Over hundreds of years the architectural community has incorporated steel windows and doors into significant projects due to their distinctive and unique properties. Some of these properties include narrow profiles, strength, versatility, life cycle and durability, which we will explore further below.
Narrow Profiles
Due to the immense strength of steel, the material allows for the crafting of very minimal window profiles and narrow sightlines. The aesthetic properties of steel windows are unique among among other window material alternatives. Recently, significant advances have been made in steel window profile design, allowing for even narrower profiles while addressing the application concerns of thermal conductivity and potential roomside condensation.
Strength
Stronger than any alternative window material, steel is three times stronger than aluminum and facilitates the span of immense openings, while maintaining narrow sightlines.
Versatility
The aesthetic properties of steel designs can accommodate numerous architectural styles including luxury contemporary, traditional, gothic and landmark historical. For historical renovation projects, Steel-Arte steel window profiles can historically match the original window while offering improved weatherstripping, thermally-broken frame and sash designs, new muntin designs and glazing with high performance glass.
The following analysis compares the steel window attributes of three leading window manufacturers – Dynamic, Hopes and Crittall.
| Dynamic | Hopes*** | Crittall*** | |
| Profile | from 1 9/16″ | from 2 3/16″ | from 2 3/16″ |
| Thermal Properties | thermally broken | no thermal break | no thermal break |
| Glass Installation | optional factory glazing * | field glazed by others | field glazed by others |
| Steel Type | cold-rolled** | hot-rolled | hot-rolled |
| Sales Channel | factory direct | varies by project | varies by project |
* within size/weight allowances
** cold rolled provides superior strength & tighter tolerances
*** information sourced from company websites – accuracy of statements should be confirmed directly with manufacturer
Life Cycle
Steel windows and doors are among the most durable of building materials, as evidenced by the quantity of century-old classical architectural buildings that contain original steel windows and doors. In addition to longevity, steel possesses the additional attribute of being a recyclable material, minimizing the effects on the environment.
Thermal Performance
Narrow profiles allow for greater glass area in steel windows and doors and with today’s high performing glass options, significant energy efficiency gains can be achieved. The next level of thermal performance is achieved with Steel-Arte steel windows with deep glazing cavities that accommodate triple glazing. Thermally-broken frames and sashes provide for the utmost in thermal performance and resistance to condensation.
In partnership with Europe’s leading steel systems haus, Dynamic Architectural Windows & Doors has introduced Steel-Arte. An innovation in steel windows, Steel-Arte enables architects to use a true thermally broken steel window with narrow sight lines and 21st century energy efficiency.
For more information and to view the profiles of our Dynamic steel, aluminum and bronze windows see the Dynamic Fenestration metal windows page.