Hybrid Windows and Doors

Hybrid Windows offer an entirely different proposition for glazing in the home.  Hybrid products combine all of the best features of different materials, such as timber, aluminium and even PVCu.  All these different materials come together with the glass, forming one complete product.

These innovative windows and doors offer excellent aesthetics, high performance, outstanding thermal efficiency, and a big range of products for the home.

Information about Hybrid Windows and Doors.

Windows and doors in hybrid materials typically feature a combination of two materials, each one different on the inside and outside of the window.  For instance, there are hybrid products having coloured aluminium on the outside and wood on the inside.  There are also hybrid having PVCu on the outside with wood on the inside.

Other pages In this section

• Hybrid Sliding Doors
• Hybrid Bifolding Doors
• Hybrid and Composite Windows
• How to buy hybrid windows and doors
• Hybrid Curtain Walling
• Who makes the best hybrid glazing?

Importantly, the prominent feature of hybrid materials is the excellent thermal performance with some of the lowest U-Values and best window energy ratings. Sound insulation is also better than single materials too. Another key feature of hybrid materials is the combined strength. As a result, aluminium and timber hybrids offer bigger windows sizes and larger opening elements, compared to single materials.  With hybrid windows and doors, you also get more expansive glazing.

Finally, hybrid window frames offer a bigger variety of aesthetics.  For instance, flush sitting vents, a fully glazed outside with no visible frame and unique window details.  Therefore, compared to single materials, hybrid offers far more choice in how windows and doors look both inside and outside.

Products available in hybrid materials.

Virtually every type of window and door is available with hybrid materials including:

• Windows as casement, pivoting or tilt and turn and sliding sashes.
• Shaped, apex and gable windows.
• Bifolding Doors.
• Tilt and Slide and Lift and Slide patio sliding doors.
• Single doors and French Doors.
• Front doors.
• Facade glazing and floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Rooflights and roof windows

For wood-aluminium products, aluminium on the outside protects the timber inside from external weather and moisture. The wood on the inside is therefore always protected and is maintenance free.

You also get all the advantages of aluminium with the full range of over 200 RAL colour palette.  Inside, the wood comes either as natural, painted or stained. Many hybrid brands also offer a choice of aluminium capping on the outside such as contemporary, softline or shaped.

The engineering on hybrid windows allows excellent security with multi-point locking systems, corner locking and a big choice of window and door furniture.

Environmentally-Friendly Hybrid Windows and Doors.

Virtually all hybrid glazing is sustainable as we ass environmentally friendly.  The aluminium exterior is 100% recyclable.  The profile in some brands already includes recycled aluminium.  Furthermore, most hybrid systems ensure material suppliers are carefully chosen and even manufacturing processes help produce eco-friendly windows.

The wood used in hybrid windows is from sustainable sources, PEFC certified (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) or certified to The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) standard.   Most suppliers making these windows also adopt strict Quality Management Systems as well as Environmental Management and Audit systems.

The choice of wood finishes available inside is extensive. Engineered timber, oak, pine, spruce, larch, redwood and Eucalyptus are just some of the fine woods used.

As a result of all these environmentally friendly materials and methods, hybrid windows enjoy an extended lifespan compared to single materials.

Hybrid Windows Brands and Systems.

There are many providers of hybrid products, either from international manufacturers or made in the UK. Some of the best known Hybrid Systems include:

Centor Europe.

The range of sliding and bifolding doors from Centor are arguably some of the very best hybrid doors on the market.  Available are the 100 Series and 200 series with wood on the inside and aluminium on the outside.  As well as this, Centor offers an innovative screen and shading system, built into the outer frame. 100 series bifolding doors come with European Oak, hidden hardware and single or double door options.  For the 200 series, features include hidden hardware, integrated screens as well as folding and fixed window options.

Comar Alu-Timber.

Comar is already well known for their commercial and residential systems, extensively used in the UK. The Comar Alu-Timber range offers windows, doors and framing in hybrid materials, also integrating with their tried-and-tested aluminium systems. Comar Alu-Timber products have a design life of 40 years.

Idealcombi

Danish made Idealcombi offer an excellent rang of traditional and contemporary windows, doors and glazing. The products feature the latest innovations in thermal technology and the quality of Idealcombi products is excellent as are the materials, components and technology used

Internorm Windows.

Internorm is one of the best-known brands of innovative glazing solutions.  All Internorm windows are made in Austria and supplied in the UK through a quality dealer network. The HF and HV range of hybrid products from Internorm creates many different styles of windows and doors, with a unique look amongst hybrid windows.

Rationel Windows.

Two core products in the Rationel range offer timber windows and doors with external aluminium cappings and cladding. Rationel FORMAPLUS® and Rationel AURAPLUS® provide both contemporary and traditional styles for residential property.  Originating in Denmark, Rationel makes windows in the UK, Denmark, Poland and Ireland.

Senior Hybrid Systems.

Based in Doncaster, Senior Architectural is a British company, offering their Hybrid Range of windows and doors.  Senior offers some of the best engineering and design as well as strong environmental credentials. Every Senior Hybrid window uses UK materials, meaning lead times are quicker than other brands.  The company is also unique in the UK offering CWCT hybrid curtain walling and facade glazing for both dwellings and commercial property. Senior Hybrid Products come in Series 1, 2 and 3 versions.

Solarlux Systems

One of the best brands in highly engineered glazing, glazed extensions, advanced bifolding doors and contemporary sliding doors. Solarlux offers the Combiline, SL67 and SL97 range of hybrid bifolding doors. Also available are the SL179 insulated hybrid sliding doors. The SDL Avantgarde from Solarlux also offers contemporary hybrid glass rooms and extensions with wood internally, aluminium externally.

SUNFLEX UK.

The SUNFLEX range of hybrid products includes bifolding doors and moveable walls. The SF55c and SF75c, in particular, is the slimmest hybrid bifolding door in the UK with virtually every innovation of the full aluminium version.  SUNFLEX aluminium and hybrid products are made in Germany and available through a nationwide network of approved dealers in the UK.

Svarre Windows

Marketed as the next generation of glazing maximising the use of wood and glass. Svarre offers a luxurious hybrid window with advanced weather, security and design features. The key design feature of these windows if a fully glass exterior where the glass exceeds the frame for a consistent glass line on the exterior and a frameless appearance.

Velfac.

A subsidiary of VKR Holding, Velfac is a global business trading for over 60 years. One of the biggest Scandinavian window manufacturers in the world, making over 10000 hybrid units every week.  Velfac provides a very big range of hybrid products for commercial or residential projects. Most windows offer pine internally, all sourced from North Europe. Velfac works with housebuilders, architects, private clients and the wider construction industry.