A Practical Guide: Choosing Windows and Glass Doors for Your New Home

Spoilt for choice? That’s a good thing when it comes to window and door styles and materials.

We recently discussed the importance of factoring in function, style, and energy efficiency when choosing windows and doors for your new home. However, we’d like to dive a little deeper into the practicality of the materials available and unpack the pros and cons of each.

Materials Matter in Windows and Glass Doors

There’s no doubt that you’re looking for the most cost-effective windows and doors when building your new house. You also want the aesthetics to work with the style of your home and to be hardwearing and easy to maintain. Let’s see what your options are.

Timber Frames

The warmth and beauty of wood have made it a popular choice for centuries. With so many options in terms of colour, texture, grain, and hardness there is a perfect match for any property.

Traditionally styled properties, in particular, look wonderfully cosy and homely with wooden window frames and welcoming wooden doors. But many companies now offer a sleeker, more modern look in their timber-frames doors and windows which would work well in a more modern home.

Timber doors and frames are ideal for internal use being easy to fit and a cost-effective choice.

Despite their universal appeal, however, timber window frames and external doors have higher maintenance requirements than other materials. They will require regular sanding and varnishing to keep their stunning good looks, especially those that are exposed to the elements.

Aluminium Frames

Aluminium framed doors and windows are used extensively in both residential and commercial properties for several good reasons.

Versatile

Architects and designers love the fact that no matter how daring or original, their design can be realised by using aluminium frames. This lightweight material can be made to accommodate shapes and sizes that other materials can’t match.

Durable

Aluminium has anti-corrosive properties that make it the preferred choice for tropical climates or beachfront properties. With almost no maintenance requirements and the ability to withstand our bipolar South African climate, aluminium doors and windows are growing in popularity.

Beautiful

Sleek, stylish, and modern, aluminium checks all the beauty boxes. Choose between a powder-coated or anodised finish in a huge range of colours.

When used for patio doors, for example, the result is an almost invisible barrier linking your inside and outside spaces.

Eco-friendly

Aluminium is 100% recyclable which makes it a sought-after ‘green’ building product.

Cost-effective

Aluminium adds to its impressive resume by being one of the most cost-effective residential window and door options. Not only do you enjoy a reasonable upfront cost, but aluminium promises to be a long-lasting product with exceptionally low maintenance costs.

Secure

The wide range of doors and windows available come with various security configurations to suit your needs.  For instance, sliding doors can either be fitted with a standard lock stile and handle, or a mortise hook lock, with a cylinder and stainless sleet D-handle on the inside of the lock stile.

Window and Door Glazing

Before making a decision on the material choice for your doors and windows, you may also want to look at the glazing options available.

With the distinct move towards more eco-friendly houses, many homeowners are looking for energy-efficient glazing.

Double-glazing negates noise and reduces energy consumption in a home, and we’re thrilled to see prices coming down in SA. For those living in more extreme temperatures or beachfront properties, triple-glazing may be the way forward for you.

In addition to these foundational glazing requirements, you may want to explore low-emissivity glass which reflects heat efficiently, frosted glass for privacy, or self-cleaning glass for those hard-to-reach places.

Aluminium frames, being the strong and versatile option that they are, work exceptionally well with all of these glazing options, holding them securely in place for decades.

Making the Smart Choice

Choosing the best doors and windows is a big decision. And while it’s great to have so many choices, it can be a daunting task.

We’d love to assist you in selecting the right products for your home and invite you to call one of the knowledgeable team members here at Origin Aluminium to explore these with you.

Please contact the branch nearest you for brilliant products and awesome service. We strive to deliver improved efficiencies, innovative designs, and motivated support teams to ensure all our products are manufactured quickly, without compromising on quality.