SWA: A focus on Steel Window Association member West Leigh

Located in Charlton, South London, SWA member West Leigh was established during the Blitz, in 1943. During the destruction in London, the company helped in repairing windows and facades that had been damaged by bombings throughout the city.

Over the years, West Leigh has evolved into a leading manufacturer of commercial steel windows, doors, and accessories, maintaining its status as a privately owned entity. The company’s skilled team works on a diverse array of projects across the country, from new builds with thermal performance to heritage refurbishments. Recent projects in London include 30 Grosvenor Square, The Whiteley and The Museum of London.

The company offers the following products and services:

 – W20, W30 (SMW), W40, Cold formed box profiles, bespoke profiles (non-thermally broken)
 – W50TB, W75TB, OS2-65, OS2-75, Janisol ARTE, Janisol Primo amongst others (thermally broken profiles)
 – Bronze windows and doors
 – Fire rated windows
 – Bespoke repair and refurbishment
 – Replacement

Windows

 – W20 range. Suitable for internal, some domestic and commercial as well as heritage windows. They have been in production for decades and have a proven record of durability.
 – W30. The slimmest steel windows currently on the market, they are double weather-stripped to provide outstanding weather tightness and thermal efficiency.
 – W40. These hot rolled, double glazed steel windows have slim sightlines but can accommodate sealed glass units up to 26mm, with a 16mm airspace for improved insulation.
 – W50TB thermally broken. These energy efficient steel windows are one of West Leigh’s specialities – with narrow sightlines and U-values meeting 1.4 W/m2K and lower. They have highly engineered, thermally broken steel sections designed to closely replicate the character of the traditional W20 steel window.

Fire rated windows

Available for the W20, W40 and thermally enhanced ranges, these steel framed, glazed windows are specifically designed to protect life and property in the event of fire. They are constructed to an extremely high standard which is independently tested and assessed by recognised competent authorities.

Bespoke repair and refurbishment

Many steel windows installed in commercial buildings before the 1940s are now problematic, primarily due to excessive paint build-up. This leads to distorted sections that allow drafts and noise in. However, these windows are frequently part of listed facades or include unique design features that are challenging and expensive to replicate, repair and/or refurbishment often appears as the most viable solution.

West Leigh provides service aimed at restoring the appearance of old windows and facades to a like-new condition. These services include shot-blasting frames to remove paint down to the base metal, removing corroded sections with welded new sections, and straightening distorted frames.

Replacement

If steel windows are affected by deep-seated rust, then replacement is often the only option. West Leigh’s replacement windows are sensitively installed to ensure the chosen product meets all the necessary design and performance criteria. In addition to offering strength, durability and high resistance to rust and corrosion, they are suitable for listed buildings, conservation areas, domestic and commercial properties.

Member of the Steel Window Association

West Leigh is a member of the Steel Window Association (SWA), the trade organisation which represents the great majority of UK steel window and door manufacturers, ranging in size from the smallest craft-based businesses through to large, multi-site companies.

The SWA supports its member companies with a wide-ranging service relating to product development, market research and promotion. This in turn helps West Leigh not only ensure that it is at the forefront of product development, but also helps the company maintain exceptional standards when it comes to manufacture and installation.

Industry bodies

West Leigh is a member of both the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) and Constructionline.

For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk