Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Painting Aluminium Windows in High Rise Apartments
Older apartments have either mission brown windows or bronze anodized windows. When renovating an older style apartment and considering on changing the colour of the aluminium windows, you are only allowed to change the colour of the windows inside as the body corporate is responsible for maintaining the outer perimeter windows of the building and part of their responsibility is to maintain uniformity. The body corporate can't have owners painting aluminium windows with different colours.
The body corporate of your building is responsible for the windows maintenance and replacement when the windows are worn out. However, when they replace windows, usually, the body corporate will replace them with a modern version in the same colour.
If in the past you wanted a different colour and you felt confused if it was a quality powder coat like finish in a different colour you wanted, nowadays, you have the option to source a specialist painter with two pac spray painting experience in high rise apartments. Having this experience is important because taking out a window opening high up in an upper level apartment increases the factors you need to take into consideration to produce a quality product as a contractor.
When Painting aluminium window frames in an apartment setting, you have to consider these complicating factors which elongates the process such as:
Limited space to spread out painted doors and sashes for drying. Drying windows is most prevalent on higher floors and takes longer to set up on a daily basis. And due to space restrictions, the number of men you can have working on it especially during preparation which is the most labour intensive part of the job can be limitted.
The Two Main steps in painting aluminium window frames are Preparation and Painting. It is important to take no short cuts on the preparation stage because this will affect the durability and quality of the finish. Preparation is where the inexperienced painter or DIY handy man fall short.
Preparation can be further broken down into a number of steps such as cleaning, sanding and masking and overspray protection of adjacent finished surfaces. I always recommend that clients vacuum the window tracks before we arrive to remove any built up layers of dust and bugs. The frames need to be thoroughly cleaned using a solvent wash technique of wiping on a wax and grease solvent wash such as prepsol on with a clean cloth then off again quickly before the solvent evaporates with another clean cloth. It is best if this process is done in sections because if the solvent dries before wiping off, then the grease and grim will remain.
Sanding the window frame surface is best done by hand. The coarseness of the sand paper will depend on the substrate and condition. It is recommended that 24 grit be used on non chalking powder coated surfaces and 60 - 80 grit on anodized surfaces. After sanding, the surface needs to be blown off with air to remove dust and dirt. It is also best that prior to painting, further solvent wash must be carried out.
Masking up and over spray protection of adjacent finished surfaces is imperative on a high rise apartment environmental setting. First, mask up the rubbers that are holding the glass in place in each window frame, and cover the glass using a paper or plastic film. Use film to protect the surrounds of each window from the edge of the window frame outwards, along each side by about 500mm.
Use plastic drop sheets and canvas drop sheets to protect the floors. Isolate the area that painting area by putting a plastic wall between the ceiling and floor.
Paint application Using a two pac three coat system and a HVLP spray gun. Apply a light primer sealer coat to the substrate. A single pac etch primer is recommended followed by two top coats of a poly urethane (Acrathane). To achieve desired film thickness, it's best to apply four light coats instead of two top coats.
Lastly, you should look into overhauling the mechanic components of each window and sliding door. It's best to replace all rollers, the weather felts in the frames, and any broken springs causing the window latches to fall down to the bottom of each window.
Chris Vernon is a specialist at refurbishing aluminium windows. His company, "Window Revival" is the company that other painters call when the going gets tough.
Whether you have a Commercial multi level high-rise, or a single level unit, Chris and his team are able to give you the best service and quality finish.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Replacement Window Installation to Increase House Value
In the 1900s wood window where used and it is still commonly used until the late 1950s. This kind of window is common in the United States. After the 1960s aluminum and steel windows where popularly used by most home owners because it can provide adequate ventilation inside the home and same with its security purposes. Vinyl windows where established in the early 1970s and still used until now.
Replacement windows and vinyl are designed to replace any broken windows that we have because they can be easily place and installed. These window types can sit in openings where the upper part and the bottom part of the sash can be moved in their wooden tracks. It is a fixed frame that can be easily be installed.
Nowadays the modern window is built to have two glass panes. This kind of window is now popularly used because of the energy code that sets a certain standards in home installed products and it requires a low E glass for all residential houses to use. Low E glasses are more efficient than clear glasses and it comes with different colors depending on what type of manufacturer made it.
Replacement window installation is beneficial for us because we can control what type of design or colors we want to have. It is an investment simply because it is a part of our home that surely can affect our mood through our environment.
Windows regulate our internal home environment because it allows the sunshine on a sunny day and keeps moisture out on a rainy season. We tend to use replacement windows so that we could make a new image for our house.
More of steel windows.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Why Use UPVC Windows Instead of Wood Windows
UPVC means Un-Plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride windows which are considered to be environment friendly. Manufacturing these windows consume little energy as compared to the wooden frames. They are energy efficient as they keep your home well insulated. It helps you maintain the temperature of your home during summer also. This allows you to save the energy within your home as well.
When it comes to maintenance then require regular cleaning and paint job or polishing. However, if you choose windows then you do not have to worry about spending on paint and polish and cleaning it is easy as well.
In case of weather resistance, the UPVC doors and windows are much better. The wooden windows generally start fading when exposed to sunlight. This is not so in case of UPVC. Wooden windows also have low resistance to wind and rain which can make it noisy and make the rot as well. But when you choose the vinyl windows for your home then you can forget about facing these troubles as they are monsoon resistant and wind resistant.
Wood is prone to termite attack that can damage it extensively and the termite treatment can add to your expenses. In case of UPVC, one need not worry about the same.
Thus there are factors that encourage people to choose vinyl windows and doors. Nowadays the windows are available in different colors so that people can use them to increase the aesthetic beauty of their home.
When it comes to the different styles of windows that are available to then again you get better choices when you opt for the UPVC. You can choose sliding windows for large spaces, casement windows, French windows, tilt and turn windows, bay windows, combination windows and other styles that may be apt for your home.
Doors are affordable and have a long life as compared aluminum windows. It provides protection to you home and saves it different weather condition efficiently.
More of steel windows.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Theory of constraints Five Key Reasons Why Steel Windows
Every kind of building can benefit from steel windows, which is why many architects incorporate them into their plans. Versatility allows steel windows to evoke a classic feel, while still being able to give a building a modern and bold look. There are five key benefits that steel windows offer for your building, no matter what style or purpose it is intended for, which is what we will attempt to explain. Architects tend to choose steel windows for these five reasons-narrow sightlines, strength, versatility, lifecycle, and fire rating. Deciding if steel windows are the option you should choose for your building should be clarified after reading this article.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wood Windows in Your Bathroom - Mold and Mildew
Well for one thing, wood and water don't seem to get along too well. If you have a wood window in your bathroom, there's a good chance that you're going to have mold and mildew hanging around somewhere.
I have replaced more water damaged windows that were located within a shower or bath tub area, than any other windows within the homes that I have remodeled. I don't recommend using aluminum or steel windows in bathrooms either. Vinyl windows seem to hold up the best in bathrooms.
Most wood windows in your bathroom, are going to provide a nice comfortable home for any mold and mildew, especially if there is moisture on a regular basis in the bathroom. Moisture will accumulate on the wood window, even if it isn't in direct contact with water from the shower.
Any moisture from a warm or hot shower, can accumulate on your wood window sill, that is located within a closed bathroom. This is probably the most common failure for any wood, located within a bathroom that isn't maintained on a regular basis.
Not only can the wood windows become damaged, if the home is framed with wood, there's a good chance that the damage can go all the way to the building foundation. Don't underestimate the power of water and the damage that it can do to wood.
If the wood window is located in the bathroom, but isn't located within the shower or bath tub area, there is a good chance that these windows won't suffer as much. However, if your wood window is located within the shower and the shower is used daily, you can almost guarantee that the wood window will become damaged eventually, unless it is maintained properly.
In other words, I don't ever recommend installing wood windows near your bathtub or shower. Any areas where water or moisture is going to be hanging around on a regular basis, provides a good place for mold and mildew to start growing.
Compare wood windows on steel windows.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Choosing the Best Replacement Windows
I have a friend who moved into a brand new apartment last month, and last week she was already complaining that when the apartment complex people turned the sprinkler on to water the new sod and bushes, she had to put towels around her windows to keep the water from leaking in. Can you imagine? Brand new windows! If you want to get technical about the best replacement windows you can buy, you can start by saying "Windows that don't leak!" Well-made windows that are professionally installed shouldn't leak. After all, the main reason people want replacement windows is to keep out the rain, the heat, and the snow and to keep their heating and air conditioning inside where they need it.
Without a doubt, the most solid windows you can buy are steel replacement windows. Steel is much more durable and weather-resistant than any other kind of windows you can have installed. With professional installation, you should never have a problem with air or precipitation leaks as these are top-of-the-line windows. Of course, you can expect to pay a premium price for them which is the reason a lot of people opt for windows that are definitely inferior to steel ones.
Wood windows are another popular choice that is very durable as long as they have been finished and sealed properly to keep them from warping and rotting. Wood windows are beautiful and add a lot of class and style to your home, but, once again, they are very expensive compared to the other types of replacement windows you can buy. Andersen and Pella have become two major companies in the field of replacement windows because of the fine quality wood windows they offer.
Many people opt for aluminum replacement windows, because they are durable and much less expensive than steel or wood. They are lightweight and easier for people who don't have a lot of upper body strength to operate, but if they haven't been insulated properly you could have problems with condensation. A better option is to buy wood-core windows that have been clad with aluminum. The wood inside makes the windows more solid and leak-free, and the aluminum casing makes them low maintenance for many years to come.
One of the newest types of windows on the market are fiberglass which just may end up being the best replacement windows you can buy. Right now they aren't yet available in all the styles and colors that other windows are, but testing has proved them to be more durable than wood, clad wood, or aluminum windows, and they are far more cost-effective than steel ones. Fiberglass frames are definitely the best choice when installing large windows, because they are sturdy enough to hold larger panes of glass. In addition, fiberglass won't peel, split, crack, or warp.
Probably the least expensive type of windows on the market are vinyl windows, and the low cost is the reason they've become so popular with a lot of people. Even though these windows are hollow inside, they have proven to be quite strong and durable. As long as you live in a moderate climate, vinyl windows may do a good job for you. However, if you live in areas that see climate extremes, vinyl windows do have a tendency to become distorted.
So when you go out to buy the best replacement windows you can find, you'll want to consider all of these choices before deciding on the ones that will be right for your home.
Steel windows are the best window in town.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Benefits of uPVC Windows and Doors
uPVC or Un-Plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride windows and doors have now become very popular in some countries. Nowadays, more people in England are now opting for such devices because they have some basic qualities which the conventional materials like aluminum do not possess. These are:
• Energy efficient
• Much safer to use
• More cost effective
• Requires minimal maintenance
Energy Efficiency:
uPVC doors and windows give excellent insulation during the winter season and at the same time it helps to keep the room temperature low during the summers. This happens due to the fact that they can provide more useful thermal insulation than materials like wood and aluminum. Similarly, during the summers, it reflects all the heat of the strong sun and helps you to stay cooler throughout the summer. This also helps you to save more energy in your house as these days the energy prices are reaching sky high throughout England and UK. If you replace your uPVC window, it could be recycled. Therefore it is also an eco-friendly option.
Maintenance:
Woods frames always require proper maintenance. People often paint, sand and refill the wood frames to save them from dampening or rotting. Aluminum frames are comparatively better as they are quite flexible and require lesser maintenance but they do have a propensity to rust after sometime. uPVC windows are very durable and they are easier to maintain. As they are made of a plastic substance, there is a very little chance of damage from different elements. These are also quite easier to clean with a wet cloth and some light cleaning liquids.
Cost:
In many cases, uPVC doors and windows are cheaper than aluminum and wooden frames. The initial expenditure of these uPVC doors and windows can be much lower than what you have imagined. Local manufacturers can also offer this product to you at a comparatively lesser price than the large companies.
Safety:
The strength and firmness of uPVC is now competing hard with that of aluminum and other materials in the field of security. Woods can never compete in this region as they can be broken very easily. The safety of your doors and windows rely on the quality of lock you use. If you are combining your uPVC frame with a locking system of poor quality then it will not be able to provide you with the full benefits. Do opt for highly safe multi-point locking system to maximize your security.
Learn more about steel windows images and its benefits.
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Choosing the Best Replacement Windows
Without a doubt, the most solid windows you can buy are steel replacement windows. Steel is much more durable and weather-resistant than any other kind of windows you can have installed. With professional installation, you should never have a problem with air or precipitation leaks as these are top-of-the-line windows. Of course, you can expect to pay a premium price for them which is the reason a lot of people opt for windows that are definitely inferior to steel ones.
Wood windows are another popular choice that is very durable as long as they have been finished and sealed properly to keep them from warping and rotting. Wood windows are beautiful and add a lot of class and style to your home, but, once again, they are very expensive compared to the other types of replacement windows you can buy. Andersen and Pella have become two major companies in the field of replacement windows because of the fine quality wood windows they offer.
Many people opt for aluminum replacement windows, because they are durable and much less expensive than steel or wood. They are lightweight and easier for people who don't have a lot of upper body strength to operate, but if they haven't been insulated properly you could have problems with condensation. A better option is to buy wood-core windows that have been clad with aluminum. The wood inside makes the windows more solid and leak-free, and the aluminum casing makes them low maintenance for many years to come.
One of the newest types of windows on the market are fiberglass which just may end up being the best replacement windows you can buy. Right now they aren't yet available in all the styles and colors that other windows are, but testing has proved them to be more durable than wood, clad wood, or aluminum windows, and they are far more cost-effective than steel ones. Fiberglass frames are definitely the best choice when installing large windows, because they are sturdy enough to hold larger panes of glass. In addition, fiberglass won't peel, split, crack, or warp.
Probably the least expensive type of windows on the market are vinyl windows, and the low cost is the reason they've become so popular with a lot of people. Even though these windows are hollow inside, they have proven to be quite strong and durable. As long as you live in a moderate climate, vinyl windows may do a good job for you. However, if you live in areas that see climate extremes, vinyl windows do have a tendency to become distorted.
So when you go out to buy the best replacement windows or steel windows you can find, you'll want to consider all of these choices before deciding on the ones that will be right for your home.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Steel Windows - Governors Island, NY
After 204 years of being off-limits to visitors, Governors Island has gone under a major transformation including custom steel windows by Optimum Window Mfg.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Steel Windows - 173 MacDougal Street
Optimum Window Mfg was the steel windows manufacturer of choice to handle the massive restoration of 173 MacDougal Street.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wood Windows in Your Bathroom - Mold and Mildew
I have replaced more water damaged windows that were located within a shower or bath tub area, than any other windows within the homes that I have remodeled. I don't recommend using aluminum or steel windows in bathrooms either. Vinyl windows seem to hold up the best in bathrooms.
Most wood windows in your bathroom, are going to provide a nice comfortable home for any mold and mildew, especially if there is moisture on a regular basis in the bathroom. Moisture will accumulate on the wood window, even if it isn't in direct contact with water from the shower.
Any moisture from a warm or hot shower, can accumulate on your wood window sill, that is located within a closed bathroom. This is probably the most common failure for any wood, located within a bathroom that isn't maintained on a regular basis.
Not only can the wood windows become damaged, if the home is framed with wood, there's a good chance that the damage can go all the way to the building foundation. Don't underestimate the power of water and the damage that it can do to wood.
If the wood window is located in the bathroom, but isn't located within the shower or bath tub area, there is a good chance that these windows won't suffer as much. However, if your wood window is located within the shower and the shower is used daily, you can almost guarantee that the wood window will become damaged eventually, unless it is maintained properly.
In other words, I don't ever recommend installing wood windows near your bathtub or shower. Any areas where water or moisture is going to be hanging around on a regular basis, provides a good place for mold and mildew to start growing.
See more of steel windows.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Crittall Windows
Crittall Windows the largest steel window and door manufacturer in the world.
See more of steel windows.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Steel Windows in CW Post Historic Mansion
This CW Post historic mansion is another great piece of architecture that used Optimum Window steel windows to keep the historic look while using the best in craftsmanship.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
How to Replace Muntin on 8600 series Optimum WIndow
Instructions on how to replace the muntin location on your 8600 series optimum window. View more of steel windows.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Bronze Windows by Steel Windows and Doors USA
Learn why Bronze Windows and Doors are great for your home or a commercial building. See more of Steel Windows.

