Aluminium U-Values Explained
What U-values mean for aluminium glazing, the figures to specify by system, and how whole-unit Uw is confirmed at quote. A trade guide from VitrineAlu.
Specification library
Aluminium technical guides
Spec-led answers on aluminium windows, doors and glazing: the performance figures, the standards behind them, and how the right product route is chosen per project. Written for installers, builders, architects and specifiers across North West England.
Aluminium Fabricator or Installer: Which One Do You Actually Need?
A fabricator designs, builds and glazes your aluminium units and selects the system; an installer surveys and fits them. Which you need, and why it sets your spec.
How big can aluminium doors and windows go?
Definitive max-size guide for aluminium doors and windows: verified max leaf, sash and unit width x height, weight, leaves per run and clear-opening figures by system.
What is EN 13830 curtain walling?
BS EN 13830 explained: what the curtain walling standard covers, stick and unitised systems, thermal, weather classes and max unit sizes. Trade guide from VitrineAlu.
Aluminium window and door weather ratings explained
Aluminium window and door weather ratings: air permeability (EN 12207), watertightness (EN 12208) and wind resistance (EN 12210), and how to specify them to your site.
PAS 24 security explained for aluminium doors and windows
PAS 24 is the UK enhanced-security test for doors and windows. How aluminium meets it, the link to Approved Document Q, and how to specify a tested route.
Acoustic aluminium windows: how Rw ratings work
How Rw sound reduction ratings work in acoustic aluminium windows: laminated panes, acoustic interlayers, asymmetric glazing 22-58mm and seals, to Rw 46 dB where specified.
How an aluminium thermal break works
How a polyamide thermal break cuts conduction through aluminium frames, why frame Uf differs from whole-window Uw, and the U-values aluminium units achieve.
Aluminium glazing explained
The sealed glass unit, not the frame alone, drives most performance. How panes, low-e coatings, warm-edge spacers and argon set the whole-unit U-value and acoustics.
Aluminium window and door finishes and colours
How aluminium window and door finishes work: architectural powder coat, full RAL palette, matt to gloss, dual-colour, anodised-style. Spec guidance for trade.
Aluminium window styles explained
Casement, tilt-and-turn, heritage, fixed lights and combinations compared: how each opens, ventilation, cleaning, egress and where each suits. Spec-led trade guide.