Your Customer Thinks Glass Is Just Glass: How to Educate Without Confusing 

Your Customer Thinks Glass Is Just Glass: How to Educate Without Confusing 

When it comes to choosing glass for windows and doors, many homeowners still think it is just about double or triple glazing. While the number of panes does matter, it is only one part of the bigger picture. 

The real performance of double-glazed aluminium windows or triple-glazed aluminium doors and screens comes from a combination of low-emissivity coatings, gas fills, warm-edge spacer bars and the quality of the frame. These features work together to improve energy efficiency, reduce outside noise and enhance home security. 

As window and door installers, helping customers understand the benefits of high-quality glazing can set your service apart. In this blog, we clear up some of the most common myths about glazing and explain what really makes a difference. 

Low-E, Toughened, Laminated: Easy Explanations Installers Can Use 

When talking to customers about glazing options, it’s easy to slip into technical language. But keeping explanations simple and relatable makes a big impact. 

Low-E glass has a special coating that reflects heat back into the room during winter and blocks excess solar gain in summer. It acts like a thermal blanket, helping reduce heating bills without changing how the glass looks. 

Toughened glass is designed for safety. It is several times stronger than standard glass and breaks into small, blunt pieces if damaged. Many homeowners feel reassured knowing it is the same type of safety glass used in car windows and shower screens. 

Laminated glass is perfect for areas where both security and noise reduction matter. It is made by bonding two panes of glass with a plastic layer in the middle. If it breaks, it stays in place instead of shattering. This makes it ideal for front doors or windows facing busy roads, where acoustic glazing can really help. 

By explaining glass in everyday terms, installers can help their customers make better decisions and see the true value in upgraded glass for aluminium doors and windows. 

aluminium doors

How Installers Can Position Aluminium Glazing Upgrades to Boost Sales 

Once your customer understands the difference between glass types, it is easier to talk about upgrade options. These don’t just improve performance, they also increase long-term value. 

Modern double-glazed aluminium windows and doors are energy efficient, and when paired with the right glazing, they provide better warmth, sound insulation and security. Triple-glazing offers an upgrade on each of these things for additional cost. 

Installers can link specific upgrades to real-life benefits. For example, laminated glass improves door security, while acoustic glazing creates a quieter home. Low-E units can help reduce heating bills over time. 

Rather than listing upgrades as add-ons, present them as part of a well-built, high-performing system. This approach makes customers more likely to choose higher-spec glass for aluminium doors and windows. 

With rising energy costs and tighter building regulations, these upgrades are becoming less of a luxury and more of a smart investment. 

How BDC Aluminium Frames Work Seamlessly with Advanced Glazing Options 

BDC Aluminium supplies a complete range of aluminium systems, including Smart Alitherm windows, Visofold and Visoglide doors and AluSpace internal screens. 

These systems are built to work with advanced glazing, supporting thicknesses up to 45 mm depending on the product. Whether it’s standard double glazing, laminated safety glass or high-performance acoustic units, BDC systems are ready to support them. 

Smart profiles include thermal breaks and modern gasket systems, which help improve energy ratings and meet current regulations. This makes them a strong match for anyone looking to install double-glazed aluminium windows that are efficient and reliable. 

For internal use, AluSpace frames support slimmer glass options and are ideal for partitions, sliding doors or interior dividers where light and style matter. 

BDC’s products give installers flexibility when it comes to aluminium frame glazing, making it easier to meet both visual and performance expectations without compromise. 

aluminium windows

Learn more about BDC Aluminium today! 

Want to learn more about BDC Aluminium’s products? Contact us at sales@bdcaluminium.co.uk or call us on 01245 4747

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Alitherm Windows – Features & Benefits
20 days ago News

Alitherm Windows – Features & Benefits

BDC Aluminium is your trusted supplier of premium aluminium fenestration products. With a wide-ranging portfolio designed to meet the needs of builders, architects, and construction professionals alike, we pride ourselves on delivering quality, performance, and style. You probably don’t need us to explain just how important windows are to a building’s façade. Whether residential, commercial, or public, the external face of any structure sends a clear message to those who pass by or approach it. That first impression matters—and well-designed windows play a crucial role in defining a building’s character, energy efficiency, and overall appeal. In this article, we’re showcasing one of our most popular aluminium solutions: Alitherm Windows. We’ll guide you through their versatile designs, highlight key features and benefits, and explain why partnering with BDC Aluminium is the smart choice for your next project. What Are Alitherm Windows? Our Alitherm Windows—featuring Alitherm Heritage, Alitherm 400, and Alitherm 600—are crafted using profiles from Smart Systems, the UK’s leading supplier of aluminium glazing solutions and bespoke extrusions. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Smart is renowned for innovation, design precision, and technical excellence. Their systems are trusted across the UK for delivering high performance, reliability, and sleek aesthetics in both residential and commercial settings. When you choose Alitherm Windows from BDC Aluminium, you’re not just investing in premium aluminium systems—you’re partnering with two names synonymous with quality, consistency, and long-term value. Thanks to the versatility of our Alitherm range, we have the ideal solution for virtually any construction project. Whether it’s a new build, refurbishment, or a residential or light commercial development, Alitherm Windows deliver the performance you can rely on. So, what exactly makes them stand out? Superior Thermal Efficiency Achieving a low U-value is more important than ever when selecting a window provider, especially in today’s climate of rising energy costs. For energy-conscious construction, you can count on BDC Aluminium to deliver high-performance, thermally efficient solutions. Each of our Alitherm Windows offers impressively low U-values. Alitherm Heritage, for instance, achieves 1.6 W/m²K—a remarkable performance given its slim sightlines and traditional, period-inspired aesthetic. It’s the ideal choice for preserving the architectural character of listed buildings, heritage homes, and refurbishment projects, where maintaining a period look is just as important as meeting modern efficiency standards. Alitherm 400 achieves a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K, while Alitherm 600 performs even better, reaching as low as 1.3 W/m²K. This outstanding thermal performance is made possible by Smart’s innovative polyamide thermal break technology, which enhances insulation and supports compliance with the latest energy regulations across a wide range of applications. Strong, Safe and Durable Performance only matters if it stands the test of time. That’s why all our Alitherm Windows are constructed from premium-grade aluminium—an inherently strong, low-maintenance, and long-lasting material that far outperforms uPVC or timber when it comes to durability and stability. Security and compliance are built into every product. Our Alitherm Windows are BSI certified, meaning they meet internationally recognised standards for quality, safety, and operational performance as set by the British Standards Institution. They’re also PAS 24 accredited, confirming they’ve passed rigorous testing against forced entry. With these credentials behind them, our Alitherm Windows offer peace of mind alongside outstanding longevity and visual appeal. Why Choose BDC Aluminium’s Alitherm Windows? At BDC Aluminium, we combine product excellence with dependable service. From quotation to delivery, our team is dedicated to supporting your project with expert advice, precision fabrication, and a focus on getting the details right. Whether you're designing a contemporary new build or preserving the charm of a historic property, our Alitherm Windows range provides the flexibility, performance, and results you can trust. Let’s Build Better, Together Ready to enhance your next project with the performance, design freedom, and long-term value of Alitherm Windows? To get started, fill out our contact form or give us a call on 01245 474747—we’ll be happy to help you find the right solution. Aluminium built for performance. Solutions built for you.

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