Aluminium Windows

Commercial aluminium windows are a core element of modern retail, office, and industrial building envelopes. Whether installed as part of a shopfront system, within a curtain wall assembly, or as standalone window units in a commercial facade, aluminium windows deliver the combination of structural rigidity, slim profiles, large glazed areas, and long-term durability that commercial specifications demand.

Urban Shopfronts designs and installs commercial aluminium window systems across the UK, working with fixed-light, top-hung (awning), side-hung (casement), and tilt-and-turn configurations from leading profile fabricators. All our window systems are CE-marked to BS EN 14351-1 and independently tested for air permeability, watertightness, and wind resistance to BS 6375.

Window Types for Commercial Applications

*Fixed-light windows* are the most common configuration in shopfront and curtain wall installations. The glass is permanently fixed within the aluminium frame with no opening mechanism, maximising the glazed area and providing the best thermal and acoustic performance. Fixed lights are used for display windows, high-level glazing, and any location where ventilation is provided by other means.

*Top-hung (awning) windows* open outward from the bottom, hinged at the top. This configuration is popular for commercial buildings because it allows ventilation while providing some rain protection when partially open. Top-hung windows are frequently specified above shopfront transoms to provide natural ventilation to the trading floor.

*Side-hung (casement) windows* open outward on side hinges. They provide the maximum opening area for ventilation and are commonly used in office buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities where building regulations require a minimum opening area for purge ventilation.

*Tilt-and-turn windows* offer dual-mode operation: tilting inward from the top for secure ventilation, or swinging inward on side hinges for full opening. This configuration is particularly suitable for upper-floor commercial premises where outward-opening windows present a risk or are restricted by planning conditions.

Thermal Performance

All our commercial aluminium windows use thermally broken profiles as standard. The polyamide thermal break within the aluminium section reduces the frame U-value to between 1.5 and 2.5 W/m²K depending on the profile depth. Combined with double-glazed units featuring low-emissivity coatings and argon gas fill, our complete window assemblies achieve overall U-values of 1.2 to 1.6 W/m²K, meeting the requirements of Building Regulations Part L for replacement and new-build commercial glazing.

For projects with demanding energy performance targets — BREEAM-rated buildings, Passivhaus-influenced specifications, or buildings subject to enhanced planning conditions — we can specify triple-glazed units and enhanced thermal break profiles to achieve overall U-values below 1.0 W/m²K.

Weather Performance

Commercial windows face the full range of UK weather conditions, including driving rain, sustained wind loads, and rapid temperature changes. Our window systems are tested to BS 6375 for air permeability (Class 4 as standard), watertightness (typically Class 7A or 9A depending on exposure), and wind resistance (Class C5 for most commercial applications).

For buildings in exposed coastal or elevated locations, we specify enhanced weather seals and drainage provisions to ensure the window assembly performs reliably under the higher wind-driven rain loads encountered in these environments.

Glazing Specification

All glazing installed in our commercial aluminium windows uses toughened safety glass to BS EN 12150-1 as a minimum. For windows in critical locations — below 800 mm from floor level, as defined in BS 6262 — the glass must meet the impact classification requirements of BS EN 12600.

Double-glazed sealed units are standard for commercial installations, providing thermal insulation, acoustic attenuation, and condensation resistance. We specify low-emissivity coated glass as standard and can accommodate solar-control, acoustic, and privacy glass options to meet specific project requirements.

Security

Opening windows in commercial premises are potential entry points for intruders. We offer window assemblies tested to PAS 24:2022 for enhanced security, incorporating multi-point espagnolette locking, shoot-bolt engagement at top and bottom, and security glazing. Lockable restrictors can be specified to limit the opening angle while allowing controlled ventilation — a common requirement for upper-floor offices and healthcare buildings.

Powder Coat Finish

All aluminium window sections are powder-coated to BS EN 12206-1 in any RAL Classic or RAL Design colour. Marine-grade powder coat specifications are available for coastal installations where salt exposure demands enhanced corrosion protection.