So, the time has come to replace the old glass with the new, and you’re wondering where to start. You’re not alone! Hundreds of Kiwis struggle with the ins and outs of selecting their ideal window design, and most of our clients have come to us at a loss for where to begin.
We’re going to use our industry knowledge to break down the three crucial aspects of window selection. Take a look at the things you need to consider before picking the final product.
The key to choosing the right frame for you is in knowing which material you are after. A large portion of people choose wooden frames for their classic style, and they certainly have their benefits, but there are a variety of options to choose from.
Let’s begin with a classic. Wood is a fantastic framing choice because it fits into almost any style of décor, it’s sturdy, and it’s not particularly conductive of heat. Wood is actually the most energy efficient option (which is important when selecting modern windows). Keep in mind that this option requires more consistent upkeep to prevent the frames from rotting in rain or humidity.
This material is one of the best for a humid climate like Aotearoa, because it is not vulnerable to rotting. Aluminium is lightweight and strong, making it an ideal building material, but it allows heat to transfer freely through the frame. Thus, it’s not as energy efficient as wood.
Both are very strong, eco-friendly and energy-efficient options. Composite windows are made from wood shavings and resin, while fibreglass is made from glass in resin. Fibreglass is more expensive but if you have the means then spring for fibreglass frames; they’ll last a long time and save you a lot of money on the energy bill.
This portion of the decision-making is two-fold, as it involves both glazing and tinting. Glazing refers to placing more than one pane of glass in frame with air or inert gas in between the layers; this reduces the amount of heat that can transfer through the glass. Tinting is when manufacturers put a layer of material over the glass, each with different helpful properties.
Put simply, the higher the degree of glazing, the more energy-efficient your windows will be. Double-glazing is sufficient for a New Zealand climate, however if you’re in a colder corner of the country you might benefit from triple-glazing or even quadruple-glazing. Keep in mind that this will cost more than just double.
As for tinting, you can choose a tint that’s beneficial to your particular circumstances. For example, if you’re choosing large windows in a living space then you might spring for an ultra-violet protective tint, as this is an area people will be spending a lot of time in. You can also choose to tint for privacy, which works well in the bedrooms or bathrooms of a home.
Finally, you need to think about which style your windows will be. These often vary from room to room, however if you’re particularly set on consistency then it’s best to keep the design the same house-round. When considering style, it’s important to think about both the practicalities and the aesthetics.
For example, double-hung windows are a very common choice because they’re a space-saver. They don’t swing in or out (so you can put furniture right underneath), and they have a clean finish. Alternately, floor-to-ceiling windows are fantastic for bringing natural light into a living space, but putting them in a bedroom might compromise your privacy.
If you’re looking at all of this and you’re still not sure what the right choices are, don’t be afraid to consult a professional who can help to guide you.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients in their home renovation journeys. Get in touch with the great team at Atlas Glass today and start on your very own journey with us.
At Atlas Glass, we find that most people think that window design is all about glass. This is understandable! But the truth is, windows are comprised of numerous parts and accessories, each of which has a definite name and purpose within the window industry that not many know of.
If you’ve been referring to parts of the window as the ‘top bit’ or ‘bottom bit’, you might want to brush up your knowledge on window terminology. Join in for a crash course to learn what each part is called, and the purpose it serves!
Every window has three basic parts – the frame, the sash and the panes.
If you’re looking at your window head-on, the frame is the piece surrounding the window. Frames surround the entire window system and provide support.
The sash is the moveable part, both horizontally or vertically, that holds the glass in place. With casement windows, sashes swing open, on double-hung and single-hung windows, they usually slide up and down to open and close the windows.
In simple terms, panes are the glass. Panes are connected to sash or muntins, which are grid-like bars that feature in some windows. Windowpanes can be single, double or even triple glazed to provide insulation. Double-glazing refers to creating a window that consists of two glass panes separated by vacuum or gas to reduce heat transfer.
The basics can be broken down even further into the sum of their components. If you delve deeper, you can see that there are innumerable small yet intricate parts that make up a window and assist in its smooth functioning.
Let’s start with the frame. This component of a window can be broken down into three smaller components: the jamb, the sill, and the head. There’s also the casing, which is a very important aspect of window design.
Jambs are the vertical boards that are found between the head and the sill.
Sill is down the bottom, where you can rest your arms if your sitting by the window!
Opposite to the sill, the head is the top horizontal part that forms the top of the frame.
Casing is the decorative frame or moulding that is found around the window to cover the space between the jamb and the wall. Sometimes, it can be seen covering space between two window frames.
While these parts aren’t a part of the actual sash, they do help it to function. The parts included depend on the type of window installed.
The Balance is found right at the center of the window. True to its name, it provides balance as the sash opens and closes.
Usually found on double-hung windows, this is the part where two sashes meet in the middle – the bottom part of the upper sash and the upper part of the bottom sash.
The Jambliner is a strip that is usually found on the side of the window frame. It gives the window sash a snug fit.
A lift, as suggested by the name, is what makes it possible to raise the window in case of single or double hung windows.
A sash lock is the mechanism that is used to lock single and double hung windows. It is usually located on the operating sash and is used for preventing the sash from opening in its frame.
A stool is the horizontal board on the inside of the window, against the sash.
Whether you’re refurbishing your house with retrofit double-glazing or getting new timber joinery installed in your brand-new home, You can count on the experts at Atlas Glass. Contact us today for more information.
