Smart Shopper Windows And Doors

The right windows and doors provide a beautiful connection to your surrounds, help create a warm welcome and can save you money too

- Georgia Madden

Windows are central to good design,” says architect Nicola Dovey. “They connect the home to its surroundings, drawing in light, fresh air, fragrance and birdsong – all the good things.” Doors play an important role too, says architect Lisa Breeze. “The right front door helps make a great first impression, while doors in general can assist with noise, security and thermal control.”

Energy efficiency is a key consideration when choosing windows. “One of the shortcomings of standard glass is that it’s a relatively poor insulator. Although windows typically represent less than 10 per cent of a home’s surface area, poorly performing windows can contribute to as much as 49 per cent of heat loss in winter and 87 per cent of heat gain in summer,” says Gary Smith, marketing and communications manager at the Australian Glass and Window Association.

According to Edith Paarhammer, manager at Paarhammer Windows and Doors, an energy-efficient window is the sum of five parts: frame, glass, seals, hardware and installation. “Materials with high conductivity, such as aluminium, aren’t good for window frames as the temperature on one side quickly travels to the other. Timber, however, is a poor conductor of heat, making it ideal for window frames. Double or triple-glazing, together with sealing and locking points to eliminate draughts, improve energy efficiency further.”