Aluminium Windows in Nottingham
People choose aluminium windows in Nottingham for one reason above the rest: more glass and less frame. They suit a modern extension, a house getting new doors across the back, or anyone after a crisp, dark frame without a chunky profile. Nottingham Double Glazing passes your enquiry to an independent local installer, who surveys and quotes you direct. Here's what to ask before you sign.
Slim Sightlines
Aluminium is strong for its weight, so a frame can be narrow and still hold a big pane. The sightline is the width of frame you see when you look at the window, and on aluminium it's usually slimmer than on a comparable uPVC window. More of the opening becomes glass. The difference shows most on wide windows, corner glazing and tall panes. Ask each installer for the sightline measurements of the system they're quoting, so you can compare like with like.
Colours and Finishes
Aluminium frames are coated before they reach site, usually with a powder coating. Anthracite grey and black are common choices, but most systems come in a wide spread of colours. Many offer dual colour: one shade outside to sit with the brickwork, and another inside to suit the room. Ask whether the finish carries its own guarantee, separate from the window's.
Thermal Breaks
Aluminium conducts heat well, which is a problem in a window: older aluminium frames had a name for feeling cold and gathering condensation. Modern frames answer this with a thermal break, an insulating strip between the inner and outer halves of the profile so the two metal faces never touch. When you compare quotes, ask about the thermal break and the figure for the whole window, not just the frame.
Energy Ratings and Building Regs
Aluminium windows meet the same thermal minimum as any replacement window: a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or a Window Energy Rating of band B. Band A is not a legal requirement.
Replacing a whole window is building-regulations work whatever the frame material. Ask which scheme will certify the job, and ask for the FENSA, CERTASS or other scheme certificate once it's done. The trickle vent rules and the rules on fire escape windows apply too; more on building regulations. This is general information, not advice.
Where Aluminium Windows Suit a Nottingham Home
- Modern extensions. Large openings and clean, straight lines.
- Matching new doors. If bifold doors are going across the back, windows from the same system keep the colour and frame widths consistent.
- Wide or tall openings. Where a uPVC frame would need extra bars to carry the glass.
- Small period-style casements. Slim frames can carry leaded or divided glass without looking heavy.
Aluminium isn't always the answer on older houses. Nottingham City has 33 conservation areas, and the council's 2025 guidance asks for original windows there to be replaced like-for-like in design and material, listing hardwood and softwood timber and timber-effect uPVC. For listed buildings it accepts only timber in place of existing timber. Read about sash windows and conservation areas first.
Maintenance
Aluminium won't rot and never needs painting, but it needs a little care. Wash the frames with mild soapy water a few times a year, avoiding abrasive pads. Keep the drainage slots along the bottom of the frame clear, and put a drop of light oil on hinges and locking points. Some guarantees set cleaning conditions, so ask what yours expects.
What Changes the Price of Aluminium Windows
System. Slimmer and higher-performing profiles cost more.
Colour. A standard shade versus a special colour or a dual-colour frame.
Size and opening. Large fixed panes, tilt-and-turn and wide casements.
Glass. Triple glazing, obscure or safety glass, and leaded or decorative panes.
Fitting. Upper floors, removing the old frames and making good around the new ones.
Aluminium usually costs more than uPVC for the same window. Our guide to double glazing costs sets out typical UK figures.
How It Works
1. Send a short description of the windows and your postcode. 2. Nottingham Double Glazing hands it to an independent local installer, and may receive a fee for doing so. 3. The installer visits, measures and quotes you direct. You're under no obligation.
Nottingham Double Glazing is an enquiry service. Nobody here inspects, approves or checks the installer, so read how to choose an installer before you commit. Enquiries outside working hours get a call back the next working day.
Related Services
For the lowest-cost frame, compare uPVC windows. Changing the front door as well? See composite doors.
Areas We Cover
West Bridgford, Wollaton, Beeston, Radcliffe on Trent, Keyworth, Long Eaton and the rest of Nottingham and the towns around it. see all service areas
Common Questions
Are aluminium windows better than uPVC?
Neither wins everywhere. Aluminium gives slimmer frames and more colour choice, while uPVC usually costs less. Both must meet the same minimum of 1.4 W/m²K or band B.
Do aluminium windows get condensation on the frame?
Old frames without a thermal break often did. Modern aluminium windows have an insulating break between the inner and outer faces, which keeps the inside of the frame warmer.
Can I have aluminium windows in a conservation area?
Possibly, but check first. Nottingham City's guidance expects original windows in its conservation areas to be replaced like-for-like, and listed buildings need consent. Ask the council before you order.
Free Quotes for Aluminium Windows
Give us your postcode and a short note on the job. It goes to one independent installer in Nottingham, who books a survey and prices it for you.