AluminiumWindows.

Aluminium is stronger, so the frames can be far slimmer for the same size of window — you get noticeably more glass and more light, which is why it suits contemporary extensions and anywhere with a big opening. It also takes any RAL colour with a powder-coated finish that does not discolour. uPVC costs less and, in a flush-sash system like the Residence Collection, looks more at home on a period property. On a modern rear elevation we would usually point you at aluminium; on a Victorian frontage, uPVC flush sash.

Aluminium conducts heat, so a solid aluminium frame would carry cold straight through to the inside — the reason old aluminium windows streamed with condensation. A thermally broken frame separates the outer and inner sections with an insulating resin barrier, so that path is cut. Every aluminium system we fit is thermally broken, which is what makes modern aluminium comparable to uPVC on energy performance while keeping the slim sightlines.

Effectively yes — the powder-coating process covers the full RAL range, and you can have a different colour inside from out, which is common on period properties where a heritage colour suits the street and a plain white or grey suits the room. Anthracite grey (RAL 7016) is the most requested by a distance, followed by black for Crittall-style work. The finish is baked on rather than painted, so it does not need repainting the way timber does.

They can, and heritage ranges exist specifically for it — slim steel-look profiles with astragal bars that read like the original Crittall windows on a 1930s house far better than uPVC would. Where they do not suit is a property whose windows were always timber sash or flush casement; there a timber-alternative uPVC system is the more honest match. In a conservation area, check with the planning officer before ordering — we can tell you at survey which way it is likely to go.

The frame is the durable part — powder-coated aluminium does not rot, warp or need repainting, and the systems we fit carry frame guarantees of up to 20 years with a realistic service life well beyond that. The sealed glazed units are the shorter-lived component, typically 20 to 25 years before the seal eventually fails. Every installation we do carries a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee covering both the product and our workmanship.

Aluminium is the right choice if you want slim sightlines, a contemporary look, large unobstructed glass spans, or are matching a Crittal-style heritage replacement. uPVC is the right choice for budget-led specs, flush-sash period detail (Residence Collection), or standard casement replacement. We have both on display in the showroom and will recommend based on your property — no upsell pressure.

Aluminium sits above uPVC for an equivalent spec — the premium buys slimmer sightlines, thermal-break engineering, a powder-coat finish and longer guarantees. Get in touch with your project details and we’ll give you an accurate estimate.

Yes — modern thermally-broken aluminium meets and exceeds Building Regulations. The Alitherm Heritage delivers U-Value 1.5 W/m²K, the Origin range hits similar performance. The 'aluminium = cold' reputation is from windows made before the polyamide thermal break was standard. Every system we fit has it built in.

No. Aluminium doesn't rust the way steel does — that's actually one of the main reasons it replaced steel for heritage projects (the Smart case studies you'll see referenced cover refurbishments where the original steel had corroded badly). The powder coat is marine-grade quality, designed to hold for decades without re-finishing.

Yes — that's exactly what the Soho range from Origin is for. The steel-style slim bars and dark frames in any configuration you want, but engineered as a modern aluminium product with current thermal and security standards. Most installs are Jet Black powder-coated, but you can have it any colour. Examples in the showroom.