finishes include galvanizing, electro-coat (e-coat) primer, powder coating, urethane enamel and more. With proper maintenance, today’s new coatings will far outlast the finishing technologies of the past.
Recyclability: Old steel windows can be recycled. Did you know that more steel is recycled in North America every year than paper, plastic, aluminum and glass combined?
Want to know more about replacing your old steel windows with modern steel windows? The Steel Window Institute (SWI) is an association of the leading manufacturers of steel windows in the United States and Canada. Please visit www.steelwindows.com and click on the “Reasons” tab.
The members of SWI are leading manufacturers of windows and doors made from either solid or formed sections of steel and related products such as casings, trim, mechanical operators, screens, and moldings that are manufactured and sold by members of the industry for use with steel windows and doors. SWI provides the public with general and technical information concerning the industry’s products. Proprietary specifications produced by each SWI member are available from individual members upon request.
Contact the Steel Window Institute at 1300 Sumner Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2851. Phone: 216-241-7333; fax: 216-241-0105. On the web: www.steelwindows.com.