Crittall adds Fineo vacuum glazing across its steel window and door range

Crittall Windows is offering Fineo vacuum insulating glass across its entire range of steel window and door systems, the Witham-based manufacturer has announced, with a 7.7mm unit rated at a centre-pane U-value of 0.7 W/m²K.

Fineo is made by AGC Glass Europe and uses a vacuum between two panes of glass to limit heat transfer, Crittall said. In its Fineo 8 configuration the unit is 7.7mm thick and achieves a centre-pane U-value of 0.7 W/m²K, which Crittall said is comparable with or better than many triple-glazed units, while allowing 80 per cent light transmission.

Russell Ager, managing director of Crittall Windows, said: "Fineo gives us another valuable option for projects where glazing performance is a priority."

The company said the glass broadens the scope for steel glazing in both contemporary architecture and sensitive refurbishment projects.

Performance claims

Crittall put the sound reduction rating of the standard Fineo 8 specification at 35dB under laboratory test conditions, but cautioned that actual acoustic performance will depend on the complete window or door configuration and on installation.

The unit is 100 per cent recyclable and carries a 20-year warranty, according to Crittall.

Fineo's own new-build page names Schüco, an aluminium window, door and facade systems supplier, among its frame partners.

Supply and certification

The announcement follows a capacity expansion by the glassmaker. AGC said on 13 January 2025 that it was investing in a new vacuum insulating glass production line at its Lodelinsart site in Belgium, scheduled to start operations in the second trimester of 2026, which it said would significantly increase its European production capacity for Fineo.

Fineo has since confirmed the Lodelinsart facility has been launched. It said the new line quadruples production capacity and halves lead times to two weeks.

Davide Cappellino, chairman of AGC Glass Europe, said at the time of the investment announcement: "FINEO will be vital for restauration and renovation of the windows and façades of Europe's vast building stock."

AGC also announced on 29 November 2024 that Fineo was the first vacuum insulating glass to carry CE marking. The marking was voluntary and was obtained through the European Technical Assessment route, AGC said. Louis Dellieu, head of product management at FINEO by AGC, said at the time that the marking was a major step towards market penetration of the glass technology.

The manufacturer

Crittall Windows Limited is registered at Companies House under number 00200794, with its registered office at Francis House, Freebournes Road, Witham, Essex. It is classified under SIC code 25120, manufacture of doors and windows of metal.

The company traces its origins to an ironmonger's shop in Braintree opened in 1849 by Francis Berrington Crittall. Its current manufacturing premises in Witham opened in 2007, and the company received the Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2010.