Why wood – wait – would you use timber over aluminium for framing? Many reasons actually, but one of the main advantages to utilising timber framing for windows is the high level of energy efficiency that timber offers as a building material. Microscopic air pockets within timber act as natural buffers heat and cold, giving it very strong thermal resistance. And it does this even before it’s called timber!
During a tree’s life it constantly takes in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, converting it to oxygen and retaining the carbon within itself. This reduces carbon levels in the atmosphere, which is a good thing for everybody. Trees are pivotal to life itself, and without them we wouldn’t have any fresh air to let in through our louvres. The best bit? They’re self-renewable!
Timber doesn’t stop helping Breezway there either. Altair Louvres within a timber frame offer the best energy performance Breezway has on a single glazed louvre. This performance is comparable to many double glazed aluminium systems on the market, and in some cases even better.
But what’s it like to actually work with? Well we as humans have been using it in construction, and even for the tools we use to do so, for as long as we’ve been scratching our heads. So we’ve pretty well got it down to a fine art by this point.
Timber is versatile and can be easily cut and shaped for desired effect, allowing for simple to craft and elegant designs that would not usually be afforded by extruded elements.
The only thing that might go against the grain for some, is that like all nice things, timber will require a bit more TLC than its industrial counterparts. Any element of timber construction should be periodically checked for gaps or cracks that might affect long-term sealing. These gaps should be cleaned out and sealed when they present themselves.
Timber should also be re-finished before the existing finish peeled and left raw timber exposed. At this time, the timber should be sanded back, and protective coatings reapplied. For external applications, Breezway recommend lighter finishes that will not absorb too much heat from the sun.
On the 2018 series of The Block on Channel 9 it was shown how Altair Louvre Components can be effectively integrated into a timber frame. Even that of another window type!
To find out more, visit Breezway or see the showroom at Home Base on Upper Level 1.
