Louvre Windows

What Are Louvre Windows?

Louvre windows, commonly known as louvres in New Zealand, are a popular choice in hot and humid areas since they are stylish and versatile and provide natural ventilation. 

They are made of horizontal pieces of glass, wood, aluminium, or any other material fitted to the window’s frame and adjusted to allow the breeze and light through. They can also be closed entirely to resist external elements. 

Typically louvre slats are adjusted via a lever system or a pulley by the user. In New Zealand they can also be known as jalousie windows, louvres, and shutters. 

Different Types Of Louvre Windows

Louvre windows come in various types in New Zealand; however, the most common material used in the construction of window mouldings include aluminium and wood. Here are the different kinds of louvres available:

Glass Louvre Windows

They have a wide array of applications in New Zealand practically in almost all types of buildings. The glass louvre windows comprise a frame surrounded by smaller glass panels that are horizontally angled to allow air and light in while keeping out rain and wind. 

The glass Louvre window’s angle can be adjusted and kept partially open, closed, or fully open using an appropriate mechanical linkage. In various situations, these slats can also be fixed permanently in a single position. 

These windows have survived the test of time in New Zealand. They are majorly used because of their design and practical implications, thus making them an excellent option to consider when building a house or renovating it. 

Wooden Louvre Windows

Timber louvres and sash windows provide an elegant touch to the house. They are efficient and can control air circulation and sunlight while keeping out any other adverse weather conditions. The modern wooden louvre windows comprise a shutter made of timber fitted in a single frame and a lever mechanism to control operations. 

Furthermore, a wooden louvre window might be fitted to a hinge on the frame to open the entire window, a property now found in most windows, such as sliding windows. They have wide application in New Zealand and are pretty versatile, with the ability to be fitted anywhere. 

Aluminum Louvre Windows

Aluminium is hands down one of the most eco-friendly building materials used in construction. Even though there is a significant weight difference compared to steel or copper, aluminium is among one of the sturdiest materials used in windows. 

Due to its lightweight property and durability, it has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Not only that, very little maintenance is required for aluminium since it is corrosion-resistant. This makes them great for coastal locations in New Zealand. Aluminium is also used in casement windows for the frame or case. 

Benefits Of Louvre Windows

In New Zealand, choosing the correct type of windows during the renovation or construction of a house is very critical. Fitting the right window at the right place will help maintain proper airflow and help conserve energy. 

Many homeowners in New Zealand also choose louvre windows to provide a stylish look to their house with the added benefit of natural ventilation. Here are some of the advantages provided by them:

• They give free air passage and an adequate amount of light even when they are closed. Not only that, they provide privacy while also protecting against excessive glare and daylight inside the building or house without affecting ventilation 
• Another advantage of these windows is that they can be opened nearly the window’s entire length to create maximum airflow
• They are effortless to maintain and clean
• Their blades can be used to control airflow via angling
• Louvre and tilt and turn windows are very energy efficient since they use natural ventilation, thus reducing cooling and heating costs
• Another added advantage of these types of windows is that they can be cleaned from inside the house
• Provide natural ventilation according to the window’s size
• When using timber, obscure glass, or aluminium blades for privacy, the window can be slightly opened to maintain the privacy level

That is why they are considered to be very versatile options as windows in New Zealand. Their form factor can make them a great fit no matter the type of interior design, and they are available in various styles and designs. 

Louvre Windows Care And Maintenance

Maintenance of louvre and security window grilles is necessary to reduce weathering effects. The cleaning frequency depends entirely on various environmental factors; however, it must be done every three months in New Zealand as a thumb rule. Increase the frequency of residing in an industrial or coastal area. 

Following is a step by step guide to clean louvre windows:

• Dry dust the window first to avoid any scratching in the subsequent steps
• Use a wet sponge to remove any loose deposits that might be residing on the louvre or awning windows
• With the help of a mild detergent mixed with clean, warm water, use a chamois cloth to clean the blades and frame. Avoid any excess water from entering the internal mechanism via the handle notch. Finally, rinse the window with clean water
• Never use cleaning agents composed of a caustic base, chemicals, or abrasive material that might affect the surface finish
• To maintain the finish’s lustre, apply and wipe over the non-abrasive car polish 
• Furthermore, the better approach for the glass blade of the window is cleaning them regularly with non-abrasive and mild detergents