Crittall Style Doors: A Guide to Industrial Elegance in Your UK Home

In the realm of architectural design, few styles possess the enduring appeal and distinctive character of Crittall style doors and screens. These iconic metal-framed glazing systems have transcended their industrial origins to become a highly sought-after feature in contemporary UK homes, offering a unique blend of heritage charm and modern sophistication. If you're considering incorporating this elegant design into your property, understanding the nuances of Crittall style is crucial.

What Are Crittall Style Doors?

Crittall style doors, often referred to as 'industrial style' or 'steel-framed' doors, are characterised by their slim, black metal frames and multiple small glass panes. The term 'Crittall' itself is a brand name, originating from the Crittall Windows Ltd company, founded in Braintree, Essex, in 1849. Crittall pioneered the use of hot-rolled steel sections for windows and doors, developing a distinctive aesthetic that became synonymous with the Art Deco and Modernist movements of the early 20th century.

While true Crittall products are manufactured by the original company, the 'Crittall style' now broadly refers to any glazing system that emulates this iconic look. These systems typically feature:

• Slim Sightlines: The hallmark of the style, offering minimal obstruction to views and maximising light flow.
• Grid Pattern: Created by glazing bars that divide larger glass panels into smaller, often rectangular, sections.
• Metal Construction: Traditionally steel, but modern alternatives include aluminium.
• Dark Finish: Typically black or dark grey, though other colours are available.

They can be used in various applications, from internal partitions and shower screens to external doors, windows, and extensions, bringing a touch of industrial chic and timeless elegance to any space.

Materials and Construction: Steel vs. Aluminium

When choosing Crittall style doors, one of the primary decisions revolves around the material: traditional steel or modern aluminium. Each has distinct characteristics that impact performance, cost, and aesthetic.

Steel Crittall Style Doors

Authenticity: Genuine Crittall products are made from steel. Steel offers unparalleled strength, allowing for the slimmest possible sightlines and the most authentic look. Its inherent rigidity means frames can be incredibly slender while maintaining structural integrity.

• Durability: Steel is exceptionally strong and durable, offering excellent longevity.
• Aesthetics: Provides the most authentic, industrial aesthetic due to its fine profiles.
• Weight: Heavier than aluminium, which can be a consideration for installation and structural support.
• Thermal Performance: Historically, steel was a poor thermal insulator. However, modern steel systems incorporate thermal breaks to significantly improve U-values, meeting contemporary Building Regulations.
• Cost: Generally more expensive than aluminium alternatives due to the manufacturing process and material properties.
• Maintenance: Requires proper finishing (e.g., galvanising and powder coating) to prevent rust, especially in external applications.

Aluminium Crittall Style Doors

Aluminium has emerged as a popular alternative, offering a balance of aesthetics and practical benefits.

• Versatility: Aluminium is lighter and easier to work with, allowing for a wider range of designs and larger panel sizes.
• Thermal Performance: Naturally better at insulating than traditional steel, and modern aluminium systems always include thermal breaks, achieving excellent U-values.
• Maintenance: Highly resistant to corrosion, requiring minimal maintenance.
• Cost: Generally more cost-effective than steel, making the Crittall style accessible to a broader market.
• Aesthetics: While profiles are slightly thicker than steel due to the material's properties, high-quality aluminium systems can closely mimic the Crittall look.
• Recyclability: Aluminium is a highly recyclable material, appealing to environmentally conscious homeowners.

Applications and Design Considerations

Crittall style doors and screens are incredibly versatile and can be integrated into various areas of a UK home:

Internal Doors and Partitions

One of the most popular uses is for internal room dividers. They allow light to pass through, maintaining an open feel while providing acoustic separation and defining distinct zones within a larger space. Think kitchen-diners, home offices, or dividing a hallway from a living room.

External Doors and Windows

For external applications, thermal performance and weather resistance are paramount. Modern Crittall style systems, whether steel or aluminium, are designed with thermal breaks and high-performance glazing to meet stringent UK Building Regulations. They can be used for:

• French Doors: Offering a classic look with excellent light transmission.
• Bifold Doors: While less common for the true Crittall grid, some systems offer a similar aesthetic for larger openings.
• Sliding Doors: Can provide expansive glazed areas with minimal frame intrusion.
• Windows: Replacing traditional windows with Crittall style can dramatically alter the facade's character.

Extensions and Orangeries

Crittall style glazing is a superb choice for contemporary extensions, garden rooms, and orangeries. The slim frames maximise the glazed area, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, while the industrial aesthetic adds a sophisticated edge.

Shower Screens and Wet Rooms

For a truly distinctive bathroom, Crittall style shower screens offer a luxurious, boutique hotel feel. These require specific consideration for waterproofing and appropriate glass types.

UK Building Regulations and Technical Specifications

Compliance with UK Building Regulations is a critical aspect of any home improvement project, especially when dealing with external glazing. For Crittall style doors and windows, the key focus is on thermal performance (Part L) and safety glazing (Part K).

Thermal Performance (Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Power)

Part L of the Building Regulations (2022 edition for England) sets strict requirements for the thermal efficiency of building elements to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. This is measured by the U-value, which indicates how well a component prevents heat from escaping. A lower U-value means better insulation.

Building Element	Minimum U-value (W/m²K) - New Build	Minimum U-value (W/m²K) - Replacement/Extension
Walls	0.18	0.18
Floors	0.18	0.18
Roofs	0.15	0.15
Windows/Doors	1.2	1.4

For external Crittall style doors and windows, manufacturers must demonstrate that their products meet or exceed the required U-values. Modern steel and aluminium systems achieve this through:

• Thermal Breaks: Insulating barriers within the frame that prevent heat transfer.
• Double or Triple Glazing: Using two or three panes of glass separated by an inert gas (like argon) to improve insulation.
• Low-E Coatings: Microscopic metallic coatings on the glass that reflect heat.

It is crucial to ensure that any external Crittall style glazing you choose comes with certification proving its compliance with current Part L regulations. Failure to comply could affect the legality of your installation and its energy efficiency.

Safety Glazing (Part K - Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact)

Part K specifies where safety glass must be used to minimise the risk of injury from breakage. This typically applies to:

• Glazing in doors.
• Glazing adjacent to doors.
• Low-level glazing (below 800mm from floor level).
• Glazing in critical locations where impact is likely.

Safety glass is usually either toughened glass (which shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces) or laminated glass (which holds together when broken). Reputable suppliers will ensure that all glazing in critical locations within Crittall style doors and screens meets these safety standards.

Other Considerations:

• Acoustic Performance: If noise reduction is a priority (e.g., for doors facing a busy road), specify acoustic glazing.
• Security: Ensure external doors feature multi-point locking systems and robust hardware compliant with PAS 24 or similar security standards.
• Ventilation: Consider trickle vents or opening sections to provide adequate ventilation as per Part F of Building Regulations.

Always consult with your local Building Control body or a qualified architect/builder to confirm specific requirements for your project, especially for new extensions or structural alterations.

Advantages and Potential Drawbacks

While Crittall style doors offer significant aesthetic and practical benefits, it's important to consider both sides before making a decision.

Advantages:

• Timeless Aesthetic: A classic design that remains fashionable and adds character.
• Maximises Light: Slim frames allow for abundant natural light, enhancing interior brightness.
• Creates Openness: Divides spaces without making them feel enclosed, fostering a sense of flow.
• Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of architectural styles, from period homes to contemporary new builds.
• Durable: Made from robust materials, offering long-term performance.
• Adds Value: Can significantly enhance the perceived value and appeal of a property.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Cost: High-quality steel Crittall style systems can be a significant investment, though aluminium offers a more budget-friendly alternative.
• Privacy: While excellent for light, the extensive glazing offers limited privacy unless obscured or reeded glass is used.
• Cleaning: The multiple small panes can mean more intricate cleaning compared to large single-pane windows.
• Installation Complexity: Due to their weight (especially steel) and precision engineering, professional installation is essential.
• Thermal Bridging (Older Systems): Older, non-thermally broken systems can be inefficient, but modern products address this.

Choosing the Right Supplier

Selecting a reputable supplier and installer is paramount to the success of your Crittall style project. Look for companies with:

• Expertise: Specialisation in steel or aluminium glazing systems.
• Quality Products: Products that meet or exceed UK Building Regulations for thermal performance and safety.
• Bespoke Options: Ability to customise designs to your specific requirements.
• Professional Installation: Experienced and certified installers.
• Comprehensive Warranty: Assurance of product quality and workmanship.

At Shard AG, we specialise in crafting bespoke Crittall style doors and screens for discerning UK homeowners. Our expert team works with both high-grade steel and thermally broken aluminium, ensuring authentic aesthetics, superior performance, and full compliance with the latest UK Building Regulations. We pride ourselves on delivering precision-engineered glazing solutions that transform spaces with timeless elegance and exceptional quality. Contact us today to discuss how we can bring the industrial-chic charm of Crittall style to your home.