The material you choose for your doors and windows can make or break your home’s kerb appeal, so the decision should be thought through carefully
(Image credit: Kloeber)
CONTENT SUPPLIED BY KLOEBER
Your doors and windows can account for a significant portion of your total build costs whether you are self building, renovating or extending so it is essential to choose wisely. Your doors and windows will not only affect the look of your home, but will also affect its security, thermal performance and energy efficiency.
When it comes to choosing a material for your doors and windows, there are various options available to you.
Engineered Timber
Engineered timber offers a characterful and warm appearance and is a great choice for traditional and contemporary homes. Softwoods like pine are suitable choices for those on a tight budget (especially if you opt to finish them on site) and can be painted or stained to suit your home’s design. Engineered timber windows are low-maintenance although you may need to repaint or restain the wood every few years to keep it looking fresh.
Kloeber uses a multi-coat microporous paint on its engineered timber windows and doors to keep maintenance to a minimum. All of the timber used by Kloeber, like these timber bifold doors, is certified by the FSC(Image credit: Kloeber)
At the premium end of the price range sits hardwoods like oak or meranti. These timbers are more durable than softwoods and offer an authenticity that is especially suited to period homes.
Given its low U-value (a measure of thermal transmittance), timber is a great sustainable and energy efficient choice for new builds and eco homes, and you should make sure your supplier uses timber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Aluminium
UberSlide slimline aluminium sliding doors from Kloeber(Image credit: Kloeber)
If you’re after something to suit a contemporary style home, then aluminium is a great choice. Aluminium windows and doors are popular for their slim sightlines which means maximum glazing and uninterrupted views which is a popular must-have on many homeowners wishlists. As a material, aluminium is strong, durable and is virtually maintenance free. It is also 100% recyclable.
Most manufacturers can offer the aluminium frames in a flexible range of RAL colours to suit any design, with different finishes available for the interior-facing part of the frame.
Composite
Speak to Kloeber about choosing the right alu-clad windows and doors for your home(Image credit: Kloeber)
Composite, or alu-clad, windows and doors are made up of two different materials, one finish on the inside and one on the outside, so are the perfect solution for those who want to make sure their windows and doors sit harmoniously with their interior and exterior design schemes.
Alu-clad windows and doors combine the low maintenance exterior of aluminium and the warmth and low U-value of timber on the interior, giving homeowners the best of both worlds. Particularly suited to contemporary-style homes, composite designs are often used with triple glazing due to their ability to withstand harsh climates.
For more information on choosing the right window and door material for your home, contact Kloeber.
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