Cortizo Aluminium Windows Review: Cor 70 & UK Pricing

If you are researching aluminium windows for your home, Cortizo is a name that keeps appearing alongside Schuco and Reynaers. As one of Europe's largest aluminium extrusion companies, Cortizo manufactures over 130,000 tonnes of aluminium profiles annually from their base in Galicia, Spain. But how do Cortizo aluminium windows actually perform in UK conditions, and are they worth the investment? This review covers everything you need to know about the Cor 70 Hidden Sash casement system and Cor 70 tilt-and-turn variant, thermal performance, security, colour choices, and real-world pricing. We fabricate Cortizo windows in our own Uxbridge workshop and install them in homes across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey and West London.

Who is Cortizo?

Cortizo (full name Corporación Industrial Cortizo S.A.U.) has grown into one of Europe's top three aluminium profile manufacturers. They supply window, door, and curtain wall systems to commercial and residential markets across more than 80 countries. In the UK, Cortizo systems are fabricated by approved partners and installed by specialist aluminium window companies; Vitrum Solutions does both in-house, fabricating the finished Cortizo units in our own workshop and installing them with our own team.

Unlike some competitors who focus primarily on the premium commercial market, Cortizo has deliberately positioned their residential range to offer premium performance at a more accessible price point. This makes them particularly interesting for homeowners who want aluminium aesthetics without the top-tier pricing of brands like Schuco.

The Cortizo Cor 70 Hidden Sash Casement System

The Cor 70 Hidden Sash is Cortizo's flagship casement window system for the UK residential market. It uses a 70mm frame and 70mm sash with a hidden-sash design that conceals the opening sash behind the outer frame, giving a flush exterior look.

Key Specifications

• Frame depth: 70mm
• Thermal break: Polyamide thermal break technology with 24mm thermal strut
• U-value: Uw from 1.0 W/m²K (Cortizo's figure), with the exact value set by the glazing specified
• Glazing capacity: Accepts sealed units up to 40mm thick
• Security: PAS 24 certified as standard
• Weatherproofing: Tested to BS 6375 for exposure zones across the UK
• Sightlines: 66mm visible section (Cortizo's figure)
• Maximum sash weight: 130kg per sash, allowing very large opening panels

Thermal Break Technology

The standout engineering feature of the Cor 70 Hidden Sash system is its polyamide thermal break. Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat, which is obviously problematic for windows. Cortizo addresses this by incorporating a reinforced polyamide barrier between the inner and outer aluminium sections of the frame. This barrier physically separates the cold exterior aluminium from the warm interior aluminium, preventing thermal bridging.

The 24mm thermal strut in the Cor 70 Hidden Sash is wider than many competing systems at this price point, which directly contributes to the strong U-value performance. Combined with argon-filled glazed units and warm-edge spacer bars, the Cor 70 Hidden Sash reaches Uw from 1.0 W/m²K on Cortizo's figures, comfortably below the Building Regulations maximum of 1.4 W/m²K for replacement windows in England.

For homeowners in exposed locations or those seeking the best possible thermal performance, the glazing specification is what takes the Cor 70 Hidden Sash towards that 1.0 W/m²K figure, and we confirm the exact value at survey.

The Cortizo Cor 70 Tilt-and-Turn Variant

For those who prefer tilt-and-turn operation (particularly useful for upper floors where cleaning from outside is impractical), Cortizo offers the Cor 70 with tilt-and-turn hardware as a variant of the same 70mm frame.

The Cor 70 tilt-and-turn offers:

• Two opening modes: Tilt inward from the top for ventilation, or turn fully inward for cleaning and maximum airflow
• Thermal performance: the same thermally broken 70mm platform, with the exact U-value confirmed at survey once the glazing is chosen
• PAS 24 security with multi-point locking in both tilt and turn positions
• Same colour range as the Cor 70 Hidden Sash system

Tilt-and-turn windows are more common in mainland Europe than the UK, but they are growing in popularity here, particularly in contemporary new builds and upper-floor bedrooms where safety and cleaning access are priorities.

PAS 24 Security

All Cortizo Cor 70 windows (Hidden Sash casement and tilt-and-turn variants) are PAS 24 certified as standard. PAS 24 is the UK benchmark for enhanced security, tested against physical attack including lock manipulation, frame levering, and panel impact.

In practical terms, PAS 24 certification on Cortizo windows includes:

• Multi-point espagnolette locking with mushroom cam locks
• Reinforced corner joints using crimped and mechanically fixed connections
• Internal beading — the glazing is secured from inside the property, meaning an intruder cannot remove the glass from outside
• Hinge-side security bolts that engage even when the window is unlocked
• Compatible with Secured by Design requirements for police-approved home security

The inherent strength of aluminium frames gives Cortizo an advantage over uPVC alternatives when it comes to forced-entry resistance. The material does not flex or deform under lever pressure the way plastic profiles can, providing a genuinely more secure frame structure.

Colour Options: 200+ RAL Choices

One of the strongest selling points of Cortizo aluminium windows is the colour flexibility. Unlike uPVC windows, which rely on foil wraps limited to around 20-30 standard colours, Cortizo windows are powder-coated with polyester paint that can be colour-matched to any RAL shade. Our aluminium vs uPVC comparison weighs the two materials in full.

Standard colours include:

• Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016) — the most popular choice, accounting for roughly 40% of UK aluminium window orders
• Matt Black (RAL 9005) — increasingly popular for contemporary and industrial-style homes
• Agate Grey (RAL 7038) — a softer, lighter grey popular for coastal and traditional properties
• White (RAL 9010/9016) — classic white in various shades
• Cream (RAL 9001) — ideal for period properties and conservation areas

Premium finishes:

• Dual colour — different colours inside and outside (for example, Anthracite Grey exterior with white interior)
• Textured finishes — fine texture, coarse texture, or sand texture effects
• Metallic finishes — including brushed aluminium effects
• Heritage colours — including Chartwell Green, Heritage Green, and Slate Blue for period properties

Cortizo powder-coated finishes resist fading, chalking and peeling, which reflects the superior durability of powder-coated aluminium in UV exposure compared with uPVC foil wraps.

Cortizo Cor Vision Sliding Doors

While this review focuses on Cortizo casement and tilt-and-turn windows, the Cor Vision sliding door system shares the same design language and colour options. The Cor Vision Sliding offers an ultra-slim 20mm central junction for panoramic views and is available in configurations up to 6.5 metres wide. If you are considering aluminium sliding doors alongside new windows, the Cor Vision Sliding system matches the Cor 70 windows visually. We have covered this system in detail in our Cortizo sliding doors review.

Cortizo vs Schuco AWS 70.HI: How Do They Compare?

The most common comparison UK homeowners make is between Cortizo and Schuco. Here is an honest breakdown:

Where Cortizo wins: Cortizo wins clearly on price, costing meaningfully less than Schuco for comparable specifications. The Cor 70 Hidden Sash design conceals the opening sash behind the outer frame for a flush exterior look that the standard Schuco AWS 70.HI casement does not offer at the same price.

Where Schuco wins: Schuco has stronger UK brand recognition and a larger network of approved fabricators. On thermal performance, Cortizo quotes Uw from 1.0 W/m²K for the Cor 70 Hidden Sash, and we confirm whole-window figures for both systems at survey.

Our recommendation: At Vitrum Solutions, we install both Cortizo and Schuco aluminium windows. For most residential projects, we recommend Cortizo Cor 70 Hidden Sash because it delivers 90% of the performance of Schuco at a meaningfully lower price. We reserve Schuco for projects where the client specifically requests the brand or where the wider project is specified in Schuco.

UK Pricing Guide for Cortizo Aluminium Windows

Cortizo aluminium windows sit in the premium mid-range of the UK market. Fully supplied and installed with FENSA certification, a Cortizo Cor 70 Hidden Sash window sits against the alternatives homeowners usually compare it with like this:

Within each option, the larger the window and the more sections it has, the higher the price, so a large casement, a 3-section bay or a full house of eight windows scales accordingly. For current installed price ranges, see our Cortizo Cor 70 windows cost guide.

Factors that push the price higher include dual-colour finishes, triple glazing, non-standard RAL colours and difficult access requiring scaffolding. Of the specification upgrades, triple glazing usually adds the most.

Installation: FENSA Registration and Insurance-Backed Guarantees

Any reputable Cortizo installer should be registered with FENSA or Certass. This is not optional: it is a legal requirement for window replacement in England and Wales. FENSA registration means your installation is automatically certified as compliant with Building Regulations Part L (energy efficiency), and you will receive a compliance certificate that is required when you sell your property.

Beyond FENSA, look for an installer who provides a CPA insurance-backed guarantee. This protects your investment for 10 years even if the installation company ceases trading. At Vitrum Solutions, every Cortizo installation comes with both FENSA certification and a CPA insurance-backed guarantee as standard.

Where We Install Cortizo Aluminium Windows

Vitrum Solutions installs Cortizo aluminium windows across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, and West London. Our installation teams are trained specifically on Cortizo systems, and we hold stock of the most popular Cor 70 Hidden Sash configurations to reduce lead times.

Whether you are in a modern new build in Surrey, a period property in the Chilterns, or a contemporary renovation in West London, Cortizo Cor 70 Hidden Sash aluminium windows deliver the slim sightlines, thermal performance, and colour flexibility that aluminium is known for, without the price premium of top-tier German systems.

The Verdict

Cortizo Cor 70 Hidden Sash aluminium windows represent the sweet spot in the UK market. They deliver PAS 24 security, Uw from 1.0 W/m²K, and 200+ RAL colours at a price point that is meaningfully more accessible than Schuco or Reynaers. The 70mm frame with hidden-sash design gives a flush exterior look that most casement systems at this price do not match.

The main compromise is brand recognition: Schuco AWS 70.HI carries the stronger UK name, while the Cor 70 Hidden Sash reaches Uw from 1.0 W/m²K on Cortizo's figures. If you want aluminium windows that look outstanding, perform excellently, and do not require a top-tier budget, Cortizo Cor 70 Hidden Sash is the system we recommend most often.

Explore our full Cortizo range or compare with our aluminium casement windows page for specifications and gallery images.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cortizo aluminium windows good quality?

Yes, Cortizo aluminium windows are excellent quality. Cortizo is one of Europe's three largest aluminium extrusion companies, manufacturing over 130,000 tonnes of profiles annually. The Cortizo Cor 70 Hidden Sash system is PAS 24 certified for security and achieves Uw from 1.0 W/m²K for thermal performance. At Vitrum Solutions, we install Cortizo Cor 70 Hidden Sash across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Surrey and consistently receive positive feedback on their build quality and finish.

How do Cortizo windows compare to Schuco?

Cortizo Cor 70 Hidden Sash windows offer 90% of the performance of Schuco AWS 70.HI at a meaningfully lower cost. Both systems use a 70mm frame depth; the Cortizo's distinguishing feature is the hidden-sash design that conceals the opening sash behind the outer frame for a flush exterior look. On thermal performance, Cortizo quotes Uw from 1.0 W/m²K for the Cor 70 Hidden Sash, and we confirm whole-window figures for both systems at survey. Both Cortizo and Schuco offer PAS 24 security and 200+ RAL colours. Vitrum Solutions installs both systems.

How much do Cortizo aluminium windows cost in the UK?

Cortizo Cor 70 Hidden Sash aluminium windows sit in the premium mid-range of the UK market, above budget aluminium and uPVC. Our supply-and-install prices include FENSA certification and a CPA insurance-backed guarantee. Factors that increase the price include window size, dual-colour finishes, triple glazing, non-standard RAL colours, and scaffolding requirements. Cortizo typically costs less than Schuco for comparable specifications. For current price ranges, see our Cortizo Cor 70 windows cost guide, or request an itemised written quote for your home.

Do Cortizo windows come with a security rating?

Yes, all Cortizo Cor 70 windows (Hidden Sash casement and tilt-and-turn variants) are PAS 24 certified as standard. PAS 24 is the UK benchmark for enhanced security, testing windows against forced entry including lock manipulation, frame levering, and panel impact. Cortizo windows include multi-point locking, internal beading, hinge-side security bolts, and reinforced corner joints. This meets Secured by Design requirements. At Vitrum Solutions, every Cortizo installation includes FENSA certification and a CPA insurance-backed guarantee.

What colours are available for Cortizo aluminium windows?

Cortizo aluminium windows are available in over 200 RAL colours, all applied as polyester powder coat that resists fading, chalking and peeling. Popular Cortizo colour choices include Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016), Matt Black (RAL 9005), Agate Grey (RAL 7038), and White (RAL 9010). Dual-colour options are available, with different colours on the interior and exterior faces. Cortizo also offers textured, metallic, and heritage finishes. This colour range is significantly broader than uPVC foil options and matches the flexibility offered by Schuco.