By Russell Ager, Managing Director at Crittall Windows

As the UK’s construction industry navigates through an era of unprecedented environmental challenges, the role of windows and doors has completely changed. With strict building regulations in force, they are no longer classed as simple building elements, instead they are seen as crucial components that contribute to a building’s energy efficiency and resilience.

This means it’s more important than ever for architects and specifiers, who are facing mounting pressures to create environmentally friendly buildings that can withstand increasingly extreme weather conditions, to find high performing systems for their plans.

Sustainability in construction

Ultimately, sustainability in construction is a necessity. With the industry accounting for approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, every component within a building project must help to significantly reduce this statistic. Modern steel windows and doors, I believe, could be a key part of this change thanks to their remarkable sustainability credentials.

At Crittall Windows, we’ve been fully committed to evolving the performance of our steel window and door systems over the years. In fact, we have continuously adapted our own product range to ensure they achieve exceptional thermal performance. The most recent addition to our portfolio, for instance, delivers impressive UW & UD values of 1.4 W/m²K, without compromising on the style and design synonymous with traditional steel windows and doors.

Achieving these fantastic results will not only have a significant effect on a building’s energy consumption but it will also reduce the carbon emissions produced throughout the building’s lifetime.

Steel window and door durability

Building resilience is a critical consideration in architectural design. Once again, modern steel window and door systems offer exceptional durability and weather resistance, which is perfect for developing climate resilient buildings that can withstand extreme weather frequently hitting the UK.

The inherent strength of steel is what truly sets it apart from other building materials and effortlessly allows for slimmer frames to be used, without compromising on the structural integrity of the system – a crucial factor for today’s architects. This characteristic also means the windows and doors feature larger glazed areas, maximising natural light flow and reducing the reliance on artificial lighting which, once again, positively contributes to the building’s overall efficiency.

Advancements in steel technology

The latest advancements in steel window and door technology have revolutionised their performance capabilities. Our thermally enhanced and thermally broken systems incorporate advanced technology that effectively prevents heat transfer while maintaining the elegant aesthetics that architects desire for their projects.

As we look ahead to the future in construction, the importance of specifying products that contribute to both energy efficiency and weather resilience cannot be overstated. Steel windows and doors are uniquely positioned to meet these demands as well as the design requirements of forward-thinking architects. Their ability to seamlessly integrate into contemporary or heritage projects makes them an invaluable addition to architects.

Since 1849, Crittall Windows has been at the forefront of innovation in steel window and door manufacturing, continually evolving its products to meet the changing demands of modern architecture. To learn more about our sustainable solutions, visit www.crittall-windows.co.uk.