Why Architects Like Steel Windows
As
steel has plenty of good characteristics it is a popular choice with
Architects.The
reason they use them is that they look great and provide a very classic
appearance.Lets
now look at some of the reasons why steel is the metal of choice for most
architects when replacing metal windows.
The main and first reason why steel is a preffered metal is that it is so strong meaning it can create narrow sightlines.Its not possible for you to manufacture such narrow sightlines using the alternatives like UPVC, aluminium or wood.
Secondly, the strength of steel is so strong (this is what allows the narrow sightlines that we covered perviously).Compared to aluminium, steel is a very good alternative as tests have shown it as being 3 times stronger.Narrow sightlines are one reason for using steel, the other is the fact it is able to take such large and heavy sheets of glass.
Third, it is a very versatile metal which lends itself well to creating windows.No matter if it’s a traditional Gothic house or a new build office block that the windows are going to be used in, steel will not only look good, but it will also complement the existing structure.Due to its verstility, steel windows have been used in a wide selection of properties such as schools, churches, cathedrals, hospitals, factories, shops, commercial properties and obviously residential properties.
When compared to the alternatives, you can see why the extended lifecycle of steel windows is a positive.If you compare steel windows to either wood and UPVC frames you will see how the lifecycle compares. There are certain metal windows in Europe which are over a 100 years old and still going!Even when steel windows do fail, this is usually more to do with a problem with the frame around the window or the glass inside the frame rather than a problem with the actual steel frame.
The fifth and final reason is that they have an excellent fire rating.This is part of the reason that they are so common in office buildings and other commercial properties.The variety of windows available made from steel is so wide, incorporating all of the design features and benefits we have listed in the above points.
As you can see, there are 5 very good reasons as to why architects prefer steel windows over their alternatives.Obviously each of the other materials have their own benefits as well, so the windows which you select for your project will depend on your exact requirements.
The main and first reason why steel is a preffered metal is that it is so strong meaning it can create narrow sightlines.Its not possible for you to manufacture such narrow sightlines using the alternatives like UPVC, aluminium or wood.
Secondly, the strength of steel is so strong (this is what allows the narrow sightlines that we covered perviously).Compared to aluminium, steel is a very good alternative as tests have shown it as being 3 times stronger.Narrow sightlines are one reason for using steel, the other is the fact it is able to take such large and heavy sheets of glass.
Third, it is a very versatile metal which lends itself well to creating windows.No matter if it’s a traditional Gothic house or a new build office block that the windows are going to be used in, steel will not only look good, but it will also complement the existing structure.Due to its verstility, steel windows have been used in a wide selection of properties such as schools, churches, cathedrals, hospitals, factories, shops, commercial properties and obviously residential properties.
When compared to the alternatives, you can see why the extended lifecycle of steel windows is a positive.If you compare steel windows to either wood and UPVC frames you will see how the lifecycle compares. There are certain metal windows in Europe which are over a 100 years old and still going!Even when steel windows do fail, this is usually more to do with a problem with the frame around the window or the glass inside the frame rather than a problem with the actual steel frame.
The fifth and final reason is that they have an excellent fire rating.This is part of the reason that they are so common in office buildings and other commercial properties.The variety of windows available made from steel is so wide, incorporating all of the design features and benefits we have listed in the above points.
As you can see, there are 5 very good reasons as to why architects prefer steel windows over their alternatives.Obviously each of the other materials have their own benefits as well, so the windows which you select for your project will depend on your exact requirements.
The History Of Bronze Windows
Bronze
has been used by man for over 5,000 years.Bronze
has been used for not only creation jewellery and valued items, but also it has
been used for creating weapons during the Bronze Age.A
selection of the items which have already been found by architects from the
Bronze Age include spear and arrow heads and also a range of
jewellery.Because
of the value associated with Bronze, it is usually awards for someone coming
third in a competition, only after Gold and Silver.
Even though we have known about Bronze for over 5,000 years, it wasn't until the recent 18th century that the use of it became as wide spread as it began to be used in large amounts for architectural purposes such as bronze sculptures, bronze doors and bronze windows.
For these uses, a different metal alloy is used rather than traditional bronze, this is known as Architectural Bronze to most people.The thing that makes Architectural Bronze perfect for doors and windows is the composition on the metal alloy, it contains a mixture of copper, zinc and various metals.Adding manganese into the metal alloy increases its tensile strength, while the large quantities of copper in the mixture add to its corrosion resistance and its durability.
As the surface of the metal oxidises, the colour transforms into an almost black, dark copper colour which is traditionally associated with architectural bronze.When it is few manufactured, the metal is “toned” to create the desired colour until the oxidation occurs, although depending on the conditions and environment the metal is left in, the oxidation could occur very quickly naturally.The oxidisation of the metal also helps with the corrosion resistance, which can then be added to further by adding a layer of was regularly.
If you are wanting to add a touch of luxury to your house and want the other benefits associated with Architectural Bronze such as the strength, sustainability and stability, then you can see why Architectural Bronze is the obvious choice for your project.
As Architectural Bronze is a very specialist metal compared to steel or aluminium, it is often overlooked by many people looking for replacement windows, however it is a very viable alternative for anybody looking to replace their windows and doors with new metal windows and doors.
Even though we have known about Bronze for over 5,000 years, it wasn't until the recent 18th century that the use of it became as wide spread as it began to be used in large amounts for architectural purposes such as bronze sculptures, bronze doors and bronze windows.
For these uses, a different metal alloy is used rather than traditional bronze, this is known as Architectural Bronze to most people.The thing that makes Architectural Bronze perfect for doors and windows is the composition on the metal alloy, it contains a mixture of copper, zinc and various metals.Adding manganese into the metal alloy increases its tensile strength, while the large quantities of copper in the mixture add to its corrosion resistance and its durability.
As the surface of the metal oxidises, the colour transforms into an almost black, dark copper colour which is traditionally associated with architectural bronze.When it is few manufactured, the metal is “toned” to create the desired colour until the oxidation occurs, although depending on the conditions and environment the metal is left in, the oxidation could occur very quickly naturally.The oxidisation of the metal also helps with the corrosion resistance, which can then be added to further by adding a layer of was regularly.
If you are wanting to add a touch of luxury to your house and want the other benefits associated with Architectural Bronze such as the strength, sustainability and stability, then you can see why Architectural Bronze is the obvious choice for your project.
As Architectural Bronze is a very specialist metal compared to steel or aluminium, it is often overlooked by many people looking for replacement windows, however it is a very viable alternative for anybody looking to replace their windows and doors with new metal windows and doors.
