Crittall replacement windows are one of the most searched topics among homeowners with properties built between the 1920s and 1960s. The original Crittall steel frames were a defining feature of the era – slim, elegant and unmistakably industrial in character – but after decades of use they can become draughty, corroded and difficult to maintain.
The good news is that modern Crittall replacement windows have come a long way. Today there are purpose-built aluminium systems that replicate the slim sightlines and steel-look aesthetic of the originals while delivering the performance, security and energy efficiency you would expect from a contemporary product.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about replacing Crittall windows – from why homeowners choose to replace them, to the best modern alternatives available, and what to consider if your property is in a conservation area.
Crittall is a British brand that became synonymous with steel-framed windows throughout the 20th century. Their windows were widely used in residential, commercial and public buildings from the 1920s onwards, and became particularly popular during the interwar period and post-war housing boom.
Characterised by their slim profiles, black or dark-painted steel frames and distinctive grid-like configurations, Crittall windows have a strong architectural identity. Many homeowners with properties from this era are keen to preserve that look when replacing them – which is exactly what modern steel-look aluminium systems are designed to do.
Properties most likely to have original Crittall or similar steel windows include:
Original steel Crittall windows were not designed with modern energy efficiency standards in mind. After 50 to 100 years of use, many are showing their age in ways that go beyond appearance alone.
The most common reasons homeowners look for Crittall replacement windows include:
For many homeowners the decision to replace is not taken lightly – the look of the original windows is part of what makes the property distinctive. The priority is finding a Crittall replacement that preserves that character while solving the practical problems the originals can no longer address.
There are two main systems at Burgess Windows and Doors that are particularly well suited as Crittall replacement windows, each with its own strengths depending on the property and project.
Aluco is one of the most faithful modern alternatives to original Crittall windows available in the UK. Designed specifically to replicate the slim steel-look aesthetic, Aluco systems feature narrow profiles, clean sight lines and that distinctive industrial quality that makes Crittall-style windows so recognisable.
Key features of Aluco as a Crittall replacement include:
Aluco is an excellent choice for homeowners who want the most authentic Crittall replacement – particularly on properties where the original steel windows were a defining architectural feature. You can explore the full Aluco range on our Aluco aluminium windows page.
For properties where the Crittall aesthetic is desired but a slightly more contemporary interpretation works better, Origin’s Soho style aluminium windows are an outstanding option. The Soho collection is designed around that effortless contemporary edge – clean, slim-framed and architectural in character.
Origin is one of the UK’s most respected aluminium manufacturers, and the Soho style translates particularly well as a Crittall replacement on:
Origin windows are backed by a market-leading 20-year guarantee and are manufactured in the UK, with a powder-coated finish available in over 150 colours. You can explore the full Origin range on our Origin aluminium windows page.
Both Aluco and Origin Soho produce excellent Crittall replacement windows, but they suit slightly different projects. Here is a straightforward guide to help you decide:
The best way to decide is to see both systems in person. Our showroom in Buckingham has examples of both ranges and our team can walk you through the differences in sightline width, colour options and glazing configurations.
If your property is in a conservation area or is listed, replacing Crittall windows requires a more careful approach. The good news is that steel-look aluminium systems are generally well received by planning authorities, particularly where the replacement closely matches the original in terms of profile, colour and configuration.
In many conservation areas, replacing windows with a like-for-like steel-look aluminium alternative is acceptable without full planning permission, as long as the visual result preserves the character of the area. Aluco in particular is designed with this in mind – its slim sightlines and authentic proportions make it a sympathetic replacement for original Crittall frames.
However, every conservation area is different and rules vary between local authorities. It is always worth checking with your local planning authority before proceeding. The Planning Portal is a useful starting point for understanding what applies to your property.
For listed buildings, Listed Building Consent is required before replacing windows. The expectation is generally that replacements should match the originals as closely as possible in terms of material, profile and detailing. Steel-look aluminium can be approved in these cases, but it is important to discuss the project with your local planning authority and conservation officer early in the process.
Our blog on planning new windows and doors in 2026 covers the planning process in more detail if you are at an early stage.
Before committing to a Crittall replacement, there are a few important things worth thinking through:
One of the most important factors in a successful Crittall replacement is getting the configuration right. Original Crittall windows often featured distinctive grid patterns with multiple small panes – replicating this with a modern system requires careful specification of glazing bars, opening sections and fixed lights. Both Aluco and Origin Soho can be configured to match a wide range of original layouts.
The most authentic Crittall replacements tend to use black, anthracite grey or bronze powder-coated finishes. These dark tones are what give original Crittall windows their character and are widely available across both the Aluco and Origin ranges. That said, other colours are available if a different result is required.
Modern Crittall replacement windows can be glazed with double or triple glazed units depending on your performance requirements. Triple glazing offers improved thermal and acoustic performance and is worth considering for properties on busier roads or in exposed locations.
A well-specified system is only as good as the installation. Replacing Crittall windows often involves removing original steel frames that have been built into the surrounding masonry, which requires care to avoid damage to the fabric of the building. At Burgess, our installation teams have experience working on period properties and understand the importance of getting this right.
At Burgess, we have been supplying and installing windows across Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas for over 25 years. We work with homeowners across a wide range of property types – including many who come to us specifically looking for Crittall replacement windows that preserve the character of their home.
As approved installers of both Aluco and Origin, we can offer genuinely impartial advice on which system is right for your project. We will take time to understand what you are trying to achieve, talk through the options available and help you make a decision you will be happy with for years to come.
All our installations are FENSA-registered and we handle all compliance documentation on your behalf. You can find out more about how we work on our About Us page.
Crittall replacement windows do not have to mean losing the character that makes your home distinctive. With the right steel-look aluminium system, it is entirely possible to replace ageing original frames with a modern product that looks the part, performs to a high standard and lasts for decades with minimal upkeep.
Whether Aluco or Origin Soho is the right fit for your project will depend on the specific character of your property, your planning situation and your budget. Our team is happy to talk it through and help you find the right solution.
Get in touch via our Contact page, call us on 01280 815493, or visit our showroom in Buckingham to see both systems in person.
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