IS ALUMINIUM A SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF STEEL PRODUCTS? BUYERS GUIDE
The first steel windows were manufactured by Francis Henry Crittall, who took over the Braintree based CRITTALL® window business from his brother in 1884. The distinctive steel windows were hugely popular after the First World War when there was a demand for quality, durable windows.
One of the major problems with using steel as the framework for windows and doors can be the prohibitive cost. Compared to using aluminium as the framework, other potential hurdles to overcome when considering steel are thermal compliance to current Building Regulations and very long lead times.
Comparision at a Glance
*Steel is typically 3 to 4 times more expensive than aluminium Heritage windows and doors.
Benefits of Aluminium
- Cost – Aluminium windows and doors are a fraction of the cost of steel making them a viable alternative to costly Steel.
- Condensation free Double-Glazing options and high performance thermally broken aluminium profiles make them a desirable alternative.
- Powder coated aluminium offers a multitude of colour and finish choice, much more than Steel.
- Aluminium requires little to no maintenance and does not rust like steel.
- Modern highly secure locking systems including PAS 24 to all windows and doors that are more secure than Steel.
- Lead times for Aluminium are typically significantly shorter than for Steel.
- Aluminium options include steel look bi-fold doors and internal sliding doors which at time of writing are not currently offered in Steel.
Comparable Qualities of Aluminium
The best alternative to Steel Windows and Doors are made from strong lightweight, rust proof aluminium that mimic the style of steel in aluminium.
Steel look Aluminium Windows, Doors and Internal Room Dividers and Doors look very similar to their Steel counterparts but offer several benefits for being Aluminium.
- Aluminium can be made into virtually any shape or length with classic glazing crossbar options giving the Steel like effect to windows, French doors, bi-fold doors and internal room partition doors. Floor to ceiling and full width ‘glass walls’ are also design possibilities.
- Aluminium is a sustainable and infinitely recyclable material making it a good environmental choice.
- The look of aluminium windows and doors made in the traditional style has made them a viable and often adopted solution in both conservation area and listed building properties. Accepted by many local authority planning and conservation officers where a like for like steel replacement is required.
- Can accommodate an array of matching hardware options such as Art-Deco or other vintage handles.
- Suitable for period Victorian, heritage, Georgian, Art-Deco projects.
Best Alternative to Steel Windows
Choose Alitherm Heritage Aluminium Windows for both new and steel replacement projects.
The benefits of modern, secure, thermally efficient aluminium windows with the heritage and character of traditional steel at a fraction of the cost.
I’d wholeheartedly recommend Marlin Windows. We ordered Steel Replacement French Patio doors and Windows. They are absolutely beautiful. And they were an absolute pleasure to deal with. Thanks Marlin!
Myar Craig-Brown
Best Alternative to External Steel Doors
Dom B. ‘The final products we chose Heritage doors and windows look stunning’
Choose aluminium Heritage doors for new and traditional steel replacement projects.
The benefits of modern, secure, thermally efficient aluminium doors with the heritage and character of traditional steel at a fraction of the cost.
Best Alternative to Bi-Fold Steel Doors
Choose Heritage Bi-fold doors as a modern alternative to steel coors of classic heritage French doors.
Retro steel style design in Aluminium with modern strength and exceptional thermal permormance designed to work in harmony with the Aluminium Heritage door and windows range.
Best Alternative to Interior Steel Windows and Doors
Choose Aluspace Heritage Interior Glazing System for interior partition room dividers and doors.
Divide Interior areas of any size or shape with elegant steel-look framework.
Create new internal spaces for a wide range of applications with single, double, pivot and sliding door configurations.
Latest projects
HERITAGE DOORS
Heritage Glazing – Grade II Listed Kingsley House Stamford
STEEL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS
Grade II Listed Farmhouse
HERITAGE DOORS
Mousehole Cottage, Oldstead, North York Moors
Frequently Asked Questions
If you require any support, please don’t hesitate to review our FAQ’s below or drop us a message on our contact form here
How slim is the Heritage frame?
The Heritage outerframe has a sight line of 33mm.
Is the Heritage system suitable for listed buildings?
The Heritage slim systems have already been approved for listed building projects by many councils including:
London Boroughs of Islington, Camden and Tower Hamlets, Watford Borough Council, Essex County Council and Leeds City Council as well as Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.
What thermal rating does the Heritage system achieve?
Window Energy Rating ‘B’ – U Value 1.4 W/m2K (using sealed unit 0.9 W/m2K)
Come and explore…
Aluminium Bi-fold Doors, Sliding Doors, Contemporary Glazing, Aluminium Heritage Windows and Traditional Steel Replacement Doors
