Modern, stylish, with high curb appeal and excellent energy efficiency, slimline aluminium windows are a popular choice for UK homes.
As British homeowners seek a better work-life balance and a connection to the outdoors, slimline frames that offer uninterrupted views, lots of lovely natural light and excellent ventilation are increasing in popularity.
They also tick several boxes with eco-conscious customers, with a low manufacturing carbon footprint and the potential for infinite recycling.
So, are they worth the hype?
To help you decide, we’ve put together this quick guide to explain what slimline aluminium windows are, the pros and cons, and why they could enhance every aspect of your home.
What are Slimline Aluminium Windows?
Despite their contemporary appearance, slimline aluminium windows are a modern take on a style of windows constructed in steel back in the 1800s.
Steel-framed windows were strong and secure but expensive to produce. By replacing the steel with aluminium, manufacturers made the windows accessible to the masses. Not only that but aluminium can be easily cut and shaped to any size while retaining its strength.
The new generation of slim frame windows offers ultra-slender sightlines (how much frame is visible from the inside and out), maximising natural light and preserving uninterrupted views. Our ultra-slim aluminium windows can be just 46mm thick, with the same hard-wearing quality and 10-year-insurance-backed guarantee you expect from a Manchester Window Factory product.
We provide aluminium casement windows slimline and standard-sized frames, with your choice of glazing. The same technology is used in our internal and external slimline aluminium doors.
Benefits of Slimline Aluminium Windows:
There are many benefits of installing slimline aluminium windows in your home and a few potential drawbacks.
Pros of Slimline Aluminium Windows | Cons of Slimline Aluminium Windows |
Energy Efficiency – can save you money on your heating bills. | Higher initial cost than alternatives such as UPVC. |
Natural Light – smaller sightlines enable light to flood into the room. | Condensation – without thermal breaks, aluminium frames are prone to condensation in humid climates. |
Beautiful Views – thinner frames provide uninterrupted views. | Poor insulation – Without thermal breaks, aluminium frames can provide poor insulation in the winter and too much heat in the summer. |
Low Maintenance – aluminium is easy to clean and maintain. | Aluminium can scratch if not treated with a protective coating. |
Security – aluminium windows are naturally strong and can be further enhanced by window locks and security features. | Modern appearance – aluminium offers a clean, contemporary appearance that may not suit some period properties. |
Weather-Resistance – aluminium is naturally weather-resistant and won’t warp, rot or crack in most climates. | Complex repairs – although aluminium is strong and durable, if it does break it isn’t easy to repair. |
Green Credentials – aluminium is an abundant natural material and is infinitely recyclable. | Cold to the touch – it’s not a big thing, but aluminium is cold to the touch, which can compromise your comfort when opening and closing the windows. |
Colours & Finishes – you can choose a specific shade from over 120 RAL colours and powder-coated finishes. | Poor-quality aluminium frames don’t retain some colours when exposed to direct sunlight or harsh weather conditions. |
Frames Options – bespoke sizes and shapes with ultra-slender sightlines available. | Reliance on quality installation – poorly installed aluminium windows can have gaps, leading to heat loss, water leaks, draughts, condensation and dampness. |
Elegant & versatile appearance – slim frames look sophisticated no matter the style. | Corrosion – Aluminium can corrode in high salt areas, reducing the window’s lifespan. |
Let’s delve a little deeper into these benefits.
Energy Efficiency
Creating a sleek and stylish aesthetic, the slim frames and large expanses of glass are also highly energy-efficient. A polyamide thermal break is combined with airtight seals for superior thermal performance. These thermal breaks also prevent interior condensation.
This extra insulation can help decrease your heating bills and carbon footprint.
Natural Light
The large glazed areas and slim aluminium frames enable natural light to flood the room, illuminating and casting a warm glow over your home. Natural light not only saves you money on artificial lighting, but it can make a space look bigger, more open and more inviting.
Beautiful Views
The thinner sightlines also mean you can enjoy stunning uninterrupted views. Whereas bulky frames can draw the eye for all the wrong reasons, slimline aluminium puts the focus on the glass and the view from both sides.
Low Maintenance
Another advantage of using aluminium for windows is that it is durable and doesn’t require much care and attention to keep it looking good. Just remove any debris and clean the frame with the same warm soapy water or glass cleaner you use for the glazing. You should also check the seals occasionally and grease the moving parts, if necessary.
Security
Manchester Window Factory windows and doors are tested to ensure they meet British Police Security Standards. Our slimline aluminium windows have shoot bolt locking systems and internal beading fitted as standard. You can also increase your security by integrating an alarm system.
Weather-Resistance
Our slimline aluminium casement windows are anti-corrosive and weather resistant, built to last and look good for many years. We offer a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee as standard. But slimline aluminium windows can last several more years with regular checks and cleaning.
Green Credentials
Since it is lightweight, aluminium is inexpensive to transport compared to timber or UPVC.
It is an abundant natural material and infinitely recyclable, so it has excellent eco-credentials for disposal.
As for the drawbacks, most of them don’t apply to our slimline aluminium windows. All our aluminium windows feature thermal breaks for excellent insulation and are finished with a scratch-resistant protective marine-grade powder-coating to ensure colours don’t fade and corrosion doesn’t occur.
Many frame options to choose from:
Our range of slimline aluminium casement windows includes:
- Top hung open out
- Side hung open out
- Tilt & turn
- Fixed windows
Each style of window has its advantages and disadvantages.
Top hung open out
Also known as awning casement windows, this style is fantastic for privacy as they are typically located higher up the wall.
Tilt & turn
These windows give you options on how to open them, enabling you to control the ventilation. They are safe for pets and small children, highly secure and easy to clean.
Side hung open out
This type of casement window has either fire-escape or easy-clean hinges, allowing you to clean the outer pane safely. Side-hung windows may require more maintenance than other styles, including periodically lubricating the hinges and hardware. However, they are limited in sizes and designs.
Fixed windows
Fixed windows do not open but can be used to create light in a dark room. They provide no ventilation, and the largest units can overheat if not properly designed and fitted.
Colours & Finishes
Choose between a veritable rainbow of over 120 classic shades, such as white, black and anthracite grey, pastel tones and vibrant hues, applied as a RAL marine quality polyester powder coat.
If you want to keep the exterior of the house conservative but be a little bolder inside (or vice versa), you can opt for dual-colour slimline aluminium windows.
Customisation
Aluminium typically has a contemporary elegance. If you are renovating a traditional period home, timber or heritage UPVC may be better. However, the range of styles of slimline aluminium windows has grown to offer more versatility. For example, if you are replacing steel frames, aluminium is an excellent option which can be made to match the original style.
You can choose how your window opens and closes, the number of glass panels, and the configuration.
You can personalise your windows with a range of glazing options designed to provide solutions in your home. From toughened laminated glass to acoustic, obscure and self-cleaning you can choose the double or triple glazing that best meets your needs.
Finally, our hardware collection includes heritage and Art Deco styles to help your windows blend seamlessly with your architecture and decor.
Installation Process
Most small windows can be fitted in under an hour. For larger windows, you could be looking at closer to four hours. It all depends on the size, style, and location of the window. Here is a quick step-by-step guide to the process:
1. We always start with a survey of the property. This ensures there are no potential issues with the installation going ahead on the scheduled date.
2. Next, we’ll carefully measure the existing windows.
3. On installation day, we will remove the existing windows, usually one at a time as we install the new units, to minimise drafts and disruption.
4. Our expert fitters will take their time to ensure each window frame fits perfectly, flush against the surrounding walls. Badly fitted windows can result in drafts, condensation and dampness, so everything must be done correctly.
5. We will seal the windows in place to protect against the elements and then install the glazing.
6. After that, it’s just a case of installing the handles and any additional locks.
7. We’ll check everything is working as it should, then clean your new windows to remove any fingermarks and clear the area.
8. You can sit back and enjoy your new windows.
Conclusion:
Installing slimline aluminium casement windows can improve energy efficiency, lower your carbon footprint, increase your natural light and facilitate stunning views. They are also secure, aesthetically appealing and weather and fire-resistant.
Whether you are renovating a new property or getting yours ready for sale, slimline aluminium windows are an attractive and highly functional choice.
How to Get in Touch
Our in-house experts can help you choose the best slimline aluminium windows for your home. We will also give you a free, no-obligation quote for installation.
To request a free brochure, you can call us on 0161 976 4739, use our contact form or chat with us via the chat button at the bottom right of this website. If you live locally, you can also visit our Altrincham showroom, and check our contacts page for up-to-date opening hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQs
Yes, although aluminium tends to be thought of as a modern material, some styles of slimline aluminium frames mimic the original steel frames of period properties. They can either blend into the traditional architecture or create an aesthetically pleasing contrast. Some slimline aluminium windows are even suitable for restoring listed buildings, provided they match the character of the building and those in the surrounding area.
Slimline aluminium windows are not traditionally as good insulators as UPVC. However, contemporary aluminium windows incorporate thermal breaks, which allow them to match UPVC frames for insulation, providing thermally efficient glass is used.
Absolutely. We offer a bespoke windows and doors service which allows you to choose every aspect of your windows, from customised sizes and shapes to the exact shade and finish of each unit.