Commercial aluminium windows and doors

Commercial systems are not heavy-duty domestic ones

The visible difference is small; the engineering difference is not. Commercial systems use deeper sections, heavier hardware and stronger corner construction because the openings are bigger, the panels are heavier and the use is far harder.

A commercial entrance door might cycle several hundred times a day for fifteen years. Domestic hardware is not built for that and will fail — usually at the hinge or the closer, usually within two years.

Part L and the whole-window figure

Building control assesses the whole window, frame included, not the glass. A high-performance unit in a poorly broken frame gives a disappointing overall figure and can fail an assessment on paper even though the glass specification looks strong.

On refurbishment the whole-window figure is what we calculate before ordering, because discovering it after installation is expensive.

Coastal and polluted environments

Within a few miles of the sea, standard powder coating deteriorates faster than most people expect and warranties are frequently reduced or voided. Marine-grade pre-treatment and coating systems exist precisely for this and cost relatively little at the point of order.

Specify it at the outset. Recoating installed aluminium on a live building is far more expensive than getting the finish right in the factory.