The Aluminium Boom: Why Smart Installers Are Shifting Away from uPVC 

The Aluminium Boom: Why Smart Installers Are Shifting Away from uPVC 

In recent years, the commercial construction sector has undergone a clear shift. Developers, architects and contractors are moving away from outdated materials like uPVC in favour of aluminium, which offers superior strength, design flexibility and long-term performance. 

In this blog, we explore the key reasons behind this transition and why BDC Aluminium is becoming the go-to choice for professionals who want to future-proof their builds and meet modern performance standards. 

Rising Demand for Commercial Aluminium Doors 

According to IndexBox, aluminium door and window threshold consumption in the MENA region rose 90 million units in 2024, representing a 3.1 percent increase compared to the previous year. This trend highlights a broader shift across construction markets, with aluminium gaining popularity due to its durability, energy efficiency and architectural flexibility. 

As these priorities continue to shape the industry, year-on-year growth is expected to increase beyond 2025, building on the steady gains seen in 2024. The UK is likely to follow suit. While traditionally slower to adopt emerging construction technologies, the UK market presents a strong opportunity for fabricators and installers to respond to growing demand for aluminium-based systems. 

Commercial

The Technical Edge of Aluminium in Commercial Projects 

The growing use of commercial aluminium doors is not just a design trend. It reflects meaningful advances in technology that have left older materials like uPVC behind. 

Where uPVC once offered a quick, low-cost solution, it now struggles to meet the demands of modern construction. Aluminium has advanced with the industry, offering better structural performance, improved energy efficiency and greater design flexibility. 

One of the most important innovations is thermal break technology. Polyamide barriers built into aluminium frames significantly reduce heat transfer, making these systems suitable for energy-efficient and performance-led buildings. 

Aluminium also provides excellent strength while allowing for slim profiles and large glazed areas. This is ideal for commercial environments where natural light and visual impact are key. Unlike uPVC, aluminium does not require bulky reinforcements to remain stable at scale. 

Security is another area where aluminium performs well. Its rigidity supports high-spec locking systems and it resists warping, cracking and UV damage. With minimal maintenance, aluminium frames can deliver decades of reliable use. 

From a design perspective, aluminium allows for virtually unlimited customisation. Frames can be finished in any RAL colour, texture or dual-colour option, helping specifiers meet project-specific requirements across both interior and exterior schemes. 

Aluminium is also one of the most sustainable materials in the construction industry. It is fully recyclable with no loss of quality, making it a smart choice for projects targeting BREEAM, LEED or similar environmental certifications. 

BDC Aluminium is your all-in-one partner for harnessing the full advantages of aluminium products over traditional alternatives. 

What This Means for Installers and Clients 

For fitters, commercial aluminium doors reduce installation issues and provide access to reliable, high-quality systems that align with modern building regulations. With improved long-term performance and fewer post-installation challenges, aluminium helps streamline project delivery and customer satisfaction. 

For clients, aluminium offers a strong balance of performance and aesthetics. Whether for a retail space, office building or large-scale development, aluminium doors provide durability, thermal efficiency and design freedom to meet a wide range of commercial needs. 

Aluminium Window

Smart Fitters Stay Ahead of the Curve 

As more of the market moves toward performance-driven, future-ready solutions, those who adopt aluminium early are putting themselves in a stronger position. Choosing commercial aluminium doors, windows, and more from BDC Aluminium means more value, staying competitive and delivering modern solutions that last. 

Explore BDC Aluminium’s Commercial Solutions 

Interested in learning how BDC Aluminium can support your next project? 
 

Contact us on 01245 474747 and explore our full range of commercial aluminium doors and high-performance systems. 

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Winter Views, Summer Ready: The Benefits of Installing Bifold Doors in January
1 day ago News

Winter Views, Summer Ready: The Benefits of Installing Bifold Doors in January

January is the perfect time to get ahead of the year’s projects. It’s strategic, as it allows forward-thinking businesses to put plans in place for important glazing upgrades, like bifold doors. While some may view bifolds purely as seasonal products, they provide benefits all year round.  BDC Aluminium’s Smart Visofold doors are engineered, trade-focused systems perfect for early-year installation. Beating the Spring Rush for External Renovations Spring is the peak season in the development sector. Installer availability is tight, and lead times on purchases are often extended. Demand increases significantly in preparation for summer installations, placing greater pressure on schedules and lead times. Planning installation for January allows for better scheduling with surveyors/install teams, reduces the risk of seasonal delays, and provides a smoother process for larger projects. How Smart Visofold Bifolds Keep the Cold Out The Visofold 1000 Slim maximises glazed areas, thanks to its ultra-slim sightlines. This is achieved while maintaining strength and thermal performance, with no compromise on performance. They’re weather-tested to BS 6375 Part 1;2009, and security tested to PAS 24, demonstrating their reliable performance and their compliance with building regulations. Available in over 200 RAL colours and finishes, with the capability for dual-colour options (different finishes on either side of the door), our Visofold 1000 Slim supports bespoke architectural requirements. The Smart Visofold 6000 features some of the slimmest sightlines on the market at 94mm, delivering expansive glazed openings and larger views. They’re perfect for larger or feature openings, where creating visual impact and strong performance are priorities. Their contemporary profiles make the 6000 suitable for both classic and modern buildings – helping installers satisfy a broad range of specifications. Strong weather sealing and precision engineering of each system make them suitable for installation all year round and perform even in the colder months. For us, a trade account with BDC Aluminium is a partnership – not just a price list. In partnering with BDC, you’ll benefit from priority service during busy periods, and our competitive pricing will protect margins Repeat ordering is streamlined – making it quicker and more straightforward when ordering systems you’ve purchased from us before. We provide end-to-end support, taking care of you from quotation to delivery. We’re proud to offer expert support for our trade partners, and we pride ourselves on our technical expertise. Start Your 2026 Right with BDC Bifold Doors Early planning and installation reduce the risk of seasonal disruption and improve delivery certainty throughout the year. Start your 2026 off right by partnering with BDC

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