Specification Guides
Technical guides for architects, main contractors and developers working with commercial aluminium glazing, curtain walling, facades and fire-rated systems.
Schüco vs Cortizo: Which Is Best for Your Home?
Schüco and Cortizo are two of the best aluminium systems you can put in a home. We compare them on sightlines, price and everyday feel for bifold and sliding doors — without the jargon.
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Aluminium vs uPVC Bifold Doors: Which Is Better?
Aluminium and uPVC are the two main materials for bifold doors. We compare them honestly on strength, frames, lifespan, efficiency and cost to help you decide which is right for your project.
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Do Bifold Doors Add Value to Your Home?
Bifold doors are one of the most desirable features a UK home can have. We look at what estate agents and the door industry actually say about the value they add — and how to make sure you get it.
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Bifold Doors and Building Regulations: What UK Homeowners Need to Know
External bifold doors have to comply with UK Building Regulations whether you are replacing old doors or creating a new opening. Here is what the rules cover, in plain English.
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Best Aluminium Bifold Doors for a Home Extension
Bifold doors are the natural finishing touch for a rear extension. This guide walks through the choices that matter — size, glazing, threshold, colour and system — so you specify the right doors first time.
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Bifold Doors vs Sliding Doors: Which Is Right for Your Home?
The two most popular ways to open up the back of a home. We compare aluminium bifold doors and sliding doors on looks, opening width, glass area, cost and maintenance — so you can choose with confidence.
Read articleHow Many Panels Should Your Bifold Door Have? 2, 3, 4 & 5-Panel Explained
The number of panels you choose changes how your bifold doors open, how much you see, and what they cost. Here is how 2, 3, 4 and 5-panel configurations work, and how to pick the right one for your opening.
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Curtain Walling Systems: A Specification Guide for Architects & Main Contractors
Curtain walling is the defining element of most commercial facades. This guide covers system types, thermal performance targets, fire compliance, and how to write a watertight specification.
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Fire-Rated Glazing: What Architects and Developers Need to Know
Fire-rated glazing is a critical life-safety element on commercial buildings. This guide cuts through the complexity of EI ratings, test standards, and Building Safety Act compliance.
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Aluminium Facades & Cladding: A Developer and Main Contractor Guide
Facade packages are typically one of the largest subcontract values on a commercial project. Getting the system selection and procurement right early in the programme is critical to cost and programme certainty.
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Brise Soleil & Solar Shading: Reducing Overheating on Commercial Buildings
Overheating is now a primary design driver on commercial buildings. Correctly designed brise soleil and solar shading can eliminate mechanical cooling loads and contribute significantly to BREEAM ratings.
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Schuco vs Cortizo: Specifying the Right System for Your Commercial Project
Both Schuco and Cortizo are specified on major commercial projects across the UK. Understanding the differences in system range, performance, certification and pricing helps architects and contractors make the right choice at specification stage.
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