Purchasing doors and windows can be tricky — the wrong choice can affect the aesthetics, convenience and thermal performance of your entire home. Windows and doors are, of course, necessary for light and ventilation, but they also lessen the need for artificial heating and cooling, which helps you save money.
All new buildings are required to meet a minimum six-star energy rating, so technology is tuned into improving the efficiency of the glass. The latest options are designed to do it all, from reducing glare and noise to increasing security.
Door Trends
Front doors are becoming larger and bolder. We're now seeing vivid colours, decorative glass, and high-gloss finishes — all designed to make a statement.
Pivoting doors, which are hung on bearing rather than a hinge, are popular for front entrances as they allow you to hang heavier doors measuring up to 1.2m wide and 2m high.
Internal doors are also becoming more decorative, think intricately patterned timbers, metal inlay and laminated that mimic everything from exotic hardwoods to metallics. These doors are being used like furniture.
Sliding doors, where the panels slide past each other, only provide a partial opening. Cavity sliders, where the doors slide right back into the wall, create a wider opening but cost more than standard sliders.
Classic hinged or french doors are a good option for most areas of any home. They’re the least expensive and they blend in well with traditional architecture but will protrude into or out of the room when opened.
Window Trends
A number of factors will affect your window choice: climate, placement, orientation, looks and budget. There's no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to think about the purpose of the windows in each room — do you want to maximise views or privacy? What about ventilation in summer or double glazing for warmth? Where will you position your furniture and television — do you need windows that will reduce glare and reflections?
Specifying high-performance windows will add about one percent to your total building cost but can result in significant energy saving down the track. For maximum energy efficiency, choose double glazing, low-emissivity glass to reduce solar heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, or tinted glass to reduce heat and glare but not impede your view.
There are also window options in the market to help reduce your own energy expenditure. Install self-cleaning glass and wait for the rain to simply dissolve and wash the dirt away, or consider tilt-and-turn windows that can be opened from the bottom or side for easy cleaning and ventilation.
If you're looking for a premier manufacturer of highly crafted doors and windows, STEGBAR is for you.