Windows are an essential part of every room and there are many things to consider when upgrading or renovating. In this article, we will explore the regular issues with choosing windows and offer some helpful advice!
Every house is different, so every house has different needs. A one-size-fits-all approach, while appropriate for floorboards, does not work for windows, although many people make the mistake of thinking it does.
With so many different choices on the market, it is easy to get swept up in the process. It is possible to end up with a single-glazed window in a house that requires double glazing to keep the heat in.
You Google “window upgrades” and are met with a variety of links, most pertaining to the computer software. You have a skim read of some online articles, maybe a brochure or two, then head to Bunnings armed with a ruler and ask the attendant for advice.
They help you out as best they can, even though they have not ever seen your house. You come home with a window that appears to fit. Later, when it is installed, you realise that you forgot about your insulation needs and the window doesn’t suit the style of the room.
This scenario is common. Many people make the mistake of skipping the research stage and going straight for purchasing. However, even those that do the research may end up with a window that does not fit quite right for their home.
Without careful consideration, window upgrades can become costly. There are many things to consider, including the complexity of the job, the style of window that will be used and your current windows. Some older homes have architectural windows that may pose problems to renovators.
Thankfully, all these common pitfalls can be easily avoided if you go through a custom glazier who can evaluate your situation for you. Armed with extensive knowledge in window upgrades, they will help you find the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
Working with a professional will significantly reduce the amount of research you’ll have to do. They may have ideas and designs that you hadn’t yet come across and may suggest similar, achievable alternatives to what you have chosen.
Perhaps a timber fitting would be more appropriate to the layout of your home and your furniture style, rather than your original idea. Either way, you will be able to sleep soundly knowing that you made the right choice with your purchase.
Staying within your budget can prove difficult if there are many other things to renovate. It may be tiresome even if windows are the only upgrades you will be installing. You may find yourself in love with one design, but it may be above your designated price range.
This is where the experts can come in. They can guide you to a similar idea that will also make your house look fresh, while staying within your budget.
Here at Atlas Glass, we specialise in a variety of services, including windows. If you have any questions about this article or would be interested in a free quote, feel free to contact us.
Flip through any renovation handbook and you’ll see it: double glazing. In this article, we will explore and examine double glazing and what it has to offer.
The term is used so often and yet many of us are still unsure as to what exactly double glazed windows are. To answer this question: double glazed windows are windows with two panes of glass, separated by a spacer and a layer of air. Typically, this space is 6–20 mm; however, it is recommended that the minimum is 12mm for optimal benefits.
You may be asking yourself, why should I go for double glazing when single glazed windows are cheaper? The short answer: because double glazed windows are worth the extra cost. They offer several significant benefits.
Winters in New Zealand are freezing, and the last thing we want is heat escaping the house. 40% of a house’s heating can be lost if the windows are not properly fitted and glazed. Double glazing significantly reduces this. The air gap and the two panes of glass ensure that heat stays inside the house during winter through thermal resistance, and it helps minimise entering heat during summer.
By keeping your house warm in winter and cool in summer, double glazed windows can significantly lower your energy costs. If you invest now in double glazing, you will save significantly in the future.
Your neighbours are arguing and although all your windows are closed, you can still hear it. Why? Perhaps your windows are single pane glass. Double glazed windows reduce the travel of noise, whether from outside entering the home or from the home going outside. All unpleasant noises, like arguing neighbours, barking dogs and traffic, will be softer and less audible. Your days of being distracted and displeased will be over.
Condensation occurs when the inside air of a home is too humid, causing water droplets to form on its surfaces. Although condensation is fine on your water-bottle, large-scale condensation can lead to a variety of problems such as wood rot, mould and asthma. These things often happen when the condensation trickles and wets the walls or floors, which could lead to structural issues if not eliminated.
By reducing any possibility of heat transfer between the panes and the home, double glazed windows greatly reduce the forming of condensation and are strongly recommended to those suffering from asthma.
Double glazed windows will notably enhance your home’s value. Double glazed windows are stronger than their single pane counterparts, making your house more secure. Not only that, their beauty will make every room feel tasteful.
Double glazed windows are the right move to ensure a comfortable and energy-efficient home. If you have any questions about double glazed windows or would be interested in receiving a free quote, please contact us at Atlas Glass.
The glass you choose for the windows in your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make while building or renovating in Auckland.
Windows insulate us from temperature extremes and control the passage of light and heat. Picking the right glass for your needs will mean a more comfortable and healthy home for you and your family.
But how do you go about making this decision?
We’re here to help. Read below to find out more about your options, and why double glazing just might be a perfect choice.
When choosing glass for your windows, there are three main areas you need to consider:
Each window type has different properties, allowing you to prioritise benefits based on your needs. There are options to reduce noise, to provide extra security, and to provide shelter from extreme weather. Think about what qualities are going to best suit your house and its location.
Double glazing uses two panes of glass to reduce the transmission of both heat and sound. This style of window offers a wide array of benefits that most other glass types simply can’t beat.
With double glazed windows, your home will be comfortable all year round. The technology keeps the heat out in summer and the warmth in during winter.
You’ll enjoy a peaceful and quieter home with double glazed windows. They will dramatically cut down on any noise pollution from outside, leaving you to relax in silence.
Did you know that your windows play a large role in your home’s heating energy? With the wrong glass, you’ll lose up to 40% of the heat through your windows but with the best option, you’ll gain up to 87% heat. Double glazing offers great thermal performance, slashing your energy bills and saving you money.
The gas in between the two panes of glass in a double glazed window virtually eliminates any condensation during winter. This lack of moisture can help with allergies and saves your window framing from any damage.
There are several legitimate alternatives to double glazing that will provide slightly different features to your home. These alternatives include:
While these glass types offer their own benefits to your home, double glazing offers a wide array of ongoing advantages. Depending on where you live, double glazing could be a great investment that will improve comfort and save you money in the long run. Consider it as an option for your new home or renovations.
Find out if double glazed windows are the right choice for you. Chat with the Atlas Glass specialists today for a free quote and answers to your questions.
Double hung windows are a very popular choice for homes throughout New Zealand. Traditional and cost effective, they are built to open both the top and bottom sashes (the part of the window that holds the glass).
The sashes typically move up and down, and well as tilt inwards. Among many benefits, double hung windows are known for being safe and easy to use.
Keep reading to find out our top 5 reasons to choose double hung windows for your home.
Double hung windows are the perfect choice for every home, with a huge variety of shapes, sizes and colours available. They are easy to operate and they fit in seamlessly with most interiors.
You can even choose from a range of materials including wood, aluminium and fibreglass.
Cleaning and maintaining your windows becomes a breeze when you choose double hung windows.
You don’t have to bend over backwards with the tilt out to clean the upper and lowers sashes. Some manufacturers even offer designs with removable sashes, making it that much easier.
Perhaps the most attractive feature of double hung windows is their energy efficiency. When installed accurately and by a professional, the windows minimise moisture and air leaks, keeping the heat in and the cold out.
You’ll save your hard earned cash by spending most of the year without using any powered temperature control.
This type of window also brings in a generous amount of natural light. This will save you even more on your energy costs as you enjoy basking in the sunlight.
When you choose double hung windows, you will enjoy the ability to control airflow and ventilation throughout your home. You have the choice of opening one or both of the sashes.
For maximum airflow, simply open both to let the cool air in and the warm air out. This will improve the air quality of your home, making it feel fresh and comfortable all year round.
Double hung windows offer many benefits and are a great option for your new home or renovation. However, these benefits can be maximised if you choose double glazed windows.
The sealed air gap between the two glass panes will make your windows more energy efficient by providing unbeatable thermal resistance. Additionally, they’ll keep out noise, nasty pollutants and allergens.
Choose timber joinery as an alternative to aluminium to enjoy even more temperature and condensation control.
Thinking about installing double glazed, double hung windows in your new home or renovation?
Call the experts at Atlas Glass on 09 820 0160 for your free quote. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about timber double glazing, new window installations or retrofitting double glazed windows.
As you know, the winter can get mighty chilly in New Zealand. When building a new home or renovating, it’s important to ensure the insulation of your home is up to code. Your planned project needs to have the right level of thermal resistance based on its location to ensure that it is fit for purpose.
Keep reading to find out how double glazed windows can help you stay warm in your new home.
New houses in NZ were not required to have proper insulation in some areas until 1978. As a result, many older houses can be very cold in the winter. Without proper insulation, houses become cold, damp and uncomfortable. What’s more, central heating is a very uncommon feature in most New Zealand homes, making proper insulation all the more important.
No longer just a comfort issue, the health of New Zealand citizens is threatened by the lack of insulation and proper heating systems.
Did you know that up to 40% of a home’s heating can be lost and up to 87% can be gained through the windows? Installing double glazed windows is the first step toward having a properly insulated, temperature-controlled home.
The gas in between the two panes of glass minimises heat transfer, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in.
This lack of heat transfer also virtually eliminates any condensation on the inside of the window, keeping your house dry and safe from mould or dampness.
While double glazed windows do have a high initial cost, they are worth the investment. You’ll cut down energy costs as less heating is required to keep your house warm. The lack of moisture will also be beneficial for the health of you and your family by helping to eliminate asthma and allergy symptoms. Double glazing can be easily retrofitted in existing homes and is a great option for new builds throughout New Zealand.
You can maximise the positive effects of double glazed windows by choosing the right framing materials. Aluminium is the most common in New Zealand, however as an excellent conductor, you will experience some heat transfer and condensation on the joinery. To avoid this, treated timber joinery is an excellent choice.
Your insulation requirements will be different depending on where your home is located. Building Code requirements state that all houses with timber-framed walls require double glazed windows or the equivalent. It’s a good idea to chat with an expert to discuss what window choice is best for your home. It’s better to invest in high-quality insulation now and be protected than struggle with extreme weather conditions in the future.
Talk to the experts at Atlas Glass about double glazed windows for your new or existing home. Call us on 09 820 0160 today.
When considering double glazed windows for your new home or renovation, it’s important to get the facts about your choice of joinery.
While aluminium joinery is used in many New Zealand homes, we urge you to do your research and look at the whole picture. Keep reading to find some common warranty exclusions for aluminium windows. Neglecting to understand the fine print could cost you time and money in the future.
Many aluminium joinery suppliers don’t offer warranties for elements of the product that were supplied by another company. In many cases, this is referring to the glass windows themselves. If the problem is deemed to be a result of a fault with the glass, then you’ll find yourself out of pocket.
When you choose timber joinery from Atlas Glass, we supply the whole package. We work closely with a range of timber joiners throughout Auckland, providing long-lasting, treated timber and quality double glazed glass.
Most warranties for aluminium joinery are voided if the product has been affected by weather extremes such as cold, hot or wet weather. The weather in New Zealand is unpredictable as it is. The warranty on your windows during an extreme weather spell should be the last of your problems.
If you’re living in a timber frame house with aluminium windows, you are particularly susceptible to damage from extreme weather. As a great conductor, aluminium will produce condensation when it’s cold outside. If this happens for an extended period of time, your home could be damaged by any subsequent moisture.
You can avoid this by choosing quality treated timber joinery. It offers better moisture and thermal control, minimising the risk of damage in extreme weather conditions.
Surprisingly, your aluminium windows probably aren’t covered by a warranty if they have been installed incorrectly. This may seem counterintuitive since it’s usually the supplier’s duty to install their product. However, this if often the way it works. It pays to do your research and hire a supplier like Atlas Glass, a name you can rely on to install your timber double glazed windows correctly every time.
As you can see, aluminium joinery can be deceptive when it comes to its ongoing value. Most warranties exclude important elements of your windows’ functionality, which could put you at financial risk. Choosing timber double glazed windows from Atlas Glass will eliminate that uncertainty. We provide all joinery, framing, moving parts and the glass itself. With superior workmanship and flawless installation throughout Auckland, you can trust us to get the job done right each and every time.
Find out why timber joinery is the right choice for your home. Contact the experts at Atlas Glass today for a free quote or with any questions you have. Call 09 820 0160.
