How to Start a Project
When selecting windows and doors for your upcoming project, there are a number of things that need to be considered.
The following is a step by step list of items you need to consider for your project:
The building itself:
Renovation on an existing home or a new dwelling, either used for long-term or short term living or for later resale.
Location and surrounding area of the property, the styles of properties in the area, eg some council have allocated areas which have to conform to some historical feature, eg federation or it maybe a planned development style, single level dwellings only. Another consideration are the rooms of the home, there uses, and what direction they face, eg north, south, east or west. All of these may have an influence on your window and door decisions.
Example
Rear facing with a view off the living area, with a balcony, that is used for entertaining. You may decide that a bi-folding door selection would allow full use of space, bringing the outdoors in, with good resale value later on.
Window & Door style:
It is important to select the style of windows, what is important to you, ventilation, visual look, energy, cost etc. An example is that the windows are looking out to a beautiful view of gardens, parks or beaches, consider a combination of windows styles with fixed glass to capture these views. When considering doors, do you want sliding, hinged, bi-folding doors that open out into an entertaining area, another room, a deck or verandah.
Do the windows need to highlight the opening, or blend in with the surrounding wall space. Is it more important to match internal or external wall faces.
If using aluminium, what colours are available for windows and doors ? There are normal white, black, grey, wood etc.. colors. Just choose the color suit for your projects.
With major concerns on energy reductions, the glazing becomes extremely important in the overall decision making, glass being the most inefficient medium in the house. In general the main considerations are:
Reducing external traffic noise: a laminated glass with acoustic seals will normally resolve noise dramatically. Summer heat, a tinted glass will suffice. Winter cold: a double glazed unit, two sheets of glass with air space between hermetically sealed. All year round comfort: a Low E glass coating on the glass inner face, available in a range of different glass types
Product Offering:
The decision between aluminium and timber can be difficult, cost, maintenance, look.
Timber can be low maintenance when using quality finishes; can match internal & external decor by finishing each face in different colours. Has a similar product offering to aluminium with much heavier looking profiles and the warmth of natural timber.
Aluminium is low maintenance, pre-finished in a wide range of colours, slim sections. Both products usually comes fully assembled ready to install, (dependant on size) and custom made sizes are available.
Product performance:
All products offered today have to comply with a large number of complex related performance standards. Purchasing from any residential window association member will ensure that no matter who supplies your end product, you can be assured that they will meet your needs.
Quoting / Ordering
Trend offer a free quoting service by showroom sales personnel, we have sales centres centrally located in most states. You just need to provide either, copy of house plan, and a window schedule, a list of sizes, include with your request colour & type of product required.
This can be emailed, faxed, or dropped into any of our sales offices to have quoted.
If you are unable to confirm any of the above, just drop into our showroom, discuss your concerns with our qualified sales staff. We have product on display, colours, and brochures to browse through.
Installation:
Are you installing yourself or engaging a builder, this decision is as important as the product itself. A competent handyman can install windows & doors; just think through first the weights of product. Extra labour involved, & can you be doing something more productive with your time. In which case hire an installer, & take away the hassles.
Note: We are a manufacturer and supplier, if you require an installer please ask our sales staff for a name of an installer to assist you.
Sliding windows are made up of either one or two sliding sashes in a frame. Giving approximately half a window width for the opening, which allows good airflow into the room, this can be varied by sliding the sash to control the amount of airflow. The only drawback is in wet weather when the window has to be closed to prevent water from coming into the room.
Awning windows have the sashes fixed on hinges at the top of the frame allowing the sash to open outwards for ventilation. Airflow is more limited as air has to flow around the sash into the room. In wet weather due to the unique design of the window, water is prevented from entering the room over the top of the sash, and water runs down the outside of the sash, and away from the opening. Awning sashes can be a problem for young children if situated on a verandah.
Double hung windows are made up of two sashes sliding vertically within a frame. This window gives the ultimate in ventilation control as one or both sashes can be opened to give good thermal flow. In wet weather the bottom sash can be closed and the top sash left partially open.
Casement windows are hinged at the side and open outwards, and when ordered as pairs of sashes, give good ventilation into a room, they can be operated in unison, sashes acting as sails drawing into the room. These in wet weather can be a problem, with the sashes having to be closed to prevent water penetration.
Bi-fold windows are made up of a number of sashes folding back to allow maximum use of the opening. They give good airflow and bring the outdoors in, which is great for entertaining.
Bifold Window Illustration
Diagram shows bifold wall is on left with windows folding back to that side. Other configurations are available. Open out only.
Sliding doors are made up of either one or two sliding sashes in a frame, giving approximately half a door width for the opening.
Stacking doors are made up of two or more sliding sashes, giving approximately two thirds door width for the opening.
Both systems allow good airflow into the room; sliding the sash to control the amount of airflow can vary this.
Sliding Door illustration
Signified by an arrow showing direction of sash operation. "F" indicates a fixed
Hinged doors are made up of one or two door leaves hinged on the external frame jamb, opening either in or out dependant on personal preference. They give good airflow and bring the outdoors in.
Hinged Door illustration
Diagram shows Left hand hinged. Opposite way shows right hand hinged.
Bi-fold doors are made up of a number of sashes fully folding back to allow maximum use of the opening. They give good airflow and bring the outdoors in, which is great for entertaining.
Note: All products are available in both aluminium & timber for maximum flexibility. All units can be double glazed, & products can be made to custom size if required.
Bifold Door illustration
Diagram shows bifold wall is on left with doors folding back to that side. Other configurations are available. Open out only.
When tackling the installation of any windows, consider first who is going to do the work. If hiring a tradesman, have them check the window dimensions, prior to ordering. This places the responsibility with them ensuring a professional and problem free installation.
Measuring
Accurate measure is critical part of the ordering process. All measurements are to be in millimetres, always giving the window supplier:Â Height first followed by the Width.
Ordering:
Dependant on the state of the opening, you need to consider whether an additional allowance needs to be made. You can cover any discrepancies if necessary with an aluminium angle.
Give all sizes Height x Width, state which sash is to open, looking from outside, give frame stud depth, and whether timber clad or brick veneer.
Installation Guide:
