'Aluprof Living’ A New Offer With A Difference

By Shaun Cartwright - National Sales Manager of Domestic Systems Aluprof UK - For the homeowner, aluminium framed windows are an excellent choice for home improvement due to their strength, durability, and sleek, modern appearance. Unlike wood, aluminium doesn’t warp, crack, or require regular repainting, making it a low-maintenance option that stands up well to harsh weather conditions. Its inherent strength also allows for slimmer frames, which means larger glass panels and more natural light in your home, ideal for creating a clean, contemporary look.

Additionally, aluminium frames can be powder-coated in a wide range of colours and finishes to match any home’s style. From a performance standpoint, modern aluminium windows feature high performance thermal breaks and double or triple glazing, significantly improving energy efficiency and reducing heat loss. This makes them a smart investment, not only for comfort but also for lowering energy bills over time. Aluminium is also 100% recyclable, making the choice an environmentally friendly option for homeowners looking to make sustainable decisions.

Shaun Cartwright - National Sales Manager of Domestic Systems Aluprof UK

Together this balance of aesthetics, longevity, and energy performance, makes aluminium framed windows a practical and stylish upgrade. Aluprof, a well established aluminium systems company, providing aluminium systems for some of the UK’s most prestigious projects, has seized the opportunity to enter the home improvement market to meet the growing demand for high quality, long lasting products.

The portfolio of products include a new slimline casement window, a new entrance door system with a range of pivot and panel door options, plus an outdoor living range of structures, the Pergola system.

Complementing these new fenestration systems is a new range of garage door and roller shutter systems which helps home improvement companies to range build across a wide range of aluminium improvement products. Aluprof UK recently hosted its highly anticipated ‘Aluprof Living’ Partner Day, bringing together key fabricators and industry professionals for a day of collaboration, insight, and innovation. Held at Aluprof’s extensive showroom and training facility in Altrincham, the event showcased Aluprof’s latest product developments and sustainable solutions in aluminium systems, highlighting the company’s commitment to excellence and partnership.

With a dynamic mix of keynote presentations and interactive exhibits, attendees gained valuable knowledge about upcoming trends and Aluprof’s role in shaping the future of home improvement design. One of the highlights of the presentation was the newly introduced Casement Slim Frame window specifically designed for the UK and Ireland market. The Aluprof MB79N CSF Slim Casement Frame is a stylish and efficient solution for modern residential and commercial buildings.

Designed with minimalist aesthetics in mind, it offers slim sight-lines that enhance natural light and create a sleek, contemporary look. Engineered for high performance, the MB79N CSF Slim Casement Frame achieves an impressive U-value of 0.93 W/m²K for openable windows with triple glazing, making it an ideal solution for energy-efficient buildings and modern thermal standards. Its specially designed hinge system supports sash weights of up to 80 kg, allowing for larger window sizes that maximise natural light. Alongside its thermal efficiency, the system offers versatile configuration options, combining flexibility with a sleek, contemporary look that appeals to both architects and homeowners.

At the Aluprof Living launch event, Mags Herbert, Aluprof’s Garage Door and Rolling Systems Sales Manager, also introduced Aluprof’s SkyRoll and insect screens to the delegates designed to seamlessly complement the Aluprof Pergolas and sliding systems to enhance outdoor living with practical, stylish shading and protection solutions. The Partner Day was not only an opportunity to share expertise but also to celebrate the strong relationships that underpin Aluprof UK’s continued growth in this trade sector.

Delegates praised the event’s organisation, informative sessions, and the chance to engage directly with the Aluprof team. The success of the day underscored the company’s dedication to fostering a collaborative network and delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the home improvement market when living with aluminium framed windows and doors.

Should you be interested in reviewing the wide product range and the excellent support package that ‘Aluprof Living’ offers please contact Aluprof UK or visit aluprofliving.com, Aluprof’s dedicated homeowners portal. Aluprof UK have been supporting specifiers in the UK and Ireland for over fifteen years with advanced systems that include, high performance windows doors and facade systems.

Many UK and Ireland based fabricators and installers supply these systems and are on hand to offer surveys and cost analysis as to what improvements can be made with likely paybacks. Further information about the wide range of systems and specification support is available through the company website at aluprof.co.uk or direct from their UK head office in Altrincham by phoning +44 (0) 161 941 4005.

Aluprof Eases Gateway 2 Compliance

By Tom Cherowbrier, Major Projects Manager at Aluprof UK - Gateway 2 Compliance, introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022, is creating  significant disruption across the Construction Industry. At this stage of the approval process, a complete and fully coordinated design must be submitted and approved before any building work can begin. This requirement represents a major shift from established practices where design and construction traditionally overlapped, allowing issues to be resolved on-site.

The result has been widespread project delays, increased costs and logistical difficulties as developers and contractors adjust to the stricter regulatory environment. Much of the challenge lies in the scale of information now required. Gateway 2 places a strong emphasis on detailed documentation and maintaining the ‘golden thread’ of information, ensuring that design intent, safety measures, and materials are all fully recorded. Many organisations, particularly smaller firms, are struggling with the resources and digital systems needed to meet these demands, added to this is a lack of clarity in how regulators will assess submissions, which has created uncertainty and hesitancy in moving projects forward.

Tom Cherowbrier, Major Projects Manager at Aluprof UK

For an industry already under pressure to deliver more housing quickly, these bottlenecks are proving difficult to manage. However, despite the frustrations, Gateway 2 is an essential step towards raising safety and quality standards in construction. The system was introduced to prevent unsafe compromises and poor record-keeping, lessons tragically underscored by the Grenfell Tower fire.

By ensuring that critical safety measures are embedded in the design before work begins, Gateway 2 helps protect residents and provides greater accountability throughout the building’s lifecycle. Over time, the requirement for earlier collaboration, better coordination, and improved transparency has the potential to transform industry culture, leading to fewer defects, safer buildings, and stronger public confidence. Whilst the transition is undoubtedly challenging,

Gateway 2 should be seen as an investment in a safer, more professional built environment. Aluprof UK has demonstrated a strong commitment to aligning with the Building Safety Act 2022 requirements, particularly regarding Gateway 2 approvals. Their broad range of high-performance façade solutions, all 3rd party tested to relevant standards, with over 1,500 third party certificates of compliance, makes Aluprof the ideal partner. Their major projects team collaborates closely with specialist façade contractors to ensure that all necessary supporting documentation and compliance measures are meticulously prepared for submission to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

This proactive approach is crucial, especially considering recent challenges faced by the BSR, such as delays in processing Gateway 2 applications due to an outsourced delivery model and a shortage of in-house technical expertise. Choosing Aluprof fire-resistant screens together with Glassprof glass provides a reliable and fully tested solution for safeguarding buildings while maintaining design flexibility. Aluprof’s systems are engineered to deliver high levels of fire resistance, compartmentation, and smoke control without compromising on aesthetics, while Glassprof glass complements these systems with certified fire-rated glazing that ensures transparency, natural light, and architectural freedom. Together, they offer architects, contractors, sub-contractors and building owners a trusted combination of safety, compliance, and performance for all construction projects.

Aluprof’s vertical integration benefits specifiers by ensuring consistent product quality, streamlined supply chains, and enhanced technical support. With in-house system design, manufacturing, and testing, Aluprof delivers high-performance aluminium systems that meet stringent UK and EU building regulations, including Gateway 2 requirements under the Building Safety Act 2022. This integrated approach allows for greater customisation, faster lead times and improved cost efficiency, giving specifiers confidence in project timelines and compliance. Additionally, direct collaboration with Aluprof’s experts ensures tailored solutions that align with architectural intent whilst enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency. Current statistics show that Gateway 2 compliance remains a major challenge for the Construction Industry.

Approval rates are very low, with only around 10–14% of applications being approved. For example, as of mid-2025, just 20 out of 187 new higher-risk building applications had received approval. Across all new build and remedial submissions between late 2023 and 2024, the success rate was similar at 146 approvals from 1,018 applications.

The vast majority of applications—up to 75%—are being rejected due to incomplete or poor-quality submissions, while a further 20% are ruled invalid because they fail to meet statutory requirements or lack essential documentation. Delays are also a serious issue, with the average approval taking around 22 weeks, far exceeding the statutory 8–12 week timeframe. In some cases, projects have been delayed by 40 weeks or more waiting for Gateway 2 clearance. Freedom of Information data shows that by early 2025, over 700 applications were still pending, adding to a significant backlog.

These statistics highlight both the complexity of the new regime and the ongoing difficulties applicants face in providing the detailed fire and structural safety information required by the Building Safety Regulator. Speeding up Gateway 2 approvals requires both improved application quality from Industry and greater efficiency within the BSR. Many delays stem from incomplete or poorly prepared submissions, so design teams must ensure that all structural and fire safety details are fully coordinated and documented before applying. Investing in specialist consultants, carrying out thorough pre-application checks, and engaging earlier with the regulator can reduce the risk of rejection.

Better training for architects, contractors, and consultants on Gateway 2 requirements would also help raise standards and cut down on the high percentage of invalid or incomplete applications currently being submitted. On the regulator’s side, resourcing and process improvements are key. The BSR could speed up approvals by expanding its review teams, streamlining the multi-disciplinary assessment process, and introducing clearer guidance on what constitutes a compliant application.

Phased or staged approvals, already being trialled in some cases, may also help by allowing work to progress whilst certain technical details are finalised. Ultimately, a combination of better-prepared applications and more efficient regulatory handling will be needed to reduce backlogs, shorten determination times, and give the construction sector greater confidence in navigating Gateway 2. Aluprof UK have been supporting specifiers in the UK and Ireland for over fifteen years with advanced systems that include, high performance windows doors and facade systems.

Many UK and Ireland based fabricators and installers supply these systems and are on hand to offer surveys and cost analysis as to what improvements can be made with likely paybacks. Further information about the wide range of systems and specification support is available through the company website at aluprof.co.uk or for home improvement at aluprofliving.com and direct from their UK head office in Altrincham by phoning +44 (0) 161 941 4005.

Outdoor Living by Aluprof

By Wojciech Brożyna, MD Aluprof UK - For the homeowner, outdoor living refers to the design and use of exterior spaces, such as patios, decks and gardens, an extension of the home’s interior living areas. It encompasses everything from seating and dining arrangements to outdoor kitchens, fire pits, pergolas, and garden features, all thoughtfully arranged to create functional and comfortable environment outside.

The goal is to blur the line between inside and outside, allowing people to enjoy nature while retaining many of the conveniences and comforts of indoor spaces. By integrating durable, weather-resistant materials such as aluminium, brick, paving stone and all-weather fabrics, alongside amenities such as lighting, heating elements and shade structures, outdoor living spaces can be used year-round, even in the UK’s climate. Beyond aesthetics and functionality, outdoor living supports lifestyle and well-being, it encourages social gatherings, family time, and relaxation in a natural setting.

Wojciech Brożyna, MD Aluprof UK

Even simple design choices, like adding potted plants, a water feature, or ambient lighting can transform a garden into a retreat that invites outdoor cooking, al fresco dining, or quiet reading. Moreover, spending time outdoors has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and greater physical activity, making well-designed outdoor living areas not only attractive but also health-promoting. Whether in a small urban courtyard or a spacious rural garden, outdoor living turns ordinary outdoor spaces into extensions of personal style and daily life.

Aluprof’s outdoor living portfolio is anchored by its state-of-the-art pergola systems, the MB-OpenSky 120 and MB-OpenSky 140, which feature motorised, rotating aluminium slats that can be angled from fully closed to fully open (0°–135°) for precise control over light and ventilation. Both free-standing and wall-mounted configurations are available, each integrating concealed drainage channels and custom seals to ensure water-tight performance even under heavy rain or snow loads. These pergolas can be enhanced with Aluprof’s SkyRoll side-screens or MB-OpenSlide glazed sliding panels for added weather protection, and offer options for integrated LED lighting strips and infrared heating modules to extend usability into cooler evenings.

Beyond pergolas, Aluprof broadens the concept of “outdoor living” with modular outdoor kitchen frameworks and architectural aluminium elements. Through its Flexocube collaboration, Aluprof supplies fully customisable, weather-resistant kitchen modules built on robust aluminium profiles, allowing homeowners to mix and match components for BBQ and prep areas with “screw-not-weld” assembly simplicity. Complementing these are decorative facade slats from the ‘Earthline’ range, available in multiple widths, in finishes such as wood or stone sublimation, complete with LED lighting options that unify interior and exterior design themes across walls, screens and garden structures.

Aluprof ensures homeowners are fully supported from the earliest planning stages through to completion by offering comprehensive specification and design consultancy. Potential buyers can access tailored guidance via Aluprof’s website, dedicated UK offices in Altrincham and London, or by phone, where experienced technicians advise on the optimal product configurations to suit each project, including tips on minimising thermal bridging and ensuring seamless integration with existing structures. For those who prefer an in-person experience,

Aluprof’s flagship showroom in Greater Manchester, with virtual tour options also available, allows homeowners to see and handle products firsthand while discussing bespoke requirements with aluminium experts. Additionally, an online configurator streamlines the process of obtaining quick, accurate quotations for pergolas, shutters, and other outdoor living systems. Once installation begins, homeowners benefit from Aluprof’s network of certified installers, who have been trained and assessed to ensure high standards of workmanship and minimal disruption on site.

After handover, ongoing support is maintained through extensive technical documentation with installation and maintenance manuals, troubleshooting guides, and product datasheets readily available online. Should any issues arise, Aluprof’s technical support team offers real-time assistance by phone or email, while scheduled maintenance services and warranty coverages help preserve performance and extend the lifespan of outdoor living installations. This end-to-end support framework guarantees that homeowners can enjoy their Aluprof outdoor living spaces with confidence, knowing expert help is always at hand.

Aluprof UK have been supporting specifiers in the UK and Ireland for over fifteen years with advanced systems that include, high performance windows doors and facade systems. Many UK and Ireland based fabricators and installers supply these systems and are on hand to offer surveys and cost analysis as to what improvements can be made with likely paybacks.

Further information about the wide range of systems and specification support is available through the company website at aluprof.co.uk or for home improvement at aluprofliving.com and direct from their UK head office in Altrincham by phoning +44 (0) 161 941 4005.