The windows within the main stairwell of Adelaide’s viceregal residence are stunning examples of stained glass. They feature Australian-themed native birds and symbolise key SA industries such as eucalyptus, wheat and wine.
When the sun is perpendicular to the window, it experiences maximum solar heat gain. Glazing can reflect and reduce this, but it will never eliminate it. For quality windows Adelaide, check out glass windows Adelaide now.
Energy Efficient
When a window is described as energy efficient, it offers resistance to heat flow, reduces solar gain and provides superior insulation. These features are measured by the Australian Window Association’s WERS rating system and used to calculate an energy efficiency rating for a specific window.
Direct sunlight on a 1m2 square of standard glass in summer will generate the equivalent of running 6 bar radiators – this is why installing energy-efficient windows is so important. Energy-efficient glass acts like transparent insulation, slowing heat flow into your home and significantly improving comfort.
Hartley Glass stocks and glazes Viridian Smartglass, an industry-leading, highly effective, Australian-made, energy-efficient solution, won the HIA Greensmart award. Call us today to book a time for one of our experienced professionals to visit you and demonstrate the benefits of this advanced, high-performance glass. It is an excellent option for new and retrofitting homes.
Aesthetics
In cool temperate climates where passive solar gains are desirable, north-facing windows with a high SHGC can achieve this but should be appropriately shaded in summer. The best way to do this is by using fixed or movable shading that provides minimal shade in winter and maximum shade in summer. For quality windows Adelaide, check out glass windows Adelaide now.
Leadlight window design and creation is a beautiful craft that has been around for centuries. It is an unchanging art and still takes the same amount of time and patience to create. This art requires an understanding of colour and line design.
Adelaide’s most eye-catching stained glass windows are at Brookman Hall on North Terrace. The building was named after a prominent South Australian businessman and opened in 1903. The building has three crucial stained glass windows: the Empire Window, a set of Scientific windows and a Federation Window. The Empire Window depicts the state’s patriotism at the turn of the 20th Century. It includes a representation of the Royal family with animals representing Britain’s former colonies, including an ostrich (South Africa), a kangaroo (Australia) and a tiger (India).
Security
The security of your home is one of the most critical aspects of your family’s safety. Break-ins can be particularly devastating for families, leaving them with an enduring sense of insecurity and feeling unsafe in their homes.
Window tints and solar/safety film help prevent burglars by making it more difficult to break glass, significantly if the glass is toughened by being reheated and quickly cooled (tempered glass). This process also makes the glass safer, breaking into small cubic pieces rather than dangerous jagged shards.
The Scientific windows portray several eminent British scientists and engineers, including James Watt (responsible for the Steam Engine), Sir Isaac Newton (Gravity), George Stephenson (Father of the Railways) and Henry Bessemer (Manufacturer of Steel). They were commissioned around 1902 when there was much patriotism in South Australia. For quality windows Adelaide, check out glass windows Adelaide now.
Safety
Many older homes and commercial buildings contain glass that doesn’t meet current Australian safety standards. It can pose a security or safety risk if shattered and unprotected. Installing Cleargard Melbourne’s safety film is a great way to strengthen existing glass and bring it up to Australian standards.
Glass can help to reduce the need for artificial lighting by allowing natural light into rooms. Still, it is also essential to consider the environment where the glazing will be located. For example, if the room is close to a busy road, you might want to consider glass that can reduce noise. Switchable smart glass can change opacity with the flick of a button, so you can enjoy privacy when required. It is particularly popular in luxury homes and high-tech businesses. To experience all these benefits, invest now in glass windows.