To ensure you get the best possible window & door solution for your specific needs, you should take a few things into consideration. Your windows can be made from a wide range of materials, as well as glazing types and opening styles, which can make selecting them a bit more challenging than you might think.
Though you may have an idea of the style or color of your new windows, the material and glass type will have a huge impact on the long-term comfort and enjoyment of your new home. Window frames are one of the first things you should consider when planning your new project.
The following materials are commonly used for window frames:
- Aluminium
- Wood
- Steel
- uPVC
- Fibreglass
Aluminum windows stand out for a variety of reasons, even though they each have their own positives and negatives.
In the 1980s, uPVC was the material of choice for double glazing salespeople to the point where a TV series starred it, but its popularity has waned in favor of more stylish, sustainable, and effective materials.
What are the reasons behind the popularity of aluminium windows in modern construction? When it comes to window and door frames, aluminium has many advantages. Besides being abundant and naturally occurring, this metal can also be recycled over and over again, making it a sustainable choice. In comparison with steel or fibreglass, it is less expensive and requires less maintenance since it is corrosion & UV resistant, anti-bacterial, and durable. In addition to the configurations homeowners are familiar with, aluminium is also available in large sizes for more open spaces.
To provide a warm, dry, healthy, and stylish home, let’s explore the glazing options and different types of aluminium windows.
Double-glazed and single-glazed
The glazing type is the first thing most people think of when they think of windows. Old, cold houses often have single panes of glass (possibly laden with moisture) in the windows. In a modern home, double glazing and insulation make it relatively easy for the heat pump to heat the rooms on a cold day.
In order to better understand glazing, let’s examine the two main types.
Double glazed windows
When compared to single-glazed windows, double-glazed windows provide additional insulation from exterior environments by incorporating two layers of glass with sealed or insulated air spaces between them. In order to enhance insulation even further, an inert gas can be added to the air space, such as argon or krypton. When comparing glass options, the R-value of the glass indicates its insulation rating.
Despite the availability of triple glazing in some areas, an effective double glazed unit is usually sufficient for improving insulation in New Zealand. There are times when the type of glass used in a home will be dictated by the location of the windows. For road facing windows, some people opt for laminated double glazing to reduce traffic noise. Due to government regulations, all exterior windows in modern houses are double glazed, which makes the home warmer and drier.
Single glazed windows
One layer of glass separates one environment from another in a single-glazed window. Insulation provided by single glazing is ineffective, and thinning the glass does not improve it. The performance can be slightly improved by choosing the right type of glass such as one with a Low-E coating. Sound and UV reduction are better with laminated single glazing.
Aluminium window types
A list of the major benefits of the different types of windows used in New Zealand housing projects follows.
Awning windows
The opening part is called a sash, and they are hinged from the top. You can use them to allow airflow through your home when necessary. When left open, awning windows offer better rain protection than casement windows. Every home/building has these windows, whether it’s a tall, thin bathroom window, a wider bedroom window or a living room window.
Fixed windows
There is no way to open these windows. Often called picture windows, they provide light into otherwise dark areas or showcase a view.
Bi-fold windows
A large opening is created by folding back two or more hinged panels. It is easier to open and close bifold windows if they have an even number of panels. In areas such as kitchens and bars, bifold windows provide seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors.
Casement windows
The side opening style is less common than the top opening style, but some prefer it. They look like awning windows when closed, with handles on the sides.
Stacking windows
While bi-folds allow you to open the whole window or door space, stackers have two or three sliding panes that allow you to open two-thirds of the window. They are popular in situations where a walkway or living space is not obstructed by the window opening.
Sliding windows
The panels of sliding windows slide behind the fixed panel using one sliding track. You can use them to increase air flow or connect indoor and outdoor areas. In areas with a lot of traffic, sliding panels are a safe option since they do not protrude beyond the frame
Thermal windows
Standard windows have the same opening types as thermal windows, but they have a different profile. In this article, we will look at how thermal windows differ from standard windows and what their main benefits are.
Heat transfers from the inside to the outside of a typical aluminium window. Your windows can lose more than 40% of the heat in your home during winter or vice versa during summer when you’re trying to cool your home. An insulating nylon is built into the aluminium profile of thermal windows, reducing the heat transfer through the frame, keeping a more even temperature within your home.
Double glazing with a thermal spacer, Low E coated glass and argon fill are great options for enhancing the energy efficiency of a thermal window.
In New Zealand, thermally improved windows are becoming increasingly popular as energy efficiency and healthy living become more important.
When building a home, windows are one of the most important purchases you’ll make. You should pay extra attention to them so that you make the right choices for your comfort and health.
The modern house design is characterized by larger and more windows. Choosing the right window solution to meet your unique requirements and ensuring you never regret your choice is important when it comes to the comfort of your home.
Please use the button below to discuss your new build window needs or to request that we contact your builder on your behalf.