Windows & doors
Aluminium Windows
Aluminium windows are window frames made from extruded aluminium profiles with a thermal break, glazed with sealed double or triple glazed units. They suit owners who want slim frames, larger glass areas, a long-lasting painted finish or a modern or steel-look style in place of timber, uPVC or older aluminium windows.
- Guide from £925
- Free survey
- Written quote
- UK-wide
- Free survey for new glazingMeasured on site before anything is made
- Written quoteThe price is fixed for the specification shown
- Every glazing jobGlass, windows, doors and commercial
- UK-wide coverEngland, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Guarantee terms in writingSet out with every quote
How our aluminium windows service works
We survey, supply and fit thermally broken aluminium windows for houses, flats, new extensions and commercial buildings across the UK. A glazier measures each opening, checks the support above it and the condition of the surrounding wall, and helps you choose the profile, colour, glass and opening style. You receive a written quote that fixes the price for that specification. The frames are fabricated and powder coated to order, then our glaziers remove the old windows, fit and seal the new ones, and finish the reveals neatly. Replacement windows must meet building regulations across the UK, and the detail differs between nations, so we confirm how your installation will be approved before work begins.
What's included
- Survey, measuring and structural check of each opening
- Thermally broken aluminium frames powder coated to order
- Sealed double or triple glazed units to specification
- Removal and disposal of the existing windows
- Fitting, sealing and finishing the reveals neatly
- Written guarantee terms and advice on building regulations sign-off
When you might need aluminium windows
- Old aluminium frames run with condensation every cold morning
- Original steel windows are rusting, warped or hard to close
- You want slimmer frames and more glass than uPVC allows
- Faded or chalky frames no longer match your new doors
- Sashes no longer seal or lock properly despite adjustment
Guide prices
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Casement window, 900 × 1050 mm | £925 – £1,195 |
| Casement window, 1200 × 1200 mm | £1,095 – £1,395 |
| Large window, 1800 × 1500 mm | £1,495 – £1,995 |
| Slimline heritage style, 1200 × 1200 mm | £1,295 – £1,695 |
Options to choose between
Casement windows
Side-hung, top-hung or fixed sashes in slim aluminium frames, suiting most houses and extensions, with flush or stepped sash designs.
Flush casement
Sashes sit level with the outer frame for a clean, timber-like look, often chosen for period-style or contemporary homes.
Steel-look windows
Very slim frames with glazing bars that mimic traditional metal windows, adding thermal performance and double glazing to the classic look.
Tilt and turn
Inward-opening sashes that tilt for secure ventilation or swing open for cleaning and escape, useful for flats and high floors.
Dual-colour powder coat
A different colour inside and out, such as anthracite grey outside with white inside, from a wide range of RAL colours and textures.
Glass upgrades
Triple glazing, laminated acoustic glass, solar-control coatings or obscure glass, chosen per window to suit the room and elevation.
Good to know about aluminium windows
Modern aluminium window frames contain a thermal break: strips of low-conductivity material, usually polyamide, that separate the inner and outer aluminium. Without it, heat passes straight through the metal. Older aluminium windows made without thermal breaks are a common cause of cold frames and streaming condensation.
Aluminium is strong enough to hold large, heavy glass units in narrow frames, so sightlines are slimmer than uPVC of the same size. That means more glass and more daylight from the same opening, which suits modern extensions, wide picture windows and slim replacements for old steel windows.
Aluminium frames are usually finished with polyester powder coating, baked on at the factory in a choice of RAL colours and in matt, satin or textured finishes. Dual-colour frames are possible, such as anthracite grey outside and white inside, so the windows can suit both the street and the room.
In England, a replacement window in an existing home should achieve a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better, or a Window Energy Rating of band B, under Approved Document L. Thermally broken aluminium with low-E double glazing can meet this; ask for the certified whole-window figure, not just the glass value.
Steel-look aluminium windows reproduce the slim frames and glazing bars of traditional metal windows while adding a thermal break and double glazing. They are often chosen to replace failing original steel windows in 1930s houses, though conservation areas and listed buildings may need consent for the change.
Aluminium windows are fabricated to order: profiles are cut, coated, assembled and glazed to the survey sizes. Lead times can be longer than for standard white uPVC, particularly for special colours or steel-look designs, and the expected timescale is confirmed in writing when you accept the quote.
The price of aluminium windows depends on the size and number of frames, the profile system, opening sashes, colour and finish, glass specification and access. Dual colours, special finishes, glazing bars and triple glazing add cost. See the guide prices for typical ranges, and the written quote fixes your figure.
Powder-coated aluminium does not need painting, but it does need cleaning. Wash frames with warm water and a mild detergent a few times a year, rinse, and avoid abrasive pads or solvents. Clean more often near the sea or busy roads, where salt and grime sit on the surface for longer.
Large aluminium windows that reach low down, such as floor-to-ceiling glazing, need safety glass. In England, Approved Document K treats glazing within 800mm of the floor as a critical location, so those panes are usually toughened or laminated and permanently marked to show their safety classification.
Security on aluminium windows comes from multi-point locking, internally glazed beads, lockable handles and robust hinges. For easily accessible windows in new homes in England, Approved Document Q expects security to the PAS 24 standard, and specifying the same for ground-floor replacements is a sensible precaution.
Aluminium windows can be fitted with trickle vents in the frame head, which matters because in England, Approved Document F expects ventilation after window replacement to be no worse than before. The glazier records the existing vents at survey and sizes new ones to suit each room.
Upper-floor windows may need to work as escape routes. In England, Approved Document B guidance for an escape window is an unobstructed openable area of at least 0.33 m², at least 450mm high and 450mm wide, and no more than 1100mm from floor to the bottom of the opening.
Rules and regulations
Building regulations differ between the four UK nations. Here is what usually applies to aluminium windows; your written quote confirms the detail for your property.
England
Approved Document K requires safety glass in critical locations in England: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door, up to 1500 mm above floor level, and any glazing in walls or partitions up to 800 mm above floor level.
Approved Document L sets the minimum energy performance for replacement windows and doors in existing homes in England: a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K, or Window Energy Rating band B for windows; doors can instead meet a Door Set Energy Rating (band B, or band C for doors more than 60% glazed); rooflights need 2.2 W/m²K.
In England, replacing a whole window, roof window or glazed external door is building work. It has to be notified to building control, either by an installer registered with a competent person scheme such as FENSA or Certass, or through a building notice to the council. Replacing only the glass in an existing frame is a repair and is not notifiable.
Wales
In Wales, Approved Document N covers safety glazing: safety glass is needed in and around doors and in low-level glazing where people could walk into it.
Wales sets its own energy standards in the Welsh Approved Document L. Replacement windows, doors and rooflights must meet the limiting values set there, which your quote will reference.
In Wales, replacing a whole window or glazed external door is building work and is notified either by an installer registered with a competent person scheme or through the local authority's building control. Replacing only the glass in an existing frame is treated as a repair.
Scotland
Section 4 (Safety) of the Scottish Technical Handbooks covers glazing that people could collide with, such as glass in and beside doors and low-level glazing, where safety glass is needed.
Section 6 (Energy) of the Scottish Technical Handbooks sets the thermal performance that replacement windows, doors and rooflights should achieve.
In Scotland, replacing windows or doors in a house like for like does not usually need a building warrant, but the work must still meet the building standards in the Technical Handbooks. Flats and listed buildings can differ, so check with the local authority.
Northern Ireland
Technical Booklet V covers safety glazing in Northern Ireland, including glass in and around doors and low-level glazing where people could walk into it.
Technical Booklet F1 sets the energy performance that replacement windows, doors and rooflights need to meet in Northern Ireland.
In Northern Ireland, replacing windows and doors in an existing home does not usually need a building control application, but the work must still meet the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland), including the energy and safety glazing requirements. Other buildings, new openings and structural changes can need approval, so check with the council's building control if you are unsure. Replacing only the glass in an existing frame is a repair.
What happens next
Tell us about the job
Use the quote form, call, WhatsApp or live chat. Photos and rough sizes help.
Survey and measure
A glazier visits, checks the opening and measures. For simple glass swaps this is often done on the same visit as fitting.
Written quote
You get a written quote with the specification, price and guarantee terms. Nothing is ordered until you agree.
Made and fitted
Glass, frames or panels are made to size and fitted. We tidy up and take the old glass away.
Aluminium Windows questions
How much do aluminium windows cost?
The cost of aluminium windows depends on the number and size of windows, the profile system, how many sashes open, the colour and finish, the glass and the access. They generally cost more than equivalent uPVC because of the material and factory coating. See the guide prices for typical ranges; the written quote fixes the price for your exact specification.
Are aluminium windows better than uPVC?
Neither is better for every home; they suit different priorities. Aluminium gives slimmer frames, larger glass areas, a hard-wearing powder-coated finish and a wide colour choice. uPVC usually costs less and has chunkier frames. Both can meet the energy standard for replacement windows when specified correctly, so compare the certified ratings, the look you want and the guide prices.
Do aluminium windows get condensation on the frames?
Modern thermally broken aluminium windows are far less prone to frame condensation than older aluminium windows made without a thermal break. Condensation can still form on any window if a room is humid and poorly ventilated, so trickle vents, extractor fans and sensible heating still matter. Warm-edge spacer bars also help keep the edges of the glass warmer.
What colours can aluminium windows be?
Aluminium windows can be powder coated in almost any RAL colour, in matt, satin, gloss or textured finishes, and many systems offer a different colour on each side. Anthracite grey, black and white are common choices, but heritage greens, creams and bronze tones are available too. Special colours can extend the manufacturing lead time, which is confirmed with the quote.
How long does it take to install aluminium windows?
Most single windows are fitted within a day, and a typical house takes a few days on site depending on the number of windows and the access. The longer part is manufacturing, because frames are cut, coated and glazed to the survey sizes. The expected lead time is confirmed in writing when you accept the quote.
Do I need permission to replace windows with aluminium?
In England, replacing windows on a house with ones of similar appearance usually does not need planning permission, but changing the material or style can matter. Flats and maisonettes lack permitted development rights for windows, and listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 directions can require consent. Building regulations apply to replacement windows across the UK, with different detail in each nation.
Can aluminium windows replace original steel windows?
Yes, steel-look aluminium windows are designed for this. They copy the slim frames and glazing bars of old metal windows while adding double glazing and a thermal break. Original steel frames are often set into the masonry, so removal can disturb render or plaster, and the survey checks this. Listed buildings and conservation areas may need consent first.
How do I look after powder-coated aluminium windows?
Clean powder-coated aluminium windows with warm water and a mild, non-abrasive detergent a few times a year, then rinse and dry. Avoid scouring pads, solvents and pressure washers close to the seals. Keep drainage slots clear and put a little light oil on hinges and locking points. Near the coast, more frequent washing removes salt deposits.
What guarantee do aluminium windows come with?
Manufacturer guarantees apply to the frames, powder coating, hardware and sealed units, and the terms are confirmed in writing. Coating cover often depends on the site environment and on regular cleaning, so read the conditions. Guarantee terms for the installation are set out in writing with your quote, before you agree to go ahead.
Are aluminium windows secure?
Aluminium windows can be very secure, because the metal is strong and the frames carry multi-point locks, internal glazing beads and lockable handles. For easily accessible windows in new homes in England, Approved Document Q expects PAS 24 security. Asking for windows tested to that standard is a good benchmark when replacing ground-floor windows in an existing home.
Aluminium Windows near you
Choose your county or area for local details, towns we cover and the rules that apply where you live.
England
- Bedfordshire
- Berkshire
- Bristol
- Buckinghamshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Cheshire
- Cornwall
- County Durham
- Cumbria
- Derbyshire
- Devon
- Dorset
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- East Sussex
- Essex
- Gloucestershire
- Greater London
- Greater Manchester
- Hampshire
- Herefordshire
- Hertfordshire
- Isle of Wight
- Kent
- Lancashire
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Merseyside
- Norfolk
- North Yorkshire
- Northamptonshire
- Northumberland
- Nottinghamshire
- Oxfordshire
- Rutland
- Shropshire
- Somerset
- South Yorkshire
- Staffordshire
- Suffolk
- Surrey
- Tyne and Wear
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands
- West Sussex
- West Yorkshire
- Wiltshire
- Worcestershire
Scotland
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