Timber iQ October / November 2020 | Page 19

FEATURES SWARTLAND WINDOWS AND DOORS Wooden doors and windows are loved for their beauty. 2. The sliding sash window Sliding sash windows feature two movable panels, or sashes, which slide vertically to open and close the window, but they remain inside the frame so they don't protrude out to the exterior or interior of the house. When positioning the two sliding sashes in the centre of the frame, one creates equal openings at the top and bottom giving the best crossflow ventilation of any window. 3. The mock sliding sash window Mock Sash Windows open in the same way as normal top-hung awning windows, but when closed, they offer the same visual appeal as traditional sliding sash windows, but they come in at a much lower price point. 4. Side hung window Side hung windows offer minimal obstruction to any outdoor views. They come in a variety of configurations, from single- to double-, and triple-pane formats, but all of them boast large panes, with slender frames. These windows are hinged on the side. 5. Horizontal gliding windows These windows boast large panes or sashes, which slide open horizontally for maximum ventilation and minimal obstruction of any views. 6. Small pane windows Also known as cottage pane windows, small pane windows boast a multi-pane window format where each sash is usually divided into two columns and five rows of glazing. For the most part, these windows are side-hung, and come in single, double, three and four sash formats. However, they can be easily made up to fit any space required. ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS Energy efficiency is commonly associated with electrical appliances; however, it also applies in the context of wooden windows as well. “Windows are a narrow barrier between the interior and exterior of your home. Therefore, it is so important to choose energy-efficient windows,” Britz explains. There is a lot of jargon involved in fenestration and energy efficiency, however, there are two terms that are commonly used which will help people make an informed decision. These are R-values and U-values. The R-value measures a window’s resistance to heat flow – as such, the higher the R-value, the better. The U-value on the other hand measures how well the window prevents heat from escaping a building. The lower the U-value the more efficient the window. The material from which the windows are made is another aspect that needs careful consideration. “Timber windows offer the best insulative value and the highest cradle-to-grave environmentally-friendly credentials out of all the materials that windows can be made from,” Britz says. With regards to blinds and shutters, Mederer explains that stability is the most important factor for blinds. “Shutters and blinds are essentially a home barrier from the sun and are constantly absorbing UV. For timber shutters we use Obeche internally and African Mahogany externally. For our timber blind range, we only utilise basswood,” he says. Mederer says that the reason for using such timbers is because they are extremely stable in both moist and dry conditions and are also lightweight – which puts minimal strain on a home’s masonry. www.timberiq.co.za // OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 17