Is Aluminium a Suitable Alternative to Replace Steel Windows? A 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.
Heritage Glazing Specialists · Modern Aluminium Performance
Steel vs Aluminium Windows & Doors
Traditional steel windows and doors are admired for their slim frames and distinctive architectural character. However, steel systems can present challenges with cost, lead times and thermal performance.
At Marlin Windows, we specialise in heritage aluminium windows and doors that recreate the timeless appearance of traditional steel glazing while delivering modern energy efficiency, durability and low maintenance.
Listed Property Owners Club Gold Supplier
Marlin Windows is a specialist Gold Supplier for the Listed Property Owners Club (LPOC), preferred to provide products and services for the alteration, maintenance and restoration of listed buildings.
Traditional Steel Window Alternatives
The period style of Steel Windows and Doors created with metal grid-like frames offering an industrial and heritage look has become increasingly popular and can now be manufactured in alternative cost-effective materials.
The best alternative to Steel Windows and doors is made from strong, lightweight, rustproof aluminium that mimics 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 of being Aluminium.
Aluminium vs Steel Windows at a Glance
| Aluminium | Steel | |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal properties |
Optimum thermal efficiency – 1.4 W/m2K with standard double glazing |
Needs expensive triple glazing to achieve comparable thermal performance |
| Pricing | Aluminium is a lower-cost alternative to steel | Steel is typically 3 to 4 times more expensive than aluminium windows and doors |
| Lightweight | Light but very strong and rigid | Three times heavier than aluminium |
| Colour Choice | Over 200 RAL colours and textured finish options, including dual colour | Fewer colour and finish choices |
| Low Maintenance | Aluminium is naturally rust and weather proof, with paint finishes guaranteed for 25 years | Steel can rust and paint finishes have a shorter lifespan |
| Secure Locking | Highest level of security to PAS24 standard | Usually an expensice upgrade |
| Trickle Vents | Discrete integrated design | Increases frame thickness |
| Environmental Impact | Cradle to cradle certified – aluminium is endlessly recyclable | No environmental certification |
| Steel Look | An extremely cost-effective and thermally efficient solution | Authentic but very expensive |
| Approved for listed and conservation properties | Yes | Yes |
| Available as Bi-Fold doors | Yes | No |
| Available as French doors | Yes | Yes |
| Unique / Intricate designs | Highly versatile modular system with integrated profiles | Steel is a much more rigid material offering limited applications and reduced flexibility |
Benefits of Aluminium vs Steel
- 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.
If you have any questions please CALL 01535 603909
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 – London
Best Alternative to External Steel Doors
‘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.
Dom B. – Hemel Hempstead
Best Alternative to Bi-Fold Steel Doors
Choose Heritage Bi-fold doors as a modern alternative to steel doors with the look of classic heritage French doors.
A retro steel-style design in Aluminium with modern strength and exceptional thermal performance, it is designed to work in harmony with the Aluminium Heritage door and window 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
HERITAGE WINDOWS AND DOORS
Batt House, Northumberland Alitherm Heritage Windows and Doors
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
