Architectural integrity, is a major consideration; especially in areas of historical significance. Architects use steel windows for their increased light, clean lines, durability, practically indestructible nature, relatively low maintenance, and fire retardant properties. The steel to stone interface is tried and true, as their properties adjust to extreme weather in a like manner.

Relatively small interruptions of durable thin steel lines can make a major difference to the lighting of small and large spaces.

Durability is an important factor in window design, maintenance and long-term economies. The steel, when properly treated, protected and maintained, will stand up to extreme temperature variation, frequent use and abuse, and is easily repaired if something does break. Broken panes are easily replaced if the glazing methods employed are understood by the maintenance service. The steel rarely breaks and while mechanical problems do occasionally occur due to rust, bad paint application or gross abuse, the parts are accessible and easily installed without significant disruption of the living space.

Steel windows placed in stone or brick buildings are designed to outlive the use of the building. It is not uncommon for us to work on windows that are over seventy years old, and will, with light maintenance and occasional service, be there for another seventy years. When surfaces are either chipped or rusting, and where poor maintenance for twenty to thirty years has allowed the windows to deteriorate to an inoperable point, we can restore them by carefully and completely removing the offending rust, making minor replacements of badly corroded pieces and resurfacing the bare steel. These windows are literally "as good as new" because they are made from steel, and we can strip the surface down to the original material and reapply protective coatings. It is important that the windows be treated with the respect they deserve, by using appropriate sealants, glazing compounds and robust fittings. Another coat of paint alone will not address oxidation problems, and is a short term measure at best.

Glass replacement should be done with the appropriate glazing compound and attention to the steel behind the glass. This area is one of the prime locations for problems, where putty facing has cracked and dirt and moisture has been allowed to pond and corrode the steel. Glass replacement in steel windows is generally a simple low cost task.

General maintenance is critical to keeping any fine building operational. Steel windows are designed to keep water collection and corrosion to a minimum. Light and regular lubrication of weep holes, sealing, and window fittings, as well as other regular maintenance will reduce the requirement for major overhaul.

As a guide, general overhaul will only be required over 30-50 years if regular maintenance is properly attended. Interim re-coating with proper procedures and materials should be performed every 10-15 years. Maintaining good schedules will assure that the window will virtually last forever. When maintenance is not attended to, or paint has been improperly applied, the windows can deteriorate at a much faster rate.