Window Trends

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

The recent Fenestration conference of the Australian Windows Association has again featured excellent guest speakers on a variety of topics, including future trends for windows and doors which include larger sizes, better insulation and automation. Size One main change, according to what customers want, are ever larger and larger products. No longer are standard window and door sizes on the ‘want’ list of customers but whole walls of glass. To add to this, the need to lower energy use as energy prices rise brings us to the next trend, which is - better insulated products. Insulation Single glazed aluminium windows

Window Care and Maintenance

Thursday, August 02, 2018

If in doubt, use water and a soft sponge The timber floor in the living room, the glass in the shower, the family car, all these areas of our lives receive some care and maintenance on a regular basis. On the other hand, windows and doors are often neglected. The only focus may be on the cleaning of the glass, and this can be done without proper consideration to the health of the glass. With a little bit of effort, windows and doors remain functioning, and looking as good as new even after years of service. At least twice a

Latest Trends from Europe

Monday, April 09, 2018

A recent visit to the world’s largest window fair Fensterbau Frontale 2018 in Germany revealed the latest trends in windows and doors. The main focus was on integrated drainage for level threshold doors, airtight window installation, sophisticated entrance door designs, burglary resistance and shading options, as well as smart home and automation solutions. Thresholds Whether it be hinged doors or sliding doors, the trend towards level thresholds has been noticed here in Australia over the last few years. However there was also a high chance of water penetration issues during heavy downpours. A number of companies have now invested time

Indoor / Outdoor Living: Bi-fold Doors

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Alfresco living is much in demand for entertaining. The trend towards building homes with an abundance of natural light and a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces is growing. Open up your house with either sliding doors, French doors or bi-fold doors. What are the advantages of each and which one should you chose? Let’s look at bi-fold doors Imagine an opening of up to 10 meters wide or up to 2.8 meters high, removing the barrier between indoors and outdoors to create one large entertainment area where friends can mingle with a glass of wine and nibbles, have

Architectural Window Hardware

Saturday, August 19, 2017

No longer just a hinge and a lock The quality of window and door products is enhanced by hardware which seals against the elements, is easy to operate, while at the same time discouraging burglars. The tilt & turn hardware fittings feature the flexibility of two opening positions. The sash will swing inward - casement style - when opened in the turn position. Alternatively, hinges at the bottom and a tilting arm at the top allow it to open inward at the top like a hopper window (tilt). Both actions are activated by the turn of the handle, a smooth

Home Security

Tuesday, August 08, 2017

Security is very important, especially in your own home. Paarhammer entrance doors feature concealed multi-point locks with pin-bolts and hook-bolts, and our energy efficient windows offer optimal security by using multi-point metal-to-metal locking. Household burglary is one of the most widespread crimes in Australia. In some areas statistics mention a burglary rate as high as 1 in 11 households, while in other areas it is 1 in 27 or 35. The tendency is rising in most areas. Crime statistics agency data shows that home invasions are up by 40%, with the majority of burglaries taking place when no one is

Uncover the Secrets of lift-slide Sliding Doors

Monday, August 08, 2016

For making an architectural statement, or for opening the home to entertaining areas, nothing beats the versatility and style of Paarhammer Lift-Slide Sliding Doors. In addition to a double layer of seals, they feature retractable carriages as part of the German hardware, which allow the door to be sealed airtight to increase energy efficiency and stops drafts. This function also allows the door to be stopped in any open position. Lift-slide sliding doors have a number of carriages recessed into the bottom of the sliding door panel as part of the technologically advanced hardware. These carriages lift up the door

Window News at Fensterbau Expo in Germany

Tuesday, April 05, 2016

With around 1300 exhibitors in 17 interconnecting halls, the Fensterbau and Holz-Handwerk in Nuernberg, Germany, is certainly the most important window fair in Europe, if not the world. 110,000 visitors ensured the exhibitors were kept busy. Some larger exhibitor stands were double story with a full restaurant to woe their customers, while even at smaller stands beer and pretzels were popular. If our I-phone is to be believed we walked more than 16km within the expo on the first full day. All to see the ever more intriguing window hardware on display, invisible hinging mechanisms and step-less thresholds with integrated

Hardware - no longer just a hinge and a lock

Wednesday, March 09, 2016

The quality of window and door products is enhanced by hardware which seals against the elements, making the products easy to operate, while at the same time discouraging burglars. The tilt andturn hardware fittings feature the flexibility of two opening positions. The sash will swing inward - casement style - when opened in the turn position. Alternatively, hinges at the bottom and a tilting arm at the top allow it to open inward at the top like a hopper window (tilt). Both actions are activated by the turn of the handle, a smooth operation which controls all the mechanics within

Fensterbau Frontale 2014

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Paarhammer has visited the bi-annual expo in Nuremberg again this year, taking several key staff. As a market leader in innovation and energy efficiency, Paarhammer is always striving to be at the forefront of the window industry. Fensterbau is a great place to keep up-to-date. Trends for the future and new hardware solutions can be seen at the world’s leading trade fair for windows, doors, facades and shading. The wish for more sustainability and comfort continues to drive innovation in the construction sector. It shows how aesthetics and design trends can be reconciled with energy-efficient building. Another focus of the

Burglaries - protect what's dear to you

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

During 2012/13 there have been 28,915 residential burglaries in Victoria alone with 2,716 of aggravated burglaries. (Source: Victoria Police Crime Statistics, 28 Aug 2013) 15 seconds – that’s how long a professional burglar needs on average to get through a door or window into a house. The consequences of a burglary are high financial damage of all sorts: next to the stolen goods which have to be replaced, often burglars leave behind wilfully damage and damage to property which might need costly repairs. Also emotionally burglaries can be damaging, especially the lost feeling of security and missing personal items are

Are your windows child safe?

Monday, February 18, 2013

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in NSW reported that from 1998 to 2011 there have been 113 young children admitted after falling from windows. To reduce such incidents the National Construction Code now requires window barriers to openable windows where the sill is less than 1.7m above floor level and the floor below the window is more than 2m above the surface beneath, effective from May 2013. These new rules apply for all windows in early childhood centres and in habitable rooms in residential buildings. Windows are to be either fitted with a screen or have the window opening limited