Steel Doors and Windows in the UK: A Complete Guide

Steel doors and windows are celebrated for their durability, timeless aesthetic, and versatility in both modern and historic architecture. Whether you’re renovating a heritage property or designing a contemporary space, steel windows are a popular choice for their strength and design flexibility.

Why Choose Steel Windows?

Steel windows offer several advantages:

• Strength and Durability: Steel is more robust than other materials, ensuring your windows last for decades.
• Slim Profiles: The inherent strength of steel allows for thinner frames, maximizing natural light and creating a sleek, elegant appearance.
• Low Maintenance: With proper care, steel windows require minimal upkeep and retain their beauty for years.

The UK’s Rich History with Steel Windows

Steel windows have been a part of UK architecture for over a century. Many historic buildings still retain their original steel windows, a testament to the material’s exceptional longevity. However, during renovations, particularly of listed properties, you may be required to replace old steel windows with heritage-approved profiles such as W20 or W40.

Crittall and the Steel Window Market

Historically, Crittall Windows dominated the UK market, becoming synonymous with steel windows. Established in the late 19th century, the company mass-produced steel windows, creating a strong association between their name and the product.

Today, the market has expanded, and high-quality steel windows can be sourced from fabricators worldwide. Many use profiles like Ottostumm W20 and W40, which replicate the classic Crittall designs while offering enhanced flexibility for modern or heritage projects.

Ottostumm: Preserving Heritage with W20 and W40 Profiles

Swiss manufacturer Ottostumm holds the rights to produce the iconic W20 and W40 profiles, ensuring their availability worldwide.

• W20: Known for its elegant design and suitability for both new builds and restorations, the W20 profile is a favorite for its slimline aesthetic.
• W40: A versatile profile often used in heritage projects, W40 offers improved structural capacity while maintaining the traditional steel window appearance.

These profiles are ideal for restoring historic buildings, as they replicate the original look while meeting contemporary requirements.

The Drawback of Non-Thermally Broken Profiles

One key consideration when choosing W20 or W40 profiles is that they are not thermally broken. This means the frames lack an insulating barrier to reduce heat transfer, which may result in higher energy loss compared to modern thermally broken options.

Improving Energy Efficiency with Steel Windows

To offset the lack of thermal breaks, W20 and W40 windows can be enhanced with:

• Double Glazing: Installing double-glazed units improves insulation and reduces heat loss.
• Inert Gases: Filling the glazing cavity with gases like argon or krypton further lowers the U-value, making the windows more energy-efficient.

Heritage Requirements and Specialized Accessories

In the UK, renovations of listed properties often require steel windows to adhere to heritage guidelines. These include using period-appropriate handles, hinges, and other fittings that align with the building’s original design.

For high-quality, heritage-compliant fittings, visit Steel Window Fittings. Their range of specialized accessories ensures your steel windows meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.

Steel Windows: A Timeless Choice

Steel windows, whether modern or heritage profiles like W20 and W40, continue to be a preferred choice for architects and homeowners alike. Their durability, sleek design, and ability to blend seamlessly into historic or contemporary projects make them an excellent investment.

Looking to source steel doors and windows? Partner with trusted fabricators who use Ottostumm profiles for heritage-approved, high-quality solutions that meet your project’s unique needs.