Why should I choose Aluminium windows and doors?
With an excellent strength to weight ratio, aluminium provides a low maintenance, corrosive resistant frame and is resistant to weathering under a range of harsh environmental conditions. Unlike many other materials, it will not swell, crack, split or warp over time; ensuring an extended product life.
How do I get a quote?
If possible, can you please supply;
- preferred sizes and styles for your windows and/or doors
- elevations and floor plans
- any BAL or basix information
- preferred aluminium colour
- whether you can pick up your products or need them to be delivered
- whether your windows/doors need reveals? (see below for more detail)
- whether you need flyscreens? (see below)
- contact information for you and if necessary your builder/installer?
To speed things up you can supply us with this information via email or personally at the showroom.
Do I need a Basix certificate?
You will need a BASIX certificate if you are lodging a development application in NSW for a new home or for any alteration and addition of $50,000 or more to an existing home.
A BASIX certificate forms part of the documentation you must submit to your Council or an accredited certifier when applying for a complying development certificate. A BASIX certificate is also required when submitting a development application to your Council.
BRG will use this information to determine which are the most suitable glazing products for your project so they pass all requirements laid out in the BASIX certificate.
For more information see the NSW Government Planning and Environment website.
What is a BAL rating?
Bushfires are a constistant part of the Australian environment. The building requirements for house design and construction vary according to the Bushfire Attack Level that a development falls into. The building requirements for each BAL are set out in the Australian Standard: 3959 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas 2009 (AS3959). Your local council will allocate you a BAL as apart of your development application.
Along with your Basix info and adjoining plans, BRG will make sure we quote the compliant glazing, mesh and materials to meet these necessary requirements.
What are the wind load ratings for my windows and doors?
Along with incorrect installation, non conformance with wind loads are one of the leading factors in allowing water leaks and other issues to damage new or renovated dwellings today.
“Every site for every building in Australia should be assessed for wind load requirements according to AS/NZS 1170.2 Wind Actions or AS 4055 Wind Loads for Housing (a simplified document for housing). The wind loads are a deciding factor for the type of window and door system that will be used as they need to structurally withstand the loads that are present on the site” from the AWA website.
Your site will be given a category by council during the application process that will dictate your glazing and framing requirements.
Big River Glass uses Vantage residential and Elevate commercial products by AWS, leaders in contemporary aluminium window and doors systems and who are relentless in their testing and research to exceed compliance standards for the Australian Standard AS 2047.
Do you have standard sizes?
We have a download available here of our BRG Residential Window & Door Guide.
What types of flyscreen mesh are there and what do I need?
In summary;
Fibermesh – fiberglass is the standard mesh BRG uses unless specified by client or compliance requirements.
Midgey mesh – with a smaller aperture, this helps keep out smaller insects.
Aluminium mesh – used for more strength and in bushfire areas due to it’s superior heat resistance.
Epoxy Stainless Steel mesh – stronger again.
Pet mesh – made from synthetic, it is ideal to withstand rough pets and kids alike.
See also our Security Screens section.
What is the difference between frame and stud sizes?
Frame sizes are the total dimensions of our window or door (not including reveals) while stud sizes are the necessary opening required to fit these products in your job space.
What is the difference between powdercoated and anodised windows?
Anodising is the relatively straightforward electrochemical process, now nearly a century old, used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of aluminum. (Aluminium oxide is a durable compound that seals and protects the base metal.) There are only limited anodised colours available.
A technique chiefly used to apply decorative and protective finishes to aluminium, powder coating electrostatically charges the powder (a mixture of finely milled resin and pigment), sprays it on to the aluminium extrusion, and then fuses it into a smooth coating in a curing oven. BRG has a wide selection of colours available. See more info here.
What are reveals?
The Reveal is a timber surround fitted to the fin of the window or door and used to attach the product into timber framing. The reveal becomes the frame of your window or door covering the stud. The architrave attaches to the reveal to cover the gap between the reveal and the plasterboard or other internal lining. It is the most common way to fit residential windows and doors in the Australian building industry.
BRG have standard finger joined reveals, which can be supplied at various sizes depending on your type of construction as well as Meranti timber reveals which can be painted or stained for your personal aesthetic choice.
Do I need double glazing?
Double glazing or Insulated Glass Units (IGU) consist of two panes of glass bonded to both sides of an spacer to create one unit. The space between the panes of glass may be filled with Argon gas to increase the insulating properties of the double glazing units. IGUs can be made up of various types of glass including LowE, Laminated, Toughened, Tinted or reflective glass.
IGUs provide significantly improved insulation properties and are ideal for climates where extremes of heat or cool are experienced. If Double Glazing is suitable for your project, BRG recommends the Viridian LightBridge™ range of high performance insulating glass units (IGU) developed specifically for residential building applications.
Can i make changes after I place the order?
You can make changes at anytime. However, reordering will restart the lead time for your purchase and you will need to cover the costs for any products that we have already ordered.
Do you sell spare parts for windows and doors?
BRG stock and can order hardware and components for the entire range of products we supply. We also carry some spare parts that will suit some existing aluminium windows and doors. If you are looking for a replacement part – ie door rollers – it is always best if you can bring the part into us at 73 Bent Street, South Grafton or email us detailed, quality photographs at enquiries@bigriverglass.com.au to see if we can help you with a replacement.
How do I look after my awesome new aluminium windows and doors?
Please download and read our Care and Maintenance Guide here.
Where does BRG deliver to?
BRG covers Northern NSW on a case by case basis. Please contact the office on (02) 66422 577 or at enquiries@bigriverglass.com.au for more information.
