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.
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Back to Help and Advice1. 14TH CENTURY GRADE II LISTED KINGSLEY HOUSE WITH ALUMINIUM
The period style of Steel Windows and Doors created with metal grid like frames offering an industrial and heritage look have become increasingly popular and can now be manufactured in alternative cost-effective materials.
The best alternative to Steel Windows and Doors are made from strong lightweight, rustproof 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 of being Aluminium.
| The Aluminium Alternative to Steel Windows and Doors | |
|---|---|
| Benefits of Aluminium | Comparable Qualities of Aluminium |
| Cost – Aluminium windows and doors are a fraction of the cost of steel making them a viable alternative to costly Steel. | 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 windows and doors. Floor to ceiling and full width ‘glass walls’ are also design possibilities. |
| Condensation free Double-Glazing options and excellent thermal properties of aluminium windows make them a desirable alternative. | Aluminium is a sustainable and infinitely recyclable material making it a good environmental choice. |
| Powder coated aluminium offers a multitude of colour and finish choice, much more than Steel. | 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. |
| Aluminium requires little to no maintenance and does not rust like steel | Can accommodate an array of matching hardware options such as Art-Deco or other vintage handles. |
| Lead times for Aluminium are typically shorter than for Steel | Suitable for period Victorian, heritage, Georgian, Art-Deco projects. |
| Modern highly secure locking systems including PAS 24 to single and double doors that are more secure than Steel | Used externally as garden, courtyard or balcony French doors with or without side light window panels. Also, as internal partitions for all areas of the house e.g. living room and hallway divider partitions, dressing rooms, wet rooms, partitioned open plan areas, home office partitions. |
| Modern highly secure locking systems including PAS 24 to single and double doors that are more secure than Steel | |
| Aluminium options include steel look bi-fold doors and internal sliding doors which at time of writing are not currently offered by Steel | |
Comparison at a glance
| Steel | Aluminium | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for cheapest cost-effective option | ✘* | ✔ |
| Best for thermal properties | ✘ | ✔ |
| Best for lightest weight | ✘ | ✔ |
| Best for maximum glass and daylight | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best for frame colour choice | ✘ | ✔ |
| Best choice for low/no maintenance | ✘ | ✔ |
| Best choice for faster lead times | ✘ | ✔ |
| Best secure locking | ✘ | ✔ |
| Best environmental choice | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best choice for steel look | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best choice for listed/conservation area properties | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best choice of hardware options | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best choice for period, Victorian, heritage, Georgian or Art Deco Projects | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best choice for classic window design | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best choice for french doors | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best choice for bi-fold doors | ✘ | ✔ |
| Best choice for internal glass partions | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best choice for internal sliding partition room dividers | ✘ | ✔ |
| *new steel is typically 3 to 4 times more expensive than Alitherm Heritage aluminium | ||
2. Best Alternative to Steel Windows
Choose aluminium Alitherm Heritage Aluminium Windows for both new and Steel steel window 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.
3. Best Alternative to External Steel Doors
The final products, we chose Heritage doors and windows, look stunning..
Choose aluminium Alitherm Heritage Doors for new and traditional steel door 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.
4. Best Alternative to Bi-Fold Steel Doors
Choose Heritage Bi-fold doors as a modern alternative to steel doors or classic heritage French doors.
Retro steel style design in Aluminium with modern strength and exceptional thermal performance designed to work in perfect harmony with Alitherm Aluminium Heritage door and window range.
5. Best Alternative to Internal steel Windows and Doors
Choose New Aluspace Heritage Interior Glazing System for Internal Partition Room Dividers and glass walls.
Divide internal 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.
6. Unrivalled Customer Service
Get unrivalled expert customer service from technical advisors
Typical help provided includes:
- Choosing the right product
- Getting the right made to measure size
- Help with ordering
- Information and advice on what your local planning officer requires
Request your free Alitherm Heritage sample which we will be glad to send you to compare with steel or support any application – just pick up the phone and ask.
- Windows and doors can be replaced.
- Draughts and maintenance can be banished.
- Traditional appearance with 21st century performance attained.
*SPECIAL OFFER*: FREE ALITHERM HERITAGE SAMPLE
Get a free sample of Alitherm Heritage Use the sample to compare with steel or in your application for consent Your local planning officer can be convinced when they see exactly what you intend to use as replacementRelated articles
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