Aluminium – Installers Demanding Demands

Installers are looking to capitalise on customer demand in both the new build and the HI market. For fabricators, the challenge is demanding – finding practical to manufacture systems that are efficient to install and make money.

Against this backdrop, Glazerite has continued to strengthen its aluminium offering through the launch of a dedicated aluminium manufacturing operation, supported by a carefully selected product range focused on installer efficiency and performance. Systems from Cortizo and AluK are at the heart of the programme.

Built to last

Leading the operation is Aluminium Manager Louis Nuttall, who played a central role in developing the facility from the ground up. He said: “We built everything from scratch including machinery, workflows, health & safety processes and production planning. The focus from day one was making sure we created an efficient operation that delivered the right products for our customers.”

With more than a decade of experience across aluminium fabrication, estimation and commercial design, Nuttall says product selection was driven by a clear understanding of installer priorities. He added: “At the moment we manufacture the Cortizo 4900 sliding door, Cortizo Bifold Plus and AluK windows. The systems we’ve chosen are designed around efficiency, thermal performance and ease of installation.”

Installer efficiency to the fore

Central to Glazerite’s aluminium strategy is the Cortizo Bifold Plus system, selected specifically for its installer-friendly features and thermal capabilities. “It’s thermally efficient, has slim sightlines and includes several features designed to make installation quicker and easier,” said Nuttall.

Among those features are pre-gasketed clip-in beads, integrated sills and adjustable jambs, all designed to simplify on-site fitting and reduce installation time.

Nuttall added: “The adjustable jamb is a major benefit for installers, as it gives up to 6mm of adjustment either way, which can make a significant difference on site.”

Forgiving on bigger installs

According to Nuttall, this becomes particularly important on larger bi-fold configurations where small tolerances can quickly accumulate. He said: “With a five-pane bi-fold, if one sash is even slightly out or a frame corner isn’t perfectly aligned, you can quickly end up 2 or 3mm out across the full doorset. The adjustable jamb allows installers to fine tune the system on site and get everything operating correctly without needing replacement components.”

The result is a more forgiving installation process that helps installers complete jobs more efficiently while reducing snagging and call-backs.

Sightlines with performance

Glazerite’s aluminium range also includes the Cortizo 4900 sliding door system, which Nuttall believes offers a strong balance between looks, thermal efficiency and practicality. “We’re one of the first companies in the UK to bring in the Cortizo 4900 system,” he said. “What makes it stand out is that it achieves strong thermal performance while still maintaining a slimmer overall frame.”

Unlike many sliding systems on the market that exceed 100mm front to back, the Cortizo 4900 operates on a 70mm outer frame, making it easier to handle, transport and install.

The system also includes adjustable rollers, adjustable keeps and the option for either factory-glazed or beaded delivery depending on installer preference and site requirements.

Service reliability

Glazerite believes long-term success within aluminium fabrication also depends on consistency of supply and service. For Nuttall, replicating the reliability already associated with Glazerite’s PVC-U operations has been a major priority throughout the aluminium expansion. “The biggest challenge within aluminium is often service and supply consistency,” he said. “Our goal has been to replicate the same reliability, lead times and customer experience that Glazerite is already known for within PVC-U.”

The aluminium operation is fully integrated with Glazerite’s wider systems and ordering infrastructure, helping streamline processing and improve communication for customers already working across multiple product categories.

Picture: Glazerite has expanded its aluminium offering with easy-to-install, installer-focused Cortizo systems that will have great demand amongst homeowners looking to make the join between inside and outside less intrusive.

www.glazeritewindows.co.uk