Allot of Architects and Builders have fears about using Steel Windows and Doors in their projects. Most of these fears are just due to the unfamiliarity of the steel windows in general.
One aspect, common to all Steel Windows and Doors no matter who the manufacturer, is that they are glazed on site. In other words the frames are not shipped with the glass installed as you would expect from a standard wood or clad window manufacturer.
This one issue is enough to make builders plead with architects to rewrite the specs when in fact I see it as a benifit to Steel Windows and Doors.
It not only allows you to specify the highest perfoming glass, art glass or any other type of glass that is required for the project but it also allows you to have different types of glass in different areas of the building without incurring additional costs that some standard window manufacturers may charge. The only cost difference would be in the actual glass itself.
It also allows for easy replacement should the glass get damaged.
Since we're on the glazing topic, another common fear is that it's difficult to glaze a steel window. Unless you're installing a "putty glazed" unit for historical or restoration purposes, the typical IGU installation is fairly straight forward. This is typically handled by a Glazing company but for smaller projects a skilled contractor can handle it himself. As with anything there will be a learning curve but by the second or third light of glass it should become second nature.
Other misconceptions include: difficult to install, energy efficiency, long lead times, costly, minimal options for operation and limited aplications.
I'll discuss all these issues in upcoming posts.
In the mean time feel free to ask any specific questions you may have.
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