
Rehau Partner & Installer · FENSA Registered
Rehau Rio
The flush-casement / heritage-detail Rehau profile family. Rio Flush Casement (hinged outward-opening) and Rio Inline (horizontal-sliding flush) — both with the sash sitting level with the outer frame for a timber-look casement appearance. Heritage colour range including Chartwell Green, Anthracite Grey and Turner Oak. Conservation-area approved by many UK planning authorities; the right Rehau profile for period properties where flush-sash detail matters.
Rio Specifications
Profile Family
Rio (Rehau)
Variants
Rio Flush Casement (hinged) · Rio Inline (horizontal-sliding)
Energy Rating
A-rated, multi-chamber
Heritage Colours
Chartwell Green · Anthracite Grey · Turner Oak + full Rehau range
Why Rio
Sash sits flush with the frame
On a standard casement window the sash protrudes slightly from the outer frame — fine functionally but visibly uPVC. The Rio's sash sits perfectly level with the outer frame, so the closed window reads as a single flat plane. This is the detail that planning officers look for as a like-for-like timber substitute, and the reason Rio is the go-to Rehau profile for conservation-area refits where uPVC is acceptable.
Two variants on one profile family
Rio Flush Casement is the hinged outward-opening variant — what most people mean when they say 'flush casement window'. Rio Inline is the horizontal-sliding flush variant for openings where outward swing is not practical — above kitchen worktops, along walkways, or rooms facing a public path where an outward sash would project into the route. Both are on the Rio profile family so the visual detailing matches if you mix them on the same elevation.
Conservation-area heritage colours
Chartwell Green, Anthracite Grey and Turner Oak are the three heritage finishes that conservation officers most commonly accept on a Rio install — alongside the standard Rehau colour and woodgrain range. Foiled finishes are fused to the profile so they don't peel; warranted against fade for 10 years even on south-facing elevations.
A-rated thermal, multi-chamber profile
Rio uses Rehau's multi-chamber profile philosophy applied to the heritage form factor. Whole-window A-rated thermal performance, double-glazed Low-E units as standard with warm-edge spacer bars; flush-casement variant achieves U-values from 1.2 W/m²K. Triple-glazed upgrade available for openings on shaded or exposed elevations or where the home is pursuing a low-energy refurb spec.
PAS 24 + 10-year manufacturer warranty
PAS 24:2022 certified with multi-point locking on the opening sash and toughened safety glass throughout (mandatory under Approved Document K within 800mm of finished floor level). Rehau's 10-year manufacturer warranty covers profile integrity, mechanical sash joints and heritage-grade colour finishes — backed by Vitrum Solutions' 10-year CPA insurance-backed guarantee on the workmanship.
Products on the Rio Profile
Two distinct products on the same profile family. Mix on the same elevation if the opening types call for both — the visual detail matches.
Rio Flush Casement (hinged)
Outward-opening flush casement with sash level to frame. The everyday Rio for replacing standard casement windows on a period property.
View product page →Rio Inline (horizontal-sliding flush)
Flush sash that slides horizontally instead of hinging open — for openings above worktops, along walkways or facing public paths.
View product page →Get a free quote for Rehau Rio Flush Casement Windows
Free no-obligation written quote. Fast response times. FENSA registered with a 10-year CPA insurance-backed guarantee. Serving Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Hertfordshire & West London.
Other Rehau Systems
Rio is the heritage flush-casement profile. For standard casement applications and inline sliding patio doors Rehau makes purpose-built profile systems — both supplied and fitted by Vitrum Solutions.
Rio — Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rehau Rio?
Rio is Rehau's flush-casement / heritage-detail uPVC profile family. The defining feature is that the opening sash sits perfectly level with the outer frame when closed (a 'flush sash'), giving a flat, timber-look casement appearance. It's the profile to choose when planning policy or personal preference points to a flush-detail rather than a standard cottage casement.
What is the difference between Rio Flush Casement and Rio Inline?
Rio Flush Casement is the hinged outward-opening variant — a traditional casement window that swings open on side hinges, with the sash flush to the frame when closed. Rio Inline is the horizontal-sliding flush variant — the sash slides sideways along a track instead of hinging open. Rio Inline is the right choice where an outward swing isn't practical (above kitchen worktops, along narrow walkways, or rooms where the window faces a public path or fire-escape route).
Are Rehau Rio windows approved for conservation areas?
Often yes — but it depends on the local planning authority and whether your property is listed. Rio is the Rehau profile most commonly approved as a like-for-like timber substitute in conservation areas because of the flush sash detail, the heritage colour range (Chartwell Green, Anthracite Grey, Turner Oak), and the deep bottom rail option. Listed buildings normally require timber regardless. We handle the planning consultation and supporting paperwork as part of every quote — full guide at /blog/upvc-sash-windows-conservation-areas.
Are there alternative window types we should consider for heritage properties?
If your property's character is sliding sash (Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian terraced or semi-detached), the more period-correct option is a sliding sash window made by Victorian Sliders on Rehau profile — see /upvc/sliding-sash-windows. Rio is the right call for properties whose original character is flush casement (Arts and Crafts, mid-century, or any cottage casement house). Listed buildings normally require timber regardless of profile.
What U-value do Rio windows achieve?
Rio Flush Casement achieves whole-window U-values from 1.2 W/m²K with a standard double-glazed Low-E unit and warm-edge spacer — the same baseline as Rehau's TOTAL70 casement profile, which means Rio meets the Approved Document L 1.4 W/m²K maximum without any upgrades. Triple-glazed units further improve the figure where extra performance is wanted.
Can I get Rio in dark grey or black?
Yes — Anthracite Grey is one of the most-specified Rio finishes and sits within the heritage colour range. Black is available across the standard Rehau colour range. Foils are fused to the profile (not painted) so they don't peel or fade under sun — Rehau warrants against fade for 10 years including on south-facing elevations, where most budget uPVC will visibly fade within 7-10 years.
How long do Rio windows last?
Rehau's 10-year manufacturer warranty covers profile integrity, mechanical sash joints (relevant for Rio Inline) and heritage-grade colour finishes. In practice Rio installations typically reach 25-30 years before replacement is needed — the foiled finish stays colour-stable and the multi-chamber profile holds its thermal performance. Vitrum Solutions adds a 10-year CPA insurance-backed guarantee on top of the manufacturer's profile warranty.
Are you a Rehau Approved Installer for Rio?
Yes — Vitrum Solutions is a Rehau Partner and Installer. We supply and fit the Rio system through our approved fabrication partner, with FENSA-registered installation by our own team (never subcontracted) and a 10-year CPA insurance-backed guarantee on top of Rehau's 10-year manufacturer warranty.
Other Systems We Install
We supply and fit the full premium-brand glazing range across the Home Counties. Compare specifications and pricing across our brand hubs.
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