Commercial Project Spotlight: Window Replacement at Nottingham Squash Club
We were recently commissioned for a major commercial maintenance project: replacing 15 large, aging windows at the Nottingham Squash Club. Having been in place for over 25 years, the original units were well past their prime. Most of the windows had “popped,” creating condensation and significantly impacting the building’s aesthetic and thermal efficiency.
Why Windows “Pop”
Double-glazed windows rely on an airtight seal and a desiccant (a drying agent) to keep the cavity between the glass panes bone-dry. Over time, constant exposure to the elements and natural building movement cause these seals to deteriorate. Once the seal is broken, humid air leaks in, causing persistent condensation and cloudiness inside the unit.
The Installation Challenge
This wasn’t a standard window swap. Because the windows were internally beaded and located on the first floor with no existing fall protection, we had to be incredibly precise with our safety measures. We erected a full scaffold to allow us to remove the windows safely by pushing them inwards from the exterior.
Safety was our top priority throughout. We installed high-specification 6-10-6 toughened laminated glass, which ensures durability and safety for a busy public venue. With each panel weighing 50kg, this was a heavy-duty installation that required careful handling.
Going Above and Beyond
During the removal process, we identified that the window cills were badly rotted. Rather than simply installing new units onto compromised wood, we cleaned out the rot and applied a durable plastic capping. This proactive step will extend the life of the new windows by at least another decade.
Managing the Unexpected
As with many construction projects, we faced a small hiccup: our supplier, Byron Glass short-delivered two units, which we didn’t discover until partway through the job. However, as builders, part of the job is managing the unexpected. Byron Glass turned the new units round within 48 hours including the toughening and laminating process. We adjusted our schedule to keep the project moving and will complete the replacement to our usual high standards.
Project Breakdown
- Duration: 4 days (from start to finish).
- Scaffold Costs: £500
- Glass Costs: £200 per pane