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Polyester Powder Coated Surfaces

Most modern steel window frames have a factory applied stoved polyester colour coating. Wash down periodically – at intervals of between three and 12 months, depending on the amount of grime and salt in the atmosphere – using a mild non-alkaline detergent in warm water, applied with a soft cloth or sponge. Using nothing harsher than a bristle brush or nylon pad. Give a final rinse with clear water. The finish will then last between 10 and 20 years before decorative re-coat becomes necessary.

If, after many years of exposure, the polyester-coated surface needs redecoration, a standard undercoat/top coat alkyd system can be used, after the surface has been cleaned and slightly roughened to provide a key.

Small areas of finish that become chipped or scratched can be made good by the application of a touch-in paint available from Cotswold Casements. This will be air drying and cannot be expected to weather in the same way as the original “oven-baked” coating, so its use should be limited. Large areas of damage are best repaired by specialist contractors, using two-pack resin and hardener spray applied systems.

Site Applied Paint Finishes

The bare zinc of a hot dip galvanised finish needs a zinc chromate etch primer before further Brush paint coats are applied. Oil based glazing putties and mastic sealants likewise need priming and sealing.

Take great care to keep flexible weatherseals and moving parts of fittings free of paint.

Steel windows supplied galvanised only, without a factory applied polyester colour coating , have clearances set up between meeting surfaces sufficient for three or four coats of paint. When the repainting programme has exceeded this, the paint build up starts to force the meeting surfaces apart and excessive force may be needed to close the window. This, in turn, can cause the window to bow or hinges distort.

If distortion has not gone too far, it may be sufficient to strip the paint of all meeting surfaces, taking particular care to clean off paint in the hinges.

If the gap is too great or the frame is badly bowed (tight at the centre and gapping at the corners), it may require off site refurbishment, please contact the office and request one of our surveyors to call.

Opening Casements

Hinges and pivots should be lubricated using a light penetrating oil at yearly intervals. If seized up, they should be doused with a penetrating spray (such as WD40) and gently worked free. For safety reasons too much lubrication is NOT generally recommended for friction type hinges in case they swing too freely without restraint.

Friction hinges and pivots have stainless steel, brass or nylon bearings which normally function well without lubrication oil, but their tightening screws and locking nuts should be checked periodically.

Certain types of casements also have drainage holes in the outer sill section that can become clogged with paint, grime or insects. Clean holes regularly to ensure the windows/doors maintain their designed weather performance.

Fittings

Handles, stays and catches should be checked for operation. They should move freely and be lightly oiled, waxed or greased as necessary. If damaged, they can usually be repaired or replaced.

Steel windows and doors have evolved gradually over the past hundred years and have retained the many characteristics and components that permit ease of maintenance. Please contact Cotswold Casements if you require any replacement fittings, quoting either the job reference or estimate number if possible.

Weatherseals

The synthetic rubber weatherseals should also be included in periodic maintenance inspections. The most common cause of damage is site applied paint. If paint removal proves impossible, weatherseal replacement can be undertaken, please contact Cotswold Casements quoting the window type involved. They may be bonded to the frames with adhesive, retained in performed grooves, or clipped onto studs. Retrofit of replacements by the same method is strongly recommended whenever possible.

Perimeter Sealants

The joint sealants between window frame and wall opening, and at couplings between window units, will generally have a shorter life than the frames themselves. If deterioration is observed, the original sealant should be raked out, the joint thoroughly cleaned up, and new sealant applied which is compatible with the original.

Cleaning of the sealant should ideally take place at the same time as the windows are cleaned using a mild detergent, sharp objects should not be used during this process.

Traditional oil based mastic sealants depend on a paint overcoat to maintain the service life. Modern polymer sealants are more resistant: over-painting remains desirable with acrylics, is possible but not necessary with polysulphides, and is to be avoided with silicones.

Details of the mastics used will be contained within these documents, please contact the office if further information is required.

Glazing Materials

Glazing putties, mastics, gaskets and sealants are likewise subject to some degradation by exposure to weather. Annual inspections can identify any problems before they become serious.

Loose putty should be raked out, replaced with metal casement putty (NOT linseed oil based putty intended for wooden windows) and over painted.

Frames that have been factory finished with a stoved polyester coating will have been glazed originally with special non-setting compounds or with metal beads and sealants that adhere well to the polyester finish and do not require over painting. If defective, they should be raked out, the joint thoroughly cleaned up, and new glazing sealant applied which is suitable for painted metal surfaces.

Insulating double glass units require particular attention to the maintenance of their glazing seals, as the constant presence of water trapped within the glazing rebates will shorten the life of the unit edge seals. Check the outside face of the glazing frame’s bottom rail to see that the glazing seal sheds water and that any drain holes are free from blockage.

Glass Replacement

The edges of double glass units and single panes must be spaced from the metal frame glazing rebate with setting and location blocks. They must also be carefully separated from the glazing up stand with distance pieces, mastic tapes or preformed gaskets.

Putty fronted single glass is retained by spring steel glazing clips placed in holes pre-drilled in the glazing frame rebate. Re-use or replace them when re-glazing.

All glazing should be cleaned internally and externally on a regular basis using a mild detergent solution or a recognised glass cleaner, sharp objects should not be used during this process as the glass can be scratched or the adjacent seals damaged.

Leaded Lights

The company manufactures leaded lights by traditional methods and their performance will meet the requirements expected of this type of glazing. We are therefore unable to guarantee this glazing system where conditions are considered to be severe. Cleaning of new leaded lights during the first year after installation should be undertaken using a dry clean cloth only.

Refurbishment of Early Steel Windows

As a company we have become recognised as one of the experts in the refurbishment of existing steel windows and doors of all types. Over the years we have developed many new processes to accommodate the different window types that we are asked to refurbish, from blacksmith hammered joints on flat iron casements to dealing with the fine tolerances of cast sections.

The cleaning and maintenance of these items will generally be the same as covered previously for steel windows and leaded lights, however if there is a particular element of the process that is different this will be highlighted witin the manual.

If you require further information on the refurbishment process or some idea of costing please contact us to arrange a survey >>

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