A complete guide to aluminium vs steel windows

Looking for heritage, Art-Deco or steel-look windows for your property project? The choice between aluminium and steel windows depends on many different factors, and both materials offer you outstanding new or replacement windows. However, the best product choice depends on some very important considerations too. Aluminium is the better option based on prices and product flexibility. Steel can be the better choice for certain types of properties where only the original material is suitable. When comparing aluminium vs steel windows, where they are being fitted is also important, for example, replacing existing steel windows, want to replace old plastic or wood windows and for a new building project or extension. Our guide to choosing between aluminium vs steel explains all you need to know.

Aluminium vs steel windows – which is best for you?

Unlike choosing steel or aluminium for interior doors, based on styling, sightlines and what will work best inside the home, exterior windows and doors have altogether different considerations because they come with different expectations.

You will want your new or replacement windows to be secure, energy-efficient and functional. The distinctive design only this style of glazing creates is also vital in giving your property the right look and feel.

Are aluminium windows cheaper than steel?

In the vast majority of cases, buying aluminium steel-look windows will cost you less than steel windows. This is due to how steel windows are made compared to aluminium, with a more expensive welded construction than aluminium’s mechanical construction. Rest assured, quality steel-look windows and doors such as our own Exterior Collection are largely crafted by hand and with a meticulous hand finishing and final inspection process. Whilst aluminium windows will cost you less than steel, choosing the right aluminium product from a specialist and dedicated manufacturer of this style of glazing promises a similar exemplary fit and finish. Price is a key factor when comparing aluminium vs steel windows.

Aluminium windows help keep your project on track

You will find the lead times for aluminium windows shorter than for steel. If your project is on a tighter schedule, aluminium will let you complete your project faster, even with a special colour finish.

A more complete range of products with aluminium

The significant advantage of choosing aluminium when comparing aluminium vs steel windows is the availability of other products with the same steel look. Both aluminium and steel products offer exterior single and French doors to match your windows. However, if large patio doors such as bifolds or sliding doors are part of your design, these are usually never available in steel.

Choosing the right material is essential when your design involves doors designed to connect your home to your patio area or garden and opening up your entire door aperture. Bifolds work best and are available from us with one of the best slimline and steel-inspired folding sliding doors. A considerable factor when comparing aluminium and steel windows and doors.

Aluminium vs steel windows – which is slimmer?

One of the reasons to compare aluminium and steel windows is because only these two window materials give you the thinnest possible windows. Using one of the best known steel window brands, with typical frame profiles as an example, here’s how an Aluco steel-look aluminium window compares. Our representative example is based on an Aluco window with standard profiles into new build openings.

Are you replacing existing steel windows?

Aluminium provides an ideal replacement window solution if your property has existing steel windows. Assuming your property is not in a conservation area or listed, there is no reason why aluminium cannot provide similar styling, slim sightlines and the instantly recognisable grid-like pattern, thanks to the slim glazing bars, mullions or transoms. And you get the same great features inside with a fantastic choice of period, contemporary or Art-Deco-inspired handles and window accessories, just like period metal windows.

Original metal windows are usually much slimmer than new aluminium windows because of their solid frame with no thermal break and single-glazed design. As a result, aluminium windows will give you similar styling but frames that will always be a little thicker. The benefits of slightly thicker aluminium frames are better security, improved energy efficiency, lower heating bills, and vastly improved weather performance.

When replacing existing metal windows, the surrounding frame is also a factor. Original steel windows are fitted direct to the brickwork in stone mullions, stone surrounds or timber subframes. When comparing aluminium vs steel windows for this kind of window replacement, aluminium can work perfectly as a window replacement.

Replacing existing steel windows – is your property listed or in a conservation area?

If your home is listed or in a conservation area, you’ll need to seek advice from your Local Authority. Often the requirement is to replace the outgoing windows with exactly the same windows, in which case only steel will do.

If your Council or Local Authority is happy to consider aluminium windows, we can help you with drawings, window samples and other information, so do get in touch for expert help and advice.

For listed buildings with significant constraints on improving the existing windows, your only options will be specialist steel window refurbishment or the fitting internally of secondary glazing.

Colour options – aluminium vs steel windows

Both aluminium and steel windows provide substantial colour options with virtually any RAL colour. Special colours, and metallic finishes are also available with both products, even if made to order. Remember that smaller independent steel fabricators using their own brand and not a proper system may offer a reduced colour range. Check how the specialist smaller steel fabricators are coating the steel profiles and ensure these are painted by certified and approved colour applicators.

Aluminium vs steel windows and glass options

Just like colours, there is little to choose between aluminium vs steel windows for glass options. Both products provide the full range of single safety glass, textured, patterned, obscure, acoustic or enhanced security.

Aluminium has an advantage with thicker double-glazed units giving better glass performance compared to the thinner units used in steel windows.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALUCO STEEL-LOOK windows and DOORS

Aluminium in the steel look and our own bespoke windows and doors collection promises slim sightlines, the best possible quality, and beautiful colour finishes. We believe Aluco windows will be the last you will ever buy. When comparing aluminium vs steel windows, aluminium prices and lead times are better, and you get a larger range of products, such as bifold doors and front doors.

Aluco Aluminium is proud to design and manufacture some of the best, most authentic and hand-finished aluminium windows, with a unique style, quality and user experience. Made by us and installed by our trained and approved installers, Aluco windows and doors are available at our showroom in Huntingdon or around the country at our approved installer showrooms. Get in touch with us today to arrange a viewing.