Local Directory Product Directory Search Articles Name Search What --Select a Category--Air ConditioningAppliance RepairsArboristArchitectureAsbestos RemovalAwningsBalustradingBath & Basin ResurfacingBathroomBathroom AccessoriesBlindsBlinds, Curtains & AwningsBricklayingBuildingBuilding ConsultantsBuilding DesignerBuilding SuppliesCabinet MakingCarpentryCarpet & Upholstery CleaningCarpet Repair & LayingCarpetsCarpets & RugsCarportsChimney SweepersCladdingCleaning Services - CommercialCleaning Services - DomesticConcrete KerbsConcrete ResurfacingConcretingCurtainsDamp ProofingDeckingDemolitionDoorsDraftingElectriciansEngineering - StructuralEquipment HireExcavationExtensions & AdditionsFencingFeng ShuiFloor CoatingsFloor Sanding & PolishingFlyscreensFrames & TrussesFurniture - Custom DesignFurniture - OutdoorFurniture - RetailersFurniture - Second HandFurniture RemovalGaragesGarages Carports & ShedsGarden DesignerGarden MaintenanceGarden OrnamentsGarden SuppliesGatesGazeboGlass & GlazingGutter CleaningGutteringHandrailsHandymanHardwareHeating SystemsHome AutomationHome TheatreHomewaresHot Water SystemsInspections - BuildingInspections - PestInsulationInterior DecoratingInterior DesignerIrrigation SystemsJoineryKitchenLandscape ArchitectureLandscaping & GardeningLawn & TurfLawn MowingLightingLocks & LocksmithsMirrorsNurseriesPaint SuppliersPainting & DecoratingPatiosPavingPergolasPest ControlPlastering & GyprockŪPlumbing & GasfittingPool BuildersPool MaintenancePools and SpasPressure CleaningRainwater TanksRenderingRetaining WallsRoof RepairsRoofingRubbish RemovalRugsScaffoldingSecuritySecurity Screens & DoorsShades & SailsShedsShower ScreensSkip & Truck HireSkylightsSpasSplashbacksStained GlassStaircasesStonemasonryStorageSurveyorsTile SuppliersTilingTimber FlooringTree FellingUpholstery RepairVentilationVinyl & LaminateWallpaperingWardrobesWater FeaturesWaterproofingWindow CleaningWindow RepairsWindow ShuttersWindow TintingWindows Where eg.Vaucluse or 2030 (not both)

Windows & Doors

Australia

Windows and doors, as the name of the category says, covers the aspects of the home that are involved with natural lighting, ventilation and security in the form of security screens and doors. 

Benefits of Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are a part of the home that we often take for granted, but if they are placed correctly, and fitted with the right mechanisms, they can make the home much more comfortable and pleasant to live in.  If windows are placed correctly, the home’s ventilation can be significantly increased.  Doors and windows can also be used for insulation, insofar as double-glazing doors or windows to prevent heat gain or loss and simply by shutting doors to reduce the amount of air-conditioned air being lost. 

Windows are the primary method of obtaining natural lighting within the home, so it makes sense to place the windows in any home in order to maximize the amount of light gained, and thereby reduce the reliance on artificial lighting.  Where it is simply not possible to place a window, a skylight is an ideal way to gain valuable natural light and even additional ventilation. 

Windows and doors come in a massive range of styles and colours these days so it is possible to really enhance and define the look of a home simply by choosing the appropriate door or window.  Windows and doors also affect the amount of privacy in a home, so placement of these is important.  For example, you do not want people to be able to gain easy access to your home or to be able to see what the family is doing at nighttime.  One way of obtaining privacy is to install window shutters, which are also great for security.  Security is an important consideration in windows and doors as you want to be able to strike a balance between a home that can access the outdoors while keeping any potential unsavoury elements outside of the home.  One way to achieve this is through the use of security screens and doors.

Windows, Shutters and Flyscreens

• Windows are an essential element of the home and provide lighting and ventilation, as well as a way of enjoying the view.  Therefore, the basic things you need to consider when selecting windows are their size, shape and where they will go.  Also consider the level of security that you will need and if the windows will need to be double-glazed at all.  When placing the windows, try and do so that they suit your needs throughout the day.  For example you may want the morning sun but not the hot afternoon sun in the bedrooms.  Ventilation-wise, you want to be able to get sufficient fresh air.  There are several different types of windows, but the most common are sliding, fixed pane, bi-fold, double-hung, casement, awning and louver.
  
  
• Shutters are an excellent window covering as they provide privacy, insulation and even security.  They are usually made from wood or aluminium but vinyl shutters are also available.  Shutters are an excellent way to guard against intruders and protect against storms, while still allowing light and air to enter the home.  By installing shutters, you will usually not need to have curtains or blinds, which is great if you happen to suffer from any form of allergies.  Security shutters are generally fixed to the exterior of the home and can be permanently in place or able to be rolled down as needed.
  
  
• Flyscreens are a valuable part of the window system, especially in Australian summers, as they allow air to enter the home while preventing bugs and other detritus.  They are used on both doors and windows and come in either a standard or a reinforced mesh.  The reinforced mesh is great for security.  Flyscreens come in hinged, rollaway or sliding forms, or can be permanently affixed to the exterior of the window.

Doors and Security Screens and Doors

• Doors are an integral component of any home and are used inside the home as well as for the major entries and exits.  They provide security, privacy, and simply a way to close off areas as needed.  External doors also help to provide a first impression of the home so it is important to install a door that matches the general style of your home.  With so many to choose from today, this is not a problem.  Indoor doors, as well as privacy uses, can also help to reduce noise and heating and cooling bills by closing off the relevant areas.  Many door companies will provide a service that includes fitting, delivering and installing the door.  Some common types of doors include wooden, aluminium, sliding, flush, French and bi-fold doors.
  
  
• Security screens and doors work with the existing doors and windows in the home to provide further security to the homeowner.  Security screens are made from a steel mesh that is strong enough to withstand attack.  These screens are great as they look like flyscreen but are much stronger, allowing you to install them on their own and still keep your view.  Security doors should have three locks on it – at the top, middle and bottom of the door – so that a potential intruder cannot simply bend the door to gain entry.  Similarly, the door should also have three hinges.  Security doors can be designed to perfectly blend with the style of your home, so they will actually become a feature rather than an obvious and mismatching addition.  Security grilles are usually made from solid aluminium or steel.  Ensure that at least some of your grilles have hinges so that you are able to get out of your home in an emergency.  Alternatively, look for a quick release locking system.  Security grilles can be fitted to brick, timber, concrete or aluminium window frames.

Skylights

Skylights are an excellent way of letting cool, natural light into the home.  Because they are fitted into the roof, they are usually placed in areas where natural lighting is insufficient for some reason, such as in the bathroom, hallway or walk in wardrobe.  They are easily installed in new and existing homes and are fantastic for energy efficient as they eliminate the need to turn a light on during the day, simply so you can see what you are doing.  In fact, they actually provide more light than a traditional window!  Skylights also have the option of being fixed or openable for ventilation purposes.  If you opt for an openable skylight, they can be either manually or electrically operated depending on which you prefer.