REHAU Window Fabricator Serving Leeds
Choosing the right window supplier is important, but for installers and contractors there is another question worth asking:
Who actually fabricates the windows?
Glass Tec Windows is a REHAU window fabricator supplying made-to-measure uPVC windows and doors for trade projects throughout Leeds and the surrounding area.
Rather than this page simply repeating our trade window service, it explains what a window fabricator does, why fabrication matters to installers, and what information should be agreed before REHAU windows enter production.
If you already have sizes and simply need pricing, supply information or delivery details, visit our trade windows Leeds page.
What Does a REHAU Window Fabricator Do?
A window fabricator takes REHAU profile systems and manufactures them into completed windows and doors according to the specification of the individual project.
That involves considerably more than cutting profile to size.
A fabrication order can involve decisions about:
- frame dimensions
- sash configuration
- opening direction
- glazing
- reinforcement
- drainage
- ventilation
- hardware
- colour and foil finish
- cills
- frame add-ons
- coupling requirements
For installers, these details matter because the quality of the finished installation depends partly on getting the manufacturing specification correct before the frames arrive on site.
A well-specified window should arrive ready for the intended opening, with the correct glass, hardware, handing and ancillary components.
REHAU Windows Fabricated for Leeds Trade Projects
We supply REHAU products for a wide variety of projects across Leeds.
These can range from individual replacement windows to larger schedules containing multiple window styles and doors.
Typical customers include:
- window installers
- builders
- property developers
- contractors
- refurbishment businesses
- property maintenance companies
- other trade customers
The requirements of a trade customer are often different from those of a homeowner.
An installer may already know the finished frame size, opening configuration and glass specification and simply needs those requirements translated accurately into a manufactured product.
For larger jobs, the specification may contain dozens of different openings.
In those situations, getting the schedule right before production becomes especially important.
Why Does Using a Window Fabricator Matter?
There is a difference between buying a completed window and dealing with the business responsible for fabricating it.
For an installer, access to the fabricator can make it easier to discuss the technical details of an unusual order.
That might include questions such as:
- Is this frame size practical?
- Which sash should open?
- Does the project require additional frame add-ons?
- What cill is required?
- Which glass specification has been requested?
- Are trickle vents required?
- Is specialist safety glass needed?
- What colour is required internally and externally?
- Are there any unusual hardware requirements?
Identifying issues before manufacture is considerably easier than discovering them during installation.
Made-to-Measure REHAU Windows
Trade windows are generally manufactured to the requirements of each project rather than supplied as a single standard size.
Accurate dimensions are therefore essential.
When requesting a quotation, it should be clear whether the measurements supplied are:
Structural opening sizes
or
Required manufacturing sizes
These are not necessarily the same thing.
Installers should make the required deductions themselves where appropriate and send us the actual frame sizes they want manufactured.
If dimensions are unusual or the configuration requires clarification, it is better to raise the question before production begins.
REHAU Systems Available for Trade Projects
Our REHAU range includes three systems serving different types of installation:
REHAU TOTAL70
TOTAL70 is used for a broad range of conventional uPVC window applications.
It can accommodate many common window arrangements including fixed panes and different casement configurations.
REHAU Rio Flush Fit
Rio Flush Fit is intended for projects where the external appearance of the sash is particularly important.
The opening sash sits flush with the outer frame, creating a different appearance from a conventional projecting casement.
REHAU describes Rio as compatible with its TOTAL70 system and available with both chamfered and sculptured frame options. REHAU Windows
REHAU SLINOVA
SLINOVA is a sliding patio-door system rather than a conventional window.
It is intended for larger glazed openings where a sliding door is required.
REHAU currently lists SLINOVA alongside its UK window and door systems. REHAU Windows
For a more detailed comparison of these products, read our REHAU window systems in Leeds guide.
Fabricating the Right Window for the Opening
One of the most important parts of any trade order is the window configuration.
Two frames with identical overall dimensions can be completely different products.
For example, the same-sized opening might require:
- one fixed pane
- a side-hung casement
- a top-hung casement
- multiple opening sashes
- a combination of fixed and opening sections
Handing is equally important.
When an installer describes a window as left-handed or right-handed, the perspective being used needs to be clear.
A simple elevation or window schedule is usually preferable to relying on written descriptions alone.
Glass Specification
The glass used in the finished window needs to match the application.
Depending on the project, requirements may include:
- standard insulating glass units
- toughened safety glass
- laminated glass
- obscure glass
- acoustic glass
- decorative glazing
- triple glazing
- project-specific thermal performance
Safety requirements are particularly important around doors, low-level glazing and other critical locations.
If the job has specific acoustic, thermal or security requirements, these should be identified when the quotation is requested.
Colour and Foil Requirements
Colour should also be confirmed before fabrication.
Projects may require:
- white internally and externally
- coloured external foil
- matching colour both sides
- different internal and external finishes
- wood-effect finishes
- contemporary grey finishes
Colour changes can affect both the appearance and availability of the required profile.
For larger schedules, it is worth checking that the colour specification is consistent across every opening.
Cills and Frame Add-Ons
The window itself is only part of the complete installation.
Depending on the opening, the installer may also require:
- cills
- frame extensions
- add-ons
- couplers
- bay components
- other ancillary profiles
These need to be allowed for when dimensions are prepared.
If an add-on is required because of plaster lines, render, insulation or another construction detail, it should be identified before the frame is manufactured.
Trickle Vents and Ventilation
Ventilation requirements should be considered at specification stage.
Where trickle ventilators are required, tell us before fabrication.
The required ventilation strategy can depend on the nature of the project and applicable Building Regulations, so installers should establish what the particular installation requires rather than assuming every replacement project will be identical.
Hardware Requirements
Hardware is another detail that should be agreed before manufacture.
Depending on the project, this could include requirements relating to:
- handles
- hinges
- locking systems
- restrictors
- opening angles
- door hardware
- other specialist components
Where the customer has requested a particular finish or function, include it in the quotation specification.
Working From a Window Schedule
For larger Leeds projects, a window schedule is usually the most efficient way to communicate the order.
A useful schedule might show:
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Window reference | W01, W02, W03 etc. |
| Width | Required frame width |
| Height | Required frame height |
| System | TOTAL70, Rio or other agreed product |
| Configuration | Fixed/opening sash arrangement |
| Colour | Internal and external finish |
| Glass | Required specification |
| Cill | Required cill size |
| Ventilation | Trickle vent requirements |
| Hardware | Any special requirements |
| Quantity | Number required |
This makes it easier for both installer and fabricator to identify discrepancies before production.
Common Specification Problems to Avoid
Many potential problems with trade window orders can be prevented before fabrication begins.
Some of the most common areas worth checking include:
Incorrect measurements
Always check dimensions carefully before submitting the final order.
Unclear handing
Make opening directions obvious using drawings or elevations wherever possible.
Missing colour information
Do not assume the same colour is required internally and externally.
Missing glass specification
Identify toughened, laminated, obscure or other specialist glass clearly.
Forgotten cills or add-ons
Check installation details before finalising frame dimensions.
Ventilation added too late
Establish trickle-vent requirements before production.
Different specifications across the same project
For larger schedules, check that handles, colours, glazing and other details remain consistent unless variations are intentional.
REHAU Fabricator or REHAU Installer?
These terms describe different roles.
A fabricator manufactures the window or door.
An installer fits the completed product into the property.
Some businesses may be involved in both activities, while many installers purchase their frames from a dedicated fabricator.
For trade customers, understanding this distinction helps when sourcing windows because manufacturing queries can be discussed with the company responsible for producing the frames.
We also have a separate guide explaining our status as a REHAU authorised fabricator and what that means.
That article covers the REHAU relationship itself, while this page focuses specifically on fabrication and ordering for Leeds projects.
Working With Installers Across Leeds
Leeds contains a wide mixture of property types and consequently a wide range of window requirements.
A trade order may involve straightforward replacement casements on one project and flush-sash windows, larger frames or patio doors on another.
For us, the important part is receiving a clear specification.
Where possible, send:
- manufacturing dimensions
- drawings or elevations
- opening configurations
- REHAU system required
- colour
- glass specification
- cill and add-ons
- ventilation requirements
- hardware requirements
- quantity and delivery details
That information gives us a much clearer basis on which to prepare the quotation and manufacture the order.
Need a Quote for REHAU Windows in Leeds?
If you already have your window sizes or schedule, you do not need to use this guide as a sales page.
Go directly to our dedicated trade windows Leeds page for information about supply-only orders, quotations and our Leeds trade service.
For unusual configurations or larger schedules, send the project details so the requirements can be reviewed before the order is finalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a REHAU window fabricator?
A window fabricator manufactures finished windows and doors using the relevant profile system and project specification.
The process includes preparing frames and sashes to the required dimensions and incorporating the specified glazing, hardware and other components.
Do you supply REHAU windows for projects in Leeds?
Yes. We supply made-to-measure REHAU windows and doors for installers, builders and trade customers working throughout Leeds and the surrounding area.
What REHAU systems do you offer?
Our current range includes REHAU TOTAL70, Rio Flush Fit and SLINOVA sliding patio doors.
Can you manufacture windows to my own sizes?
Yes. Trade orders are manufactured to the agreed dimensions and specification.
Make sure the measurements you send are the actual sizes required for manufacture.
What should I send when requesting a quote?
Where possible, send:
- width and height
- window configuration
- handing
- system
- colour
- glass
- cill
- add-ons
- trickle vents
- hardware requirements
- quantities
- delivery location
A drawing or schedule is particularly useful for larger orders.
What is the difference between TOTAL70 and Rio Flush Fit?
TOTAL70 is suited to a broad range of conventional uPVC window configurations.
Rio Flush Fit provides a flush external sash and is often selected where the appearance of the completed window is a significant part of the specification. REHAU confirms that Rio is designed around compatibility with TOTAL70. REHAU Windows
Do you manufacture SLINOVA patio doors?
Yes. SLINOVA forms part of the REHAU range you can specify for suitable sliding patio-door projects.
Are you a REHAU authorised fabricator?
Yes. Your existing Glass Tec page states that the business is independently listed by REHAU as an authorised partner. Glass Tec Windows
You can read more about that on our REHAU authorised fabricator page.
