What are bi-fold windows?

Bi-fold windows are made up of a number of individual sashes (framed windowed panels) that are hinged together.

Most bi-fold windows can consist of a number of sashes and can be opened up in a concertina style to make a large uninterrupted opening with the individual window panels stacking neatly against each other.

The concertina design helps to minimise the amount of clearance required to open and close the window.

How are bi fold windows used?

As a result of the large, wide open apertures, bi-fold windows help provide excellent ventilation. Their versatility makes them ideal for allowing controlled amounts of airflow through a house when its needed.

They are also a great way to make the most of your scenic outlook and can help blur the lines between your indoor and outdoor living areas.

Bi fold windows are often used as servery windows off kitchens or people will use an over sized sill as a bench setup and place some chairs on the other side to create another eating area.

These are particularly useful if you plan on having an outdoor bbq dining setup of using them to create an outdoor bar area.

Bi fold windows can be used indoors and are useful if you want to have a feeling of openness without wanting sound to carry through.

 

Are bi folds easy to install?

Bi folds can be hinged to either side of your frame. and in most installs are supported by rollers running across a rail system along the bottom of the window frame which allows the windows to be smoothly opened and closed.

Another rail at the top of the window frame is also used to help guide the window sashes.

In some cases windows that are being used as a servery will not include the bottom rail and have the weight of the windows supported entirely by the top rail. This makes for a flat and tidy bench service but it may cost a little but more.

Are bi-folds secure?

For security bi fold windows would typically use a flush bolt and mortice locks either at the top or bottom of the window. Depending on how many sashes your bi fold window is using. You may need to install locks at various points along your windows to ensure they are secure.

Bi-fold window weatherstripping

Having a window that opens up wide to allow serious ventilation might be great in the summer but summer is when flies and mosquitoes are at their worst so some bi-fold windows allow for special roll out insect screens to be installed as well.

In winter windows can cause big problems if not designed to seal up tightly or offer adequate insulation. Good weather sealing around the window sashes is particularly important for bi fold window to prevent draughts and reduce the amount of air infiltration that is allowed. There are various types of seals that can be used although the best bi fold windows normally feature double seals to completely prevent airflow.

Double glazing or other glass and window frames

Glass in windows is the natural enemy of climate control in the house and because bi-fold windows normally have a larger amount of glass it is well worth considering just how much heat they will let out. Double glazed window panes are more expensive than standard glazed window but they will do an excellent job of increasing insulation for both the summer and winter months.

Low E glass or window tint can also be a cheaper alternative depending on your needs.

Window frames can also be problematic. Bi fold window sashes are available in a wide variety of materials of which heat and cold conduct differently. Metal frames are an excellent conductor and will therefore let plenty of hear through. Timber, PVC and fiberglass sashes normally do a far better job of insulating your home.

 

Advantages

 

Disadvantage

Should you get your home windows tinted? The pros and cons of window tint.

Window tinting can go along way to being able to use a room in the summer.

To many times a room becomes uninhabitable during the summer due to the uncomfortable build up of heat that comes in through the glass.

Although some people may beg to differ, if you have a room that gets too hot in the summer, you will realize just how frustrating it is.

Having to close the blinds completely, just to try and cool the room and stop the mercury from rising is not what you want to be doing every summer.

It would therefore be nice if you could use your sunny room, without slow cooking yourself to death in the process.

At True Blue Glass we can install a selection of tints to your windows and even door glass so call today to discuss our range.

If you are trying to decide if window tinting is right for you below we have come up with some pros and cons.

Pro’s of window tinting

They can make your room cooler

Temperature control is definitely the main factory in our customers wanting window tinting.

For those rooms that get a large amount of sunlight hitting it every day – tinting can help reduce the heat that comes in with it.

It can lower utility costs

Some professionals have said that window film can cut utility costs by 20% , and it’s much cheaper than replacing windows. 

Window tinting can improve the life span of your furniture

Did you know that the UV rays pouring into your lounge are actually damaging your furnishings?

The sun causes fading and this can be particularly brutal to your dark colored drapes and plush couches!

It can improve security

One reason a lot of householders get a window tint installed is actually to boost the home’s security.

A window tint can improve your home security in two ways;

It better for your health

As well as not being great for your fixtures and fittings, UV rays are also not good news for your skin.

Give your skincare regime a shot in the arm and banish UV rays with a filtering window tint!

Cons of window tinting

Difficulty of installations

Certain lites, latches, and frames make installation difficult, and a bad application can leave glass looking bubbly. 

It wont last forever

A window tint applied to the glass is not the same as a new window. It will not last forever and will need replacing one day.

Window tinting Brisbane and Gold Coast

If you’re looking for glass window tinting in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, contact the team at True Blue Glass today for a free quote. 

 

 

 

Australians know that when the temperature starts to increase so does the amount of flies that you have buzzing around your home and your face no matter how many times you swat it away.

This is why installing fly screens and security screens around your home can have a number of benefits.

Fly screen and security screen benefits

Adding additional security

This is where the security screen would be of more benefit than the standard fly screens due to a grill also being in place so that unwanted visitors cannot rip open the fly screen mesh.

Keeping out insects

Most people like to keep there doors and windows open on a hot day to make the most of the breeze to help cool the house down, but if screens are not installed you also leave your self open to flies, mosquitoes and any other unwanted household pest making their way into your home.

Keeping children and pets safe

Screen doors are perfect for stopping your child or pet from making their way out the front door and onto the road or into the back yard unsupervised.

Maintaining Privacy

Most screens help provide additional privacy as the traditional black mesh makes it difficult for someone outside to see in but allows the person inside to see who is coming to the door.

Saving energy

By utilising screens throughout the home, a natural air flow can be enabled. This natural ventilation can reduce the amount a person would need to use their air con, which in turn reduces your electricity bill.

Allow fresh air

Due to their perforated mesh construction, screens provide a barrier without restricting the flow of air. This increase in ventilation provides a regular supply of clean air to a home which can reduce things such as mould and respiratory infections.

Maintaining your view

Solid doors throughout the home reduce your viewing areas around the home which can make the house feel smaller, installing screens can help fix this issue.

True Blue Glass can install fly screens and security screens throughout your home on all types of doors and windows with the colour of your choice in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan and Ipswich.

If you would like a free quote for having fly and security door screens installed or would like to discuss which options would be best for you, then please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Double glazing

Double Glazing is the most efficient shield for noise reduction.

Changing existing glass to a thicker alternative is a cheaper option but in most cases is not enough to provide acoustic insulation.

Double glazing is two sheets of glass separated by an air or gas pocket.

Standard double glazed windows have two panes of 4mm glass separated by a 6mm air or gas pocket.

This provides thermal insulation, but not enough acoustic insulation to make a difference if outside noises are a problem.

Researchers have calculated the levels of noise reduction offered by different types of double glazed windows.

A greater gap between panes and using thicker laminated glass are the most effective ways to improve acoustic insulation.

Below are the numbers researchers have come up with.

Percentages are improvements over a standard 4mm single glass window:

There are other alternatives if double glazing is to expensive to find out more click here

True Blue Glass
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