Thermal performance has become one of the defining battlegrounds in aluminium.
With energy standards tightening and homeowners expecting more from every upgrade, fabricators need systems that deliver genuine efficiency, without creating unnecessary cost, weight and complexity on the factory floor.
For Deceuninck Aluminium, the answer is clear: build thermal performance in from the start and make it achievable in the real world. That’s exactly what the Decalu platform is designed to do, combining modular efficiency with future-facing U-values across windows and doors.
It also gives aluminium fabricators the confidence to compete directly with composite window and door systems, which are increasingly being specified in place of aluminium on thermal performance alone.
“We’re focused on systems that are reliable, consistent and commercially viable,” says Terence Ledwith-Lyons, Head of Strategic Sales at Deceuninck.
“Customers want performance they can sell, but they also need it to work operationally. That’s our focus.”
High performance in double glazing
One of the biggest shifts in the market is the move away from “over-engineering” just to achieve compliance. Deceuninck Aluminium’s strategy is built around delivering future-proof thermals in double glazing, helping fabricators meet regulations without being forced into triple glazing on every job.
The result is aluminium systems that meet the same demanding thermal expectations that have driven some specifiers towards composite alternatives, without compromising on the inherent strengths of aluminium.
A key advantage of Decalu as a platform is its breadth. Fabricators can build a consistent, performance-led offer using one system house partner, from tilt-and-turn and fully reversible windows to the Decalu88 Flush Casement, plus doors including Decalu88 Entrance Doors and the Decalu163 Lift-and-Slide Door.
U-values that sell
For windows, the Decalu88 Flush Casement Window delivers a premium flush aesthetic while keeping thermal performance practical. It can achieve U-values down to 1.2 W/m²K with standard double glazing, meeting current requirements, and as low as 0.8 W/m²K when triple-glazed for projects that demand the very best.
“The Decalu88 Flush Casement gives fabricators a product that ticks every box: design appeal, thermal performance, and ease of manufacture,” says Terry. “It’s a perfect example of how the Decalu platform can support commercial growth through practical, real-world benefits.”
At the sharp end of performance, the Decalu88 Bi-Folding Door is engineered to handle high-spec sealed units, accommodating glazing up to 62mm, and can achieve U-values as low as 0.9 W/m²K.
Performance that protects productivity
Thermal performance only matters if it can be delivered efficiently. That’s why Deceuninck Aluminium has built Decalu around modularity and simplified workflows that reduce training burden and help minimise stock complexity.
Pre-gasketed profiles are part of that thinking, with co-extruded EPDM gaskets inserted during manufacture, reducing manual steps and helping eliminate issues like gasket shrinkage that can cause callbacks. The inclusion of a knock-in glazing bead further simplifies installation, removing the need for a wedge gasket and helping speed up fitting times.
“The gasket is one of the first things that lets you down on a bi-fold,” says Terry. “With Decalu88, that problem’s already solved. It’s pre-inserted, won’t shrink, and it saves serious time in both fabrication and fitting.”
For more information about Deceuninck’s product and service offer, please call 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com, or visit www.deceuninckaluminium.co.uk.