As a third generation steel window repair company and a long term member of the Steel Window Association, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) clearly knows its way around W20 and similar steel window systems, but in recent years the London based contractor has extended its expertise into other categories of fenestration – including renovating aluminium curtain walling – and now has a number of its carpenters and supervisors trained up in the patented Repair Care system; applicable to hardwood and softwood timber window frames.
This new skillset has enabled ASWS to undertake full façade restoration works on recent landmark projects such as the Oxford Circus Quadrant building which was fully restored to house Ikea’s flagship London store, and 21-29 Glasshouse Street where ASWS is delivering on behalf of BAM Construction. Both contracts have not only allowed ASWS team members to show off their carpentry skills but also deploy the various Repair Care resin fillers to great effect.
Significantly, the techniques involved were part of an agreed heritage works method statement for planning, allowing works to be undertaken off site and minimising the need to replace window frame sections which could be more than 40 years old. This objective demonstrates the highly sustainable carbon reduction benefits of repair over replacement.
Pictured are two original timber windows on the top floor of 214 Oxford Street, carefully restored using Repair Care to retain the building’s original fabric.
ASWS Site Manager Jonatan Benitez is amongst a growing number of operatives who have been trained up to Level 2 at Repair Care’s Tamworth premises. He commented: “I found the training courses to reach Levels 1 and 2 really interesting and instructive, with a good balance between the theory and the hands-on practical work. You are taught about different timbers, the Repair Care products and how they interact with each other, as well as the seven steps to making an effective repair.
“There’s a lot of difference between repairs, some might be small sections which you just need to fill with resin, or other bigger ones where you need to ‘splice in’ a piece of new timber. This is done by removing the damaged piece of old timber – often rotten – and applying resin to bond the new section of timber to the existing clean material. The resin also has to be shaped to the profile of the existing casement, sill or frame where you are doing the repair.”
Accurately balancing the proportions of the active components to the products is critical: making the manufacturer’s, patented Easy-Q High-Performance Dosing Gun a primary piece of the kit. In fact, its pressure release mechanism enables controlled release as well as cutting waste, helping with sustainability targets on major projects. Most repairs are completed using the Superfinish which is a very fine resin filler, superior to conventional wood fillers on the market.
George Barker, the Training Manager for Repair Care, explained: “The business has always been focused on ensuring people are properly trained and understand the correct application procedures for using products in the range, which is why we choose not to sell Repair Care through the DIY sheds. Instead, there are now four of us delivering training courses across the country, equipping 7-800 people a year to become accredited installers to Level 1 and Level 2.
“In addition to the skills training we also offer a one-hour CPD seminar explaining the technology and the applications. A lot of the recipients are architects though they also sometimes take the courses so they can fully understand the nature of the repairs.”
Referring to why Repair Care is gaining recognition on sensitive restoration projects like Oxford Circus and Glasshouse Street, George Barker continued: “The product is unique in the way it is fully flexible to accommodate the seasonal moisture related movement – the expansion and contraction of the timber. It will not split and break down like traditional two-pack polyester fillers.
“Repair Care provides a durable solution which is why we have been involved with various National Trust and English Heritage projects, such as Big Ben, for more than a decade and work on some of the most prestigious properties in the country, though the system’s use is always at the discretion of the local Conservation Officer.”
Referring to the sustainability benefits of repair over replacement for timber windows to enable many more years of service, Kris Bennell, the Operations Director for ASWS added: “The technical literature on Repair Care presents some very impressive information, including graphs, comparing the carbon footprint for both scenarios – considering both softwood and hardwood frames. While excluding factors like glazing replacement or upgrades and waste disposal, there are impressive figures on carbon reduction revealing the overall contribution that quality repair can make to conservation goals and even BREEAM ratings. This is why we have been investing in our team’s knowledge and skills, so we can continue to progress the restoration market and make retrofit the best client option.”
