Changing specifications: what specifiers expect from aluminium systems

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As building requirements evolve, so do the expectations placed on the companies supplying the systems behind them. Security, thermal performance, compliance and the quality of technical information all play an increasingly important part in the specification process.

This month, our Technical Manager, Terry Hirons, sat down with Specify & Build magazine to discuss the changing demands of the aluminium market, what specifiers now expect from a systems house and how we are supporting customers with tested products, technical information and practical advice.

Here, Terry shares his thoughts on what matters when specifying aluminium door and window systems in 2026 and beyond.

1. From what you’re seeing day-to-day, how is glazing specification changing as we head into 2026?

We’re seeing a greater focus on whole-system performance rather than individual products or components. Specifiers want clear evidence that a system will perform as intended in its finished application, particularly on commercial and public-sector projects.

Security, thermal efficiency, durability and sustainability all play a part. There’s also a much greater emphasis on technical documentation, traceability and recognised standards. Specifiers need to understand exactly what they’re specifying and have the information to support those decisions.

2. What are specifiers now expecting from systems houses that they didn’t ask for five years ago?

There’s a growing expectation for support throughout the specification process, not simply a set of product data.

That means providing tested performance information, but also clear guidance on system integration, configuration limits and practical installation requirements. A certification mark on its own isn’t always enough. Specifiers want to understand what has actually been tested, the configurations covered and how that performance can be delivered on site through an experienced, approved fabricator.

3. Jack Aluminium has recently moved to list its products on NBS. Why was this important, and what difference is it making?

NBS Source provides a recognised platform for making technical product information accessible to specifiers. Having our systems listed gives architects and other construction professionals a more straightforward way to find the information they need when developing a specification.

It also helps reduce uncertainty. Specifiers can access relevant technical details, performance information and configuration options in one place, supporting more informed decisions and helping fabricators deliver installations in line with the specification.

4. Your TD68 commercial door recently achieved STS202 BR2. How is higher-level security accreditation influencing project decisions?

Security accreditation is an increasingly important consideration, particularly in education, healthcare and public-sector buildings, where formal risk assessments often form part of the project process.

Our TD68 is a dedicated commercial aluminium door system tested to STS202 BR2. It provides a proven alternative to steel for higher-security commercial entrances, while offering the flexibility of an aluminium system.

The tested configurations include single and double doors, sidelights, fanlights and large door leaves suited to high-footfall environments. There’s also a choice of hardware options, including manual locking and electronic access control.

The system offers flexibility in its infill options too, accommodating a broad range of glazing specifications and solid panels. It can also incorporate louvred sections where ventilation is required, such as bin stores and service areas, within a systemised approach.

Emergency exit provision is another important consideration in public buildings. At the time of the interview, we were undertaking further testing around panic exit hardware to expand the approved options available. It’s a good example of the wider challenge for the industry: aluminium security doors need to balance security, usability and safe emergency egress, with performance supported by independent testing.

5. Where do you see the biggest risks or pain points in the specification process today – and how can they be avoided?

The biggest risk is making assumptions about what a system’s certification actually covers. Not every door leaf, hardware combination or configuration will necessarily fall within the scope of a particular test.

The best way to avoid this is to involve the systems house early, ask specific questions and make sure the technical guidance is clear. Understanding what has been tested, the limits of each configuration and how the system will be installed helps prevent compliance gaps and problems further down the line.

6. What changes has Jack Aluminium made internally to support expectations around performance, compliance and sustainability?

We’ve continued to invest in the areas that matter to specifiers and fabricators, including:

• Independent testing of integrated door and window systems to provide clear evidence of performance.
• Technical support and training for fabricators and installers, helping ensure systems are correctly specified and delivered.
• Accessible technical information, including NBS listings, CAD files and clearer configuration guidance.
• Sustainability considerations, recognising the durability, recyclability and long service life of aluminium.

It’s about making sure the products, information and support behind our systems work together, giving customers greater confidence from specification through to installation.

7. In your view, what does a fit-for-the-future aluminium systems house look like in 2026 and beyond?

It needs to be a business that supplies complete, tested and supported systems, rather than simply a collection of components.

That means offering proven systems across a broad range of applications and configurations, with transparent technical information showing what has been tested and where the limits are. It also means providing practical support, from early specification advice through to fabrication and installation.

Design flexibility remains important too. Specifiers need to balance security, thermal performance and aesthetics without creating unnecessary complications for the people manufacturing and installing the products.

Ultimately, a future-ready aluminium systems house needs to be a reliable partner to its customers, with ongoing product development, testing and technical support to help projects perform as intended over the long term.

8. If you could give specifiers one piece of advice for achieving compliance and performance without compromising on design, what would it be?

Focus on the complete system, not just the individual product. Ask which configurations have been independently tested, what the performance evidence covers and how installation will be supported by the fabricator.

By considering security, compliance, usability and aesthetics together from the outset, specifiers can make better-informed decisions and avoid issues later in the project.

9. Anything else to add?

Early collaboration with a systems house is important. Bringing the manufacturer into the conversation at the specification stage gives everyone the opportunity to identify potential issues and address them before they become problems on site.

It helps ensure the right system is selected for the project, with the performance, technical information and support in place to see it through to completion.