For a character property, both the genuine steel Crittall-style window and modern heritage aluminium can deliver that fine, gridded elevation. Which is right depends on the building, the budget and how much upkeep you want.
The genuine article
Original-style steel windows give the thinnest possible bars and an unmistakable authenticity, ideal on a listed or conservation-sensitive frontage. The trade-off is thermal performance and maintenance versus a modern thermally broken frame — related detail in steel-look and Jansen systems.
- Steel Crittall-style
- thinnest bars, authentic
- Heritage aluminium
- slim + thermally broken
- Upkeep
- aluminium lower
- Thermal
- aluminium stronger
- Conservation
- check local policy either way
Heritage aluminium
Heritage aluminium reproduces the slim proportions and period sightlines while adding a thermal break, easy finishes and effectively no maintenance. For many owners it is the sensible balance — see heritage aluminium for period homes and the flush casement detail that helps it read correctly.
Conservation areas
In a conservation area or on a listed building, material and sightline can be conditioned by the planners, so check before you fall in love with a look — our note on period homes covers the questions to ask.
Seeing both
The two options look closer in photos than in life. A supplier carrying heritage aluminium windows and doors can show them against genuine steel so you judge the bars in person.