Windows

Q. Where can I find information on Steel window framing used in Australia between 1920 and 1960's in "modern" style buildings and up to the 1970's for fire rated construction?

A. Steel Window Frames Australia, Joe Dinallo, in Henderson Road
Alexandria, used to supply and manufacture steel and galvanized steel
frames from standard rolled sections. The number used to be 511226, fax
5193147 but that may have changed. Some of these sections are also
available from Melbourne and in stainless and bronze. RG

A. Steel frame windows Pty Ltd, Yennora, Sydney 02 9632 3227
Skyrange Engineering Pty Ltd, Preston, Melbourne 03 9480 2066

The type of steel section used in the mid 20th C windows you refer to was developed by the British company Crittal. These sections are still used by these companies, though I think the sections originate in India or China now. They are galvanised after custom fabrication in Australia. Quality galvanising is of utmost importance as is the ongoing maintenance of the drainage channels in the sills and the paint finish, (I suggest Micaceous Iron Oxide, available from Dulux). The glazing putty for steel framed windows is available from Robertsons in St Marys. You cannot use conventional glazing putty.

There is also a business specialising in the repair of steel framed windows in Sydney if what you need is repair rather than new. Palmer Architectural Steelwork 02 9665 3269. The Heritage Office has an article on the repair of such steel framed windows at: www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/docs/mckenzie.pdf. EL (Heritage Office, Department of Planning)