Duro, one of the leading manufacturers of steel and aluminium building products in Southern Africa, has supplied windows and doorframes to phase 3A of the housing development currently under way in Langa, Cape Town. The development is being undertaken by the Provincial Department of Human Settlements and the City of Cape Town.

Duro has some innovative solutions for the low-budget and RDP housing market. When cost is a factor, Cliscoe windows provide an affordable and effective solution. Both the inner and outer type Cliscoe windows are formed so that no sills, lintels or plastering are required. The window units are simple to install and do not require skilled labour. Both inner and outer type windows can be manufactured to all the window formats in Duro’s catalogue and to suit any brick size.

Duro’s pressed metal factory also produces a wide range of light gauge and heavy gauge steel doorframes to suit various wall thicknesses. The company manufactures interlocking doorframes, offset doorframes, centre doorframes, steel cupboard frames, and single steel combination doors and frames (commonly known as chawl doors). Combination doors are also available in a barn door – a configuration of two doors that open in the middle.

There are a number of advantages to using steel windows and doors. Steel does not crack or bow, it is secure, and it requires lower maintenance and is less expensive than other materials used for windows and doors. It is also one of the most durable and sustainable building materials available.

Duro has supplied its products to many other low-cost housing developments across the country, including projects in Soweto, Diepsloot in Johannesburg, Soshanguve near Pretoria, and Hlabisa, Umzumbe and KwaMakwanazi in Durban.

Chief marketing and sales officer, John Lamb, says, “The majority of our business is currently in the affordable housing sector or catering for people in the lower income market and we pride ourselves on supplying this sector with quality, affordable products.”