FAQS

General FAQs

Steel is a sustainable material. It is one of the most recycled materials in the construction industry and new steel products require an element of recycled steel in the production process. The steel used in Clement’s hot rolled steel windows comes from Montanstahl in Switzerland and is made using the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) method, meaning there is a high proportion of recycled steel (typically around 98%). Steel is a low maintenance material and hot dip galvanised, hot rolled steel windows will usually last the lifetime of the building they are installed into, so it will be a long time before they need to be replaced.

The manufacturing process is different for hot rolled and cold formed steel windows. Hot rolled steel windows are made from steel rods which are rolled at a high temperature. Cold formed steel windows are cut from flat steel sheets which have been rolled at cooler temperatures. Hot rolled steel windows and doors are much slimmer than cold formed steel products. Hot rolled steel windows, such as Clement’s EB20® or Brooking® ranges, are also more elegant and durable; they require little maintenance and generally provide a closer match to original fenestration. Cold formed steel windows – for example, Clement’s Jansen products - offer greater thermal and acoustic performance and better resistance to fire.

Hot dip galvanising is the process of dipping the steel frames in a bath of molten zinc and lead to create a protective layer which resists corrosion and oxidisation. All Clement hot rolled steel windows are hot dip galvanised to EN ISO BS: 1461:2022.

It should be noted that all of the major UK steel window companies purchase their steel profiles from the same rolling mill, a Swiss company by the name of Montanstahl. As a consequence, at Clement we place great emphasis on what treatments we apply to the steel to ensure our window is superior to any competitor and thereby ensuring the client benefits from a window that provides a long working life and is best suited to combat the vagaries of the British weather.

To meet the performance standard for hot dip galvanising on steel EN ISO 1461 requires the steel surface to have at least 70 microns of hot dip galvanising and for paint on hot dip galvanised steel EN ISO 6497 a minimum of 60 microns of paint. So, with a thickness of 70 microns of galvanising and 60 microns of paint, a manufacturer would satisfy the two requirements with a total coverage of 130 microns. On a typical day the average coverage of galvanising and paint for a Clement frame is between 300 and 350 microns.

Polyester Powder Coating (PPC) is the factory process by which colour is added to a hot dip galvanised metal surface. All Clement hot rolled steel windows are available in a broad range of fabulous Akzo Nobel powder paint colours and will require minimal maintenance for many years. Offered with a 10-year warranty Clement’s windows provide an average paint coating in excess of 100 microns – the industry minimum is 60/70 microns.

PAS24 is a standard of testing which measures the security performance of windows and doors against an opportunistic burglar. Clement’s EB20®, EB24®, W20 and W40 ranges are all available with multi point locking to PAS24. In accordance with approved Document Q which sets security requirements for new dwellings in England, PAS24:2016 can be achieved on side hung vents, top hung vents, single and double doors when using our multi point locking systems.

Generally, aluminium may be cheaper than steel, but it comes with a few drawbacks. Steel is inherently stronger than aluminium which means steel windows can be slimmer than aluminium windows, providing a much more elegant finish. Clement’s steel windows offer welded joints which is something aluminium windows do not always offer, and which can leave them looking unfinished. Steel is the strongest framing material on the market for windows and doors, and Clement’s robust, hot dip galvanised steel frames have durability no other framing material can match!

Steel and PVCu (or uPVC) are virtually incomparable. PVCu windows are mass-produced plastic frames. Genuine steel framed windows and doors, which have been hot dip galvanised and polyester powder coated, are premium, bespoke products which offer longevity, strength and security. Steel is the only material that can be moulded into extremely slim frames which will support vast expanses of glazing. All Clement’s steel frames are made bespoke to individual orders, with some elements still being crafted by hand and their superior quality is something that is often commented on.

Steel is the strongest material on the market for windows and doors. At Clement, our robust hot dip galvanised, polyester powder coated steel frames have the life expectancy of the building they are fitted into. What is more, we weld the corners of our frames together, which further increases the strength and longevity of the frames. Indeed, the team at Clement often finds itself replacing single glazed steel windows that were installed 60 years ago and have only just come to the end of their life.

Steel Windows FAQs

Steel windows are frames which are made entirely of steel. Steel frames are typically very slim when compared to other window framing materials, so they let in more light. Traditionally steel was the fenestration material of choice, and many historically significant properties have steel-framed windows. Today genuine steel windows (with a much improved specification) are required to replicate originals, and alternative framing materials will not be accepted by planning and conservation officials. Clement’s steel windows are all made bespoke to individual requirements and have many advantages, including: incredible strength and security, longevity and low maintenance, versatility and elegant sightlines, high thermal performance and sustainability.

Steel windows have numerous benefits, such as: incredible strength and security, longevity and low maintenance, versatility and elegant sightlines, much improved thermal performance and energy efficiency. Genuine hot rolled steel windows will provide the best match when replacing original steel windows and Clement’s steel windows are made from 98% recycled steel source material.

Steel windows are a premium choice and are often specified by architects and other building professionals to replace the original windows at historically significant properties. This is because new and authentic steel frames can provide a close match to the appearance of original windows while also providing a much improved specification. Choose steel windows by Clement and enjoy technologically advanced, low maintenance steel doors and windows which can meet the latest performance requirements for insulation in replacement windows and doors, weatherproofing and security and which last for many years.

Steel windows today are very good. Modern replacements offer a range of benefits to both residential and commercial projects. Steel is incredibly strong and versatile, meaning a steel window can be engineered into almost any pattern, resulting in a bespoke end product that has the added benefit of greater security against burglary and unwanted intruders. Made from recycled material, steel windows are low maintenance and offer high levels of energy efficiency.

Clement is one of the leading manufacturers of steel windows in Europe. Specialists in replacement work, Clement manufactures new steel windows which look similar to original or existing heritage metal windows. The superior quality of Clement’s frames is something that is often commented on and our product is often specified by leading Architects and Contractors. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, there are now several manufacturers of steel or steel-like frames, but very few have the wealth of knowledge and experience of the top companies such as Clement.

Criticisms have been made about steel windows over the years, but these are outdated and based on old steel windows. The modern steel window is a high performance, engineered product that can come with thermal breaks and improved insulation systems. New steel frames by Clement which are hot dip galvanised and polyester powder coated are very low maintenance. Steel windows are a premium product and therefore can be more pricey than windows made of other materials. The manufacturing process is longer than for other materials as frames are made-to-measure and still involve an element of hand crafting. Steel is also a heavier frame than other materials, but it should be noted that this brings longevity and a much greater level of security to a property.

Metal windows with bars are generally slim-framed steel windows, typically with vertical or horizontal glazing bars. Clement offers a range of different glazing styles including the G+ system, a proprietary method of fabrication when a cottage pane look is required. Genuine ‘T’ bars cannot match existing sightlines, but they are more thermally efficient.

Steel windows today are energy efficient. At Clement, high performance, double glazed units, with argon or krypton gas and thermal breaks in systems such as Jansen and others result in much more thermally efficient steel windows than those of the past.

Steel is the best framing material because only steel can achieve such slim sightlines, giving a beautiful appearance and letting in lots of light. Steel is the strongest and most durable framing material on the market, making windows made of steel extremely secure. Steel is also versatile, meaning it can be engineered into all manner of elegant window shapes. Clement’s new steel frames are also thermally efficient, as well as low maintenance and sustainable.

Steel is definitely the best material for replacement windows. If you have steel windows, then in many heritage situations steel is the obvious choice. Planning and Conservation Officers often insist that original steel windows are replaced with new, genuine steel replacement windows which look like the originals but meet modern performance requirements. Clement’s replacement steel windows are technologically advanced, low maintenance units which will meet the latest standards for weatherproofing and security to PAS24 and are thermally efficient to a Band B energy rating.

Changing the steel windows in a Listed Building will require Listed Building Consent. Planning permission may also be required to replace the steel windows in an unlisted building if it is located in a Conservation Area or Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Local Authorities prefer like for like replacements and it is advisable to seek guidance from experienced professionals. The team at Clement has a wealth of experience in advising listed property homeowners when it comes to window replacement. All Clement windows are made bespoke to individual orders and as steel is such a versatile material, it is possible to closely match the look of specific windows.

Planners generally prefer replacement windows for properties located in a Conservation Area to match the look of the existing windows as closely as possible. Clement has a number of steel window ranges which are suitable for Conservation Areas, because they are specifically designed to replicate the shape, frame and glazing of the original windows, while offering a much improved specification when it comes to things like energy efficiency.

Clement Windows Group is one of the UK’s leading companies when it comes to conservation steel windows. Made bespoke to individual orders, Clement’s steel frames are designed to replicate the look of original heritage windows while offering improved thermal performance and security.

Clement Windows Group specialises in heritage steel windows, replicating the look of existing metal windows with aesthetically pleasing slim profiles and improved thermal performance and security.

Clement offers a number of different steel window ranges which are appropriate for commercial specifications. The Clement W20 and EB20® ranges are the most popular and versatile steel window products for both commercial and residential work. Benefitting from exceptionally slim frames, improved thermal performance and security, EB20® windows are also very easy to maintain. Suitable for replacement work as well as new build projects, the EB20® range can replicate the look of original steel windows. Clement also manufactures strong, durable W20 and W40 profiles which are suitable for commercial situations and larger projects such as industrial schemes and public buildings, and cold formed thermally broken Jansen window systems.

The Clement EB20® range of steel windows is ideal for residential specifications, benefiting from exceptionally slim frames and improved thermal performance and security. Suitable for replacement work as well as new build projects, EB20 windows can replicate the look of original steel windows and are very easy to maintain. Clement offers a number of ranges which are appropriate for residential properties. These include the Clement Brooking® range which was developed for high value refurbishment projects or specialist architectural situations where a particular ‘putty fronted’ system is required, and the Clement SMW range which is used primarily for sensitive replacement work in historic buildings where double glazing is not an option.

Steel windows are a popular choice in residential properties due to their slim frames and beautiful appearance. Steel windows are strong and secure, long-lasting and low maintenance and much more thermally efficient than old steel windows, so they are a valuable addition to a residential property. Steel windows are a feature of several architectural styles and the team at Clement has experience replacing original steel windows at homes which are Georgian, Victorian, Arts & Crafts, Art Deco and Modernist in style.

Planning permission for steel windows, and indeed any window, is required if a property is listed or in an area designated for protection, such as a Conservation Area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. New and replacement steel windows are often required to replicate the look of the original windows at such a property. The team at Clement has worked with homeowners, architects and contractors on a variety of different heritage projects, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to help homeowners as they go through the process. If you are unsure whether you need planning permission, we recommend contacting your Local Planning Authority’s conservation team.

It is very easy to maintain modern steel windows. Clement’s steel windows are durable, high performance products and with minimal maintenance, they will stay looking good for many years to come. Regularly keep the glass, frames and fittings clean, lubricate the moving parts of the window (handles, peg stays, etc.), keep vents and drainage holes clear and check sealants for any damage. If rooms are well heated and ventilated, condensation will not be a problem, but if any windows are affected, they must be regularly wiped down to avoid any future problems.

Clement’s hot rolled steel windows and doors will last a very long time and look stunning for many years to come. It is likely that the steel frame will last the lifetime of the building that they are installed into.

Steel windows can be double glazed or triple glazed. Double glazed windows are windows which are fitted with two panes of glass which are separated by a layer of trapped gas. The gases used, such as krypton or argon gas, are poor conductors of heat, which means warm air is kept inside. Clement offers a number of double glazed steel window ranges which will increase the thermal and energy efficiency of a space. The second pane of glass also acts as a barrier against noise and increases the strength of the window, making it even more secure.

Hot rolled steel windows are made from steel rods. These are rolled at high temperatures, then welded together, and the frames are hot dip galvanised and polyester powder coated before being glazed. Clement’s own factories, which are certified to ISO 9001 for Quality and ISO 14001 for Environment, employ highly skilled engineers who are proud of their work and it shows in the finished product.

A metal casement window is a window frame made of metal – usually steel - which is hinged so that it can open. Clement specialises in replacement steel windows which are slim framed like the originals but offer improved thermal efficiency.

There are many benefits to metal framed windows. Clement’s steel windows will bring a number of advantages, including: incredible strength and security, longevity and low maintenance, versatility and elegant sightlines, high thermal performance and sustainability.

White, black, grey and cream are considered classic colours for steel windows, but they can be painted any colour. Clement’s steel windows are hot dip galvanised and then a durable Akzo Nobel polyester powder paint is baked on at a high temperature to give a superb finish. An extensive range of colours is available, including bronze, as well as a dual colour option, where the external frame is painted a different colour to the internal frame. Akzo Nobel is thought by many to be the world’s No 1 paint company.

New, double glazed steel windows provide a high level of insulation. At Clement, high quality, thermally efficient glass units are teamed with innovative steel frame design and weatherproofing, resulting in high performing windows that will reduce your energy bills. Specialist glazing such as the FINEO range of vacuum glass brings the elegance of single glazing with the insulating benefits of triple glazing. Security and acoustic glass bring extra safety and noise insulation.

Steel windows are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Steel is a very strong, durable framing material, and hot rolled steel windows are hot dip galvanised and polyester powder coated for additional robustness. All Clement’s steel windows are independently tested for air permeability, water tightness and wind resistance.

Hot dip galvanised steel window frames by Clement are offered with a 10-year warranty. Regular maintenance will mean that they will likely last the life of the building they are installed into. For glass and fittings, Clement offers a warranty based on the period of time that the glass and fittings manufacturers provide to us and can vary depending on the type of glass unit.

Steel windows are generally more expensive, but they are a premium, expertly engineered product, and it is very likely that they will outlast windows made of other framing materials such as PVCu and aluminium. Hot dip galvanised steel windows are low maintenance, strong, secure and long-lasting and it is unlikely they will have to be replaced for many years. All Clement’s steel windows are made bespoke to individual orders and cannot be compared to mass produced alternatives.

Steel Doors & Screens FAQs

Steel doors are steel-framed doors which are remarkably strong, secure, low maintenance and long-lasting. When replacing the steel doors at heritage properties, planning and conservation officers usually require new steel doors to be similar to the originals. Clement specialises in the manufacture of slim-framed replacement steel doors which provide a close match to the appearance of the original doors, but come with a high specification for thermal, fire and acoustic requirements too.

Internal steel screens are interior partitions which are made from strong, slim steel profiles, glazed with safety glass. These glass and steel screens can be used to divide a space in both residential and commercial settings, while also making a strong design statement. Clement manufactures several types of internal steel screen, including hinged and fixed panels, sliding steel partitions and fire rated doors and screens.

Replica steel doors are modern doors with glazed panels which are made from slim, strong steel profiles. They look like traditional steel doors, but provide much improved thermal insulation, weatherproofing, and security. Clement specialises in the manufacture of replica steel doors for Listed Buildings and properties in Conservation Areas or other heritage situations, but these doors can also make a strong design statement in a new build setting. The Clement W20 double doors can achieve a thermally efficient “B” Window Energy Rating.

Yes, steel doors can be fire-rated. At Clement, a slim-framed, hot rolled steel fire screen and single door made from W20 sections has been successfully tested to withstand fire for up to 30 and 60 minutes. Clement also manufactures W40 double doors and slim Jansen cold formed steel doors which are very impressive when it comes to the prevention of fire. These are most suited to commercial settings.

Yes, steel screens can be fire-rated. At Clement, a slim-framed, hot rolled steel fire screen and single door has been successfully tested to withstand fire in a residential property. Clement also manufactures slim Jansen cold formed steel profiles which are very resilient when it comes to fire protection. These are most suited to commercial settings.

Hot dip galvanised steel door frames by Clement are offered with a ten year warranty. Regular maintenance will mean that they will likely last the life of the building they are installed into. On glass and fittings, Clement is only able to pass on the period of warranty given to us by our suppliers.

New steel doors comprise high quality thermally efficient insulated glass units which will help to keep a space warm in winter and cool in summer. At Clement, these glazed units are teamed with innovative steel frame design and weatherproofing, resulting in high performing windows that will reduce your energy bills. Specialist glazing such as FINEO brings the elegance of single glazing with the insulating benefits of triple glazing. Security and acoustic glass bring extra safety and noise insulation.

New steel doors will meet UK building codes and safety standards. Clement’s steel doors are manufactured from hot rolled steel profiles, which are produced from 98% recycled steel source material, generally in compliance with BS 6510 Revision 10 Nov 2020. They are hot dip galvanised to EN ISO BS:1461, with a polyester powder coat finish to BS:6497 2005 EN 13438 2018. Manufactured in Clement’s factory which is certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), they are draught proof and weather resistant to BS 6375, can be fire rated to BS EN 13501 or BS EN 1364 and are available with multi point locking to PAS 24. To check the specific requirements of your project, we recommend contacting your Local Planning Authority first as this will save time as well as money.

There are a wide range of accessories for steel doors to choose from at Clement Windows Group, including multi point, single point and non-locking door handles and alternative openers, such as face bolts and cremone bolts, trickle vents and restrictors. A standard range and a premium range of hardware are offered with a variety of colours, finishes and backplates. The door handles can be supplied as either right hand opening or left hand opening.

Steel doors are weatherproof. Steel is a very strong, durable framing material, and hot rolled steel doors are hot dip galvanised and polyester powder coated for additional robustness. All Clement’s steel doors are rigorously tested for air permeability, water tightness and wind resistance making them well suited to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Yes, Clement offers steel doors with adjustable hinges.

New and bespoke steel doors should only be installed by qualified professionals. Steel doors are by their nature exceptionally heavy, and a high level of precision is required to ensure they are fitted correctly. Clement has its own team of experienced and friendly installers who will ensure the best job possible.

All of the steel doors made by Clement are hot dip galvanised and this layer of zinc over the steel protects the steel frame from corrosion. In addition to this, a polyester powder paint coating is applied for extra protection. Regular maintenance of new steel frames is a must and recommended to keep the door looking its best for years to come.

Steel doors require only minimal maintenance to keep them in good condition. Clement’s steel doors are durable, high performance products and with regular checks, they will stay looking good for many years to come. One should keep the glass, frames and fittings clean, lubricate the moving parts of the window (handles, peg stays, etc.), keep vents and drainage holes clear and check sealants for any damage. If rooms are well heated or ventilated, condensation should not be a problem, but if any windows are affected, they must be regularly wiped down to avoid any future problems. Condensation can often be reduced by using a dehumidifier.

Steel doors which have been hot dip galvanised and polyester powder coat painted are already highly resistant to impairment from air and water and have been independently tested to meet the required standards. At Clement Windows Group, the steel frames are welded together meaning there are no gaps for drafts or moisture to get in. Seals and weatherstripping further prevent any risk of damage.

New steel doors are by their very nature strong and secure. Steel is the strongest framing material on the market, and steel doors made of steel are built to last the lifetime of the building they are installed into, while also working as a deterrent to intruders. Clement’s steel doors are available with multi point locking and safety toughened glass for further security and resistance to fire. The Clement W20 and W40 ranges have been independently tested to meet security standard PAS24.

All Clement steel doors and screens are hot dip galvanised to EN ISO BS:1461:2022 and available in a choice of highly durable Akzo Nobel powder paint colours. The paint is baked on at a high temperature to give a superb finish. Clement Windows provide an average paint coating in excess of 100 microns on flat surfaces – the industry standard calls for 60/70 microns – tested to EN13438.

Conservation Rooflights FAQs

A conservation rooflight is a type of window which is installed into the roof of Listed Buildings, properties in Conservation Areas or other heritage situations. Treasured for their traditional appearance and superior performance, Clement Conservation Rooflights® are modern reproductions of an original Victorian design and are often specified by Architects and Conservation Officers. Clement’s rooflights are competitively priced, and the standard range is available from stock within a matter of days.

Yes, a rooflight is a roof window, also known as a skylight. While some people define each separately, the terms are usually used interchangeably. Rooflights are often installed into loft spaces or extensions to introduce more light into the space. Clement’s conservation rooflights are rated “A+” for energy performance by the BFRC and will help to save money on energy bills.

There is no one standard size for a conservation rooflight. Clement Conservation Rooflights® are available from stock in seven standard sizes, but if one of the standard sizes does not fit, a bespoke service is also offered. All Clement’s conservation rooflights come in two profiles for different roofing types - slate and tile - in order to ensure a flush fit with the roofline.

Choosing the right size conservation skylight will really enhance a space, letting in lots of light and improving energy efficiency. One should always aim to install a rooflight that is appropriate to the size of the room. Clement Conservation Rooflights are particularly slim framed and for the standard range, several dimensions are quoted: the overall external size, which is the size of the rooflight as it sits on top of the roof and as viewed from the outside; the clear glass (internal) size, which is the size of the glass viewed looking from the inside out when the rooflight is fully fitted; and, the between the rafters size, which is the size between the rafters that the rooflight is fitted into. The recommended roof pitch for all Clement rooflights is 20°- 70.

The largest conservation roof window in Clement’s standard range is the Clement 5. The overall external size of this top hung rooflight is 1124 mm (w) x 1501 mm (h) and the weight of this varies depending on whether it is a tile profile rooflight or a slate profile rooflight. The Clement 6 rooflight offers a longer option measuring 818 mm (w) x 1804 mm (h). Clement also manufactures made to measure conservation rooflights which are crafted to the specific size requirements of the project. Ultimately, there is a limit to how big a rooflight can be, but it depends on the precise parameters of the specific project.

The recommended roof pitch for all Clement Conservation Rooflights® is 20°- 70°.

While work to the roof of a house that does not materially affect its external appearance will usually not require planning permission, there are additional considerations if the property is listed or located in a Conservation Area. It is always worth consulting with the relevant Conservation Officer who will be able to provide advice. Clement Conservation Rooflights® are designed with traditional properties in mind, and they are often specified by Conservation Officers for Listed Buildings and heritage properties, including those located in Conservation Areas. Their traditional good looks, flush fit and exceptional energy performance mean they are a great addition to a building.

A conservation style rooflight is a type of window which is installed into the roof of Listed Buildings, properties in Conservation Areas or other heritage situations. Treasured for their traditional appearance and superior performance, Clement Conservation Rooflights® are modern reproductions of an original Victorian design and are often specified by Architects and Conservation Officers. Clement’s rooflights are competitively priced, and the standard range is available from stock within a matter of days.

Approval under Building Regulations will usually be needed to install a conservation rooflight in a roof because the roof structure will generally need to be altered to create the opening, the roof will need to be able to carry the weight of the rooflight and consideration will need to be given to insulation and fire performance. Planning permission will also be required if the property is listed or located in a Conservation Area. Clement Conservation Rooflights® are often specified for heritage situations. They have been awarded an “A+” Window Energy Rating by the BFRC and are fitted with a revolutionary T-bar system which makes them less prone to leaks and drafts. Clement can also offer side hung/escape rooflights for projects where these are required. For further information about Building Regulations approval, we recommend contacting your Local Planning Authority.