Until recent years specifiers chose aluminium for slim and strong window profiles that looked good and had a huge range of colour. Aluminium’s strength meant they could specify large frames and tall doors, and colour would enhance the aesthetics of any project.

The alternative, PVC-U, was way out in front for thermal insulation, and it was a good deal more cost effective, especially when budgets were tight. But it was very limited in terms of colour options, making it effectively white by definition. It was also bulky, and it wasn’t strong enough for large frames and tall doors.

Given a personal choice, shiny white plastic windows just didn’t cut it for many architects.

A whole lot has changed since then. Aluminium windows have improved their energy performance, but at a cost of making an expensive material even more expensive. Meanwhile, PVC-U has retained its lead in energy efficiency and aesthetics have improved no end.

These days the best commercial PVC-U systems are as attractive as aluminium. In weather performance and security, there is no difference, and in ease of installation, PVC-U probably has the edge.

In colour, Deceuninck’s Decoroc has changed the game. It’s as hard wearing and durable as aluminium and, with its matt sheen surface, it even looks like aluminium, and it comes in any colour you can think of. It’s truly the specifier’s choice.

Like the best of aluminium, Deceuninck is fully BIM enabled so its products fit into the specifier’s usual way of working.

In looks, Deceuninck’s windows are engineered with design in mind, with perfect symmetry and balanced sightlines.

In acoustics, Deceuninck is the first PVC-U systems company to undertake systematic acoustic testing, so specifiers can get the frame sizes they want and the level of sound reduction they need in normal delivery times, rather than wait six months after specification for testing to be carried out.

But if you want big windows and tall doors, standard PVC-U is still not always appropriate. The biggest change in recent years is that if you do want big windows and tall doors, you don’t have to specify aluminium.

Deceuninck’s new patented high-tech window systems are true composites, made from a combination of PVC-U with embedded glass fibre inserts and steel strengthening rods embedded in PVC-U enclosed thermal insulation.

This advanced Linktrusion technology is the best of both worlds. It’s very strong, so large windows and tall doors that would usually have to be aluminium, are no problem. The glass fibre insulation makes it even more thermally efficient than PVC-U, and the windows come in any colour you want.

These days there is no need to compromise. Specifiers and developers can have colour, strength, energy efficiency, weather protection, acoustics and security, all in one window system. Materials have improved greatly over the years, so specification has got a lot simpler: just ask for Deceuninck.