The ultimate Crittall buying guide

  • 28 October 2024
  • News

Orangery with external Crittall doors

Investing in new windows or doors is more than just an aesthetic upgrade for homeowners. Today’s windows and doors offer significant improvements in performance, making your home more comfortable and energy efficient than ever before. When considering various styles for windows, doors and internal screens there can often be a bewildering amount of information available, and it can be difficult to determine what’s right for you.

Founded nearly 200 years ago by Francis Henry Crittall, Crittall Windows today is a global leader in steel windows and doors. Committed to providing high-quality products with unrivalled aesthetic appeal for commercial and residential projects, we have collaborated with renowned architects and contractors worldwide. We have continued to lead the industry with our blend of classic elegance and contemporary design, offering homeowners across the UK valuable insights into transforming their living spaces.

To help you make informed decisions when choosing new windows and doors, we have compiled this comprehensive guide. Discover why Crittall Windows’ products are a great choice for your home.

Why choose authentic Crittall Windows?

Despite many companies attempting to imitate the design of our windows and doors, we are the only company who manufactures the design synonymous with steel windows and steel doors. All of our products are hand-crafted at our state-of-the-art Essex facility and, since Crittall Windows was founded in 1849, we have emerged as the world’s leading manufacturer of steel windows and doors.

Combining modern technology with traditional craftsmanship, we ensure exceptional quality and precision in every step. Crafted from high-grade recycled steel, our windows offer unmatched strength and durability, with steel being three times stronger than aluminium. Advanced machinery and the expertise of our skilled technicians results in steel windows and doors renowned for their classic aesthetics and superior thermal performance.

Inherent beauty of Crittall steel profiles

steel w20 windows

With their minimalist profiles and impressive clean lines, Crittall steel windows and doors complement art deco, traditional and contemporary architectural styles, preserving the character of existing buildings while enhancing the look of new ones. Crittall products are a classic addition to any property. Although they may cost a little more that cheaper imitations, modern steel windows and doors can be designed to meet your project requirements so, in our case, you really do get what you pay for.

What products are available from Crittall?

Whether you’re restoring, renovating, extending, or simply replacing windows and doors, Crittall offers a comprehensive range of options to suit your home’s unique character.

External windows Our external windows are manufactured from high grade recycled steel and can be completely bespoke to suit your project to create a cohesive look. Featuring sleek, minimalist frames which have some of the slimmest profiles on the market, our windows provide fantastic aesthetic appeal and allow maximum natural light to flow into your home. Hot-dipped galvanised against corrosion, our Homelight® Windows offer long lasting durability, and are available in a variety of finishes and range of configurations so you can choose from fixed, top, or side hung. We also offer both double and triple glazing in our windows which provides excellent acoustic insulation, keeping your home peaceful and quiet while also delivering exceptional thermal performance and energy efficiency.

External doors

As well as looking beautiful, our external doors are designed to keep your home as secure as possible, with our doors featuring toughened glass and multipoint locking systems you can have complete peace of mind that your property is well protected. Homelight® offers a unique combination of features and benefits. True to the iconic Crittall design, these heritage doors are an incredibly durable and robust construction, featuring slim Crittall steel profiles and expansive glass areas as well as boasting an A+ energy rating.

Choose from:

  • Heritage doors for period properties
  • French doors for effortless garden access
  • Contemporary designs for modern homes
  • Commercial steel doors for business premises

Browse our full range of external doors today.

Internal doors and windows

Bring the iconic steel look into your home with our range of interior screens and doors which offer endless design possibilities. Our Innervision® range is designed to allow maximum natural light through your home while allowing you to use your space flexibly. Our range of hinged doors, sliding doors and glass screens feature safety glass as standard, ensuring your security, and can be used in a wide range of settings. Choose from a range of glass options for added privacy and acoustic performance to suit your specific needs. With safety in mind, our Innervision FR steel-framed system® is compliant with BS476 Part 22 providing 30 minutes (FD30) integrity fire resistance while preserving its unique slender steel profile, which sets it apart from other bulkier fire-rated systems. Our internal sliding doors are fitted with soft-close features too so there will be no damage from them being accidentally slammed shut.

Internal screens

Create defined zones in an open-plan interior using a bespoke internal screen. Their stylish finish effortlessly maintains an airy, open feel while separating spaces like your kitchen, dining area, and living room. The acoustic properties of our screens make them a great choice for partitioning spaces like home offices where you may want privacy without feeling completely shut away from the rest of the house.

Premium hardware solutions

To add the perfect finishing touch to your external steel windows or doors, we offer a comprehensive range of exquisite hardware options with an easy-to-use design for effortless window opening. To provide these essential components, we work with specialist hardware partners that offer stunning collections including the Classic Collection and Luxury Collection which not only suits every style but also matches various interior designs.

Explore our latest hardware range which features complementary door handles as well as curved casement handles and lever handles for windows.

Thermal efficiency: will black steel windows and doors be cold?

Crittall windows and doors have come a long way from their Victorian roots. While their style is just as iconic, their performance has been well and truly brought into the 21st century. With modern Crittall products you can experience exceptional energy efficiency with our thermally designed external windows and doors. Featuring incredibly low U-values and outstanding  Energy Ratings, our windows and doors create comfortable indoor environments year-round while significantly reducing energy consumption.

Are Crittall Windows’ suitable for my property?

Steel doors for dining room

Our company may have been founded in Victorian times but that doesn’t mean our products are only suitable for period properties. At Crittall Windows, we offer an extensive range of options to suit any property and personal preference, and our products are available in a wide range of sizes, configurations and designs. We also offer completely bespoke products too which can be tailor made to your exact specifications. Our windows and doors are also available in a full range of RAL and British Standard colours along with custom shades including textured and metallic finished. So if you want a bold design and something different from the traditional black steel windows or doors you can choose something to truly reflect the character of your property.

How secure are Crittall Windows steel windows and doors?

With steel being three times stronger than aluminium, you can be assured of both safety and security with Crittall products. Our external windows and doors feature multipoint locking systems too for excellent security as well as reinforced glass, keeping homes well protected from unwanted intruders.

Are black steel windows and doors sustainable?

Our commitment to sustainability begins with our core product: steel. Unlike other window materials, steel can be recycled indefinitely without compromising its strength or quality. This reduces the demand for virgin materials, minimising our environmental footprint.

Crittall windows are renowned for their clean lines, durability and strength, offering an impressive lifespan. Resistant to weathering, warping, and corrosion, our products can last for decades, and even centuries in some cases. This longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, further enhancing our sustainability credentials.

Do black steel windows and doors need lots of maintenance?

Innervision sliding doors

All our products are low maintenance, as the galvanised and powder coated steel frames protect  against rust and corrosion. This means the windows and doors will not need repainting every few years like timber windows and doors. What’s more, the products won’t require frequent maintenance to keep them looking their absolute best. All you need to do is give them a wipe clean with some soapy water and a cloth every so often.

Your Crittall buying guide

Incorporating our timeless Crittall products into your project is easy and straightforward. Whether you’re looking for a more traditional Crittall design or want to add a contemporary touch, steel windows and doors can provide both a minimalist aesthetic and robust security for your home. Our team of experts and approved Crittall Specialist Partners are on hand every step of the way from the initial inquiry right through to the installation.

Simply complete our contact form with your details and we will get back to you Once we get back in touch, we will discuss your exact requirements so that we fully understand your needs. Then we will put you in touch with your local Crittall approved installer who will provide you with a personalised quote and unbeatable installation experience. When you are happy with your order, your Crittall windows and doors will be expertly crafted for you and installed by one of our approved Crittall Specialist Partners.

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