Who can replace steel casement windows set in masonry?

I have an old tudor cottage built in the 20s.  I am looking for someone to replace the old steel casement windows, which are set in masonry.  Would anyone know  someone with experience doing that?

Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

replacing those windows isn’t a special skill vs wood windows.  Contact contractors that offer windows you like 

I suggest contacting John Clayton, advertiser here, for windows based on my experience. 

Btw - you can get vinyl windows for as low as $300 installed or premium Pella units for about $1,000

Good luck!

Not to reignite the war, but please don’t go vinyl. 

You’ll be glad you didn’t.

Here's an article about preserving historic steel windows:  https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/13-steel-windows.htm  Worth a read, even if you're intent on replacing them.  

jimmurphy said:
Not to reignite the war, but please don’t go vinyl. 


You’ll be glad you didn’t.

 Was there a discussion of this issue on MOL previously?  I missed it.  What are the pros and cons briefly, if you don't mind?

Thanks.

Elle_Cee said:
Here's an article about preserving historic steel windows:  https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/13-steel-windows.htm  Worth a read, even if you're intent on replacing them.  

 I value preserving the original style of the house.  One can spend a lot of money repairing and weatherizing the windows so that they do not leak, but I don't see how the metal windows can be made energy efficient.  Metal has a high thermal conductivity, so the metal windows typically radiate cold air into the room.

To address the concern for preserving the look and style of the house, are there any recommendations for replacements for this type of windows?

Thanks.

I understand the conundrum windows such as these pose.  The article I posted does have some info about window replacement as well, but the following is what it has to say about improving the glazing of the original window.  

Thermal Glazing

Historic steel sash can be fitted with dual glazing to improve thermal efficiency. Photo: NPS files.

Another weatherization treatment is to install an additional layer of glazing to improve the thermal efficiency of the existing window. The decision to pursue this treatment should proceed from careful analysis. Each of the most common techniques for adding a layer of glazing will effect approximately the same energy savings (approximately double the original insulating value of the windows); therefore, cost and aesthetic considerations usually determine the choice of method. Methods of adding a layer of glazing to improve thermal efficiency include adding a new layer of transparent material to the window; adding a separate storm window; and replacing the single layer of glass in the window with thermal glass.

The least expensive of these options is to install a clear material (usually rigid sheets of acrylic or glass) over the original window. The choice between acrylic and glass is generally based on cost, ability of the window to support the material, and long-term maintenance outlook. If the material is placed over the entire window and secured to the frame, the sash will be inoperable. If the continued use of the window is important (for ventilation or for fire exits), separate panels should be affixed to the sash without obstructing operability. Glass or acrylic panels set in frames can be attached using magnetized gaskets, interlocking material strips, screws or adhesives. Acrylic panels can be screwed directly to the metal windows, but the holes in the acrylic panels should allow for the expansion and contraction of this material. A compressible gasket between the prime sash and the storm panel can be very effective in establishing a thermal cavity between glazing layers. To avoid condensation, 1/8" cuts in a top corner and diagonally opposite bottom corner of the gasket will provide a vapor bleed, through which moisture can evaporate. (Such cuts, however, reduce thermal performance slightly.) If condensation does occur, however, the panels should be easily removable in order to wipe away moisture before it causes corrosion.

The second method of adding a layer of glazing is to have independent storm windows fabricated. (Pivot and austral windows, however, which project on either side of the window frame when open, cannot easily be fitted with storm windows and remain operational.) The storm window should be compatible with the original sash configuration. For example, in paired casement windows, either specially fabricated storm casement windows or sliding units in which the vertical meeting rail of the slider reflects the configuration of the original window should be installed. The decision to place storm windows on the inside or outside of the window depends on whether the historic window opens in or out, and on the visual impact the addition of storm windows will have on the building. Exterior storm windows, however, can serve another purpose besides saving energy: they add a layer of protection against air pollutants and vandals, although they will partially obscure the prime window. For highly ornamental windows this protection can determine the choice of exterior rather then interior storm windows.

The third method of installing an added layer of glazing is to replace the original single glazing with thermal glass. Except in rare instances in which the original glass is of special interest (as with stained or figured glass), the glass can be replaced if the hinges can tolerate the weight of the additional glass. The rolled metal sections for steel windows are generally from 1" 1-1/2" thick. Sash of this thickness can normally tolerate thermal glass, which ranges from 3/8" 5/8". (Metal glazing beads, readily available, are used to reinforce the muntins, which hold the glass.) This treatment leaves the window fully operational while preserving the historic appearance. It is, however, the most expensive of the treatments discussed here.

Check out this site's cost comparison of different strategies for repairing/replacing steel windows:

http://www.seekirchersteelwindow.com/faq/

Elle_Cee said:
Check out this site's cost comparison of different strategies for repairing/replacing steel windows:
http://www.seekirchersteelwindow.com/faq/

 Thank you very much.