Question 1

How much do aluminium windows and doors cost in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Pricing varies significantly based on system type, size and specification. As a guide, a standard villa window replacement programme typically ranges from AED 80,000 to AED 250,000+ depending on the number of openings and system selected. Lift-and-slide door systems start from AED 12,000–18,000 per opening. On a per-sqm basis, casement windows start from around AED 800/sqm and lift-and-slide systems from AED 2,000/sqm installed. We provide detailed fixed-price quotations after a site survey — contact us to arrange one.

Question 2

Why is Cortizo more expensive than other aluminium systems?

Accepted Answer

Cortizo is a Spanish manufacturer with over 50 years of engineering investment. The price difference reflects precision-extruded thermal breaks, European hardware from Roto and Maco, and performance credentials independently tested to EN standards. In our experience, the long-term cost of a premium system — factoring in maintenance, hardware longevity and energy savings — is substantially lower than a cheaper alternative replaced in 5–7 years.

Question 3

Do you offer financing or payment plans?

Accepted Answer

We work with clients on structured payment schedules tied to project milestones — typically deposit on order, payment on delivery, and balance on installation completion. We can discuss terms that suit your project cashflow during the quotation process.

Question 4

How long does a typical installation project take?

Accepted Answer

Lead times vary by project scope and system complexity. A typical villa window and door replacement takes 6–10 weeks from survey to installation completion. Larger projects or custom sizes may require 12–16 weeks. We provide precise timelines at quotation stage.

Question 5

How long does manufacture take after order confirmation?

Accepted Answer

Standard Cortizo and Gulf Extrusions systems typically have a 4–6 week manufacturing lead time from confirmed order. Bespoke sizes, unusual configurations or powder coat colours outside the standard range may add 1–2 weeks. We always confirm the exact lead time in your contract.

Question 6

Can you work around my tenants or family staying in the property?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we plan and sequence installations to minimise disruption for occupied properties. Openings are never left unglazed overnight, and we sequence work room by room. We've completed full villa replacements with families in residence throughout.

Question 7

Do you install across the UAE or only Dubai?

Accepted Answer

We serve the entire UAE — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Our project teams operate across all seven emirates.

Question 8

Can you match existing RAL colours for a partial replacement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can powder-coat profiles to any RAL Classic or BS colour reference, ensuring a seamless match with existing frames or architectural finishes.

Question 9

Do you handle the municipality approvals?

Accepted Answer

For projects requiring NOC or DDA approval (e.g. curtain wall, large commercial glazing), we can advise on documentation requirements and liaise with your consultant. Standard residential replacements typically do not require formal approval.

Question 10

Do you remove the existing windows and doors?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our installation teams handle full removal of existing frames, preparation of openings, installation of new systems and disposal of all waste materials. You don't need to arrange separate trades for any part of the process.

Question 11

What makes Cortizo windows different from standard aluminium windows?

Accepted Answer

Cortizo is a Spanish manufacturer with over 50 years of engineering expertise. Their systems feature precision-extruded thermal breaks, European hardware standards, and performance credentials that far exceed typical Dubai market products. The difference is immediately apparent in operation smoothness and long-term durability.

Question 12

What is the difference between a lift-and-slide and a standard sliding door?

Accepted Answer

In a standard sliding door, the panel remains on the track when sliding. In a lift-and-slide system, turning the handle lifts the sash slightly off its sill seal, allowing it to slide on precision rollers with near-zero friction. This allows for much heavier, wider panels with effortless operation and superior weather sealing.

Question 13

Should I choose aluminium or uPVC for my villa?

Accepted Answer

Aluminium is the premium choice for UAE villas — it allows thinner, stronger profiles with more design freedom, and the thermally broken systems we supply perform excellently in the Gulf climate. uPVC is a valid option for budget-conscious applications, particularly in back-of-house or service areas. We can advise on the right mix for your project during the consultation.

Question 14

What glass do you use in your systems?

Accepted Answer

All our systems are glazed with double-pane insulated units as standard. For UAE conditions we typically specify low-e solar control glass to reduce heat gain. Acoustic glass, laminated safety glass, tinted and reflective options are all available and specified based on the orientation and use of each opening.

Question 15

How do I maintain my aluminium windows and doors?

Accepted Answer

Aluminium systems require minimal maintenance. We recommend wiping frames with a mild detergent solution every 3 months, and lubricating hardware (hinges, locks, rollers) with a silicone-based lubricant annually. Drainage channels should be checked and cleared of debris twice per year. We provide a full maintenance guide at project handover.

Question 16

Do sand and dust affect the systems in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Our systems are specified with dust conditions in mind. All track systems have integrated drainage and brush seals that prevent ingress. The powder coat finishes we use are certified to QUALICOAT standards, which includes UV and environmental testing relevant to Gulf conditions. We recommend an additional clean of tracks and drainage channels after shamal (sandstorm) events.

Question 17

Can acoustic glazing reduce noise from traffic or construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes — significantly. Standard double glazing provides approximately 30–34dB of sound reduction. A properly specified acoustic glass unit (laminated glass with a PVB acoustic interlayer, asymmetric pane thicknesses) in a high-quality frame with continuous perimeter sealing can achieve 38–52dB. In practice this is the difference between clearly hearing traffic inside your home and being barely aware of it. We can specify acoustic performance for any opening — ask us during your consultation.

Question 18

How do I compare glazing quotes from different suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Ensure every quote specifies: (1) the exact system name and manufacturer — not just 'aluminium'; (2) the glass unit specification including type, thickness, gap width and fill gas; (3) hardware brand and standard; (4) thermal break depth; (5) powder coat or anodising specification; (6) installation method and perimeter sealing detail. A cheaper quote using an unspecified 'aluminium system' is almost always a different, lower-quality product. We provide detailed technical schedules with every Swiftrooms quote.

Question 19

What guarantee do you provide on installation workmanship?

Accepted Answer

All Swiftrooms installations carry a 2-year workmanship guarantee covering any defects in the installation itself — including alignment, sealing, hardware adjustment and structural fixing. If anything is not right, we return and rectify at no cost.

Question 20

Are your systems tested and certified?

Accepted Answer

All Cortizo systems carry CE marking and are tested to EU performance standards including EN 12207 (air permeability), EN 12208 (water tightness) and EN 12210 (wind resistance). Gulf Extrusions products are tested to UAE/GCC standards. We can provide test certificates for any system on request.

Question 21

What warranty do your window and door systems carry?

Accepted Answer

Our aluminium systems carry a minimum 10-year manufacturer warranty on profiles and hardware. Installation workmanship is warranted for 2 years. Glass carries the manufacturer's standard warranty, typically 5–10 years depending on the glass type.

Question 22

Is the warranty transferable if I sell the property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both the manufacturer and workmanship warranties are attached to the property, not the original purchaser, and transfer automatically to new owners. This can be a material factor in the property's value and saleability.

Question 23

What is the difference between a tilt-and-turn window and a casement window?

Accepted Answer

A casement window opens on a vertical hinge — either side-hung or top-hung. A tilt-and-turn window has a single sash that operates in two modes: tilting inward at the top for secure ventilation, or turning fully on a side hinge like a casement for full opening. Tilt-and-turn is our most specified window type for UAE villas — the tilt position allows ventilation without fully opening the window in dusty or windy conditions, and the European-standard multipoint locks provide superior airtightness and security.

Question 24

Can you glaze an apartment or high-rise unit in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though high-rise projects require additional coordination. Most DMCC, DEWA and Nakheel developments require an NOC from the developer or master community before any façade work. Our team handles this documentation process and has completed glazing projects in high-rise residential towers across Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and JLT. Wind loading and access considerations are also factored into our installation planning for any project above the 4th floor.

Question 25

Can existing frames be reglazed rather than fully replaced?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes — it depends on the frame condition. If your existing frames are structurally sound, correctly installed and in good cosmetic condition, upgrading the glass unit alone is sometimes possible and more economical than full replacement. However, if the frames are original developer-grade aluminium (pre-2010 UAE construction), the profile geometry typically does not accept modern insulated glass unit thicknesses, and the thermal break (if present) will be inadequate. We assess existing frames honestly during our site survey and recommend reglazing where it genuinely offers value.

Question 26

Can I visit a showroom to see products full-size?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our Jebel Ali showroom features full-scale installations of our most popular systems including the Cor Vision 4700, Cortizo bi-fold, and curtain wall panels. We strongly recommend a showroom visit before finalising your specification.

Question 27

Do you offer an annual maintenance service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer an annual maintenance programme covering hardware adjustment, seal inspection, drainage cleaning, glass cleaning and a full system health check. Contact us to arrange an annual service visit — particularly recommended for lift-and-slide systems with multiple large panels.

Question 28

What does premium aluminium glazing cost per square metre in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

As a general guide: thermally broken aluminium casement windows start from around AED 800–1,200 per sqm installed. Lift-and-slide systems range from AED 2,000–4,500 per sqm depending on panel size and system specification. Curtain wall is typically AED 1,800–3,500 per sqm of facade area. These are indicative — contact us for a fixed-price quotation after a site survey.

Question 29

What lead time should I expect from order to installation?

Accepted Answer

Standard lead time from contract signing to installation is 4–8 weeks, depending on the system and configuration. Custom sizes, special colours and project-specific hardware can extend this to 10–12 weeks. We provide a confirmed programme at contract stage so you can coordinate your fit-out schedule accordingly.

Question 30

Can aluminium windows and doors be supplied in any colour?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All our aluminium systems are available in any RAL colour, as well as anodised finishes in silver, champagne, bronze and black. We also offer dual-colour options — different colours inside and out on the same frame. Powder coat finishes are applied by certified QUALICOAT facilities and carry a 10-year colour guarantee.

Question 31

What is included in a Swiftrooms annual maintenance visit?

Accepted Answer

Our annual service covers hardware inspection and adjustment (hinges, multipoint locks, handles, rollers), perimeter seal condition and resealing where required, track and drainage channel cleaning, glass unit inspection for seal failure or condensation, powder coat condition check and lubrication of all moving parts. We issue a written service record at the end of the visit.

Question 32

How do I know if my glass unit has failed?

Accepted Answer

Glass unit failure — where the hermetic seal between the panes breaks — is visible as misting, condensation or streaking between the panes of a double-glazed unit. This cannot be cleaned; the unit must be replaced. Unit failure is covered under the glass manufacturer's warranty in the first 5–10 years. We can assess and replace failed units as part of our aftercare service.

Question 33

What is a pivot door and is it suitable for the UAE climate?

Accepted Answer

A pivot door rotates on a vertical axis rather than side hinges, allowing much wider and heavier panels than a conventional door. It is excellent for statement villa entrances and is fully suitable for the UAE climate when correctly specified — the key requirements are a thermally broken aluminium frame, laminated toughened glass, and a hydraulic pivot hardware system rated for the panel weight. Our Vetromax pivot door range covers panels from 1,000mm to 2,000mm wide and up to 3,600mm tall.

Question 34

Can I add retractable insect screens to my existing lift-and-slide doors?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Retractable screen systems can be retrofitted to existing lift-and-slide and casement door openings, provided there is sufficient depth in the structural reveal to house the cassette. We carry out a site assessment before recommending a system — if the reveal is too shallow, we discuss alternative solutions. New door installations should include the screen specification from the outset to ensure the cassette is properly integrated.

Question 35

What is the difference between Estidama, LEED and Dubai Greenlist?

Accepted Answer

These are three distinct sustainability frameworks used in UAE construction. Estidama is the Abu Dhabi sustainability rating system — mandatory for certain project types in Abu Dhabi, including commercial buildings and residential developments above certain floor areas. LEED is a US-origin international system voluntary in the UAE but commonly required by developers. Dubai Greenlist is a product approval scheme for materials used in Dubai Municipality projects. We can advise on which glazing systems qualify for credits under each framework and provide the documentation required for submission.

Question 36

Do you charge for a site survey?

Accepted Answer

No — our technical site survey is completely free, with no obligation to proceed. We visit your property, assess all openings, take accurate measurements, review the structural condition of each opening and discuss your requirements in detail. You receive a written quotation within 3–5 working days of the survey.

Question 37

What happens if there is a problem after installation?

Accepted Answer

Contact our aftercare team directly — we prioritise all post-installation enquiries from clients. If the issue is covered by our 2-year workmanship guarantee (hardware failure, sealing, alignment), we will return and rectify at no charge. If it is a manufacturer warranty issue (profile, glass unit), we handle the warranty claim on your behalf. We aim to attend any post-installation issue within 5 working days of being notified.

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