FIRST Renovation Brochure by APL Window Solutions

Revitalise your existing home with new windows and doors

Comfort. Warmth. Health.

Before you embark on your next home renovation, consider updating your windows and doors to increase the comfort, aesthetics, and value of your home.

Say goodbye to the poor performance and on-going maintenance of your aging joinery. New windows and doors can change the way light, sound, and fresh air move in and out of your home.

At First, we’ve been getting to know the needs of homeowners, builders and architects for decades.

Our locally made windows and doors are designed specifically for New Zealand homes. We’re always refining and innovating solutions to meet changing needs.

Choose your windows, doors and hardware from one of our ranges, or mix and match to suit your project – it’s your build, your way, with First.

> A new extension features Matt Flax Pod powdercoated Metro Series sliding doors and louvres while the ground level retains the mid-century joinery.

Making the decision to update your windows and doors

It might be time to update your joinery if any of the following are issues you're currently experiencing or outcomes you'd like to enjoy.

Lower power bills

Older homes with single-glazing lack proper insulation, causing your air conditioning or heating systems to work harder. Double-glazing is more energy efficient and designed to help prevent heat transfer inside and outside of your home.

Improved thermal performance

35-50% of a home's heat is lost through windows and doors so by updating the window and door systems, especially with options such as ThermalHEART® and high performance glass, you improve the overall thermal performance of your home, creating a warmer, drier home that’s comfortable year-round.

Compromised safety

Windows and doors that are broken or do not close properly should be replaced or repaired immediately to keep your home safe and secure.

Exterior sounds

If your windows aren’t offering enough protection from exterior noises, you may need to replace them. Single-glazing will transfer sound vibrations from the outdoors into your house more than double-glazing. A high-performance glass option can help further limit exterior noise.

Climate control

New windows and doors reduce draughts, making your home more comfortable and healthier year-round.

Lack of natural light

Many older homes were not designed to allow adequate light creating dark spaces. Reconfiguring windows to remove unnecessary mullions and transoms can promote more natural light with minimal effort. With more effort, you can allow more daylight into your room by enlarging your existing windows or positioning new ones to take full advantage of the available light.

Water damage

Water between glass panes, leaking, water stains or evidence of rot can be signs that excess moisture is accumulating where you cannot see it.

Enhanced aesthetics

Your windows and doors are one of the most notable features of your home, changing the colour or configuration will upgrade your curb appeal while also enhancing the energy efficiency of your home.

Did you know?

When selling your home, new windows and doors provide a significant return on investment which often ranks higher than most interior renovations, such as kitchen and bathroom remodels.

What about condensation?

Condensation is perfectly normal in any new or old home. It simply indicates the presence of humidity, which appears as condensation when it meets a cold surface. Our most basic day-to-day activities create moisture in our home which is harder to heat than fresh air.

Thorough ventilation is the best way to keep our indoor air quality high and flush out moisture.

What is a healthy home?

A healthy home is warm, comfortable, cost efficient to run with minimal impact on the environment, not to mention your family will experience greater wellbeing and comfort. In order to achieve a healthy home, thermally efficient design and product choices are important considerations.

New Zealand Building Code

Increases to the minimum insulation requirements for new housing set out in clause H1 Energy Efficiency of the New Zealand Building Code are part of New Zealand moving to Carbon net zero by 2050 with more thermally and energy efficient windows and doors playing their part. In essence, all zones require a high-performance IGU (Insulated Glass Unit i.e. double-glazing) with a low emissivity (Low-E) coating, in a thermally improved frame to comply.

For non-consented renovation work, the replacement joinery needs to meet the minimum requirement in place at the time of the original installation (like-for-like). However, updating joinery is an opportunity to modernise the performance as well as the appearance of your home, so it’s useful to review the current requirements for thermal performance for new homes and consider how these could further enhance your interior environment by improving the insulation properties of your windows and doors. For example, opting to update timber joinery with new Residential Series ThermalHEART® insert frames and Low-E double-glazing (like The AGP System®) exceeds the Construction R-value requirements of all climate zones in New Zealand.

Creating a healthier home

There is no one single solution to creating a healthy home, it requires a systemised approach. Consider thermally efficient windows and doors like ThermalHEART® or Klima®

A combination of thermally efficient window and door products helps to reduce a home’s energy consumption, putting less demand on New Zealand’s power grid and reducing the environmental footprint of your home.

Design considerations

■ Thermally improved windows and doors with Low-E double-glazing; The AGP System® offers two Low-E options

■ High-performance glass, such as The AGP System®, used in conjunction with thermally improved window and door frames offers a complete thermal window solution. Combining ThermalHEART® frames with The AGP System® glass almost doubles the performance of standard aluminium joinery⁺

■ Another consideration is our suite of passive ventilation products, Aerovent, Sashvent and Ventient to allow an unoccupied home to breathe, even with the windows and doors closed, helping the home to reach a recommended healthy air change

■ Better insulation in ceiling, walls, and under-the-floor

■ Clean, efficient heating

■ Energy-efficient lights and appliances.

Did you know?

■ An average New Zealander will breathe 14,000 litres[1] of air per day and spend around 80%[2] of their day indoors –either at home, work, or school. But a 2015 BRANZ House Condition Survey found, when it inspected properties, 40%[3] of Kiwi homes are damp and mouldy resulting in hospital admissions due to respiratory issues, and days off work and school

⁺See thermalheartplus.co.nz/thermalheart for all statistics and technical references.

[1] Take action. (2021b, April 7). Ministry for the Environment. https://environment.govt.nz/what-you-can-do/take-action/

[2] Monitoring air quality with PACMAN. (2014, September 18). NIWA. https://niwa.co.nz/atmosphere/research-projects/pacman

[3] https://www.nzgbc.org.nz/Attachment?Action=Download&Attachment_id=3118

■ Living in an unhealthy home can have significant learning, health, and financial impacts on a family.

What are the update methods?

When it comes to upgrading the windows and doors in your home, there are two options to consider, each with their own benefits. We’ve put together a useful guide to help you understand the differences and find the best solution for your home.

Insert windows and doors

> See full details on pages 9-10

Who is this for?

Insert windows may be a good option if:

■ Your wooden joinery is a bit draughty, stiff to open and close but in reasonable condition

■ You’d like to retain the existing character of your house

■ You’d like to improve the function and thermal performance of your joinery.

Replacement windows and doors

> See full details on pages 11-12

Who is this for?

Replacement windows may be a good option if:

■ You’d like to completely change the size and configuration of your windows and doors

■ Your window frames or sills are in poor condition or show signs of rot

■ You’d like optimal thermal performance from your windows and doors.

Insert windows and doors

What are they?

A new aluminium window is inserted into the existing timber window frames. You keep the existing character of your home with the original timber casing, trim and flashings intact, with the benefit of watertight seals and less ongoing maintenance.

Insert windows and doors give you the opportunity to change the configuration and colour of your joinery to suit your modern-day lifestyle and optimise the natural light and fresh air moving through your home.

What’s involved?

The opening windows and doors and fixed windows are all removed, along with all the internal timber. Just the outside frame is left in place. We then insert the new double-glazed window or door and weather seal the outside. The inside is finished and cleaned, leaving you with minimal (if any) work to tidy up after the installation.

Internal timber is removed, leaving just the outside frame

> Residential Series insert awning windows in Matt Appliance White powdercoat.

Benefits

■ Joinery is given a more modern look and functionality while retaining the character of your home

■ Double-glazed aluminium or uPVC inserts offer weather-tight seals

■ You can choose your joinery colour

■ You can update your window or door configuration

■ High performance double-glazing improves your home’s thermal performance

■ Improved security

■ Less ongoing maintenance required

■ Insert installation is typically completed in 2-3 days

■ Minimal work is required after the inserts are installed.

Considerations

■ New windows and doors cannot be inserted into existing wooden frames or sills if they show signs of rot or are in poor condition

■ While windows work really well as an insert option, doors are often more difficult to insert into existing frames as they are usually bigger than modern frames and there can be a high step over the sills, however there are options to update doors and resolve issues. Speak with your local manufacturer about suitable options for you

■ Existing wooden frames and sills remain and will need ongoing maintenance and painting.

Replacement windows and doors

What are they?

Existing joinery is removed entirely and a new window or door and framing structure is installed. It is a full replacement giving you the opportunity to completely change the colour, style and configuration of your windows and doors.

What’s involved?

Existing joinery including facings, flashings and architraves are completely removed to leave one big clear opening. Where existing joinery is aluminium, the joinery and internal timber liner is removed. Where existing joinery is timber, all old timber joinery and framing is removed. The opening is then prepared with flashing tapes and sill pans. New joinery is installed; plumb, level and square before it is fixed off.

External head flashings, facings, scribers (and decorative sills if required) are fitted. To stop draughts and air flow, an internal air seal is applied between the house framing and the new timber liner. Finally, the internal architraves are fitted and the joinery is cleaned.

Once installation is complete, you will need to fill and paint the interior liners and architraves, return furniture and reinstate your window coverings.

2 The opening is prepared with flashing tape and sill pans

4 External head flashings, facings and scribers are fitted

Internal architraves are fitted and the joinery is cleaned

Benefits

■ You will have brand new joinery along with new window timber liners and architraves

■ Your new windows and doors can be incorporated into the updated design of your home

■ You can choose your joinery colour

■ You can change the configuration and size, including changes to the sill height of your windows (e.g. change a window hole to fit a door)

■ Choose from aluminium or uPVC joinery

■ Minimal ongoing maintenance required

■ Installation is to the current NZ Building Code E2/AS1

■ High performance double-glazing improves your home’s thermal performance

■ Improved security.

Considerations

■ After the installation is complete, you will need to fill and paint the interior liners and architraves

■ There will be a noticeable difference between windows that have been replaced and any that are left unchanged

■ Installation will cause some disruption. Installers will need to work inside and outside each window. Furniture will need to be moved and window coverings taken down.

> The living area has been extended into the front sunroom. A combination of Metro Series products in Black anodised finish used throughout.

Box fresh

After years of living in close quarters with his young family of five, Mike Hartley extends their Beach Haven home with a modest, boxy renovation.

As architect Mike Hartley will tell you, an 80-squaremetre cottage is cramped for a family of five. It's three children bundled into one bedroom while you share a tiny closet-like space with your wife. "Carnage" is how the director of Auckland's Lloyd Hartley not-so fondly remembers the old twobedroom home, noting that it wasn't merely short on space but practicality too. Orientated so that the laundry room enjoyed the most natural light, things had to change significantly—and affordably.

The architect found the solution in a square extension. Grafting a timber box onto the eastern side of the home, he then reconfigured the existing layout before linking the two elements with a deck. Though the relatively modest addition only expanded the home to 135 square metres, strategic planning saw Hartley introduce two more bedrooms, another half bathroom, and fresh, sensible circulation.

"The biggest move we made was to celebrate the squareness of the kitchen and dining," Hartley says of the design. Channelling old farmhouse kitchens, there's no island in the communal space; instead, a dining table plays dual duty as a "gentle pushback against open plan". The outdoor connection is prioritised with two large sliders from First Windows & Doors in the kitchen wall. Sliding back, they create a four-metre opening out to the deck, translating as an extension of this central space when friends or family drop by. The new joinery floods the room with light, and its high-performance double-glazing alleviates any fears of heat loss from the floor-toceiling doors.

The outdoor connection took precedence with multiple access points.

> Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors in Matt Appliance White open over-the-wall to create a 4-metre opening with flush sills for seamless outdoor connection.

Alongside the kitchen, the laundry has found fresh purpose as a living area, lovingly referred to as the 'Room of Requirement'. It's a flexible space where the kids watch TV, build Lego, hold band practice or put up any visiting guests. Imperatively, it sits away from the original lounge, AKA the adults' 'Withdrawing Room'. Hartley prioritised this division between the young and old, delivering the separation that a growing family often demands.

New joinery floods the home with light.

The design centres on the Hartleys' unique family needs, attaching the modest budget to the most essential changes. Bedrooms were intentionally kept small—big enough "to sleep in and sulk in"—to allow the communal areas a larger footprint, and the outdoor connection took precedence with multiple access points. In the Room of Requirement, for example, the kids can slip through an oversized window straight onto the deck.

While the extension features the likes of a large over-the-wall sliding door, budget wins were made in the original part of the home, where the old draughty windows could be popped out and replaced with new, double-glazed aluminium joinery, then detailed to fit the home’s aesthetic.

The success of this Auckland renovation lies in its specificity. Mike Hartley analysed his family dynamics and daily routines to deliver a home ideally suited to their shared life. It's bespoke—on a budget—using cost-effective materials to define the home's personality, like the carved door handles and bold, kid-chosen colours that adorn the ceilings and entrances of their bedrooms.

With his boxy extension and sensible rearrangement, Hartley has transformed the old home and its experience in ways that will serve his family for years to come.

> Residential Series awning windows in Matt Appliance White modernise the appearance and function of the joinery while retaining the original character of the home.

Subtle Vintage

With imagination and the right products, Vincent Payne brings a ubiquitous 1970s suburban staple into the 2020s.

A fairly ordinary mid-1970s brick and cedar house in the beachy Auckland suburb of St Heliers was transformed into a tranquil private haven by architectural designer Vincent Payne with the application of some clever reimagining and skillful design. “I think that's one of the bonuses to the site,” says Payne. “Everything around it is heavily developed but they have a little oasis of beautiful landscaping, and trees. It's just magic – and quiet too.”

Payne had worked with the same clients and builders before, but this was the largest undertaking for the trio to date. He describes the original home as “a worn-out 1970s house.” It had an odd sort of “Japanese landscaping theme going on” in the rear courtyard, but good flow between the living spaces from a generous kitchen-dining space which steps down into a large timber-ceilinged living room.

Despite it being a relatively modern build, Payne approached it like he would a project of any vintage. “It's really like any renovation,” he says. “It's just the unknown – claddings and linings hide a lot of things, so there were challenges structurally for the building process.” As the discovery process went on, the builders discovered dodgy beams, and plumbing that was above floor level.

Despite it being a relatively modern build, they approached it like they would a project of any vintage.

> Metro Series sliding doors and windows in Matt Flax Pod powdercoat, with Urbo hardware, contrast with the white brick and frame the leafy outlook.

Payne’s first concept radically restructured the house, but as the design process went on – and with Covid lockdowns giving the clients a lot of time to think – the layout remained largely the same. A former games room became a bedroom, the front of the house gained a deck, and Payne added a glamorous stair constructed from timber, steel and glass – but the spaces stayed in the same place.

The new interior is calm throughout – white walls and lots of light oak – with touches of vintage character. Cedar sarking is painted black, brick is painted white and the original ceiling in the living space was retained.

The biggest issue with 1970s buildings is 1970s building codes, of course, ill-suited to New Zealand conditions, and resulting in cold, condensationprone dwellings. Here, Payne made his biggest moves with new insulation, larger windows with double glazing, and central heating creating a warm, dry home.

The new interior is calm throughout with touches of vintage character.

Matt Flax Pod powdercoated aluminium windows and doors from First provide an appealing contrast with the white in the build palette, and act as a frame to the leafy outlook. Metro Series doors and sliders in the kitchen-dining area open onto a covered verandah, and tall sliding doors in the living space open onto the new deck.

And voilà, a tired old build lacking architectural interest – not old enough to be a classic, not recent enough to keep up with contemporary needs – is recycled and repurposed into a comfortable and relaxed sanctuary with a long life ahead of it.

> The new, larger windows and doors throughout the ground level of the home are Low-E double-glazed, creating a warmer space.

What are the product options?

Home renovation is an opportunity to modernise the look and function of your home, and to improve the performance of your home making it warmer, healthier and more energy efficient. The products you choose contribute hugely to all of these elements.

> The following pages detail your product options for joinery, glass, hardware and entrance doors. Your local manufacturer will be able to discuss your needs and offer further advice on the right products for you.

Get greater thermal performance

Introducing ThermalHeart+ ®

35-50% of a home's heat is lost from its windows and doors. Your windows and doors are a complete system with each component contributing to the overall performance and comfort of your home. It's important to consider how a combination of products will work together to deliver the ultimate thermal efficiency.

Which is why we have introduced ThermalHeart+® ThermalHeart+® is new thermal technology for windows and doors. This versatile system of thermally efficient frames and unique The AGP System® glass creates warmer, drier and healthier homes for both us and the environments we live in.

Thermally improved joinery is greatly enhanced when teamed with high performance glazing. When ThermalHEART® frames are combined with The AGP System® glass, the thermal performance of the whole unit almost doubles+ when compared to standard aluminium joinery.

The Centrafix® installation method can further increase thermal performance by over 20%+ and create a more contemporary look however the slightly greater wall thickness requirements are easier to accommodate when installation is into a new wall, like that of a new extension. For a truly modern extension, consider the Centrafix® installation method.

Thermally efficient frames

High performance glass

Centrafix® installation

Thermal performance improvement of standard aluminium window systems

Centrafix® installation

Additional 21.6% thermal performance improvement2

ThermalHEART® frames + The AGP System® 94.7% thermal performance improvement of standard aluminium joinery1

Standard aluminium windows and doors

+21.6% +94.7%

Thermal performance improvement of standard aluminium window systems

Visit thermalheartplus.co.nz/thermalheart for all statistics and technical references

ThermalHEART® Ranges

Our innovative ThermalHEART® window and door technology incorporates a polyamide strip in the core of the aluminium window system to deliver almost double the performance of standard aluminium windows and doors+ creating warmer, drier and healthier homes.

We offer three ThermalHEART ® ranges suitable for renovations:

■ Residential Series ThermalHEART®

Suitable for insert and replacement

■ Metro Series ThermalHEART®

Suitable for replacement

■ APL Architectural Series ThermalHEART®

Suitable for replacement

The ranges share the same core design principles allowing for exceptional versatility across the full range of products. If the total replacement method is used the three ranges can be used within one project.

Note: as Centrafix® is for cavity construction, Metro Series ThermalHEART® with Centrafix® is not recommended for use as insert or replacement joinery into spaces where the existing cladding remains.

Benefits of ThermalHEART ® include

Thermal efficiency

ThermalHEART® insulates the window system which helps to keep cool temperatures out in colder months, and decrease solar gain in warmer months, assisting in year-round warmth and comfort.

Versatility

The three ThermalHEART® ranges share the same core design principles, giving the ability to mix-and-match within one project and maintain a consistent look.

High performance

A comprehensive and highly versatile range of products is available with high performance in extreme weather conditions.

Aesthetics

Clean, modern lines and the ability to choose different colours on the interior and exterior when replacing with Metro Series ThermalHEART® and APL Architectural Series ThermalHEART®

If thermal efficiency is among your top priorities, Klima® is the smart bet.

Klima® uPVC windows and doors are designed and manufactured here in New Zealand to suit our uniquely challenging climate. This durable window and door range delivers warmth and comfort all year-round and is unbeatable for thermal efficiency.

■ For replacement windows and doors, we offer a standard range of formats with the exception of a bi-fold format

■ For insert windows, we have a specific window frame which fits within the old timber rebate and is available in all standard awning window configurations

■ Klima® uses the trusted E2/AS1 installation method for compliance, reliability, water tightness and peace of mind.

Benefits of Klima ® include:

■ Thermal efficiency

Klima® is perfect for the New Zealand climate, achieving a maximum 6 energy stars under WEERS (Window Energy Efficiency Rating) when used with high-performance glazing. Klima® represents an affordable investment to create a home that is healthier and more comfortable 365 days of the year

■ Aesthetics

The Klima® frame is a great way to retain the existing character of your home with a similar look to classic timber joinery but with the benefit of modern windows and doors

■ Triple glazing

With the bonus option of triple glazing, you’ll enjoy the benefits of enhanced thermal performance

■ Durability

Our optimised uPVC was put to the ultimate test under a desert sun, and came through with flying colours, showing no signs of degrading or discolouring after withstanding the equivalent of 22 years of sun exposure.

Klima ® Insert window installation

Klima® insert windows match the appearance of your old timber joinery but with all the benefits of new windows.

The original timber framing is retained; just the opening windows and internal timber is removed.

The new framing fits within the old timber rebate giving it a seamless look.

The sill facing is trimmed to match the variety of sill rebates.

Klima ® Replacement window installation

The old joinery is removed and fully replaced with new joinery.

Installation is the same as a new window install and complies with the NZ Building Code E2/AS1.

Drainage is concealed under the facing of the frame.

Klima® replacement windows can be installed into any cladding. Speak to your local manufacturer for more information.

Klima® is adapted from products by European market leader

Glass options

Glass can enhance the way your home looks and feels, but it also adds to the warmth and thermal efficiency of your home.

It’s a good idea to work through your options to find the right glass for your home. With options to reduce fading and heat loss, and increase year-round comfort, your decisions can have a significant impact on the performance of your glazing.

Some factors to consider and discuss with your manufacturer are the orientation and shading of your home, the climate, and the noise where you live. Thermally improved joinery is most efficient when paired with a high performance glass.

The AGP System ® High Performance Glazing

The AGP System® is a double®-glazed unit which is made using world-class components and industry leading, global technology. This state-of-the-art product has been designed for New Zealand conditions.

Solux-E ® or Solux Ultra ™

The AGP System® is available with two Low-E options that contribute towards the thermal efficiency of your home. Both Low-E coatings are virtually invisible, and are applied to the inside surface of the exterior glass pane, protecting it from the elements.

ATS - Architectural

Thermal Spacer ®

A warm-edge spacer that bonds the two panes of glass together forming a double-glazed unit.

ATS - Architectural Thermal Spacer® creates an airtight bond to ensure the best retention of argon gas used in The AGP System®

Argon gas

An inert gas which is used as an insulator to create an additional barrier to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, improving thermal performance.

Bonded to glass and secondary sealant

A proven formulation used to ensure durable bonding between glass panes. This creates an airtight seal for the space between panes, providing additional protection for the primary seal.

Solux-E® is standard with The AGP System® .

Year-round comfort and energy savings

Solux-E® has a low emissivity (Low-E) coating applied to the glass, which is virtually invisible. The Solux-E® coating reflects the heat back to the inside, reducing winter heat loss through the glass. The reverse happens during summer helping to limit overheating.

Year-round comfort

Solux-E® works to minimise heat flow allowing you to stay warmer through winter and cooler through summer. You'll have less warm air escaping in the winter and less heat entering through the glass in summer without the need to use tinted glass.

Solux-E® helps to retain heat in the home, achieving a more stable home temperature and year-round comfort.

Maximises natural daylight

Solux-E® provides excellent light transfer and clarity, keeping the view clear and the rooms in the home light and bright.

Smaller energy bills

A more constant temperature means less energy used to heat and cool the home, providing energy savings yearround. Reduced energy consumption (U-value) puts less demand on New Zealand’s power grid, reducing the environmental footprint of your home.

Protects against fading

Solux-E® reduces the amount of damaging light coming through the glass reducing fading in soft furnishings and fabrics.

Solux Ultra™

Take your home’s comfort to the ultimate level of performance with Solux Ultra™

Controls overheating

Lets natural light stream in with less heat entering the home, reducing overheating and also minimising the need to use air conditioning.

Protects against fading

Helps protect furnishings in the home from fading by reducing the amount of damaging light that enters through the glass.

Due to its superior solar control and performance, Solux Ultra , is the best choice for homeowners wanting to achieve the highest standard of thermal efficiency for their home and is highly recommended for buildings with a higher window-to-wall ratio. Talk to your manufacturer about upgrading to Solux Ultra™

Retains heat

Reflects the warm air in the home back into the house rather than escaping through the glass, retaining heat by a further 9%*. This reduces the energy needed to keep the home warm in cooler months.

Maximises natural daylight

The brilliantly neutral colour of Solux Ultra sets it apart from other Low-E glass and ensures you enjoy natural light and unblemished views all while delivering improved temperature and fading control.

*Compared to The AGP System® with Solux-E®. See agpl.co.nz for all statistics and technical references.

> Please contact your local manufacturer for further advice and information.

Solux-E ® vs Solux Ultra ™ comparison

The AGP System® is available with two Low-E options. Both Low-E options offer protection against overheating and fading while helping to retain heat in the home however, it’s important to consider your home’s design and your thermal performance requirements when choosing the best product for you.

The AGP System ® with Solux-E ®

The AGP System ® with Solux Ultra ™ Warmth within home

* Data is indicative only. Data is for glazing placed vertically. Data is not a guarantee of in service performance. Tdw-ISO is a damaged-weighted UV transmittance. U-value calculated using CEN conditions, balance of data calculated using NFRC conditions.

> Metro Series sliding window in Black Anodised with Urbo hardware in Matt Black powdercoat

Design considerations

As all First windows and doors are custom made, you have the luxury of making your windows and doors suit the character of your home and your personal taste. Consider some of these aspects that can further contribute to your perfect window aesthetic.

Louvres

Louvres are a contemporary option that offer maximum ventilation. Our louvres open fully to allow fresh air in yet seal tight to ensure protection from the elements.

Features

■ Open wide to maximise ventilation in comparison to other window types

■ Aluminium frame with louvre blades available in glass (single-glazed), aluminium or timber

■ Cyclone tested for wind and water to ensure maximum performance

■ Breezes can be captured no matter which direction they’re coming from

■ Can be used alongside walkways as they don’t project far beyond the wall.

A picture window is usually a large, fixed window that frames a beautiful view or favourite moment in the garden or home’s architecture.

Features

■ Offers expansive views and natural light

■ A great option to bring the outdoor view into your home

■ Can be teamed up with a window seat

■ Customise size and location to suit your home and outlook.

Picture windows

For more product options and configurations visit firstwindows.co.nz

Ventilation

Thorough ventilation is the best way to keep our indoor air quality high and flush out moisture and indoor pollutants, creating a healthier home.

■ Choose venting window fasteners which allow the window to be fastened in a partially open position for ongoing passive ventilation

■ Consider our suite of passive ventilation products; Aerovent, Sashvent and Ventient to allow an unoccupied home to breathe, even with the windows and doors closed.

Format considerations

Updating your windows and doors gives you the opportunity to change configurations which can greatly improve function, light and accessibility. Here are some common considerations to help you find the best option:

■ Awning or casement windows can project on to walkways and decks. Consider a sliding window or using restrictor stays to limit opening

■ Sliding windows are good where wide opening windows are wanted for uninterrupted views, greater airflow or to protect walkways

■ Sliding doors can offer great indoor-outdoor flow with options such as flush sills and an over-thewall panel that slides away into a wall cavity or over the exterior to open up living spaces

■ Bi-fold use is a good option for maximum views and ventilation when open however in closed position, the door stiles can impact views

■ Stacking multiple sliding door panels allows approximately two-thirds opening.

Colonial bars

Colonial bars are additional aluminium strips applied to the internal and external surfaces of your double glazing to create extra charm and character to a window and door.

Dual colour

Windows and doors from the Metro Series ThermalHEART® or APL Architectural Series ThermalHEART® ranges are available in a dual colour option so your interior colour can differ from your exterior colour to suit your cladding and paint colours. This option is only available for replacement windows.

Curves

Match your existing curved windows or start fresh with curves that are making a comeback. Talk to your manufacturer about available options.

Obscured glass

A wide range of obscured and leadlight glass products are compatible with First Windows & Doors to suit your home and style.

Colour

Choosing the colour and surface finish for your windows and doors is a crucial part of updating your joinery. There are two surface finish options to consider, with each being suitable for different applications. Discuss with your local manufacturer to ensure you find the right solution for your home.

What are the surface finish options?

Powdercoating

Powdercoating is New Zealand's most popular surface finish for windows and doors. It's a baked-on coating that's tough and durable and comes in a wide range of colours. There are two options, each offering a 15-year film and colour integrity warranty.

Duralloy ® +PLUS

Duralloy® +PLUS is our standard range of colours and will be more than adequate for the majority of residential developments. Duralloy® +PLUS is designed for residential and light commercial buildings that are less than 4 levels, and greater than 10 metres from the high tide level.

Anodising

Protexture ™

Protexture™ is a textured finish that is suitable for non-thermally improved joinery in residential and light commercial buildings that are less than 4 levels and greater than 10 metres from the high tide level. It's designed for areas where high mar and scuff resistance is required and entrance doors.

Protexture™ is not offered with ThermalHEART suites.

Anodising is a surface finish option where the aluminium undergoes a process that forms a protective layer on the metal and improves its resistance to weather and corrosion. There are several colour and thickness options: Silver, in 12 and 25 microns. Bronze in light, medium or dark, 12 and 25 microns. Black and Champagne in 25 microns only.

For properties in coastal, industrial or other corrosive environments, 25 microns is recommended, and may even be required to qualify for a warranty. (Note: the anodised coating has a 10-year warranty for 12 micron anodising, and 20-years for 25 microns).

How to choose the right surface finish

It is important that you choose the right product for the right application to ensure the life of your surface finish, and in some cases that your windows and doors are covered under warranty.

Here are some things to consider when finding the right colour and finish:

■ Your location and site conditions: some locations such as coastal or industrial locations require a higher grade finish. Your manufacturer will be able to show you suitable options

■ How would you like to approach joinery colour as part of the overall renovation? Colour match to the original joinery or a complete change to modernise your colour scheme

■ The popular colour range is a comprehensive range of 40 popular powdercoat colours that offer something to suit all styles and is a great starting point for colour selection. You can order a popular colours brochure from our website

■ When you are making your final colour selection, assess an aluminium colour swatch in natural light.

Urbo

Urbo is all about fine lines, clean shapes and a combination of square and radiused edges, delivering a lighter look without compromising on strength.

Lever door handle

Offers multi-point locking, and when the handle is lifted upwards it activates locking rods at the top and bottom of the door for added security.

Flush pull

The flush pull is ideal for lighter sliding panels where a robust hand grip is not required.

Pull handle

Lock is fixed separately to the door, and is activated by a key or interior turn knob. A four-point locking system is available.

Surface mount sliding door handle

An all-in-one handle and lock for sliding doors or windows. Snib or keyway installed in the body of the handle.

Half lever handle

This small lever handle locks sliding door panels together, usually in 4-panel configurations or in conjunction with a pull handle on heavier doors.

Bi-fold handle

This swivel operator activates locking rods in the top and bottom of the door or window panel.

Window fastener

Closes against the window frame with no visible flap or wedge. Also available in a low profile option.

Venting window fastener

A venting option of the window fastener is available which allows the window to be fastened in a partially open position for passive ventilation.

Architectural window fastener

The window fastener with separately fixed wedge is suitable for the APL Architectural Series.

Matt Titania

Miro

The Miro range of die-cast handles is a contemporary classic, characterised by elegant, ergonomic curves.

Lever door handle

Offers multi-point locking, and when the handle is lifted upwards it activates locking rods at the top and bottom of the door for added security.

Bi-fold handle

This swivel operator activates locking rods in the top and bottom of the door or window panel.