Windows & Doors
aluminium windows
Steel replacement windows are the aluminium alternative for the replacement of old metal casements or Crittall® windows. At the same time, this window style is sought-after, desirable, on-trend and creates picture-perfect windows in most house styles.
Over the last thirty years, PVCu windows replaced many old steel windows. These addressed the draughts, poor weather performance and energy inefficiency of old metal windows. However, they’ve not retained the character and appeal of older houses where the metal windows are a feature. Today this trend has shifted to dedicated systems designed to offer 21st-century window technology while retaining traditional looks.
For homeowners replacing old steel windows with a similar alternative, aluminium systems provide an alternative solution. We provide a diverse range of products.
Windows, screens, residential doors, single and double doors with sidelights. These are the best-designed steel-look products. Bifolding doors from some systems also offer a very credible look. Sliding doors which are well-customised and give a great look.
Steel look vs steel-replacement. What’s the difference?
Doing research for this style of glazing often brings up different terminology. Examples, as well as steel-look or steel replacement, are:
Crittall® style or Crittall® look,
Art-Deco
Heritage Glazing
Industrial style
Steel replica glazing
There are two distinct differences in the intent for this type of window. First of all is those seeking new or replacement windows in this style. The second are those looking for replacements for their existing steel or old Crittall® window. As a result, you’ll find specialist companies offering windows specifically designed for replacing old steel windows and the latest generation of new windows, doors or screens in this style. The specialist providers for replacing existing steel windows do a lot of work in ensuring a credible and like-for-like alternative and are arguably in a different market segment.
Information about steel-look and steel-replacement windows
How these products come together and the types of profiles used are key to getting the best in appearance and a credible steel look.
Some providers simply put glazing bars over the glass for the multiple panel effect. This is the most basic type of steel look windows. More credible products from systems such as Reynaers, Smart Systems and Aluk are best known. Then there are others such as Decalu aluminium system, come specifically designed as a steel-look product.
Another consideration is are the glazing bar profiles. Not only must these products use the right size of the glazing bar. It’s crucial that sightlines run consistently across the entire product and especially when choosing doors with sidelights.
Deep bottom rails, putty line sightlines, the right window and door handles and the backplate feature on residential doors. These are the key features that a good supplier of steel-replacement windows should address in the products they supply.
