Steel Window Replacement Process: From Measurement to Installation

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The steel window replacement process starts with a detailed site survey of the existing openings, followed by drawings and a written specification, client approval, factory production in aluminum, and installation with the frame sealed to the structure. Careful measurement and early coordination with the architect are what keep a retrofit on schedule and avoid rework on site.

Starting with an Inquiry and Site Photos

Every retrofit begins with a clear inquiry. Send photos of each existing steel window, the elevation drawings if you have them, and a note on which openings are changing. Photos of the wall around the frame matter as much as the window itself, because they show how the old frame is fixed and what sits behind it.

Overall façade photo and elevation
Close-ups of corners, sills and head details
Notes on floor level and access

This first pass helps us judge whether the project suits our range before anyone visits the site.

On-Site Measurement and Survey

Measurement is the step that decides the quality of the whole job. Old steel frames are rarely square, and openings often vary by several millimeters from one floor to the next. We measure each opening at several points in width and height, record the reveal depth, and check how the wall is built and finished.

We also note any structural elements, lintels, or signs of moisture. Where the existing frame is removed, the opening can change, so the survey should be treated as the basis for the drawings, not a rough guess.

Drawings and Written Specification

After the survey, we prepare shop drawings and a written specification for each opening. The drawings show the new aluminum profile, the operation type, the fixing method, and how the frame meets the wall and finishes. The specification lists materials, glazing, hardware and finish colour in plain terms.

Architects can use these documents to coordinate with other trades and to confirm the design intent. Exact performance values for profiles, glazing and fixings are checked against the project requirements and reviewed with the engineer before approval.

Client and Architect Approval

Nothing goes into production until the drawings and specification are approved in writing. This stage gives the architect or designer a chance to review sightlines, frame widths, colour and the way new frames align with the existing façade. Changes are far cheaper to make on paper than after production.

We recommend approving the full schedule of openings together, so the production run is consistent across the building.

Factory Production and Finishing

Once approved, the aluminum windows are cut, assembled and glazed in our factory at 37 Rival Street, Tel Aviv. Working in the workshop lets us control squareness and tolerances more tightly than is possible on a busy site. Each unit is checked against its drawing before it leaves the factory.

Finishing is applied to match the chosen colour and to suit the building's exposure. Where steel elements such as subframes or fixings are involved, hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating is used to protect them against corrosion.

Removal and Installation on Site

Installation usually follows a short, planned sequence: remove the old steel window, prepare the opening, set the new frame plumb and level, fix it to the structure, and seal the perimeter. Work is often scheduled opening by opening so the building stays weathertight and the occupants are disturbed as little as possible.

Protect the interior and the surrounding finishes
Fix and align the frame before final sealing
Check operation, glazing and drainage before handover

Frequently asked questions

How long does the steel window replacement process take?

The timing depends on the number of openings, the approval rounds and the production schedule. Discussing the full sequence early with the architect helps set realistic milestones for the retrofit.

Why is an on-site survey needed if I already have drawings?

Original drawings often differ from the built condition, especially after years of alterations. A survey on site records the real dimensions so the new frames fit the opening correctly.

Can the new aluminum frames match the look of the old steel windows?

Yes, profile sightlines and frame proportions can be designed to stay close to the original appearance. The colour and finish are chosen together with the architect.

Who should I involve in the approval stage?

Include the architect or designer, and where relevant the structural engineer, so that fixings, lintels and openings are confirmed before production begins.

Common mistakes to avoid

Ordering windows from rough measurements or skipping the approval of drawings are the most common causes of rework. Both problems are easy to avoid with a proper survey and a signed-off specification.

Our recommendation

Measure every opening individually rather than assuming all floors are identical, and approve the whole schedule of drawings in one go. This keeps production consistent and makes installation faster.

Summary

A good retrofit follows a clear path from survey to drawings, approval, factory production and careful installation. Planning each step with the architect keeps the project accurate and predictable.

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