Page Contents

Commercial aluminium and steel doors, windows and general glazing, products and systems intended for large or small scale buildings of many types. These diverse glazing systems and associated accessories, mainly serve the commercial sector. However, they also some with doors and windows intended for dwellings, housing developments, or in buildings having specific or multiple uses.

There is a distinction between commercial aluminium doors and windows and residential glazing systems, but it also depends on several different factors relating to the building. They also cover the individual specifications for the building and client requirements.

Whether it’s a new building or a refurbishment of an existing
The performance and design requirements of the glazing required
The use, including mixed use or a specific purpose
Planning and any local authority constraints

For all these different requirements, commercial aluminium provides solutions and a diverse range of products.

Three well established commercial aluminium providers in the UK

A significant reason why commercial aluminium is important in construction is its diversity. Many refurbishments and construction of new buildings often need its glazing to address other requirements. For instance, housing above retail units or a building comprising doors and windows with different functionality. Here, commercial glazing systems not only provide solutions. At the same time, they allow architects, construction firms and clients to often work with one aluminium systems company, or installer providing the complete portfolio of products.

The definition of Commercial for windows and doors

What constitutes a commercial installation has always been up for debate as, for example , a development of “dwellings” could be termed commercial if you are supplying to the Trade.

We tend to regard commercial installations in this section as anything which is not a residential dwelling, dealing with the homeowner.

Quality differences between residential and commercial systems

It’s assumed that windows in the home are of a higher quality than commercial windows. There’s also the assumption that residential windows are more energy efficient, secure and weather resistant. This is not the case.

Commercial aluminium windows and doors have virtually identical quality to their residential counterparts.

The aluminium profiles, powder coated surface, glass and hardware all meet the same standards.

Construction methods are the same as is the choice of glass, hardware and designs.

When correctly made and fitted, the difference in quality between residential and commercial systems is hard to spot.

If there’s any difference between these products it comes down to scrutiny. A home owner is more likely to focus on the fine details and quality of their installation than a developer.

For security, weather performance and energy efficiency, both residential and commercial systems meet similar specifications and client requirements. Whilst residential windows are frequently marketed as the most energy efficient, this too is not the case. In fact, commercial windows are often the more insulated product.

Commercial Aluminium Products

Commercial Steel Doors

Commercial steel doors complement aluminium heavy-duty doors, with an even more robust alternative and offering additional features, protection and functionality.

The significant advantage of steel doors over other materials is longevity, strength, and security. Above all steel doors come designed to last longer with advantages other materials don’t provide.

Information and usage for commercial steel doors

Predominantly used in commercial, industrial and specialist buildings, commercial steel doors also come designed for dwellings.

The construction of steel doors is advanced, compared with aluminium commercial doors using mostly galvanized steel and a welded or other significantly stronger construction. Galvanized steel typically is the type treated by immersion in molten zinc. It’s anti-rust, incredibly weatherproof and with excellent low maintenance properties.

Depending on the usage required, steel doors come at many different sizes, weights and thicknesses. As well as this, the insulation used in steel commercial doors provides energy efficiency, acoustic performance and fire-protection.

Externally and internally, like aluminium, steel doors come with the same high quality powder coated finish in a substantial range of colours.

Steel doors come significantly heavier than other materials. As a result, the hardware used must support and accommodate this weight. At the same time, door hardware comes designed for the typically very high traffic and intended long-term use and reliability. Often these too come in mostly a galvanized steel finish. Any associated sidelights, top panels, or fixed framing also come in the same steel material.

Importantly, the bespoke and specific nature of steel doors means, made-to-order sizes only. It’s not possible to cut or adjust the size of these doors once manufactured. Suppliers of steel doors, provide a dedicated service, supplying and installing these advanced security products.

Types of steel commercial doors

The range of steel doors is substantial but generally broken down into specific uses. Usage, functionality, and purpose often define the thickness and weight of steel doors and overall specifications.

Usage determines the inner core of the door too. It’s common to find mineral wool, foam, insulation, or metal within the panel makeup. Acoustics, U-Values, and fire-protection determine the insulation used too.

For the hardware, again the use and performance frequently determine the type used throughout the door set.