Conservation & Heritage Issue 49 October 2025 - Flipbook - Page 99
Preservation process overview
Preservation can range from in-situ servicing to full off-site
restoration, depending on the condition and requirements
of the commercial building or property:
• In-situ servicing includes easing and adjusting windows
and doors, replacing damaged ironmongery, and
treating surface rust and lead-based paints safely.
• In-situ overhauls can also involve a deeper restoration:
removing surface coatings, treating exposed steel,
replacing seals and glazing beads, and repainting with
heritage-appropriate finishes.
Full off-site work includes:
• Careful cataloguing and removal of each item
• Secure off-site storage
• Shot blasting to remove rust, lead paint, and
old coatings
• Galvanising and powder coating or hand painting for
heritage accuracy
• Reinstallation and reglazing, often with upgraded
acoustic and thermal performance
Why preservation and refurbishment matters
Preserving and refurbishing original steel fenestration
maintains the architectural integrity of heritage buildings;
supports sustainable building practices by reusing existing
materials while enhancing security, usability, and energy
efficiency without compromising design.
For a deeper technical overview, the SWA’s Commercial
or Domestic Refurbishment Fact Sheet, which is available
to download from the website, outlines the full scope
of preservation practices, including the safe handling of
lead-based paints, rust treatment, glazing upgrades, and
the importance of cataloguing and storing components
off-site before reinstallation. This resource is invaluable
for architects, conservation officers, and property owners
seeking to preserve the integrity of steel windows and
doors in heritage buildings.
For further information on the Steel Window Association,
please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk
or call 020 3475 8049.
Throughout the process, every element is documented and
preserved, ensuring the building’s character and historical
value remains intact.
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