A Star Decorators

Buyer comparison

Aluminium frame restoration vs full replacement

Most faded shopfronts and curtain walls don't need replacing. They need restoring. The honest answer depends on the substrate, the access, and how long you need the finish to hold.

Option 01

Restoration on site

Keep the existing aluminium in place. Strip the surface, prime, recoat to a matched RAL. No reglazing, no scaffold closure of the entrance.

Where it wins

  • Keeps sound frames, glazing and gaskets in place
  • Works around live trading. No store closure
  • System selected after substrate testing
  • No planning consent. No new manufacture lead time
  • Glass, gaskets, ironmongery stay in place

Trade offs

  • Substrate has to be sound. We flag failure at survey
  • Service life shorter than a brand new factory powder coat
  • Some patch repair shows under raking light if the original was severe
Indicative cost
Survey-priced from frame condition, access, masking and measured scope
Service life
System and substrate dependent; manufacturer terms vary by specification

Option 02

Full replacement

Remove and replace the curtain wall or shopfront entirely. New frames, new glazing, new gaskets. Manufactured off site, installed on site.

Where it wins

  • Brand new factory powder coat, no wear on the substrate
  • Opportunity to upgrade the system (thermal, security, glazing)
  • Manufacturer terms apply to the selected new system

Trade offs

  • Capital intensive compared with retaining sound frames
  • Bespoke manufacture adds procurement lead time
  • Scaffold and closure of the entrance during install
  • Planning consent on listed and conservation frontages
  • Snagging the new install adds programme risk
Indicative cost
Specialist replacement quote required, including glazing, access and install
Service life
Per the selected frame manufacturer's documented terms

The honest answer

Which one is right for your scheme?

Choose restoration if the existing frames are structurally sound and you need the finish restored without a full closure. Choose replacement if the system itself is failing (thermal, security, water ingress) or the spec genuinely needs upgrading. The choice is set at survey, not in the quote.

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Send photos, drawings or a short scope.

We will review the service route, access, preparation, finish and likely next step before the job is priced properly.

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