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Building Components
How Do I... Choose the Right Windows For My House?
The right windows do more than just let in a breeze – they can frame a view, boost your indoor-outdoor flow and more
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. Here, Dave Bruhl, managing director at BetaView Aluminium Windows & Doors, provides some practical tips for seeing your way through the maze of different window options on the market.
What are the main styles to choose from?
- Double-hung windows: These windows are great for flexibility; you can open and close the bottom and top panels on these windows individually and they can also be locked in an open position. They’re great for keeping your home secure while still offering ventilation control. However, the rattling of double-hung windows, especially in high wind areas or with traditional sash windows, can be a concern. If so, consider investing in anti-rattle devices.
- Sliding windows: These have a fixed panel of glass and one or more moving panels, which can be opened and closed by sliding them horizontally. They work particularly well in rooms with limited space – think bathrooms, kitchens and utility areas as well as decks and balconies. Sliding window tracks tend to accumulate dust, which can be time consuming to clean.
- Awning windows: These windows are configured to only open to a fixed degree, so they’re great for ventilation during light rain. And with no large, dangerous openings, they’re safe for homes with kids. These windows are also comparatively difficult to break into. However, in an emergency, access through an awning window can be difficult.
- Louvre windows: These allow for a greater flow of air into your home so they’re best for compact spaces that can benefit from a ventilation boost, such as laundries, bathrooms, narrow hallways and corridors. However, if insulation is your primary concern, then louvre windows may not fit all your needs.
- Bi-fold windows: These allow you to use window space to its maximum capacity, plus the window panes fold neatly to the left or right so they don’t intrude on your living space. This makes them especially suited as servery windows in your kitchens and entertaining areas. With bi-fold windows, you can make a room feel instantly larger and brighter without heavy renovation work. However, the multiple sashes of bi-fold windows may necessitate the use of multiple locks along the window, especially if security is a major concern.
What are the different frames made from?
- Aluminium: It’s light yet strong and durable, comes in a variety of anodised and powder- coated surface finishes and can be bushfire rated. Aluminium is low maintenance, cost effective when compared to timber frames and doesn’t rust. Aluminium can lose heat, so it’s essential to choose the right type of glass.
- Vinyl or uPVC: These materials are low on both cost and maintenance and have good insulating properties. However, vinyl and uPVC are not regarded as environmentally friendly materials and cannot be repainted, so a discoloured frame will often need to be entirely replaced.
- Timber: Boasting warm, natural looks and energy efficiency cred (wood is a natural insulator) timber frames appeal to many. But wood is expensive, high maintenance and has a shorter life span than other materials as it is susceptible to wear.
- Composite: Gives you the look of a timber frame inside and the durability of aluminium outside. Composite frames are structurally strong, energy efficient and require minimal maintenance. However, composite is a relatively new material on the market so can be nearly as costly to buy as timber. Colour options can be limited too.
How important is it to choose the right glazing?
Double- and triple-glazed windows are very energy efficient as they limit heat loss during winter and reduce heat gain in summer. While double- and triple-glazed windows are certainly more energy efficient compared with single-glazed windows, the exact type of glazing you choose should be based on:
Double- and triple-glazed windows are very energy efficient as they limit heat loss during winter and reduce heat gain in summer. While double- and triple-glazed windows are certainly more energy efficient compared with single-glazed windows, the exact type of glazing you choose should be based on:
- The climatic conditions in your area, such as temperature and wind.
- The location, orientation and size of your windows.
- The thermal properties of the glazing type you’re considering.
Which parts of the home and room orientations will benefit most from windows with solar control?
Where you live will largely determine which room orientations benefit most from windows with solar or thermal control. If you live in cooler climes, north orientation is generally desirable as this allows maximum exposure to the sun in winter and minimal exposure in summer, while south-facing windows receive more solar radiation in summer. West-facing windows receive maximum radiation on a sunny day so the right kind of solar control can prove efficient here.
Where you live will largely determine which room orientations benefit most from windows with solar or thermal control. If you live in cooler climes, north orientation is generally desirable as this allows maximum exposure to the sun in winter and minimal exposure in summer, while south-facing windows receive more solar radiation in summer. West-facing windows receive maximum radiation on a sunny day so the right kind of solar control can prove efficient here.
What’s performance glass?
As well as thermal control, high- performance glass can offer other benefits too, including controlling glare and noise, reducing fading of furniture from UV rays and boosting privacy.
As well as thermal control, high- performance glass can offer other benefits too, including controlling glare and noise, reducing fading of furniture from UV rays and boosting privacy.
What are the main things to consider when choosing window size?
- For the most part of the year in Australia, the sun is oriented towards the north. To make the most of the sun’s heat in winter, use larger windows to the north. You can add an awning to these windows in the summer to shade them.
- For the south-facing sides of your home, choose windows that are smaller as this side typically receives direct summer sunlight early in the morning or late afternoon. In winter, this side of your home may hardly receive any direct sunlight. This approach helps trap heat indoors during winter and limits heat gain in summer.
- As a general rule for good ventilation, aim to have openings that are at least 10 percent of the floor area of a room. Plus, the further windows are from exterior corners of your house, the better the ventilation in the summer months.
Which windows will help boost natural light?
- Clerestory windows are a classic choice.
- A bank of awning windows can also be a great option as they can be placed higher up in the wall to ensure maximum light and ventilation.
- You can also select window grills to draw light into the room.
Which window styles will help capture cooling breezes?
- Louvre windows are a popular choice for rooms that require ventilation, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Louvres can be a great alternative to exhaust fans, as they help stale and steamy air escape. They also minimise heat entry and escape, reducing the need for artificial cooling and heating.
- If you’re after superior natural ventilation without compromising privacy, awning windows are a good fit as they’re often placed higher in walls than other types of windows. You can also expect better light thanks to their placement. This makes them most useful in bathrooms and bedrooms.
- Double-hung windows also offer great ventilation as they allow maximum air flow while releasing warm air, so they’re best suited in rooms that need constant ventilation.
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Find a window professional near you