The West Leigh W40 range of hot rolled steel windows was designed in the 1990s as a successor to the well-established W20 section. W40 double-glazed windows retain slim sightlines but can accommodate sealed glass units up to 26mm. A 16mm airspace is also available which offers improved insulation.
The W40 system meets all Building Regulations for weather tightness (air infiltration, water penetration and wind loading). It also features dual air seals incorporated in the opening vents which greatly enhance resistance to air and water penetration.
W40 is available in a plain galvanised finish, as well as an extensive range of RAL colour polyester powder coat finishes.
The W40 range of profiles is the most heavy-duty of the available mild steel windows and thus offers the best choice of opening window and door types, and the widest range of permitted sizes. Sightlines are not compromised by the increased strength and this allows the architect complete design flexibility, whilst maintaining the slim elegant aesthetic that is synonymous with mild steel windows.
A large range of quality modern or traditional face-mounted ironmongery can be fitted, in addition to restrictors, background trickle ventilators and security locks. All are available in a range of attractive finishes including the standard satin chrome plate or RTD RotoTone Dark Bronze lacquer. The main ironmongery, comprising handles and stays, is generally solid brass. The W40 range is also unique in that it also permits the use of variable geometry concealed hinges and multi-point locking systems.
A key part of BS 6510, adhered to by West Leigh, is positive protection from rust. Frames of hot-rolled solid steel are hot-dip galvanized after fabrication to BS EN ISO 1461. During this process, the windows are thoroughly cleaned and then dipped in a bath of molten zinc. The zinc reacts with the iron in the steel to form alloy layers, which are then covered with pure zinc as the window is withdrawn. This combination of soft zinc over hard alloy layers produces a highly durable protective coating that will not flake or peel. In the event of accidental damage, the galvanized coating will corrode instead of the steel to further prevent rusting.
Galvanized steel windows do not require painting for protection, but their appearance is enhanced by the addition of a factory-applied polyester colour coating. Polyester coatings have a life expectancy of at least 15 years and a comprehensive range of colours is readily available, with the matte finish proving most popular because of its surface enhancing properties.
After chemical cleaning, our windows can be optionally coated to British Standards with our attractive and durable factory-applied polyester powder coating to enhance their aesthetics and minimise future maintenance. An extensive range of colours is available (any standard RAL reference).
All windows are hot-dip galvanised to British Standards to completely protect the window against corrosion.
The durability and high performance of steel windows can be enhanced even further if good maintenance practices are observed.
Frames should be cleaned at regular intervals using a mild, non-alkaline detergent in warm water, applied with a soft cloth or sponge.
Glazing and perimeter sealants should be inspected on an annual basis and appropriate maintenance action should be taken.
Galvanized steel windows which are not factory finished with a polyester colour coating are manufactured with clearances to allow for up to three or four coats of paint on the meeting surfaces. When the repainting programmed has exceeded this, the paint should be stripped off all meeting surfaces prior to repainting.
All hinges, pivots, handles, stays and other mechanical parts should be checked for operation, kept free of excessive paint build-up and lightly lubricated.
Full Operation and Maintenance Manuals are supplied by West Leigh upon request on any new window project.
