ALUMINIUMextra
Proud sponsor of Aluminium Extra
The Lasting Appeal of Aluminium
When Sheerline was launched, the aluminium market was arguably stagnant. There was a lack of innovation, the industry was reliant on polyamide as the accepted solution to thermal efficiency, and many suppliers bought their aluminium from abroad.
Things have changed a bit over the past five years. Aside from the popularity of aluminium windows, doors, roof lanterns, and roof-related products growing exponentially, the level of innovation has increased as has the importance of thermal efficiency.
We know aluminium is gaining traction and market share – the data on aluminium, PVCu, and timber shows this trend is growing year-on-year – but what is it about aluminium that makes it so appealing?
Versatility: Contemporary, Heritage, Ultra-Modern
One of aluminium’ s key selling points is its versatility. For Sheerline, this is reflected in its two core ranges( Classic and Prestige), which can be used on a multitude of projects – from the ultra-modern architecturally refined aesthetic to the contemporary Grand Design-style house, and heritage properties including those within conservation areas.
With super slim sightlines, authentic heritage styling including a lockbox design for the Classic Heritage Door, and optional Georgian bars, the Classic range is extremely versatile. It looks just as good on a heritage property as an ultra-modern build designed to flood the space with as much natural light as possible.
As well as offering competitive sightlines, the Prestige range is arguably the most versatile. It’ s suitable for the widest range of window styles including casement, French, tilt & turn, and fixed. It’ s the ideal option for large picture windows where the homeowner wants to frame a particular view or aspect.
The finish of the profile is also key, which is why Sheerline powder-coats and woodgrain foils everything in-house. One of the biggest advantages of woodgrain foiling is an authentic timber-look that can easily replace outdated or failing products, but without the maintenance of wood.
Shapeshifting: The Rise of Architectural Glazing
As well as being versatile in terms of the array of projects aluminium is suitable for, the variety of shapes being requested has also increased. This is due to a combination of factors such as the rise of architectural glazing including arched frames, using glazing to create features such as gable end windows, and the need to replace existing products.
Keeping pace with demand for arched frames is easy for Sheerline’ s customers when utilising the company’ s dedicated in-house division, Sheerline Bespoke. The team have worked on projects ranging from a simple arched frame in a new kitchen extension to impressively large frames, gothic arched frames, and curved profiles for both the Prestige and Classic doors.
With homeowners increasingly looking at ways to use glazing to create unique features and increasingly choosing aluminium over PVCu, the demand for this kind of service will only grow in the future. Offering this service in-house keeps things simple for fabricators and installers.
Thermal Efficiency: The Sheerline Way
In the past, thermal efficiency seemed like an afterthought within the aluminium sector, and there has been little( if any) innovation of alternative solutions.
That was until Sheerline launched its award-winning Thermlock ® technology, which sits at the heart of every product, enabling fabricators to achieve simple Part L compliance.
It’ s this commitment to thermal efficiency and simple, straightforward Part L compliance that makes aluminium so appealing to homeowners. Particularly within the context of rising energy bills. For the team at Sheerline, developing an alternative solution to polyamide was key right from the beginning.
They knew they needed something that would be futureproofed against legislative updates that will likely become more stringent in the future as the government sets it sights on its Zero Net Strategy. Thermlock ® features a unique multi-chambered thermal break that is half as thermally conductive as polyamide.
In addition, it allows for wider, integrated one-piece designs that add rigidity. A clever attribute of this solution is the fact it enables windows to be fixed through the thermal break – as a result, installers can fit at the ideal point to an aperture. When Sheerline received its King’ s Award for Innovation 2025 earlier in the year, Thermlock ® was recognised.
These are just some of the key reasons why aluminium is becoming more popular.
www. sheerline. com
36 NOVEMBER 2025 CLEARVIEW-UK. COM