How to Choose The Right Windows For Your Home’s Exterior

Windows make such an important contribution to not only the design of your home but also the functionality. The right window elevates your home’s exterior and offers protection against the elements, which is essential in our harsh Australian climate. However, choosing the right windows that suit the aesthetic of your house and fulfil your functional needs can be daunting.

So, what factors should you consider when choosing windows in Australia?

 

How Do I Choose the Right Windows for My House?

Home windows provide ventilation, natural light, and a connection with the outside world. With technological advances in materials, new house windows can offer increased security, noise reduction, and significant energy savings. There is no doubt that choosing the right window designs can lift the street appeal of your home, save you money and increase your property’s value.

 

Four Things to Consider When Choosing a Window Style for Your Home

1. Assess the style and architectural features of your home – whether you are undertaking a house windows replacement project or a brand-new build, it is essential to consider how different house window types will fit in with the period and aesthetic style of the home
2. Consider how you want to open the windows – What level of ventilation do you want from the design?
3. Consider the position of your home – the sun’s orientation with your home can be crucial when selecting windows in Australia.
4. Assess what functional features are important to you – some modern Australian windows can offer increased security, noise reduction, and energy-efficient climate control.

 

What are the Different Types of Windows Available?

There is a wide variety of window types available to suit the style and functional needs of your home. They offer different levels of ventilation, design features, and aesthetic qualities. So, let’s take a deeper dive into the options.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are hinged either from the left, the right or top, depending on your requirements. They are secure, stylish, and famous for their ability to offer a ‘picture frame’ aesthetic.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows are one of the most common Australian windows due to their traditional appearance and functionality in our climate. These windows can be opened by sliding them to the side, making them easy to use and extremely space efficient.

Picture Window

The picture window cannot be opened and has no moving parts. The design’s popularity rests in its ability to provide a large unobstructed view and its strength and ability to handle more expansive glass panels.

French Windows

French windows allow fresh air to flow freely through your home. This design features two side-hung panels of glass that can open in the direction of your choice, creating an expansive view.

Gable Windows

Gable windows are installed into roof pitches and are highly valued for the mood and aesthetic appeal they create.

Awning Windows

Awning windows are ideal for tight spaces as they are top hung and open and close with a push handle. They also feature a double rubber multi-point locking system that offers superior security, noise insulation, and thermal control.

Tilt and Turn Windows

Tilt and turn windows are incredibly versatile due to their flexibility in opening options. For example, the design allows the window to be opened entirely like a casement window, or it can be partially opened from the top.

 

Different Glass Options to Consider

Low emissivity glass, or Low-e glass – is coated on one side and offers increased insulation with up to 70% reduction in heat loss and a 77% reduction in heat gain.

Toned or tinted glass – available in a range of shades, with the darker colour windows absorbing more solar heat.

Toughened glass – also known as safety glass, is resistant to impact and heat.

Laminated glass – features a plastic glazing layer between two sheets of glass, offering increased strength for the budget-conscious homeowner.

Double Glazing – is achieved by combining two or more layers of glass sealed in a frame with a gap between the layers. Double glazed windows are by far the most energy efficient and can significantly lower heating and cooling costs.

 

Different Types of Frames Available

Your choice of the frame not only impacts the design and aesthetic of the home but also significantly impacts your window’s thermal performance.

Timber – creates a warm and natural look that appeals to many people with the option of being able to paint and change the window frame colour. However, they are expensive, require significant maintenance, and don’t last as long as other modern materials.

Vinyl or uPVC – this frame material is a low-cost option, but it is not environmentally friendly and cannot be repainted, leading to the requirement for a complete replacement.

Aluminium – this material is popular for its light yet strong composition. Aluminium frames are cost-effective and low maintenance, but they can lose heat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thermally broken aluminium – is created by installing a non-metallic resin or plastic material in the aluminium frame that separates the interior part of the window from the exterior. As a result, the pathway for heat transfer or conduction through the window is thermally broken. Thermally broken aluminium frames provide superior thermal efficiency.

 

What Type of Window Is the Most Energy Efficient?

Both the type of glazing and the frame contribute to how energy efficient a window is. Without a doubt, the combination of double-glazed windows with thermally broken aluminium frames offers the highest level of energy efficiency.

 

Top 5 Benefits of Thermally Broken Aluminium Double Glazed Windows

1.     Save up to 50% on your energy bill
2.     Superior security and protection from intruders
3.     Up to 88% noise reduction
4.     Extremely strong, which means increased safety for families with little ones
5.     Eliminates condensation and fogging

 

Do All the Windows in My House Need to Match?

While most homeowners follow a balanced approach when selecting windows, there are no hard rules. The front of the house should maintain a consistent design and street appeal. However, the sides of your home may benefit from a different style or have additional functional requirements. While you may choose different options throughout the house, it is best to maintain a level of design consistency with your choice of coloured window frames and the windows’ colour.

 

How Do I Choose Exterior Windows?

With all the options available to homeowners looking to build their new home or retrofit an existing property, it is little wonder that the process can be overwhelming. Consider what features and functions are important to you and get expert advice from an experienced installation company.

Eco Smart Designs are a Perth-based, family-owned, and operated business. We specialise in Thermally Broken Aluminium double-glazed windows and pride ourselves on our workmanship and superior customer service. We will manage the whole process and work with you and your builders to ensure a high-quality finish. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your window needs and customised requirements.