Jan/Feb 2022

Aluminium
INCREASING BUYER CONFIDENCE
Sheerline’s Head of Marketing, David Wigley, talks about how retail-focused products are
leading to an increase in consumer confidence for aluminium products.
Consumer attitudes toward aluminium
windows and doors have changed steadily
over the past decade, driven by the growth
of more retail friendly systems that pay more
care and attention to aesthetics and thermal
performance, rather than simply repurposing
products designed for the commercial sector.
That’s according to David Wigley, Head of
Marketing at aluminium window and door
manufacturer Sheerline.
“Traditional steel and aluminium window and
door products have historically been plagued
by issues surrounding energy efficiency, and a
general lack of aesthetic choice, making them
less desirable for homeowners. Consumers
looking for systems that offered the slimmest
sightlines were often forced to compromise in
other areas, such as security and finish.” David
commented.
“However, with the development of new
innovative technologies and the introduction of
retail-focused brands such as Sheerline, the
industry is starting to experience a rise in demand
for aluminium as customer trust in this next
generation of aluminium grows.”
Designed from scratch, the Sheerline’s Classic
range incorporates many features and benefits
demanded by discerning home-improvers, selfbuilders,
and housebuilders.
David continued: “In contrast to other window
lines, our Classic window system was designed
from scratch and not adapted from an existing
system. We wanted to create a system which
revolutionised the way consumers think about
aluminium windows and doors, while still
ensuring we provided trade customers with an
easy-to-manufacture and easy-to-install range.
“The Classic system presents a whole new range
of features and benefits to allow fabricators
and installers to meet the needs of the most
demanding consumer.”
David added: “Sheerline Classic is an ideal
solution for homeowners looking for a tasteful and
elegant way to improve the look of their homes.
Even the smallest of apertures will benefit from
the ultra-slim beadless system. When fitted,
Sheerline Classic windows provide a stylish look
that maximises light and views – with slim 59mm
sightlines on windows using the small outer
frame.”
The Classic window range uses Sheerline’s
patented corner cleat construction method,
A classic
aluminium
sash window
“Aluminium windows
are no longer a
one-style-fits-all
commercial hand-medown”
resulting in almost invisible mitred joints, while
also allowing the system to arrive on site already
pre-glazed.
“Our corner cleat system is used across
all Sheerline ranges to reduce fabrication
misalignment and create exceptional strong and
secure corner joints. This eco-friendly system
also greatly reduces waste by lessening the
need to crimp corners, leading to less scrappage
if elements of the window need replacing mid
manufacture – all made possible by Sheerline’s
easy to use corner cleat”, David commented.
To allow for quicker and more efficient
installations, Classic sashes are pre-glazed
during fabrication, and use cleverly designed
corner and run-up ramp mouldings to self-locate
hinges. This allows sashes to be hung quickly,
with the hinges held securely, the sash is fixed in
place. It also eliminates the need to fit gaskets or
beads on-site.
David added: “To help reduce installation time
and associated cost, the Classic system is preglazed
with the glazed unit securely encapsulated
within the sash prior to going on-site. Not only
does this add higher security for the window with
Sheerline created a white finish fitted to a stone coloured
property
20 T F JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN