RESTORATION - STEEL

Re-View is one of the few companies that has the resources to manage steel window restoration projects of any size. We have the experience and equipment to restore steel window projects of almost any size.

Steel windows are some of the most durable windows in old historic buildings. Although most owners are inclined to replace them with some alternative because of energy performance considerations, there is nothing more beautiful or durable than the narrow sightline of a restored steel window. Re-View has developed the competencies to fully restore steel windows to their original condition.

THE STEEL RESTORATION PROCESS
Re-View developed the following process for restoring steel sash and frames. Since steel is such a durable material, there is almost always a great deal of the original window to work with to refurbish.

On-Site Survey

The first step in the restoration process is to conduct an on-site survey of the condition of each unit and the course of action to restore the window. Re-View will mark each unit in the field so it corresponds to our electronic scheduling program to expedite the production process and assure that the proper corrective action is being implemented.

Lead Paint/Oxidation Removal
The next step involves removing the many layers of lead paint to determine the actual condition of the window unit and to prepare it for the other steps. Re-View prefers to utilize a sponge blaster to perform this work. We use a specially formulated sponge media that effectively removes all paint and oxidation without etching the substrate. The sponge media is more gentle on the steel substrate than conventional media. The Re-View team has a custom blast booth in its shop to efficiently perform this work in our shop.

Lead Paint Removal
The next step involves removing the many layers of lead paint to determine the actual condition of the window unit and to prepare it for the other steps. Re-View utilizes dip tanks with liquid stripper as the most effective means of paint removal. Applied stripper or heat guns involve too much abrasive action that can be too labor intensive. Our dip tanks can handle sash that are 8'0" x 8'0". They are specially equipped with a pump agitator to circulate the stripper for the most efficient paint removal.

Repair Structural Joints
Steel windows will often have rusted at key structural joints. The Re-View craftsmen will weld new joints to regain the original structural integrity of the sash and frame members.

Replace Deteriorated Components
Many sash have are in excellent condition except for a particular component. Rather than disposing of the entire unit, Re-View can easily replace the damaged section. We often see lower sash rails and horizontal muntins that have been exposed to water to the extent that the steel is no longer sound. The Re-View craftsmen fabricate replacement steel components using the same profiles as the existing parts and weld them into the frame or sash. We also maintain an inventory of parts and pieces retrieved from other jobs we have completed.

Finish Sand
The Re-View craftsmen use belt sanders, orbital sanders, finish sanders and wire brushes to create a finished surface. We even spend a great deal of time hand sanding the units to achieve a smooth finish. All welded joints and epoxy-treated areas are sanded to a smooth finish to best achieve the original profile of the window unit.

Glazing
The Re-View team typically uses an interior or exterior glazing bead or putty glazing depending upon the style of steel window to glaze the unit. We set the glass in a bed of silicone to provide a tight seal. The glazing pocket is prepared with a rust inhibiting primer manufactured by Tnemec to prevent future oxidation. Tnemec is known worldwide for producing the finest rust inhibitive finishes and is the standard for most exterior steel structures like water towers. Re-View does its homework to prevent the possibility of incompatabilties between the primer and the glazing compound.

Finish Stain or Paint
Our painting crew can match any finish desired. We prefer to use the Tnemec paints for a stabilizing primer since they are known to be the finest in the industry. Tnemec's fluoropolymer paint finish is the finest in the industry. We have a representative of Tnemec come to our plant to evaluate our surface preparation prior to performing a project. That way our customers will have the guarantee of the paint manufacture secured.

Window Hardware
Re-View can restore the original hardware or find hardware to match the existing windows. We have invested in high-speed buffing wheels that remove paint and oxidation and provide a new buffed finish. We also have a hardware bead blaster that can attack more aggressive deterioration. We have relationships with the major steel window manufacturers who still fabricate old hardware. We also have access to a host of niche hardware suppliers who can closely match hardware or even have custom hardware cast for the project.

Window Weather-stripping
Re-View can use a number of different types of weather stripping on the refurbished units. Our engineers have vast experience in adapting new weather stripping to existing steel window units. We have used metal leaf and compression bulb weather stripping in the past. We can even seal the windows in a fixed state to add to their energy efficiency.

Insulated Upgrades
It is possible to upgrade some steel windows to insulated glass. More commonly we will apply an interior storm window with narrow sightlines. In some conditions, we have been able to engineer a storm panel for the steel sash. See the storm window page on this web site for more information.