If you’re in the process of building or renovating your Brisbane or Gold Coast home, one key task will be selecting the best doors and windows. You’ll want windows and doors that look good, of course, but there are other important considerations as well.
Follow this guide to select just the right doors and windows, enhancing your home’s visual appeal, while providing all the benefits and features you need.
Aesthetics and style for just the right look
How your windows and doors look in your new or renovated home is just as important as anything else. Whether it’s an old Queenslander in Brisbane or a contemporary canal-front property on the sunny Gold Coast, windows and doors need to complement the style of your home.
Waterfront Homes
For casual beachfront home designs, you might opt for sliding doors or bi-fold doors to enhance that indoor-outdoor feel. Large sliding windows are a popular choice for views out over the water. Bi-fold windows are also a good option, particularly for opening up onto an external server so you can easily pass through platters to your outdoor entertainment area.
Contemporary Homes
Larger windows and doors are popular choices for contemporary home designs, as they help to enhance that spacious and airy feel. Natural lighting is also improved by choosing larger windows and doors with glass. Sliding glass doors are always a good option and louvre windows can work well for creating cross-flow ventilation.
Traditional Homes
Bay or bow windows, casement windows, picture windows and double-hung windows work well in traditional home designs. Solid timber doors and arch-shaped doors are commonly found in this style of home. French doors are also an option to consider.
If you’re not sure what style of windows and doors will suit your home best, you can gather ideas by searching for similar homes online, looking at display homes, or contact your local building supplies outlet, such as A & D Building Supplies in Brisbane.
Material choices
Your choice of materials is an important consideration from a visual aspect and longevity of doors, windows and frames. Let’s look at some popular options:
Wood
Timber is a timeless and classic building material that never goes out of fashion. The majority of internal and external household doors are made of wood, as are many architraves and window frames. While there is an organic beauty to wood, it’s not always the best choice when it comes to exposure to the weather. Timber doors and window frames need regular maintenance to protect them from the elements.
Aluminium
Aluminium window frames and glass door frames are an optimal choice if you want something easy to maintain and are impervious to all sorts of weather. It’s lightweight too. Be mindful that aluminium can become quite hot in direct sunlight.
PVC
PVC window and door frames are another lightweight material. PVC is highly resistant to corrosion, mould and pollution, making it ideal for withstanding the harsh weather conditions that can be experienced on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. Its one flaw is that it may sag over time under the weight of the glass in windows and doors.
Energy efficiency
The doors and windows you choose for your new home build or renovation will also have an impact on internal climate control and energy efficiency.
For example, windows and sliding glass doors that are double-glazed help keep the warmth in during winter and the heat out in summer. Double glazing has the added benefit of soundproofing.
Window tinting can also repel sunlight and protect your home’s interior from damaging UV rays. In SE Queensland, look for glass with UV protection.
The function of weather stripping is to keep the rain out and also maintain a constant temperature indoors during all seasons. It’s made from felt, rubber or even metal and lines the edges of the glass in windows and doors to keep it sealed.
Taking energy efficiency into consideration when selecting the right doors and windows for your home will help you save money on your electricity bills. You’ll be cool in summer and cozy warm in winter.
Security
You need to choose doors and windows that will keep your home safe and secure. It’s not all about aesthetics and fancy styles.
When selecting external doors, strength comes into play, which is one reason why many people choose strong timber doors. However, with glass being the main feature in windows and many external doors, you might also want to consider installing security screens.
Placement
Whether it’s a new build or a major renovation, you’ll want to be mindful of the placement of your doors and windows to maximise both airflow and natural lighting. Think about the orientation of your home, the rising and setting of the sun, as well as the most common directions from which the breeze blows.
Talk to us about choosing the right doors and windows
Trust A & D Building Supplies for quality doors and windows in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. Our experienced and dedicated team is committed to excellence in both service and the building materials we supply.
New, factory seconds and second-hand windows and doors are available in our extensive range and we’ll even help you make the right choices when it comes to design, functionality, weather conditions and more.
Contact us today and we’ll help make your new home build or renovation a reality.
