Windows & Doors - Methods of Selection
Windows & Doors – Methods of Selection
How do Melbourne people go about choosing windows and doors for their houses? As long as the windows look good, right? If you are really busy you may leave it to your husband, your wife, your builder or the first nice window person you speak to. Fair enough, most window makers in Melbourne are selling good reliable windows that look good. Compared to having no windows at all your choice between good windows is relatively unimportant. On the other hand there are differences that you might like to think about before you decide. The chances are that you and your new windows will be friends for a long long time. One little error now could become an accumulation of errors over time. One little brain wave now could become an accumulation of little delights over the same time. Sometimes the little things become more important over time so the decision you make now is more important than it would otherwise be.
Who would guess that windows are subject to fashion? In Melbourne we use a lot of awning windows and sliding windows perhaps because they work easily with insect screens. In much of the world people like side hinged casement style windows more. Similarly, much of the world uses double glazing whilst traditionally we have not done this in Melbourne. Perhaps this just reflects our wealth and the relative cheapness of our energy in Melbourne. If you are open to one suggestion it is this; focus on buying a window style that is good looking, good to use, energy efficient and good value for money. Not so easy? Is it an awning window that will give you all that, or is it something else? It is easier than you might think to answer that question for yourself, especially if you are in a position to visit us in Melbourne. Here are some hints.
Windows are hinged, sliding or fixed. Hinged windows can be hinged at the top (awning window), bottom (top opening window), or side (swing or casement window). One type, the Turn & Tilt window hinges at the bottom and side and opens inwards in either position. It has the twin benefits of being easily cleaned from inside the house and giving good security even when left open at the top for ventilation. Common sense rules apply for opening direction. Sliding windows may slide sideways (sliding windows) or up and down (hung windows).
When you stop and think about what your windows will do for you, you can list the following benefits; weather protection, energy saving, ventilation, light, insect protection, noise suppression, privacy and security. There may be other benefits of windows. How well your new windows will provide each of these benefits depends upon which window type you choose. Some general pointers as to how each design affects the ability of a window to provide these benefits follow. Again, you may wish to visit us at Ecovista Windows in Melbourne in order to more easily see the features and understand more easily how they work.
Hinged windows offer the best sealing characteristics and are therefore potentially more efficient at saving energy and suppressing noise from the street. Sliding and hung windows open and close within their own frame space and so can be operated without first opening the insect screen as is sometimes required. They do not obstruct window coverings as some inside opening windows tend to do. Sliding windows rest on rollers and do not require complicated spring or counter-balance systems to work properly.
In terms of efficiency, simplicity, durability, cleaning and security the hinged window types are good. Of course, the Ecovista favourites range allows for all of these features and benefits. We have consciously short-listed the types and styles that we think you will choose and we hope you will make time to allow us to explain why.
There is more detail elsewhere on the site.
