Steel Window Frames

For decades, steel window frames have had their place in the commercial window market. They offer a number of advantages over other window frame types, most notably their extreme strength and durability. Additionally, they provide a great option for those looking to take advantage of steel’s unique attributes. Although most often used in commercial building, these windows can also be an option for homeowners.

Bottom Line: A great option for strong, sleek and narrow windows. However, steel will not be very energy efficient.
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Bill — Site Editor

What Do Steel Windows Cost?

Steel framed windows are ideal for home with larger openings. However, they are often expensive, but very durable, so they will last a very long time.

Basics Of Steel Framed Windows

Metal windows are most often used in commercial applications, rather than residential ones, although for homeowners looking to install very large configurations or those interested in narrow sightlines with a very contemporary feel, steel framed windows have their place in homes as well. Don Young makes an excellent metal window.

The most common place to find these metal windows is in commercial buildings, offices, educational facilities, museums, hospitals and places of worship. They can be used almost anywhere, however, and can fit into any building design.

Benefits

There are a number of benefits to steel-framed windows. The most notable, and the primary reason for their long-term popularity, is their extreme strength (steel is stronger than all other types of window frame materials). Steel offers an unmatched level of strength and durability, making it the perfect material to use in creating oversized windows in commercial buildings.

They also offer very narrow sightlines, since less material is required to support the structure of the window due to steel’s strength. This makes it a great option for sleek, contemporary structures. One other benefit to steel window frames is their durability. Simply put, they will last for a long time.

Unique Look

The most notable look of steel framed windows is their very narrow sight lines. This is made possible by steel’s exceptional strength. Since not a lot of material is required to support the panes of glass, the beauty of steel windows is that they allow the glass to take center stage, while the window frame simply fades into the background. This results in a very sleek and contemporary look.

Versatility

Steel framed windows have wide ranging versatility. They can be used in all types of commercial applications, as well as residential homes. As well, steel can be used on the largest windows imaginable, but are also used to manufacturer smaller windows as well. They can be customized into any shape and any size.

These windows are equally at home in contemporary structures, traditional ones or even those with Gothic architectural attributes. The possibilities for where and how to use steel framed windows are virtually limitless.

Steel Framed Windows Durability

Not only are steel window frames strong, but they are extremely durable. That means they will last for a long, long time – typically longer than any other window frame material. Steel windows are still intact after decades and even hundreds of years on buildings. The glass may require replacement due to energy-efficiency reasons or because it breaks, but the frames will still be in good shape a long time down the road.

Energy Efficiency

Steel offers five times the thermal resistance of aluminum windows. However, vinyl and fiberglass windows will blow the doors off of steel or any metal. Metal conducts heat and/or cold, so they are quite inefficient in general. The U-value of the window will be much higher with steel and other metal frames.

Low Maintenance

Steel frames offer virtually maintenance-free benefits. Manufacturers pre-treat steel windows with primers or coatings to not only change the way the finished steel looks, but to keep them looking good for years to come. Factory-applied finishes will inhibit corrosion, with no additional maintenance required. Low maintenance finishes include galvanizing, e-coatings, powders, polyurethanes and enamel paint, among others.

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