Who makes the best hybrid glazing?

Finding the best hybrid glazing or composite windows and doors isn’t difficult as most of these systems using a combination of materials are very well designed and made by nature of their design. We take a look at some of the most complete and best hybrid glazing systems available.

A brief introduction to the best hybrid glazing

This page focuses on all types of hybrid or composite products. This, therefore, includes windows, patio doors, sliding or bifolding doors as well as front doors.

Hybrid glazing is also referred to as composite windows, Swedish or Danish windows, alu-timber, aluminium clad and other terms. They all describe the dual material nature of these products mainly wood inside and aluminium outside. There are also versions using PVCu on the inside and aluminium inside.

Other pages In this section

Hybrid Windows and Doors

The materials, craftsmanship and quality of most hybrid glazing systems on the market not only gives distinctive and luxurious windows but also some of the longest-lasting with a lifespan of 70 years with some of the best hybrid windows and doors.

How to choose the best hybrid glazing

hybrid glazing showing curtain walling in a stylish living room setting

The best hybrid glazing systems are widely regarded as the Nordic systems, German and Austrian, although some UK systems also offer excellent quality and design features too. You’ll find the majority of these products made outside the UK.

Unlike windows using full-framed aluminium, the supply chain for hybrid glazing systems is a little different. Many of the companies behind the brands make their own products. This is quite different to all aluminium products, typically made by many different manufacturers all buying aluminium profiles and accessories from the system company.

Who makes the best hybrid glazing, windows and doors explained

Four factors determine who makes the best hybrid glazing and which of the products available on the market best meet the requirements of the customer.

The hybrid brand

Whilst many hybrid windows meet similar quality standards and specifications, this is one area of buying new doors and windows where brand matters more.

Two hybrid glazing systems by British systems companies are Senior Architectural Systems and Comar Aluminium. Whilst good systems overall, they’re a mid-range brand, rarely sold in retail showrooms. They’re better known in the commercial market and in many new build developments of houses or apartments.

Senior has their Series 1 windows and doors and Series 3 for curtain walling. Comar provides the Alu-Timber range. Neither of these provides sliding or folding doors, instead offering windows, hinged doors and curtain walling. Both these systems can be purchased by homeowners although they’re better known in the new-build market.

Other British brands are Opus made by Prefix systems, Allan Bros, as well as the independent companies designing and making their own products.

With more features, product and styling options and at the upper end of the market, you’ll find brands including:

  • Internorm
  • Rationel
  • Veflac
  • Idealcombi
  • Westcoast Windows
  • Svarre
  • Kastrup
  • Neuffer
  • Josko
  • Nordan

Many of these are Scandinavian or other European systems and with excellent performance given the wide use of these in much colder climates.

The design, features and options you get

This is probably the most important decision when buying hybrid windows and doors. There are systems offering a very basic range with few options for frame styling. Other brands provide contemporary and classically styled windows. The designers of these windows have embraced modern tastes. Better brands provide options for how the frame profiles look. These range from flat modern frames to soft curves and chamfers on the aluminium, internal wood or both.

With the best hybrid glazing brands, you’ll also find a wider choice of woods for the inside. Some brands only offer timbers such as larch or spruce. Others offer higher quality woods for the inside such as walnut, oak or ash.

With many customers today now wanting more contemporary frames, some brands even extend to creating frameless corner windows and an all-glass appearance even with aluminium and wood on the surrounding framing. Most of the brands mentioned in this article provide windows of different styles, sightlines, colours and glass.

The hybrid glazing products available

Another factor is the range of products available from each brand. For example, several bifolding door systems companies provide a hybrid version of bifolding doors but don’t offer windows, single, French doors or front doors.

It probably makes sense when replacing all the windows and doors to go with one brand. But if you’re looking for bifolds only, then some of those only offering these are worth considering. Here, Sunflex and Solarlux and Centor both make incredibly good bifolds only.

For the best hybrid glazing in windows and hinged doors Internorm, Rationel, Idealkombi are three offering an excellent range both in terms of design, functionality and personalisation.

The price point you pay for How much hybrid glazing costs

Hybrid glazing, whether windows or doors, screens or front doors is widely regarded as a more luxurious offering to standard aluminium windows, vastly superior in every way to high-end PVCu windows such as Residence 9 and on a par with high quality all wood windows, although the feature set is different.

Therefore, when you decide to fit hybrid windows and doors, it’s a greater financial outlay, but also a better investment. These windows are designed to last longer and of course, the styling makes them timeless and hybrid glazing doesn’t go out of fashion. There are price differences between the simpler brands and the more luxurious ones.

Understanding clad vs bonded hybrid doors and windows

The way the external aluminium connects to the internal wood also differs. One is clipped to the wood profile the other is bonded and both versions are invisible to the naked eye.

Glazing professionals regard the bonded as better although we don’t know of significant issues with the clipped version. You can read more about this feature in our more extensive hybrid windows buying guide.

The bonded version of hybrid is regarded as the more advanced as well as the model that’s been improved over the years for even better performance.

Energy Efficiency and Weather performance of hybrid products

The superior thermal efficiency, low U-Values and excellent window energy ratings of hybrid windows and doors are hard to beat with standard aluminium products. The wood used internally is an excellent insulator and even better, creates a warm-to-the-touch internal surface.

Thermal breaks generally aren’t required with these types of windows given the natural insulation properties of the woods used. However, go with a product like Idealcombi and their range even includes a thermal break between the aluminium and wood on the outer frame.

As well as significantly improving the performance of the window it also provides added protection for the wood surface against moisture. Idealcombi now provides very advanced insulation materials in their hybrid windows and for insulation, these are some of the best.

With all other products, you can expect similar low U-Values as standard. There are double or triple glazed options and you’ll find most brands meeting Passivhaus standards whether it’s for a Passiv type home or achieving a low energy dwelling. With these types of buildings, you’ll find hybrid used more than any other material.

Given the cold climates many of these windows are intended for, you’ll find excellent weather sealing using gaskets, seals, built-in drainage and other features. Therefore, there’s no best system here, it mostly depends on the glass specification you choose

Security of hybrid windows and doors

With the better brands mentioned, you can expect to get excellent security including the well-known Police Preferred SBD specification and well as meeting the standards for security in new homes and extensions.

The best hybrid glazing brands come with multiple locking points, top quality British or European locking hardware. Most brands offer espagnolette or hook bolt locking and several Scandinavian brands go further, glueing the glass to the frame for even more security.

Overall there are no badly designed products and any quality brand comes with excellent security.

Why the company you choose matters when choosing the best hybrid glazing

The best way to buy these composite doors and windows is finding a reputable installer. Here, finding the best depends also on who supplies them.

Most of the best-known brands operate in three ways:

  • Those approved as dealers and installers of a brand with the right showroom, product knowledge and training
  • Installers buying their products from a manufacturer such as Senior and Comar Systems
  • Where the company behind the product also sells and installs

Here there’s no overall best way to buy. However, our preferred route is the approved dealer route. Usually, the manufacturer and designer works hard choosing reputable installers and also providing them with the necessary product and installation training. At the same time some carry out additional checks as to the overall reputation and even financial and general reputation of the dealer.

Another reason for choosing the dealer route is often these dealers of hybrid glazing are also approved for other brands and products – another indication of dealing with a better installation company.

More information about buying the best hybrid glazing

Homeowners and the related trade can use our contact form for more information about buying hybrid windows and doors, details of local installers and suppliers.

Providing expert help to homeowners and trade professionals since 2010

expert

Free

Impartial

Get Free help finding the right products from the best suppliers

Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
16:18 09 Oct 23
Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
Anthony CraigAnthony Craig
12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
Philip DuffieldPhilip Duffield
20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
Dariush HekmatDariush Hekmat
17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
07:51 12 Jul 23
Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
Rachel LauRachel Lau
09:24 16 Jun 23
Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
P JonesP Jones
08:07 15 Apr 23
I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
Nicholas WallNicholas Wall
13:18 02 Apr 23
Looking for fair and honest expert advice on all aspect of aluminium windows and doors? These guys will arm you with all the information you need to make the RIGHT choice in a highly complex, crowded marketplace. post a question and you will get a very quick professional answer you can rely on being based on fact. Thanks guys!
Giorgia SiriacoGiorgia Siriaco
16:25 21 Mar 23
After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
David NunnDavid Nunn
20:54 14 Mar 23
It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
Azza McCabeAzza McCabe
17:47 01 Feb 23
So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
16:16 03 Jan 23
Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
Keith BarnesKeith Barnes
17:18 10 Dec 22
Very helpful advice given to my question, including the name of 3 different companies that i could try for the product being enquired about. Many thanks
Munim ChowdhuryMunim Chowdhury
11:45 13 Sep 22
Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
SUSAN wallaceSUSAN wallace
17:26 31 Aug 22
My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
Paul SalterPaul Salter
22:39 22 Aug 22
Contacting Aluminium Trade Supply is like contacting the Oracle direct. Advice is always comprehensive and balanced. On multiple occasions they have provided me with options that fully meet our objectives. Many thanks.
Nick McCormackNick McCormack
20:25 14 Aug 22
Really helpful and useful came back to me on a Sunday with some invaluable information. Highly recommended.
ray addisonray addison
13:14 14 Aug 22
received a prompt reply to my query,and helpful information from ATS
js_loader