Letter 13002

Treatment of hollow core steel window frames 

I am conducting an evaluation of a building's windows here in Toronto and I am trying to determine the type of steel and possible coating on the window frames. This is a highrise building which was built in the 1930's. The windows are original and have hollow core steel frames. The frames have been painted at several occasions, but the paint is severely peeling on the outside. There is corrosion but it is not extensive. The original finish of the steel frame appears very mottled, with lighter and darker patches (sorry no picture), but they don't appear to have an actual coating below the paint.

Is it possible that these frames were galvanized? I don't know when galvanization was introduced. Would it have more likely been some lead tin coating or other treatment that has disappeared over the years. I was wondering if anyone has some information on this.

Thank You,

Ann De Mey
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Sounds like galvanizing but I'm not looking at the frames. I recommend you do not accept educated but speculative advice. Take scrapings! Any reputable lab will analyze them for content. That's the only real way to get a definitive answer!

John Tuohy
- Ireland

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