Window & Doors Selection Guide

The perfect windows and doors can lift a space from ordinary, to extraordinary. But choosing the right ones can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to the process.

That’s why Clark Windows have put together this Window & Doors Selection Guide. It’s a simple reference guide to help you understand your own requirements, ask the right questions and find the best doors and windows for your project.

DESIGN

Architectural style of the house
All homes have an architectural style that makes them unique. Whether contemporary or traditional, it’s important that you choose windows and doors to match your home’s architectural style. It’s also important to remember that windows and doors not only affect the exterior of your home, but also the feel and charm of the interior.

Appearance of Windows and Doors
Profile
Do you want the slimline look of a standard windows and doors?

Or the chunkier profile of architectural products?

Standard products typically have a 50mm frame compared to the 100mm frame of architectural products.

Frame, glass & hardware colour
Do you want the window and door frames to be a feature? Or do you prefer that they blend in with the surrounding wall space both interior and exterior?

What about the colour of the glass and hardware? Should they be in harmony with the frame or provide contrast?

Orientation and Placement
The right orientation and placement of windows and doors can significantly improve the comfort of your home; from natural light and views to ventilation and temperature.

You can also make a design statement by placing windows and doors in areas where you would normally have a wall.

Sizes and Configurations
The proportions of windows and doors are an important design element. By using different configurations, you can turn a simple room into one that captures artistic imagination.

Installing large windows in small rooms can make them look bigger. Wide, expansive doors can open up a room and create a seamless transition from the inside to the outside.

FUNCTION

Light
Natural light from doors and windows can have a big impact on your home’s liveability. Consider adding doors and windows strategically to let natural light flow in throughout the day.

Ventilation
It’s hard to get comfortable when you’re too hot or too cold. Choosing the right placement, size, configuration and opening type of windows and doors can significantly affect the airflow through your home, which in turn keeps temperatures comfortable.

View
Being able to see out through windows and doors is important, especially if you have picturesque views. High performance windows and doors allow larger glazing areas to maximise views and natural light throughout your home.

Privacy
If privacy is a concern, then look for glazing options like tinted and obscure glass, which lets light in but maintains your privacy. Consider placing small windows high in the wall as an effective way to obtain privacy and ventilation, especially in bedrooms.

PERFORMANCE

Energy Efficiency
Windows and doors can account for half of your home’s heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter. Energy efficient windows and doors can help maintain comfortable temperatures in your home all year round.

Safety
Window related accidents and security risks can be a major source of concern, especially for small children. Choose added safety features like locking systems, security screen options and safety glass.

Acoustic
To reduce neighbourhood, traffic and building noise from entering your home, consider windows and doors that are specifically designed for improved acoustic performance.

STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

All windows and doors need to comply with various standards and regulations. Following is a simple checklist that covers common issues involving window and door compliance.

1. Correct wind loads for the site and construction type. The wind loads determine the structural and strength requirements for windows and doors.
2. To help reduce the incidences of small children falling from windows, window restriction and screening are now mandatory in certain applications.
3. Windows and doors must comply with thermal requirements. Ensure that they match or exceed the required U value and Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient.
4. Many locations now fall within bush-fire prone areas. There are now mandatory window and door requirements for these areas.
5. Houses located in a transport noise corridor must comply with minimum acoustic requirements. The windows and doors need to match or exceed the required Rw rating. It is important to note that glass only Rw rating is non-compliant.

All manufacturers are required to supply windows and doors with performance labels attached to them. These labels confirm that the products are certified to comply with relevant standards and regulations.

In addition, all suppliers must be able to verify compliance by providing a Certificate of Compliance on request.