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Based in Cheddar, Majestic Designs (UK) Ltd is one of Somerset's highly recommended double glazing specialists.

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COVID-19 Update – In line with the latest government guidelines updated on the 4th January 2021 we are currently operational and open for business; we will be operating on a strict COVID-19 SECURE basis to protect both our staff and customers. Please read our COVID-19 Sales Safe Guide for more information.

Buyer’s Guide to Aluminium Windows

When you’ve made the decision to install energy-efficient and modern double glazing for your home, aluminium windows and doors will give you the stunning, premium finish you’re looking for. But as a major feature for your property, both in style and aesthetic, getting that look right first time is incredibly important.

Having a useful resource and buyer’s guide to refer to will help make sure you get the right information before you buy, making the process easier so you get the best aluminium windows and doors for your home.

ALUMINIUM WINDOWS ALUMINIUM DOORS

An introduction to aluminium windows and doors

Over recent years, aluminium frames have fast become a preferred double glazing choice for many homeowners up and down the country. Aluminium frames have been used in commercial properties and office windows for many years, before appearing in homes in the early 80s as an alternative to uPVC.

As time has gone on, they’ve become an increasingly popular choice for homes. No longer are they the heavy, thick frames they once were. Nowadays, their lightweight, slimline appearance gives any home’s windows or doors an exceptionally stylish – and hard-wearing – exterior finish.

With window and door style and choice of materials playing a large role in the look and finish of more modern or contemporary homes, aluminium should be seriously considered. Offering home renovation projects or eco-friendly new-build homes the consummate finish any home would be proud of, the sleek and contemporary style of an aluminium finish is a game-changer.

With excellent durability and stability, aluminium is a perfect frame material for windows or doors of any size – even full height, floor to ceiling windows – as well as aluminium patio doors and full-width bi-fold doors that can really open up your home. Using a slimmer frame, both windows and doors can benefit from larger glass panels, allowing your home to be flooded with even more natural light.

Of course, getting the perfect finish you want means doing some homework beforehand to ensure you really do get what you pay for. Not only in terms of looks and functionality, but also in quality, finish, and security.

A final, key action to remember is to choose an installer who is trusted, respected, and qualified to do the job properly with exceptional results.

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Aluminium windows and doors – what are the benefits?

We’ll go into some of these in a bit more detail later, but aluminium windows and doors will transform your home or renovation project in more ways than one. Beyond their fabulous style and good looks, here are a few more ways they’ll benefit your home:

Long-life expectancy

Giving you the chance to enjoy your double glazing for even more years than uPVC offers, the typical lifespan of any aluminium frames can be as much as 30 years. This impressive performance comes down to them being particularly tough, durable, and resilient to weather conditions. Although aluminium windows may be at the upper end of your budget, the investment is well worth it.

Slimline features

Double glazing with aluminium profiles allows for a much slimmer frame than is used for uPVC windows. And a slimmer frame means a larger expanse of glass to allow more natural light to flood into your home. It also allows for improved energy-efficiency, noise reduction, and, of course, more expansive, uninterrupted views.

Energy-efficiency

When aluminium frames are used to support larger panes of double glazing, patios doors, or bi-fold doors they actually improve the insulation of your home. Even though glass is an effective insulator already, all aluminium frames have a pre-fitted ‘thermal break’ that uses polyamide. This increases insulation still further, as well as eliminating potential heat loss, to keep the heat in and your energy bills down.

Environmentally-friendly

As one of the most abundant and easily-available metals, aluminium is a relatively low-cost, but highly sustainable and environmentally-friendly material. Though lightweight, it’s ideal for windows and doors thanks to its strength and durability. It can also be easily recycled for other uses without losing any of its properties.

High security

Together with strengthened glass, high-quality locks, and internal beading, aluminium gives you one of the highest levels of security for your home. As well as its durability, its compound strength means it won’t crack or be cut easily and is well placed to hold out against external forced entry. All of which means you can feel extra safe and secure in your home.

Customisation

Being strong, yet versatile, aluminium offers you a wide choice of custom window and door designs, styles, and colours to suit. As a material, aluminium can be easily defined to create a custom shaped frame to fit an unusual or bespoke opening, or gable-shaped canopies. And thanks to its robust durability and strength, it can easily support larger glass panels for fixed windows or bi-fold doors. Though just a handful of the main benefits of using aluminium frames in your home, they illustrate just how beneficial – and essential – they can be. Giving you the good looks together with the thermal, environmental, and security advantages, they also ensure you get the best and highest quality aluminium windows and doors that will last for decades. Does your window and door supplier offer all these benefits with their aluminium products?

Aluminium window and door styles

One of the key decisions in choosing aluminium frames for your home is deciding on the right style. It’s something that needs a lot of thought beforehand as, not only does a frame or door need to meet your own personal tastes, it needs to suit your home’s architectural style as well.

If you’re building a modern and contemporary home from scratch, you may opt for larger windows and designer doors in a minimalist style. However, if you’re renovating your property – particularly if it’s a period, heritage or listed building or it’s in a conservation area – there may be restrictions and your choices may be more limited. Planning permission may also be needed if you’re making any window or door openings larger or smaller.

But you should also give some thought to how some or all of your windows will open. Will they be classic casement style windows, more traditional sash opening style, or fixed windows? Should you consider larger, patio doors or even full-width bi-fold doors? Here are some of the more popular options available to you:

Aluminium casement windows

The most well-received choice for many homeowners, aluminium casement windows have a classic flush, sleek, and modern design suitable for all property styles, from period properties to ultra-modern new builds. Opening outwards, each aluminium window has hinges along the top or along the side for maximum aperture, while having optimum strength and security with a slimline finish when closed.

Aluminium tilt and turn windows

As a variation on the popular casement style windows, tilt and turn gives two ways to open instead of just one. Just like a regular casement window, side hinges allow it to open for full ventilation, though inwards rather than outwards. The second opening method allows for an inward ‘tilt’ for low key ventilation. Both ways of opening are easily done by moving the handle 90° for full opening or 180° for tilted opening.

Aluminium fixed windows

Fixed aluminium windows are an ideal way to bring more light into both large communal or working areas or smaller darker areas of your home that don’t need a physical opening. Fixed aluminium windows can be custom-made to any size and a range of shapes, helping to create a statement piece for your home or to bring in light and add interest to a specific area.

Aluminium patio doors

Helping you make the most of your outside space, aluminium patio doors give you convenience and style. With classic function and form, sliding patio doors consist of two, large double glazed doors on a heavy-duty sliding mechanism. By sliding open one door in front of the other, it gives you the perfect, spacious opening that complements both older and newer properties.

Aluminium bi-fold doors

Whatever age or style of home you have, full-width, aluminium bi-fold doors can give you a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors for full, unobstructed views to gardens and landscapes beyond. With high-performance slimline profiles and precision opening mechanism, bespoke bi-fold doors create space and light, custom-made for your home.

Aluminium residential doors

Whether it’s a front, back or side door you need, aluminium residential doors can give your home a modern look and feel. Fully customisable for style and colour, sturdy aluminium residential doors feature a multi-point locking system with internal beading for ultimate security, as well as the advantage of energy and thermally-efficient glazing options. The style, design, and colour of your aluminium products largely come down to your own individual taste, but the choice will have an impact on your property’s architectural style and its finish. It’s worth spending some time to understand which windows or doors will go where and how you want to use them so you make the right decision. Can your chosen supplier meet your expectations and bespoke requirements?

Aluminium thermal efficiency

All double glazing is proven to provide excellent thermal and energy-efficiency and having it installed throughout your home will help improve its overall warmth and efficiency. With a high-quality installation, the amount of heat lost through your windows or doors is greatly reduced, giving you lower energy bills and helping you do your bit to help the environment as well.

All double glazed glass is rated and verified by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) for energy-efficiency on a scale from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G being the least efficient. For more precise efficiency ratings for each grade, it’s also possible for them to add + and – ratings to each letter with ‘A++’ being the highest achievable.

This is a universal method of rating every window’s efficiency, ensuring you can choose the highest, most efficient windows for your home. And every double glazed window has a Window Energy Rating (WER) verified by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC). Together with a 20mm argon-filled gap between the double glazing panes, the amount of heat lost through your windows is greatly reduced, making them even more energy-efficient.

The thermal break

While aluminium windows certainly look the part for any home, many people can be put off by the fact that, as a metal, aluminium is not the most efficient insulator. And when it comes to double glazing, high levels of insulation are key. So how can aluminium be thermally efficient?

Thanks to the latest technology, aluminium-framed windows, patio doors, bi-fold doors, or aluminium-coated residential doors can have an innovative, polyamide-insulated thermal break fitted right into the profile. Preventing heat transfer through the frame, it effectively stops external cold air coming in and internal warm air from being lost.

Aluminium window and door frames are also multi-chambered. While this reduces any structural flex, giving them increased stability, the chambers actually trap air inside giving you an additional insulation boost.

Choosing the highest rated aluminium windows or sliding doors your budget will allow means you’ll reduce the amount you pay on your energy bills. With a high-tech combination of A++ rated, energy-efficient glazing and the integral thermal break for added insulation, aluminium frames actually offer far superior energy-efficiency throughout your home, no matter how large the glass panels are.

Can your window or door manufacturer offer the thermal break and efficiency levels you’re looking for to give you a thermally-efficient property?

Aluminium window and door security

While the good looks and customisable colourways of aluminium windows and doors give you plenty to write home about, adding personality and minimalist chic to any property, security is another matter. Despite their slimline profile and lightweight composition, aluminium windows and doors are incredibly durable and secure.

As well as the benefits double glazing gives you for thermal and energy-efficiency, and noise reduction, the two panes of specialised glass can also increase the security of your home. Being incredibly tough, the glass is difficult to break, but with additional security features available, you’ll be sleeping easier and with complete peace of mind.

• Multi-point locks: Multi-point locks and handles provide total security, locking at different points all along the window frame for maximum security. Any aluminium windows that feature this style of lock can also be used to lock your window even while it’s left slightly open for ventilation and airflow when you need it. And all aluminium doors should be fitted with high-security locking systems as standard.

• Internal or external beading: Beading is part of the aluminium frame that holds the double glazing panes in place once they’re installed. This is usually a plastic strip sitting at the edge of the glass, fitting into the frame’s recess. Aluminium double glazing can be either internally or externally beaded, but internal beading will give you greater security for both doors and windows as it can’t be reached from the outside. However, the option will come down to the design and specification of your window.

Security is paramount for all aluminium windows and doors, so during your research process, ensure your chosen supplier conforms

Choosing a colour for your aluminium frames

Just like uPVC frames no longer have to come in any colour as long as it’s white, nowadays, aluminium windows and doors can be manufactured in a wide range of custom paint colours too. Whether your home is contemporary or minimalist in style, or perhaps a period or heritage property, there should be a colour to suit.

But on top of all that, coloured aluminium frames also help to protect against internal heat loss and add another layer of thermal efficiency. So if colour is on your list for your aluminium frames, what should you be looking out for?

Aluminium powder coated colours

The standard – and most effective – type of colour finish for any aluminium window or sliding door profile is powder coating. This is a common method for adding colour to any metal surface and works to great effect by electrostatically applying an even layer of dry, coloured powder paint with compressed air before being heat-treated, or cured, to fix the colour.

Because the process is bespoke – and as long as your supplier stocks it – you can choose from any of the 1,600+ colours for the finish using the universal colour-matching system, RAL. Any fixtures and fittings you choose, such as handles, can also be colour-matched to fit with the overall aesthetic.

And of course, there’s a range of designer aluminium-coated panels available for residential doors too. As well as featuring different sizes and thicknesses, why not choose a real statement colour to make a lasting statement for your home?

One of the main benefits of having a powder-coated profile is, while coming in a wide choice of textured and non-textured finishes, they provide a hard-wearing coating that’s scratch resistant. That the powder finish is corrosion-resistant and non-fade as well means your aluminium window and door profiles will give you many years of maintenance-free enjoyment.

And while you’re able to choose the external aluminium window or door colour, there’s often a choice to be had for your internal colour scheme too. All in all, it gives you a real advantage in colour matching the internal and external style of your home.

Make sure you check which RAL colours are available from your supplier so you’re able to choose a colour that suits you and your home before you sign the dotted line.

Choosing your aluminium window or door supplier

Armed with the information above, you should be well prepared to make sure your home is installed with the highest quality aluminium windows and doors when the time is right. But there is one final

consideration for you – perhaps the most important one – and that’s choosing your aluminium door or window manufacturer or supplier.
While budget, together with all the factors we’ve listed, form the basis of making the right decision when it comes to your aluminium products, buying from an established and trusted supplier should be a top priority. Remember, it shouldn’t always come down to which company is the cheapest.

Which company to use can often be as simple as a recommendation by friends or family. That’s a good start, but you should also make time to do your own research into them, while looking into any other companies who seem well placed to do your installation too. Do some basic checks on them, and consider whether you feel safe or comfortable having them in your home for an extended period of time. Beyond that, here are some other things to think about:

No third-party installers

Make sure your preferred company uses its own professional installation team. Trusted and reliable companies always will, making for a smooth – and guaranteed – process from start to finish. Other lesser companies might subcontract or outsource your installation to a third-party installer who knows nothing about your specific requirements or arrangements – with varying results.

Check for finance options

With aluminium windows or bi-fold doors being a sizable financial investment for your property, make sure any company you choose has different payment options. Besides cash and card payments, there could be finance packages or flexible payments available to help spread the cost. If so, check whether they’re authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for added protection.

What about a guarantee?

Aluminium windows and doors have a long life expectancy, but they should always come with a guarantee, so if anything does go wrong, you can get replacements with no additional cost to you. Look out for a guarantee of at least 10-years – the length of guarantee may differ from company to company – but always check the small print to see if there are any exceptions you may not be covered for.

Good customer service is vital

The way a company treats you during your experience with them is paramount and excellent customer service should be their top priority. You should encounter a ‘no pressure’ sales technique in the early stages, with one point of contact before and during the process to answer your questions. And an exceptional aftercare service to take care of any snags should always be available.

Buy from a trusted company

Buying your aluminium windows or doors from an established and trusted supplier is highly recommended and there are several ways you can check this. See if they have any reviews on independent review sites, check their professional accreditations, as well as whether they adhere to all health and safety and building regulations. If anyone you know has used them, go and see the standard of their work and check it for yourself.

Having any aluminium products installed throughout your home is a major project that you’ll certainly need expert help and workmanship for. When the time's right to take the next step in your journey, this guide should give you some useful hints and tips to make the buying process smooth, easy, and as stress-free as possible.

Majestic Designs for your aluminium windows and doors

With over 17 years experience in the design and manufacture of high-quality aluminium windows, uPVC windows and double glazing, Majestic Designs are proud to be able to offer you all these reassurances – and more – direct from our state of the art factories in Somerset.

We have plenty of customer reviews and testimonials to support us, including over 2,300 independent reviews on fairtrades.co.uk that have earned us a 9.5/10 rating in customer satisfaction, and our online case studies feature several of our latest aluminium window installation projects and more, with first-hand customer feedback.

And together with our own team of expert leading installers ready to make your home safer, warmer, and more energy-efficient with our A+14 rated double glazing, Majestic Designs are also backed up by a range of professional accreditations and credentials, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

For more information on our range of aluminium windows and doors and a premium installation service for your home, anywhere across Somerset and the whole of the South West, call a company you can trust. Get in touch with our Majestic Designs Customer Service team on 01934 741 294 today or send us a message through our contact form.

With over 3,400 independent reviews on Fairtrades.co.uk, Majestic Designs are proud to have earned an above 9.48/10 rating in customer satisfaction Click to find out more

Customer Testimonials

“The fitting team were a credit. Clean, efficient and pleasant to know. Site left in a very clean state. Thank you.”

Mr & Mrs Parrott, Weston-Super-Mare

“All round excellent service. Used you in our previous home and was delighted with both installations you have done for us. Thank you.”

Mrs Hammerley & Mrs Manson, Weston-Super-Mare

“I cannot fault anything & best thing I ever did. I am relieved & happy that I have attractive doors & windows. Thank you.”

Mrs O'Connor, Tiverton

“Thank you!”

Mrs Twitchett, Puriton

“Efficient, tidy, friendly and good workers. Would have no trouble recommending their work.”

Mrs Cleaver, Ilminster

“We are very pleased with the product and service.”

Mrs Cawte, Mark, Somerset

“I had been putting off having the windows replaced but actually it was really easy & not too disruptive at all. Thank you & the …

Mrs Bennett, Bridgwater

“Great service, good price, thank you.”

Mrs Thompson, Priddy

“Good sales approach!”

Mr & Mrs Timms, Backwell

“Your installation team worked in a tidy methodical way. They left no mess and rooms were left vacuumed and neat. A special thank you to …

Mrs Labanc, Taunton

“I wanted to let you know how delighted I am with the new windows installed by your company recently. Everyone with whom I have had …

Mrs Mason, Weston-Super-Mare

”Due to the weather conditions on the days of installation your team performed outstanding work and should be rewarded accordingly.”

Mr & Mrs Fell, Burnham-on-Sea

“All the workmen that came did a good job, kept everything clean & tidy. Pleasure to have them here.”

Mr & Mrs Carpenter, Highbridge

“We will certainly call you if we require further windows, and will be recommending you to all. The two window fitters were very good.”

Mr Wood, Highbridge

“From start to finish everyone who we dealt with at Majestic, without exception, were courteous, professional and knowledgeable. Would definitely and use again when we …

Mr & Mrs Harvey, Burnham-on-Sea

“I am writing to confirm how delighted my husband and I are with the installation of our windows. Your men worked extremely hard and did …

Mr & Mrs Heal, Burnham-On-Sea

Serving clients across Somerset and the South West

Majestic Designs install quality double glazing products throughout Somerset. From Taunton to Yeovil and Weston-super-Mare to Wells; our insistence on quality installations and outstanding customer care remains the same. With our factories and showroom in Cheddar, we are conveniently located in the heart of Somerset, with easy access to the surrounding towns and villages. As part of the local community, we are dedicated to improving the lives of all our customers and by employing a local workforce we are investing in the future prosperity of the area.

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