Evolutions in modern glass are giving homeowners a lot to think about these days. You can now choose windows that keep your house warmer, reduce the UV radiation that makes it inside, and even eliminate noise pollution.
If you’re looking into replacing your windows and you’re wondering where to start, this is the blog post for you. Choosing the right material is all about assessing what you need in your home, then choosing the glass that will get you there. Read on to find out what each kind of specialty glass does, and how you can use it to design the ideal home for you.
Double-glazing your windows means placing more than one pane of glass in the same window frame, isolating a layer of air or inert gas (e.g. argon) between the two panes. Instead of passing through a single pane, heat has to pass through two panes and a layer of air, which drastically reduces the amount of heat that makes it through.
On its own, glass is usually fairly conductive, but with double-glazing implemented you’ll find that your house stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This option is great for anyone in a cooler climate, or if you’re looking to save on your electricity bill. If you’re truly in a chilly spot, you can double-down on your double-glazing with the inclusion of low e glass to further reduce any heat transfer.
Low e glass is short for “low emissivity glass”, which means that this kind of glass does not radiate absorbed heat energy as much as regular glass does. Microscopic pieces of silver and metal oxide float in an extremely thin polyester coating, drying down onto the side of the glass and working to reflect (rather than absorb) any heat travelling through the air.
Instead of absorbing heat from one side and radiating it out the other, this kind of glass will reflect radiant heat thanks to a thin low-emissivity film coating one side of the pane. In mild climates this kind of treatment is ideal, as it is less expensive than double-glazing but will help your home to retain heat in the winter months.
If you live in a particularly cold climate then coupling low e glass with a double-glazing method will put up a nigh-impenetrable barrier against the cold outside, and will prevent any heat from escaping from the inside.
Finally, we have acoustic glass, which is ideal for anyone living near a motorway or on a busy street. Sound travels via vibrations through air and solids, and the key to stopping noise getting in is to stop the vibrations in their tracks. That’s where the mechanics of acoustic glass come into play.
Acoustic glass is created by bonding two panes of normal glass together using polyvinyl butyral (PVB), creating a membrane that prevents sound vibrations from travelling freely through the glass. The vibrations get through the first layer as normal, but once they hit the PVB membrane and the second layer of glass they are significantly reduced.
You should consider having acoustic glass installed in your home if you live in a noisy environment and crave a quiet, peaceful home that feels removed from the chaos outside. You can bolster the effects of acoustic glass with double glazing as well, quadrupling the effects and reducing sound even further.
No matter which of these glass solutions work for you, Atlas Glass has you covered. We’ve been in the business of window-making for many years, so we can recommend the ideal choice for your home, source the glass, and install the windows with minimal hassle. Curious about where to start? Just get in touch with our friendly team today!
So, the time has come to replace the old glass with the new, and you’re wondering where to start. You’re not alone! Hundreds of Kiwis struggle with the ins and outs of selecting their ideal window design, and most of our clients have come to us at a loss for where to begin.
We’re going to use our industry knowledge to break down the three crucial aspects of window selection. Take a look at the things you need to consider before picking the final product.
The key to choosing the right frame for you is in knowing which material you are after. A large portion of people choose wooden frames for their classic style, and they certainly have their benefits, but there are a variety of options to choose from.
Let’s begin with a classic. Wood is a fantastic framing choice because it fits into almost any style of décor, it’s sturdy, and it’s not particularly conductive of heat. Wood is actually the most energy efficient option (which is important when selecting modern windows). Keep in mind that this option requires more consistent upkeep to prevent the frames from rotting in rain or humidity.
This material is one of the best for a humid climate like Aotearoa, because it is not vulnerable to rotting. Aluminium is lightweight and strong, making it an ideal building material, but it allows heat to transfer freely through the frame. Thus, it’s not as energy efficient as wood.
Both are very strong, eco-friendly and energy-efficient options. Composite windows are made from wood shavings and resin, while fibreglass is made from glass in resin. Fibreglass is more expensive but if you have the means then spring for fibreglass frames; they’ll last a long time and save you a lot of money on the energy bill.
This portion of the decision-making is two-fold, as it involves both glazing and tinting. Glazing refers to placing more than one pane of glass in frame with air or inert gas in between the layers; this reduces the amount of heat that can transfer through the glass. Tinting is when manufacturers put a layer of material over the glass, each with different helpful properties.
Put simply, the higher the degree of glazing, the more energy-efficient your windows will be. Double-glazing is sufficient for a New Zealand climate, however if you’re in a colder corner of the country you might benefit from triple-glazing or even quadruple-glazing. Keep in mind that this will cost more than just double.
As for tinting, you can choose a tint that’s beneficial to your particular circumstances. For example, if you’re choosing large windows in a living space then you might spring for an ultra-violet protective tint, as this is an area people will be spending a lot of time in. You can also choose to tint for privacy, which works well in the bedrooms or bathrooms of a home.
Finally, you need to think about which style your windows will be. These often vary from room to room, however if you’re particularly set on consistency then it’s best to keep the design the same house-round. When considering style, it’s important to think about both the practicalities and the aesthetics.
For example, double-hung windows are a very common choice because they’re a space-saver. They don’t swing in or out (so you can put furniture right underneath), and they have a clean finish. Alternately, floor-to-ceiling windows are fantastic for bringing natural light into a living space, but putting them in a bedroom might compromise your privacy.
If you’re looking at all of this and you’re still not sure what the right choices are, don’t be afraid to consult a professional who can help to guide you.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients in their home renovation journeys. Get in touch with the great team at Atlas Glass today and start on your very own journey with us.
At Atlas Glass, we find that most people think that window design is all about glass. This is understandable! But the truth is, windows are comprised of numerous parts and accessories, each of which has a definite name and purpose within the window industry that not many know of.
If you’ve been referring to parts of the window as the ‘top bit’ or ‘bottom bit’, you might want to brush up your knowledge on window terminology. Join in for a crash course to learn what each part is called, and the purpose it serves!
Every window has three basic parts – the frame, the sash and the panes.
If you’re looking at your window head-on, the frame is the piece surrounding the window. Frames surround the entire window system and provide support.
The sash is the moveable part, both horizontally or vertically, that holds the glass in place. With casement windows, sashes swing open, on double-hung and single-hung windows, they usually slide up and down to open and close the windows.
In simple terms, panes are the glass. Panes are connected to sash or muntins, which are grid-like bars that feature in some windows. Windowpanes can be single, double or even triple glazed to provide insulation. Double-glazing refers to creating a window that consists of two glass panes separated by vacuum or gas to reduce heat transfer.
The basics can be broken down even further into the sum of their components. If you delve deeper, you can see that there are innumerable small yet intricate parts that make up a window and assist in its smooth functioning.
Let’s start with the frame. This component of a window can be broken down into three smaller components: the jamb, the sill, and the head. There’s also the casing, which is a very important aspect of window design.
Jambs are the vertical boards that are found between the head and the sill.
Sill is down the bottom, where you can rest your arms if your sitting by the window!
Opposite to the sill, the head is the top horizontal part that forms the top of the frame.
Casing is the decorative frame or moulding that is found around the window to cover the space between the jamb and the wall. Sometimes, it can be seen covering space between two window frames.
While these parts aren’t a part of the actual sash, they do help it to function. The parts included depend on the type of window installed.
The Balance is found right at the center of the window. True to its name, it provides balance as the sash opens and closes.
Usually found on double-hung windows, this is the part where two sashes meet in the middle – the bottom part of the upper sash and the upper part of the bottom sash.
The Jambliner is a strip that is usually found on the side of the window frame. It gives the window sash a snug fit.
A lift, as suggested by the name, is what makes it possible to raise the window in case of single or double hung windows.
A sash lock is the mechanism that is used to lock single and double hung windows. It is usually located on the operating sash and is used for preventing the sash from opening in its frame.
A stool is the horizontal board on the inside of the window, against the sash.
Whether you’re refurbishing your house with retrofit double-glazing or getting new timber joinery installed in your brand-new home, You can count on the experts at Atlas Glass. Contact us today for more information.
Timber frames offer many advantages for home builders and renovation projects alike. They can be erected quickly, cheaply, and easily, yet still maintain the durability to keep your home safe and structurally sound for years to come.
Due to its strength, timber framing gives you a wealth of freedom when designing your space. With fewer load-bearing walls necessary to support your structure, timber frames make possible large, open spaces, and even vaulted ceilings. Their attractive appearance also makes them eligible for outdoor exposure. Whatever your reason for choosing timber framing, be it their natural and sustainable materials, insulation benefits, their simplicity, or their rapid build time, here’s what you need to know before you get started.
Timber framing is commonly confused with post-and-beam style structures, which use metal fasteners to secure the joinery. Timber framing, however, is a bit more elegant. Wooden pegs (or tenons) are used to secure the timberjoinery (with slots called mortises). Timber framing is made up of four principle elements:
The type of wood matters when crafting your timber framing. Different types of timber will have different advantages and disadvantages, such as cost, appearance, and durability. Consider these wood types for your timber frames:
When it comes to your timber framing, always sweat the small stuff. You’re going to ask a lot of your frames, so take care that they’re assembled correctly, with an eye for quality and endurance.
Timber framing is a great look for any doorway or window frame, which is why Atlas Glass offers the finest glazing options for timber joinery NZ has to offer! Give your home the touch of class it deserves. Contact Atlas Glass today to learn more.
There’s a good reason why designers and homeowners look closely at window design. The stylistic elements you choose and how you dress your windows sets the tone of your home, and your choice of window is ultimately complemented by what you place around it. Though often underestimated in its impact, how you dress your windows can ultimately change the overall atmosphere of an entire room.
Whether you choose to have blinds, curtains, shutters, or valances adorning these features, your choice will have many practical implications as well. Internal window coverings can ensure privacy, as well as dramatically improving the temperature within your home. And if you choose with care, they can help keep you and your family comfortable for years. Let’s look into how you can find the right window treatments, tackle the benefits of each, and understand how they can be ideal for your own home.
Window dressings are not just meant to be aesthetically pleasing. They serve a variety of purposes including securing privacy, controlling light and glare, buffering sound, and retaining and reducing heat. Primarily, you should be able to determine your goals before committing to any kind of window dressing. Remember to take into account the many different factors that may contribute to your decision, as they should coincide with the general purpose of your windows. For example, when you want to minimise heat gain during the summer, you may have opted for the double glazing approach, and you could supplement those benefits with curtains or blinds that block heat. You also have to consider the size of your windows, the space of your room, and what specific issues you want to deal with when you research possible window treatments.
Now comes the exciting part! Once you’ve determined your goals, you now at least have an idea what kind of window treatment or dressing will fulfil your goals, serves a specific purpose in your home, and also meets your design preferences.
Heavy curtains are perfect for thermal performance and are a great option to block out light. They are perfect for homes that have large floor space, and where there is enough allowance to mount the tracks. Curtains with enclosed pelmet at the top prevent airflow from the room down behind the curtain, which allows great thermal retention.
Blinds, on the other hand, are a good option for smaller and narrower windows where there isn’t really room for curtains. The secret to the maximum effectiveness of all type of blinds is fitting them snugly and securely within the window reveal. Blinds provide versatility, and are good for privacy. With blinds, you always have the option to see through your windows, or get the privacy you need on demand. Blinds are also very good insulators and are clean and contemporary in design. They can easily match with the interior decor in your home.
Interior shutters with adjustable blades are also great for providing privacy as well as blocking out light. They are convenient to use, as you can control the amount of light you let it. This way, you can regulate the UV rays and sunlight entering your home. Letting in less light can also preserve your floors, walls, and furniture.
There are numerous types of material or fabric for every window dressing. Durability is also an important consideration, so think about materials which can last you for many years, such as natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Though window dressings are not as exposed as external windows, they still need to be durable to withstand strong sunlight.
Another important consideration is making sure your window treatment is easy to use and that it is suitable for your room. Imagine using a pull-down blind that gets in the way of a door, now we wouldn’t want that would we? It’s all about choosing the right window treatment that will match your space, room size, and overall room vibe.
You can only achieve transformative window treatments when you start with a solid window design. Atlas Glass works with a team of excellent Auckland glaziers who can provide a complete range of window and mirror services to help you make the most out of your home’s windows. Our products and services can improve security, thermal performance, and the overall look of your windows. Call us to learn more about how we can transform your home.
Window design often remains disregarded when building one’s home. However, taking special consideration when choosing your window treatments can really add value and sophistication to your home, and even the quality of your life. Choosing the right kind of windows up front offers numerous benefits for you and your family, and today we go through some of the ideal options you can look into when you’re choosing a suitable window design.
Window designs that allow natural light in are always a plus. Well-lit rooms automatically create a warm and inviting atmosphere and reduce the need to use artificial lighting. Wall windows are great because they give you and your guests an expanded view of the environment, and allows the most sunlight in.
UV-inhibiting windows are a great option for maximizing large or wall windows that allow natural light in, as they prevent harmful ultraviolet radiation from entering your home, while still promoting stunning natural light and views.
As any experienced Auckland glazier will tell you, room temperature is a critical factor in any home, and your windows can have a significant effect on how well the house retains heat. Choose the appropriate design for your locale – the right glass will have a significant contribution to your home’s temperature. Double glazed windows can increase a room’s comfort levels as it can make your rooms warmer during winter and cooler in summer, and triple or quadruple-paned windows only maximise this effect.
Just because you’re living indoors does not mean that you have to be entirely disconnected from the beauty of the outside world. Windows are our portals to the views and light that suffuse the outdoors, and our eyes are naturally drawn to what’s on display, which in turn makes your room feel larger and more inviting.
It’s important to consider what particular window design and window placement will maximise the lovely scenery of the outside. Wall windows enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor, as they create an instant backdrop. This connection improves comfort and calmness, and can affect your overall mood on a day-to-day basis.
The specific function of each room of the house is an important factor when it comes to choosing the window design. Different rooms will require windows that suit their specific needs. For example, kitchens can make the most from double-hung windows when they get a little too stuffy from cooking, as double-hung windows allow the hot air to escape out of the top, and cooler air to enter through the bottom.
Double hung windows are also great to use in kids’ rooms, as the design prioritises safety. The top of the window can be lowered for ventilation, and the bottom half can be left closed.
Always choose to work with professionals to get the best quality windows that are a good fit for you and your home. Here at Atlas Glass we pride ourselves on giving you windows that will improve your quality of life. From retrofit double glazing, to timber joinery glazing, Atlas makes it all possible. We provide glazing for a number of timber joiners throughout Auckland, and are proficient in all of the latest methods. Give us a call today!
Modern glass that allow natural light into your home has significant benefits. Wouldn’t you agree that there is no better feeling than waking up in a room lit with sunlight? Just imagine how nice it would be to sit back in a warm and sunny spot in the living room in your favourite chair, gazing over your garden.
Professional architects, designers, and even researchers will tell you that, despite all of the advances in design techniques and technology, sunlight or natural lighting remains the best option to give life to any room. It creates a welcoming and warm atmosphere for your home. Today, we’ll talk about how natural light can turn your home into a sanctuary, and discuss how it improves not just your space, and but also your health!
A huge benefit, and not just for you, but for the environment as well. You can save up to 20-60% of energy when you maximise natural lighting for your home. Instead of turning on the heater, the warmth of the sun can work as a natural heat source. This can significantly reduce your costs in utility bills, saving you a lot of money on home maintenance costs.
Your home’s window design plays a significant role in reducing energy usage at night as well as during the day. With the proper thermal coating and insulation throughout your home, your walls and floors will absorb the infrared radiation from the sun throughout the day, then slowly release it in the cooler nighttime hours. This reduces your overall energy bill by a significant amount.
Utilising natural light also improves the aesthetic of your overall space. A well-lit room adds beauty to a space because everything looks better when everything is illuminated! Auckland glaziers and designers recommend the use of large windows that allow natural light to come through to make spaces appear larger, cleaner, and more appealing, thereby increasing the value of your home.
When your homes are well lit, energy-efficient, and have additional features such as patio enclosures and sunrooms, you increase your home’s desirability levels. Therefore, you also increase the overall value of your home.
Natural light is something our bodies and minds naturally need. Studies show that the use of natural light in homes and in workspaces help you become more productive, and can enhance your concentration levels. It also improves one’s mood as natural light can make you feel happier and calmer. Research shows that when exposed to natural light for a healthy amount of time, it can prevent mood disorders and alleviate depression. Create a calm and peaceful sanctuary for you and your family to return to by taking this into consideration.
An essential vitamin for all people, you can actually get it free from sunlight. Vitamin D has numerous benefits including strengthening your immune system and improving your brain function. With the rise of technology and indoor entertainment, it’s important to combat vitamin-D deficiencies proactively; large and well-placed windows is one such way that you can accomplish that goal.
Sunlight also reduces the amount of mildew and mould growth in your homes. It helps to evaporate any accumulated damp, and it kills the bacteria hiding in any dark or damp corners, making your space healthy and clean for you and your family.
If you’re building a new home or upgrading your windows, Atlas Glass can help you choose and install the most ideal window option for your home. Our professional glaziers can assist you throughout the whole process – from supplying the products, all the way to installation. We provide glass products and quality installation services that will surely make your space beautiful, safe, and comforting. Let us pour some light into your home! Contact us and get a free quote!
A failed seal around your double glazing can cancel out all the benefits it offers over single glazing. Seals can fail around any variety of window, but double-glazed windows require particular fixes. As they are much more energy efficient and better at insulating your home, they’re much more important to fix properly than the standard fare.
In this blog, we’ll go over how to identify a failed seal on your windows, and what your options are to fix it.
It’s possible none of these will occur with a failed seal, but condensation between the panes is usually the most common signifier. This is more likely to occur when there is a drastic shift in the weather, or the temperature suddenly drops, either inside or outside your home.
If you’ve got timber joinery for your double glazing, then you’ve already got an energy-efficient, practical, and aesthetically pleasing frame for your windows. That’s not something you want to let go to waste! Maintaining your timber joinery is as simple as finishing it with sealant, keeping it clean and dry, and repainting or re-oiling it 18 months after installation, and then again every six to eight years. In this article, we look at why you should put the effort in to keep your timber joinery in top form.
Energy-efficient and economic window design
Timber has a storied history as a building material, and has always been considered a great accomplishment of nature. It acts as a natural insulator, keeping the temperature of your house warm and comfortable. This helps lower carbon emissions, and lowers your energy bill by better retaining heat. You might think this would make them more expensive than aluminium or PVC joinery options, but this isn’t necessarily true! Top-range wood joinery -like mahogany – can cost much more, but middle-range timber can work out cheaper. With proper maintenance, timber joinery can easily outlast the competition, saving you ever paying to replace it.
Timeless, beautiful aesthetics
Another benefit of timber is its visual versatility, and huge potential for aesthetically pleasing window design. Depending on which wood you settle on and how you choose to stain and finish your timber, it can be made to suit any surrounding architecture. You can even have it carved to fit in with your house – an option you may not have with other building materials.
Ongoing maintenance and weatherproofing also serves to keep your joinery looking amazing. Repainting and varnishing your joinery improves the value of the house, making it a great investment for a property you plan to renovate and sell. Contrary to popular opinion, window frames made from other materials - like PVC - aren’t completely maintenance free, and no amount of maintenance will make PVC look as good as timber does.
Environmentally friendly
Wooden window frames are much more environmentally sound than their counterparts. Over their lifetime, they save so much energy that they have a negative GWP (global warming potential), reducing your total carbon footprint. Timber nowadays is largely from sustainable sources, whereas the production of other building materials can involve the release of toxic chemicals. Environmental activists are in favour of using timber joinery over PVC – the waste involved in producing timber is far more manageable and recyclable than the alternatives. Maintaining your timber joinery is not only directly beneficial to your power bill – it directly benefits the planet.
A lifetime of benefits
All of these benefits increase in value exponentially when you combine them with the lifespan of timber joinery. If looked after properly, wooden window frames can easily last a lifetime – resisting weather wear and tear for generations.
If you’ve been looking into retrofit double glazing, why not take the opportunity to look into timber joinery too? The Atlas Glass team are experts in glazing and double-glazing windows for timber joinery – we provide glazing for several timber joiners throughout Auckland, and we can point you in the right direction! Talk to us today!
When renovating or building, it can be tempting to go for what appears to be the cheaper option upfront. In the long run, it is important not to fall into this pitfall; instead, choose a window that will help you save. In this article, we’re exploring modern glass options to cut costs on your energy bills in the future.
When it is winter, we prefer to keep the heat indoors. When it is summer, we prefer to keep the heat outdoors. It’s that simple. The best way to ensure that the temperature inside our homes is regulated accordingly is to choose top-quality windows that will insulate it effectively. Before the expansion of the glass industry, there was simply single pane glass. Now, there are several options to choose from.
Double glazed windows are essentially two panes of glass with a layer of air separating them. As glass is a conductor of heat, it is not reliable on its own. It allows for heat to leak through, which is often why single pane houses have one eerily cold or hot room, depending on the season.
What makes double glazed glass so effective is the layer of air between the two sheets. By separating the sheets, it allows for outside energy to be reflected. What it does not reflect, it absorbs, ensuring that it does not leak inside the house.
Low-E Glass is an alternative to double glazing, although it was built with another idea in mind: to ensure the UV light does not have a harmful effect on residents, while not diminishing the strength or brightness of the incoming light.
Both Low-E Glass and double glazed windows come highly recommended as top-quality windows that can save you money in the long run. Keeping the temperature regulated will steadily lower your energy bill.
Is noise constantly around you? Perhaps you live near a school, loud neighbours or an airport. Maybe the sound of the 7 am traffic wakes you up when you’d rather sleep in. In all of these scenarios, the issue is not just with the noise – rather, that the noise has made its way into your home.
The solution is acoustic glass. Acoustic glass was specially developed with noise in mind and is used in a variety of places, from schools to airports.
Acoustic glass works by absorbing and diminishing the noise through its panes and layers. Decreasing the amount of noise that enters your house will decrease stress, distractions and anxiety while increasing your quality of life.
One of the most vital aspects of these windows is their ability to save you money in the long run. Their value will increase the value of your home in general, while also decreasing the amount written on your energy bill. Just as eyes are the window to the soul – windows are at the heart of a home, and choosing top-quality windows makes for a solid and knowledgeable investment.
Modern glass is an incredible way to save money, while also giving significant benefits to your home. Atlas Glass offers a variety of modern glass products for both upgrades and instalments. If you have any questions about our services, or if you would be interested in receiving a free quote, feel free to contact us.
