Opening the right door

Installers and retailers up and down the country are finding it essential to offer aluminium windows and doors to their customers. Homeowners are really switching on to the benefits of aluminium as they reach aspirational product status. In many instances, aluminium is becoming the material of choice for doors, and in some cases leading to the windows following suit. This is perfectly illustrated by a homeowner in Winchester who was contemplating various fenestration materials when refurbishing their house. James Hilsdon was replacing early generation PVC-U windows in a 1970s house and was looking to co-ordinate the windows and doors in a newly built extension: “The natural choice was to replace like for like, however, a local installer had suggested we consider aluminium as a frame material. I was keen to have matching windows and doors throughout the property. For me the essential element was the doors; aluminium just struck me as a material more suitable for high-usage areas. The new extension features a bi-fold door and it made logical sense for the other 2 doors – front door and side sliding door – to match this bi-fold. These doors would become a feature of the house and I was prepared to stretch the budget and make them the main feature of our home. When it came to the windows, we had a tough decision. In an ideal world we would have replaced the windows with aluminium; however, we basically couldn’t afford both. To be honest the grey foiled PVC-U windows we opted for were ideal and perfectly matched the aluminium doors. We are so happy we chose these doors and our decision is made even more pleasing when visitors to our house also comment on them!”

For me the essential element was the doors; aluminium just struck me as a material more suitable for high-usage areas. The new extension features a bi-fold door and it made logical sense for the other 2 doors – front door and side sliding door – to match this bi-fold. These doors would become a feature of the house and I was prepared to stretch the budget and make them the main feature of our home. When it came to the windows, we had a tough decision. In an ideal world we would have replaced the windows with aluminium; however, we basically couldn’t afford both. To be honest the grey foiled PVC-U windows we opted for were ideal and perfectly matched the aluminium doors. We are so happy we chose these doors and our decision is made even more pleasing when visitors to our house also comment on them!”

A perfect endorsement for aluminium doors! Retailers and installers are all fighting for business and to be able to offer a product that really makes the difference is very desirable. The case of James Hilsdon is very revealing and demonstrates the importance of selling aspirational products showing how homeowners will prioritise items that have greater kerb appeal. Doors are a key area for focus and for this reason it is important to partner with a company that offers a portfolio of high quality, aspirational products. One such company is specialist trade manufacturer of aluminium doors, Dutemänn. With a pedigree of delivering high-quality aluminium door solutions to installers, retailers and fabricators, Dutemänn has developed a range of bi-folds, sliding and entrance doors that will transform any property.

The Dutemänn Haus is the flagship contemporary aluminium composite entrance door, available as either a panel, which can be integrated by fabricators with their own systems, or as completed front door sets manufactured and supplied by Dutemänn. The Dutemänn Glide-S is a sliding door that can easily span an aperture of 6.7m wide by 3.2m in height in just two panels. It also features a 47mm mullion which allows for maximum glass area. Completing the line-up is a comprehensive range of bi-folds which includes the popular Schuco range and the hotly anticipated FD85 range. The FD85 is a feature-packed bi-folding door system which includes the Quad-bolt system that has helped it attain PAS24;2016. As well as being strong and secure, the FD85 is also aesthetically pleasing and adaptable as it features slim 105mm mullions and can achieve panel widths up to 1.35m, leading to only 3 panels for over 4 metres.

Tel: 01322 771213

E: sales@dutemann.co.uk