Hardware Choices for Aluminium Windows and Doors
80% of companies, on net balance, are expecting an increase in sales volume of aluminium across Q4 2024, into 2025, according to a recent report from the Council for Aluminium in Building, demonstrating the continued popularity of the trend. Kerry Blackford, Senior Category Manager at ERA, discusses why aluminium doors and windows are becoming an increasingly favourable choice for homes up and down the country, and what hardware considerations should be made to maximise style and security benefits.
Aesthetics and Versatility
Aluminium windows and doors are a go-to for modern homeowners thanks to their sleek and stylish look. With famously slim frames, they add an air of elegance to any home. Not only does this smart aesthetic capture the attention of more discerning homeowners, the ability to customise such frames has a strong appeal too. Available in an array of finishes, whether that be an anthracite grey, a classic white, country creams, or a woodgrain effect, there is an option to suit everyone.
With a huge choice available when it comes to colours and effects, aluminium frames no longer need to be solely associated with contemporary look properties but can be incorporated effortlessly within more traditional homes too.
Space
While aluminium systems offer a sleek appearance due to their slim frames, another advantage here comes in the form of larger glazed units. Such sizeable areas of glass can create a spacious feel within the home, even in the smallest of rooms. With more natural light available owing to the slim frames, this can completely transform the look and feel of a space.
This benefit also makes aluminium a great choice for maximising the view of the garden for some homeowners, or dependant on where they live – a distant city or beachscape.
Sustainability
Thanks to modern advancements in manufacturing, aluminium frames are now a great choice for homeowners who want to optimise energy efficiency and consider sustainability when it comes to their home improvement choices. Modern aluminium profiles offer greater insulation, and when combined with double or triple glazing, offer excellent thermal efficiency. This is ideal at a time given that high energy prices are driving concern around energy efficiency.
Beyond this, aluminium is a highly sustainable material, given that it is 100% recyclable and can be reused, unlike some other materials currently available on the market.
Durability
Aluminium windows and doors are durable in more ways than one. Not only is aluminium an extremely strong material, it has the added benefit of being incredibly hardwearing, which is great for weather resistance. This makes it an ideal choice for any location in the UK.
Its corrosion-resistant properties mean that it won’t rust, warp or swell in response to weather changes over time, making it a reliable, low maintenance choice for the modern homeowner. These types of frames are easy to clean, and don’t require frequent attention in order to look their best. They also don’t need paint top-ups. Modern coatings are designed to last and look fresh for years on end.
All of these qualities mean that choosing aluminium can not only save homeowners maintenance time, but also money, removing the costs associated with upkeep.
Strength and security
With strength, there is security, andaluminium, when combined with the correct hardware choices, has this in abundance. Due to the durability of aluminium frames, they can be incredibly difficult to break or tamper with, which is a primary concern for many homeowners who are eager to keep their homes and possessions safe.
Hardware that optimises security
Whilealuminium is a strong choice, providing robustness and security in many areas, it is essential that homeowners are educated around what more they can do to bolster their home security, which includes pairing their doors and windows with hardware options that offer further protection. A good example of this is ERA’s Offset Twin Cam Lock. Engineered specifically for aluminium window systems, the lock features up to three sets of locking cams that securely fasten the window sash to the frame, providing enhanced protection against forced entry. The design, which meets PAS 24:2022 requirements, ensures security along the entire length of the window, providing peace of mind to end users, whilst offering fabricators a quick and easy means of assembly, with minimal components. Pair with an ERA friction stay, hinge bolts and Fab&Fix Connoisseur handle for a complete window package.
For aluminium doors, dependant on the profile, ERA have a wide range of multi-point hook locks, that can be used alongside a 1* cylinder with a Fab&Fix Berwick security handle; or a 3* cylinder with a standard Fab&Fix Balmoral or Windsor door handle. In addition, in the Giesse collection, ERA offer a range of bespoke hardware options for aluminium windows and doors, including technically advanced window and door handles, hinges and bolts.
Hardware that optimises style
Given that aluminium is so versatile and can be chosen in a range of finishes, it is important that the homeowner’s efforts aren’t wasted by choosing handles and other door furniture that doesn’t suit their intended aesthetic. As mentioned, door handles such as the Fab&Fix Berwick, Balmoral or Windsor are a good choice to accompany multi-point locks for aluminium doors. Available in a range of durable Hardex finishes, including Hardex Chrome, Hardex Bronze, Hardex Gold, Hardex Graphite, Hardex Pewter, Antique Black, Anthracite Grey, Premium Satin, White and Black. These finishes meet the requirements for BS EN 1670 Grade 5 (480 hours) for corrosion resistance to provide the most robust performance.
For windows, most espagnolette handles in ERA’s range can be fitted to suit an aluminium window frame. Homeowners can opt for a classic design in the ERA Maxim and Fab&Fix Connoisseur handles, while a contemporary look is offered by the Fab&Fix Architectural style, and a more traditional look is available in the Fab&Fix Monkey Tail and Tear Drop handles. Again, they are offered in a range of finishes that are also tested to BS EN 1670 Grade 5 (480 hours) for Corrosion Resistance.
Aluminium windows and doors are becoming an increasingly popular choice with homeowners. From their minimalist appearance and superior strength to their sustainability benefits and elite energy efficiency, they offer a vast array of advantages to the homeowner, which will only see aluminium’s share of the market continue to grow in coming years. However, while it is important to carefully consider how best to bring aluminium windows and doors into the home in the most aesthetically satisfying way, it is essential not to overlook the finishing touches, and certainly security, and that is where strong and stylish hardware comes in.
