At Aspire Bifolds, we specialise in steel replacement doors and windows. Steel replacement windows and their matching door counterparts are the latest trends in modern home improvement products.
Steel replacement doors and windows. Information and advice.
Slimline and industrial in appearance, these modern aluminium windows and doors are very popular today. Not only are they perfect for replacing old steel windows but they also work very well in contemporary properties. If you desire the period yet modern look in your home, these slimline windows and doors are worth checking out.
Whilst steel replacement is a popular name for these windows, they’re also known as Art-Deco, Industrial, Scandi, Hygge and Crittall® style. Do bear in mind only the original steel window by Crittall is the genuine article and no aluminium window or door in this design matches the styling of steel or this brand name.
These windows are perfect for terraced houses with a new extension or double doors at the back. They work brilliantly in the traditional houses where the living room and dining room on the ground floor are knocked through to create a large living space. It is popular to block up one doorway with a steel-look or New York-style screen. We have even had these fitted internally to create a room divider.
To ensure the best effect from new steel-look windows and doors, it is always best to speak to a local specialist in these products and get the best advice.
We install these desirable products every week at Aspire so why not take a look at some of our installations of steel-replacement windows and doors.
We also answer some of the most commonly asked questions about steel look and steel replacement doors and windows for the home.
What is the best colour for steel-look windows and doors?
Original windows and doors were typically painted black. We find this is the best colour for this style of windows and doors.
One of the benefits of aluminium is that it can be polyester powder coated to virtually any colour you like, but black remains our best seller. The colour reference used is RAL 9005 matt. Gloss colour black is also available.
How are the bars fitted to steel-look windows or doors?
It is the aluminium bars that give these doors their fine aesthetics so it is important these are fitted accurately and precisely.
At Aspire, we work with the very best aluminium window and door manufacturers that understand how important the bars are not only to the visual appeal but also to the overall quality of the product.
The glass units are accurately calculated with a grid of spacer bars to line through accurately with the rails and to provide symmetry to the doors. Then the aluminium bars are accurately cut and applied to both sides of the glass units. A specialist tape is used to bond the bars to the glass that is designed to resist the weather and importantly stay in place for many years.
The aluminium bars are powder coated with the same quality-assured process as the door and frame profiles. This ensures a consistent colour match throughout and the same level or durability and guarantee.
Can I have opening in steel-look doors?
Yes. Our steel-replacement door system is available as an opening in or an opening out door. For most external doors, an opening out door works best as it takes up less space in the home.
For internal doors the choice is yours, whether your doors open in or out.
Can i have integral blinds with steel-look windows and doors?
Integral glass blinds are very popular with bifolding and sliding doors today, offering many features and benefits over conventional after-market blinds and curtains.
As the glass units contain spacer bars that work with the applied aluminium bars it is not usually possible to have integral blinds unless every glass panel has its own separate blind. However if you have a door with no bars in it, then it is possible to have integral blinds within your steel look door.
Are steel look windows and doors welded?
While it is possible to weld some heavy-duty industrial aluminium products, generally this is not done. For years, aluminium windows and doors have used mechanical cleats and chevrons for windows and doors as well as strong aluminium brackets.
So you will find aluminium steel-look windows and doors are mechanically joined with specialist sealants used to seal the joints and even the small gaps. They are not welded.
Can i have putty-lines in aluminium steel-replacement windows?
The aluminium systems rely on the glazing beads and the profile detailing to replicate the putty lines found in old steel windows.
Contact us and we can go through the range of sections available to achieve the steel-look you are looking for and to try and match your existing metal windows.
How big can i have my steel-look doors?
One of the benefits of aluminium is that it provides wider and taller doors than PVCu. Here are the typical sizes available with our steel look doors. It may be possible to exceed these sizes depending on your individual project.
Single Door Max Width (mm) 1000mm
Single Door Max Height (mm) 2250mm
Double Door Max Width (mm) 2000mm
Double Door Max Height (mm) 2250mm
Minimum door sizes.
Single Door Min Width (mm) 600mm
Single Door Min Height (mm) 1600mm
Double Door Min Width (mm) 1200mm
Double Door Min Height (mm) 1600mm
What thickness of glass do you use in steel look doors and windows?
The glass we use in our doors is usually 28mm Glazing. 24mm, 32mm double glazed or even triple glazed units are available.
Can I have internal steel-look windows and doors?
Yes you can. The latest trend is for internal steel look doors as well as 'New York' Style screens. The internal windows are manufactured without drainage and designed to fit inside your home. Here is a great example of where our steel look windows and screens work on a London property.
Fixed or opening windows, single or double doors as well doors with side or top glazing are all available. We can even provide internal bifolding and sliding doors.
What products are available to replace old steel windows and doors?
Many home improvement firms offering steel replacement windows only do windows and doors. It is important to differentiate between those companies that simply apply bars to generic doors and windows and those that offer systems designed as a replacement for old steel windows.
Our windows are designed to offer a modern solution to replace your old steel windows. They are also great for conservation areas (subject to local authority approval) as well as heritage, Art Deco and other buildings.
Nothing beats the authentic steel product, however, due to the very high cost of these, there are aluminium alternatives for windows, doors and screens.
At Aspire Bifolds, we offer:
- Windows
- Screens
- Single and Double doors.
- Bifolding Doors
- Sliding Doors
Are steel-look windows and doors A-Rated?
Only with high specification glass units are aluminium windows A-Rated. Our windows and doors use polyamide thermal breaks that insulate the section and reduces the thermal transmission. Our windows, subject to glass specification meet a C or B rating that meets or exceeds the current Building Regulations.
How much do steel-replacement windows and doors cost?
Just like any quality home improvement product from a reputable company, prices are on an individual basis. Colours, design, your property and installation all affect the price. As a general guide, prices start from.
Steel-look French Doors.
A typical and very popular French door set with side panels and top lights starts from approximately £6900 including VAT and fitting.
Steel-Look Bifolding Door
A three-panel bifolding door at 2200mm high is approximately £4800 including VAT and Fitting.
Steel-look aluminium windows.
For a typical style of large steel-look window, you can expect prices to start from £1440 including VAT and fitting based on a 1800x1500mm size.
New York Style Screen
One of these highly desirable internal New York-style screens with double glazing starts from £1700 including VAT and Fitting. 
French Doors
For a double door set without a toplight, prices start from approximately £3800 including VAT and fitting.
With a top light £3800 including VAT and Fitting.
The prices quoted are indicative only based on standard colour and hardware combinations. Contact us for a personalised quotation.
Our Epsom showroom showcases an extensive collection of steel replacement doors and windows, You can view fixed and opening windows, French Doors, bifolding doors and Sliding Doors. We even have a New York type screen. You are welcome to visit our showroom to find out more about these desirable contemporary aluminium windows and doors. Come in and see us or contact us for further information. You can also view our installations of these iconic industrial-style doors and windows.
