Windows

Minimum lighting is achieved when the glass area amounts to 10 percent of the area of the room. Today’s windows normally contain thermally insulating glass. Observe the U-value (the lower the value, the more energy-saving is the window). Expert installation (sealing of joints, danger of thermal bridges) is also important.

Frames are available in wood, plastic, aluminum and composite wood-aluminum (the latter combine the comfortable atmosphere of wood with the ease of maintenance of aluminum.

Renovation:

• Building renovation does not automatically mean replacing windows.
• Often new rubber seals and adjustment of hinges and locks suffices.
• Also, replacing the glass in intact frames can be cheaper than new windows.
• Roller shutters contribute to insulation. On installation, avoid thermal bridges.
• On heavy-duty thermal insulation, window embracement must also be insulated.
• On streets with heavy traffic or other noise, use sound-insulated windows.
• Self-cleaning windows are coated with titanium oxide (TiO₂) and function with the UV radiation of sunshine, a safety plus for high buildings.

House and apartment doors

These are more than the calling card of your home. They serve purposes of welcome, entrance and protection. As part of the building shell, the front door is responsible for burglary protection and noise insulation as well as for thermal and weather protection. Inside the house, doors serve an aesthetic purpose and protect privacy.

Tips regarding doors

• Observe construction ordinances; they define the highest permissible U-values for doors.
• A vestibule prevents the direct entrance of cold air into the living space and reduces heat losses.
• If there is no enclosed porch, then assure good insulation and air-tightness of outside doors.
• If the entrance door opens to the inside, then take measures to prevent the entry of rain in a downpour.
• Home security is important and should be considered in the selection of a front door.
• Do not forget to install a security lock.
• Caution: Adhere to fire and smoke protection regulations for doors.
• Decide in advance in which direction a door should open.

Sun protection

Sun protection devices avoid undesired side effects of sunshine (blinding, reflections and overheating). Further, they can protect privacy. You should observe the following:

• Varying with the season, sun protection can be achieved with overhangs such as balconies, cornices, roof projections, wooden trestle for climbing plants (pergola), and deciduous trees (provide shadow in the summer and permit desired solar radiation in the winter).
• Caution regarding roof projections: in the summer they should cast shade on the southeast windows and in winter allow sunshine.
• Awnings, window shutters, roller shutters and Venetian blinds are additional effective aids.
• Sun protection outside a window is by far more effective than inside shades.
• External elements provide thermal insulation in winter at night. Be sure to choose wind-proof designs.
• On installation of roller shutters above windows, avoid thermal bridges.
• Roller shutters reduce window heat loss at night by 10 to 20%.