The large popularity of upvc windows and doors has been the design style hot trend for the past several years – from TV series to high-end home publications, they’re practically everywhere. But just because they’re popular doesn’t mean they’re simple to comprehend. When you begin looking for steel windows and doors, you may be confused by technical jargon, such as what certain phrases imply or what characteristics to look for, or even how to install them.
This article is designed to help you understand steel door and window lingo so that information sheets are easier to comprehend, as well as answer common questions you need answering.
STEEL WINDOWS & DOORS – GENERAL FAQS
What’s the most important thing I should consider before buying a steel window or door?
Obviously, the most significant consideration for most people will be the cost of steel windows and doors. When it comes to steel units, however, low pricing frequently means poor quality. You should consider the following factors to ensure you receive a high-quality product:
- Profile Source
- Rust Prevention Method
- Finish Type
- Thermal Breaks
- Glazing Method
- Type of Steel
What exactly is a steel profile?
The lengths of steel used to build windows and doors are referred to as profiles. They provide the units with their structural integrity, so they’re essential for their longevity. You have two choices when it comes to a steel profile: manufactured or built on-site by an expert.
What is the distinction between hot rolled and cold-rolled steel? Is there a difference?
Steel for fenestration is produced in one of two ways: hot rolled or cold-formed. These phrases refer to the steel’s method of manufacturing.
When the steel is heated to a high temperature, such as 1600°F, it’s formed in a specific form while hot. Because steel expands as it cools, the profile’s corners and edges become somewhat rounded as the temperature drops due to this process. This is how steel doors and windows are made using the traditional method.
Cold-formed steel is heated to 1700°F, but it is flattened and allowed to cool fully before being moulded. The cooled flat steel is then machined into a specific shape using machinery. Because the growth occurred before shaping, cold-formed steel profiles have a higher degree of crispness and accuracy. Steel units produced via this method tend to resemble aluminium doors
Steel isn’t inherently superior to another, but it does have applications for which one type is superior.
What is the definition of a thermal break?
A non-conductive material (such as a resin isolate) is sandwiched between two steel frame halves to create a thermally broken unit. The option between a thermally broken unit and a non-thermally broken unit is purely functional, and it all comes down to one issue: climate.
Can I use a steel unit? for a shower door?
For shower enclosures, we don’t recommend using steel units due to the high moisture levels in these regions. Steel that is exposed to continual dampness will rust eventually regardless of the best rust prevention efforts. As a result, we advocate utilising high-quality aluminium materials for bathroom and shower installations.
What is hop-dip galvanisation?
Galvanised steel components are immersed in molten zinc to form a physical link between the steel and zinc, which is known as hot-dip galvanisation. Galvanisation is the term used to describe this relationship. The 10x stronger physical bond of zinc plating to steel than a primer or paint.
What is a thermal brake?
A thermally broken unit is formed by placing a non-conductive material (such as a resin isolate) between two steel frame halves. The choice between a thermally broken unit and a nonthermally broken unit is purely functional, and it all comes down to the weather.
Are steel units rated for my local building code? Are they impact rated?
Because each of our steel components is fully unique, we do not provide blanket product ratings. However, we will work with you to choose the options that are appropriate for your local building code.
How are the units installed?
Steel windows are attached directly to the frame, much like ordinary windows. Steel doors have a complete jamb and threshold and may be installed by nailing flanges/tabs or through the jamb, as with traditional pre-hung doors.
Can my builder install the Steel Windows and Doors?
Steel units can be readily installed by most builders aside from specialised and enormous structures. Because each project is unique, it’s preferable for product specialists to contact the builder directly to discuss specific demands.
Can multi-point locks be used on the Steel Doors?
Our steel doors employ Mortise handle sets with Tubular deadbolts because the steel profiles we use are too narrow to accommodate multi-point locks.
Have you ever installed steel and clad windows on the same project?
Yes! Using steel for feature units with high-quality clad materials is a fantastic approach to achieve the impact of steel while staying within a budget.
If you have any more questions on Steel Windows & Doors contact us