Custom Picture Windows
Panoramic custom picture windows are very popular in single-family homes as well as in offices and apartments. Investors appreciate their modern appearance, the ability to illuminate interiors with natural light, and the beautiful views, which can be enjoyed through large glazing. However, customers have many questions before purchase – about the functionality and convenience of such a solution. People who are considering ordering panoramic picture windows are urged to read the answers to the most frequently asked questions!
Why is it worth choosing panoramic windows?
- 1. Panoramic windows achieve extraordinary visual effects. The installation of large panoramic windows allows you to have an extraordinary view from your house or apartment. One can for example easily follow the garden or the terrace – which gives the impression that the room is connected to space outside. Thus, in single-family homes, large glazing is most often chosen for living rooms or rooms with the terrace. Thanks to the panoramic windows, a particularly spectacular effect can be achieved in high-rise buildings that allow you to follow the panorama of the city or in houses located in a beautiful region – with a view of a forest, a mountain, or a lake. This type of window can also give the house a very special look.
- 2. Panoramic windows make rooms appear larger Installing large glazing – especially panoramic windows – allows rooms to be optically enlarged. This fits well with the trends of architecture and modern interior decoration, that is to say: the desire to obtain the impression of large spaces and not to overcrowd the rooms.
- 3. Thanks to large windows rooms are better lit Panoramic windows provide good room illumination – thanks to this the inhabitants not only have access to a large amount of light but also the need to turn on the electric light earlier is less frequent, thus saving money. electricity. Rooms with small windows are often dark in the morning or evening – depending on the exposure of the windows – even if the sun has not yet set. However, it should be emphasized that what is an asset in some situations may turn out to be a disadvantage in others. So, in order to prevent rooms exposed to strong sunlight from heating up too quickly and so that the sun does not bother the inhabitants when planning the installation of panoramic windows, it is good to think of suitable window coverings. For example, complete shading of the rooms and protection against heat will be provided by roller shutters or adjustable sun shades.
- 4. Large patio doors allow you to move comfortably between the house and the patio Panoramic windows in single-family houses are often installed together with the sliding patio door – which not only achieves an interesting visual effect but also increases the comfort of the inhabitants. The sliding patio door conveniently connects the rooms to the patio or garden, providing an additional entrance to the house. And after opening the door you will have the impression of opening the room onto the garden. The choice of the right options, such as the system that allows opening without force, a flat threshold facilitates movement between the house and the terrace. This is especially important for children and the elderly or those with mobility problems.
- 5. There are great possibilities to adapt the appearance and properties of panoramic windows to individual preferences. Modern technologies offer great possibilities for adapting windows to the needs and expectations of investors. This concerns their size, the type of construction as well as the materials of which they will be made – wood, aluminum, or in case of smaller glazing – PVC. Apart from the most popular sliding systems, you can also opt for corner windows (with or without mullion) that open or fixed. The combination of some types of glazing in a room makes it possible to reduce their price and increase the comfort: eg fixed windows are less expensive than those which open – however, it is useful to be able to ventilate the interiors. The installation of both is, therefore, an optimal solution.
Will panoramic picture windows make rooms cool?
Investors who are considering ordering large glazed spaces are often concerned that installing these windows will cause the interior of the home to cool. Is this really the case?
The choice of window joinery has a significant impact on the building’s energy balance. Walls (provided of course that they are well insulated) generally have better thermal insulation properties than glass surfaces. However, it is not true that installing large glazing will always result in low temperatures in the rooms. It is enough that the panoramic picture windows are well chosen.
First of all on the thermal insulation coefficient (Uw). The lower it is, the better. It is good to choose windows that have a thermal transmission lower than the maximum allowed (currently: 1.1 W / m 2 K, from 2021 it will be 0.9 W / m 2 K). It is preferable to ask the seller about the triple or quadruple glazing and also about the so-called “warm edge”.
Window exposure will also be important. In order not to generate unnecessary energy losses, it is better than the panoramic picture windows do not go to the north. In such exposure the sun’s rays will not fall directly on windows – the sun will not heat rooms.
In the case of glazing with a very large surface area, it is also common to install in addition to opening windows/patio doors, fixed glazing: ie which does not open. They generally have better thermal insulation parameters than functional windows.
Do large windows increase the risk of burglary?
As police statistics show, burglars most often enter homes through windows and patio doors. However, it cannot be said that a house with panoramic picture windows is easier to access than a house where only the classic joinery has been installed. The extent to which it is difficult to force open a window or patio door depends on, among other things, the hardware, additional equipment (such as a handle with a key or additional locks), the quality of the glazing. Large windows, therefore, do not imply a higher risk of burglary. However, it is useful to think about security devices that make it difficult for thieves to enter the house: for example,
Is the use of large glazing problematic?
Investors sometimes wonder if panoramic picture windows and large patio doors are a problem to use. Again: a lot depends on the options chosen. Very large patio doors can be heavier to open and close, but there are solutions that make them work without a problem. For example, patio doors in the MWD-1 lifting sliding system can be easily opened and closed without much force.
However, it can be problematic to wash this type of glazing – due to its surface, and on the upper floors, it is also difficult to access the glazing from the outside – a ladder or the aid of a specialized company will be required. For this, in the case of houses, this type of glazing is often installed mainly on the ground floor, next to balconies and terraces – places where it is easy to clean them.
Are panoramic picture windows very expensive?
The cost of panoramic picture windows is usually much higher than that of standard size window joinery. The larger the window, the higher its price. People for whom the price is the decisive criterion in the choice of windows should opt for windows with typical shapes, in common dimensions. However, installing panoramic picture windows doesn’t have to be expensive. Costs can be reduced, for example, by placing some fixed glazing (fixed windows are less expensive). It should also be remembered that by choosing the glazing, you “save” a certain amount of money on materials that would be used to build the wall where the glazing will be placed.
What types of panoramic picture windows are available?
In the case of large glazing, they can be divided not only according to the material they are made of – but also according to whether the windows open or not (fixed windows). In the case of fixed windows, the glazing can be placed in the frame or in the opening. Windows that offer a panoramic view can have a very large glazing area, thus providing an extraordinary visual effect. The placement of glazing in the sash mimics the appearance of ordinary windows that open – this then allows uniform aesthetics when investors want to use opening windows and fixed windows.
In the case of patio doors – we have a choice of classic patio doors and sliding windows. Sliding bays come in a few different variations – the most recommended and most often chosen by investors are the MWD-1 lift sliding doors. Each type of sliding door has slightly different properties, for example, tilt option (MWD-2) or parallel opening option (MWD-3).
Can classic windows be replaced by panoramic windows?
Panoramic picture windows are most often installed in newly constructed buildings. They require the application of certain solutions that are best foreseen at the design stage – for example, a reinforced lintel. The possibility of installing this type of window in an existing building depends on its construction. It should also be noted that the replacement of carpentry with products of a different shape from the previous ones is associated with interference in the construction of the building – and therefore requires authorization to carry out the work.
Large windows: advantages and disadvantages
One of the main current architectural trends is large glazed spaces which ensure access to a healthy amount of natural light, which improves living comfort and which have a significant impact on the well-being of the inhabitants. Carpentry that meets these requirements is currently a bestseller. It would seem that having large windows has only advantages. But do large-area glazing also have drawbacks? We will try to answer these questions in this article.
Window size and regulations
The number and size of the windows is an individual decision of the investor or is it sanctioned by law? It turns out that the law clearly specifies the issue of windows, specifying the minimum requirements for buildings where people stay. Thus, according to most ordinances, each room intended for human stay (i.e. intended for the same people to stay there for more than four hours a day) must have permanent access to the light of the day. In residential buildings, this is the living room, bedroom or office, but it does not have to be the bathroom or kitchen. We, therefore, know that the law clearly indicates which rooms should be fitted with windows, but is their size the individual decision of the investor? It turns out not.
This is also specified in the regulations, which indicates the minimum area of all windows in the room :
In a room intended for human living, the ratio between the area of the windows, calculated in light of the frame, and the floor area must be at least 1: 8, on the other hand in another room where there is daylight. required for intended use, at least 1:12.
According to many regulations, it is therefore possible to install a larger window with a minimum surface area of 1 / 8th of the floor, as well as some smaller windows with a sufficiently large total surface. Fortunately the regulations do not indicate limits with regard to the maximum values of glazed surfaces in the building.
Lack of windows or their small size
As we have mentioned above, from the point of view of the law it is not allowed for there to be no windows or for them to be too small in the buildings intended for the people staying there. at least 4 hours a day. Lack of natural light not only affects well-being but can be harmful to health. Concentration problems, headaches, poor morale, or insomnia – all these are the effects of insufficient natural light. This does not sound encouraging, which is why, right from the design stage of the home, every investor should think carefully about the placement and size of their woodwork.
Advantages of large windows
So let’s focus on the benefits of large glazed spaces. The first benefit, which assures the full range of health benefits, is the large amount of natural light that enters through large windows. Apart from comfort and well-being, the well-lit interior is also more aesthetic. It makes the room feel bigger, there’s more space, and it’s cozier. We simply want to pass the time in an interior illuminated by natural light. Large glazed spaces, especially those that take the form of sliding windows to connect the interior of the house with the outside space, thus creating a natural extension of the house and inviting owners and guests to spend time on the terrace. But the benefits of large windows don’t end there! The other advantage that is linked to better lighting is the possibility of heating rooms with solar energy on colder days. In order to make maximum use of solar energy to heat the air in the house, windows should be placed on the south side where the sun shines the longest and strongest. It is worth emphasizing once again the aesthetic values of these solutions. Large glazed spaces can become a beautiful decoration of the house, they can open it up to the space around, inviting nature inside.
Disadvantages of large windows and glass doors
Of course, when renting the advantages of large windows or sliding windows, we cannot overlook the challenges that this solution brings. When making the decision to buy carpentry, always take into account the advantages and disadvantages of specific solutions. When writing about the possibility of heating rooms with natural solar energy which enters through large glazed spaces, it must be remembered that during the cold summer months the solar energy can be unfavorable and the temperature can far exceed our waitings. Of course, if we think about it at an early stage and if we equip our large windows with exterior window coverings e.g. roller shutters, the problem will solve itself. On the other hand, it is different in winter. Each window is a partition through which heat can escape to the outside. Likewise, a large window or patio door is a large partition through which a greater amount of heat escapes. Currently, every window available on the market meets the thermal insulation standards specified in the Building Law – however, when planning large glazed spaces it is worth choosing carpentry with very good thermal insulation coefficients. Some investors who want to choose large windows for their homes are concerned about the safety and uninvited viewers. However, there is also a solution to these problems. The well-chosen exterior and interior window coverings will ensure privacy.
However, you have to think about security already at the stage of choosing the joinery and it is worth opting for anti-burglary solutions. Burglar-resistant mushroom-headed pebbles, special strikes and laminate-reinforced bonded glazing – the combination of all these elements means that even a large window or patio door will provide residents with security.
Window size
Home architects usually choose the size of windows based on the size of the rooms, so that their dimensions comply with applicable law but also to ensure the appropriate level of natural light. The current trend which dominates is the choice of large glazed spaces, especially in the form of large sliding windows accompanied by fixed frames. This combination will ensure the exceptional design and guarantee a bright and comfortable place, ideal for spending time with family.
How to install large windows?
There is not much difference between mounting large windows and mounting windows in standard sizes although the process itself is a little different. Window construction and glazing arrive separately on-site. First of all, we prepare the paintings, we install the construction elements, we make a joint between the frame and the wall, and in the end, we install the glazing. Due to the large size and, therefore, considerable weight, the installation team should be trained in the assembly of these solutions and they should have the necessary tools and machinery to perform the large carpentry assembly work. . If then we have decided to enrich our house with large, fashionable glazed spaces it is worthwhile to think about all the pros and cons already at the design stage and then find a reliable company that will take care of the high-quality product and its correct installation.
Custom Windows
No matter what design, color or size Millennium Windows and Doors can provide for your specifications with the highest of quality.
Our MILLENNIUM PREMIUM® Window line is the best. The coatings on our glass products are almost undetectable to the eye just like looking through perfectly clear glass.
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- Standard Multi-Point Locking System
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