Auckland homes are a long way from the equator, and to get those precious rays of sunlight through the windows, you`re going to need good quality insulation. But what is the right material for your house? There’s a lot of different materials out there, each bringing their own benefits. Here are some of them as compiled by Window Factory windows:
Bay Windows
A bay window, also referred to as a bow window, projects outward from the main wall of the building at an angle. Bay windows add charm to your home and provide a decorative focal point for your living area. They can be created with several large windows or multiple small ones, and create an appealing space for enjoying the outdoors and your garden.
Bay windows are available in many different design options to complement your exterior style. Many homeowners choose bay windows because of the excellent light they provide in a room, their beautiful arch, and the way they fill a space without overpowering it.
Sliding and Stacking Windows
Sliding windows are made of two pieces of glass that slide horizontally into wall pockets. Sliding windows allow more versatility in design by allowing some windows to open and others to remain closed.
Sliding and stacking windows are a charming addition to any home or office. They provide flexibility for ventilation without sacrificing sun in your house. They challenge you to think beyond the typical “box” shape of a window and can be designed with many finishes that we don’t always see on other materials, like the tinted glass below.
Louvre Windows
Louvre windows are a type of window which are made from overlapping panels. The louvres in the window can tighten or loosen to regulate the amount of light entering the room.
Louvre windows are one of the most original and beautiful ways to let nature into your home. Louvres can be found around the world on historic buildings, cathedrals, museums, barns and castles.
Bifold Windows
Bi-Fold windows are a generic term for a variety of different styles of windows. The two basic types of bifold window hardware are the lift and turn and the tilt and turn or tilt-in-space designs. The lift and turn mechanism is designed to open two sashes from either one or both sides. Tilt-in-space window hardware opens a single sash on one side only while the opposite remains closed.
Bifold windows are a unique style of window. They fold inward into the wall instead of outward. That certainly makes them more convenient for certain applications, but they’re also versatile and flexible enough to go anywhere you want them to! Bifold windows can offer both security and air conditioning – something few other window options can do.
Sky Light
Sky Light technology is a new high-performance window glass that is clear, natural and virtually impregnable. Sky Light Windows are the definitive new standard in the industry. Their patented design allows you to open skyscraper style glass windows from the middle for an expansive view by day and a dramatic light display at night.
Sky Light windows are made of advanced triple-pane insulating glass with a proprietary polymer between the panes. The Sky Light’s unique design blocks 99% of UV rays, reducing fading and damage to your furnishings, artwork and flooring.
Sky Light windows are self-cleaning and designed to let in lots of sunlight and ventilation without letting dirt, dust or pollen in. And they’re the only kind of windows that are 100% trolley proof.
Casement
Casement widows are one of the most common types. Beginning with a side-hinged frame, casement windows swing open from the side by sliding from side to side on a vertical rail. They are mobile and versatile, and can be a great choice when you want something that can be opened from inside or outside your home, depending on where you live.
Casement windows are a popular choice in windows for homes, offices and commercial buildings. They provide the flexibility of southern-exposure windows with added security and ease of operation.
Picture Window
Picture windows (of fixed windows) are windows with elongated, panoramic views that enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. They are a timeless classic for creating wall art with a view.
Awning
Awning windows are tilting windows that create a curved, arch-style window. The top part of the window is hinged at the bottom and pivots up to open. They’re great for patios and decks to let in natural light and let you enjoy nature while still maintaining privacy.
Awning windows look like regular windows, but instead of swinging outwards, they roll upwards and outwards. They are also known as “jalousie” if that makes you feel better about them.
Geometric
Geometric windows are cut from flat pieces of glass using a computer controlled laser beam. With no give or shrinkage, they offer a better seal and tighter fit in the jamb when compared to traditional hand-tinted glass windows. Each window is carefully inspected for quality control making them appropriate for any use or project. Geometric windows won’t change over time giving you a gorgeous looking window that will outlast your project.
Double-Hung
Double-hung windows are the most common window system, with units on both the top and bottom sash of a window that can be opened for ventilation.
Double-hung windows are simple storm windows that slide horizontally, and can be pushed from the inside. When they are closed, double-hungs look like normal panes of glass separated in the middle by their sashes (the frames where the glass is set). They are inexpensive, but if you get things wrong, they can be an eyesore–and a heat trap.
Wrapping Up
The window is the focal point of many homes. The one thing all homeowners have in common are the windows they choose. It’s important to think about what you want from your window and why you want it.
The best time to think about replacing your windows is when you’re thinking about repainting, cleaning or altering the look of your home. Depending on what you are looking for, there are a number of materials and designs that will help give your home the new look you’re after.
