Renovating your home is hard work; changing ageing, unproductive windows and doors is nothing short of a huge endeavour! However, the best thing that can happen in the face of this is that it can completely improve the look of your place, lower energy bills, and improve your life as a homeowner. But it’s also a pricey investment.
At Oknalux, we have wanted countless homeowners across Australia fall into traps that affect the function of their windows. Here are the key pitfalls to avoid when opting for new glazing to improve your home’s comfort.
Assuming all Double Glazing is the Same
The most common misunderstanding is the idea that having only two panes of glass will solve your problems. This is not true. The technology between the glass and on the glass itself is critical.
- The Mistake: Purchasing basic double glazing with cavities filled with air, that use ordinary glass.
- The Oknalux Solution: When it comes to true thermal performance, you will need an Argon Gas insulation and low ‘E’ (Low Emissivity) glass. Argon is denser than air and an excellent insulator as well, whereas Low E glass reflects heat back to its source. In Australia, our U-values are least when combining these technologies. Don’t be okay with ‘standard’ only – make sure your glass package is working hard to insulate your home.
Ignoring the Frame Material
You could decide on the world’s best glass, yet when it’s put in a conductive frame, that still means you are losing energy. Standard aluminium frames, for instance, are conductive, bringing outside cold into your living room and taking the temperature right out.
- The Mistake: Selecting frames that function as thermal bridges.
- The Oknalux Solution: uPVC, timber, and aluminium framed windows are all available in our range. Even our metal options now use a thermally broken ‘frame core’. This technology inserts a non-conductive barrier inside the frame to stop heat transfer. Besides that, our products incorporate a titanium dioxide ‘Sun Screen’ to prevent UV damage and keep the frames lasting longer.
Underestimating Noise Pollution
Many homeowners care about their thermal comfort and they forget about acoustic comfort until the windows are installed, and they can still hear the traffic outside.
- The Mistake: Not specifying noise mitigation requirements.
- The Oknalux Solution: For people who live on busy roads, ordinary windows do not cut it. As some of our clients have discovered, upgrading to high quality glazing can change your life. Take advantage of glass packages that can achieve a massive 34-44 decibel sound reduction. New windows aren’t all about looking for energy savings, but also for the quiet and peace that comes with the right grade insulation.
Overlooking Security Features
Windows and doors are the main access points for intruders. Concentrating too much on aesthetics can sacrifice safety.
- The Mistake: Putting aesthetics before security and locking systems.
- The Oknalux Solution: You shouldn’t have to decide between style and safety. Oknalux features perhaps the safest and most secure window range in Australia. Multi-locking security systems, where the window is secured at various locations along the frame rather than just one latch, keep your home completely secure. And whether you want French doors, bi-fold doors, or sliding doors, security should be integrated into the design rather than added on after the fact.
Forgetting About Draughts
A window can be double glazed, but if the sealing fails, you will feel the chill.
- The Mistake: Accepting sliding doors that have gaps or rattle.
- The Oknalux Solution: Our high standards are robust. We strive for 100% draught proof when it comes to our products. Precision engineering makes certain that your windows and doors are sealedtightly when closed.
Not Checking the Warranty
Don’t just glance at the fine print!
- The Mistake: Selecting a supplier with thin or ambiguous warranties.
- The Oknalux Solution: We stand by our state-of-the-art technologies and provide a 10-year frame warranty and lifetime glazing warranty. Since we work first hand with manufacturers and no middle man, we have the most stringent quality control.
Make the Right Choice First
Avoid these errors by working with professionals who understand the Australian climate. If you’re in Adelaide, Sydney or Canberra, Oknalux are specialists here to offer guidance on this choice. Ready to discuss your project? Call 1300 265 250 to schedule a free consultation.
