About Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are among the first things to get noticed in a building. They play a major role in the overall curb appeal of a property, and even more important one in its functionality. 

Choosing new windows and entry, interior, garage, or patio doors can greatly enhance access, security, aesthetic and market value of the house. The key is in making the right selection. 

Types of Windows and Doors

Entry Doors

Crucial for security and almost equally significant for appeal, energy efficiency, and overall functionality, single entry doors present one of the key features of the home exterior. Their choice is virtually endless, with a variety of types and styles available on the market, ready to suit all sorts of functionality needs, design preferences, and other factors. Their categorisation starts at the basics:

• Single entry doors: Wood, fibreglass, and steel are the materials of choice when it comes to single entry doors, due to their energy efficiency and low maintenance requirements.
• Double entry doors: Designed for a more impressive entrance, dual entry doors often feature glass panels to let more natural light inside.
• Patio doors: Patio doors are functional features, ideal for providing access to the backyard or deck. 

Garage Doors

Garage doors share the same degree of importance as the entry doors. They affect the style and curb value of the building, support its security levels and provide a functional access point. Based on the function, garage doors are divided into six main types. 

• Sectional: As the name says, this type is composed of hinge-connected panel sections with wheels at the edge of each. 
• Roll-up: Designed for commercial applications but also suitable for residential, roll-up garage doors are a heavy-duty option, ideal for areas with limited ceiling space. 
• Slide to side: The slide to side garage doors sit parallel to the wall and run along with lower trolleys, making it an excellent option for spaces with restricted height.
• Side-hinged: This traditional design swings from a hinged frame on either side of the opening, reminiscent of a barn door. 
• Over canopy: The tilt-up canopy garage doors comprise one solid piece and a pivoting hinge mechanism.
• Retractable garage doors: The tilt-up retractable garage doors are suspended autonomously from the frame to rise up and into the garage. 

Interior Doors

There are two essential types of interior doors. The slab is a basic design that includes only the door panel, without a frame and hardware. A pre-hung door consists of a frame-mounted door and hinges. Both models are available in a range of styles. 

• Barn: A stylish way to separate rooms adds an artisan flair to the decor scheme. It can glide along the upper or bottom track - and sometimes both. 
• Pocket: “Disappearing” sliding door tucks into the wall when opened, making an excellent space-savvy solution. 
• Accordion: As the name says, accordion doors fold in segments along a track with wheels. 
• French: Comprising multiple glass panels, French doors offer minimal privacy but let a lot of light through. 
• Bifold: Symmetrical door panels are hinged to the frame, opening outward and folding to the side.
• Bypass: Sliding door composed of two or more sections that glide on a parallel track, passing each other. 
• Saloon: This highly decorative option provides a barrier between rooms without closing off the area. 

Windows

A variety of window styles is available on the market, designed to suit different preferences, functional requirements, building types, and locations. Some basic types include:

• Awning: This versatile design features a top-hinged window panel that swings open outwardly. 
• Casement: A widely popular design comprises a hinged window that opens out horizontally, providing a tight seal. 
• Slider: Available as a single or double model, this type slides open horizontally. 
• Hung: Hung windows come in two varieties, single and double, allowing flexible ventilation options. 
• Bay: A traditional statement window makes a focal point while allowing an abundance of natural light to enter the room. 
• Bow: Bow windows offer diverse design options with different patterns and arrangement possibilities. 

Glazing

Glazing determines the number of glass panels comprising one window. Single glazing is the most basic solution that provides minimal insulation compared to the other types. Double panels are the industry standard, a cost-effective option, and a good insulator from both hot and cold weather. Triple glazing maximises energy efficiency, providing a superior sound barrier at the same time.

Door and Window Hardware

Door and window hardware comprises a variety of items, from knobs and levers to hinges and locks and more. Levers and knobs are decorative features with a functional role, while hinges hold the door/window panel attached to the frame. Locks provide traffic control and enhance the security levels of the property. 

Joinery Systems

Joinery systems comprise a field of services devoted to designing and manufacturing customised solutions. They cover all doors and windows types and sizes, including atypical shapes, extensive ranges, as well as unique patterns, designs, and materials. 

External Louvres and Shutters

External louvres and shutters are effective and customisable solutions for controlling airflow, light, and privacy in both residential and commercial buildings, while also adding aesthetic value.

Fly and insect screens

Fly and insect screens are essential in keeping pests out of homes and businesses, promoting a healthier environment. They come in different types, such as retractable and sliding, and are made from various materials like mesh and PVC. They are easy to install and maintain and provide effective protection against insects.

Things to Consider Before Buying Windows and Doors

Glass panels on doors and windows should be able to withstand external temperature changes. Argon-filled window glass can slow down the temperature transfer, while super spacers allow sealed window units to contract, maintaining the seal’s integrity as the seasons change. Specific coatings can also reduce the transmission of light, UV rays, and solar heat.

Most modern doors and windows designs meet at least some basic energy efficiency standards. Some offer enhanced performance targeting specific locations, such as coastal or mountain environments. Energy performance is defined by the following values:

• R-value: Insulation
• U-factor: Non-solar heat-flow transmittance 
• Energy rating (ER)
• Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)
• Visible transmittance (VT)
• Centre-of-glass rating

A warranty can make the difference between an average and a great purchase. While the typical minimum warranty covers ten years, some others can last for a lifetime. It’s also common to find different warranty lengths for specific parts, from glass to hardware.