Quality insulation and effective strategies to conserve energy are the prime determinants of enhancing durability.

Selecting doors and windows can be challenging, especially in the midst of different designs, types and functions. Here is a guide to make selection of doors and windows easier.

Complementing energy-efficient construction

Quality insulation
Amongst all the fenestration products, the uPVC frame material is the one with the lowest U-value. It means lowest heat loss or heat transfer from the air-condition area towards outside. Further, due to the perfect gasket sealing which are used in car doors and refrigerators, uPVC windows are having the lowest air leakages, which surely saves ones cooling cost. Mario Schmidt, Managing Director, Lingel Windows and Doors Technologies Pvt Ltd, says, “uPVC is the go-to material owing to its ability to prevent energy loss while providing unparalleled comfort. uPVC windows are ideal for hot weather. Our doors are designed to conserve energy and provide protection against air and water infiltration.”

An added benefit of the uPVC products is that the windows are fireproof, waterproof, boasts of low maintenance and have great aesthetics. The windows and doors are designed to minimise the heat loss by combining a range of aesthetic factors and high-quality materials.

Energy-efficient strategies
By taking advantage of local climate and site conditions, the company’s designers incorporate passive solar heating and cooling and energy-efficient landscaping strategies in the product. According to Manish Bansal, Director and CEO, Window Magic India, “uPVC as a product itself is an energy efficient product with thermal insulation properties. It doesn’t transfer temperature from inside to outside, or outside to inside. uPVC is a natural insulator, sealing cooled air inside your building structure.”

Contributing to energy saving
Amir Hashmi, National Head – Marketing & Sales, Profine India Window Technology Pvt Ltd says, “The extrusion process of Koemmerling uPVC window and door profiles is relatively energy efficient compared with other materials. No matter in which climate the windows and doors are installed, they contribute to a comfortable atmosphere in your home.” The uPVC window and door systems are designed with three to eight chambers giving better U-Values finally leading to conservation of energy that provides efficient thermal insulation.

Low thermal conductivity
CORA windows are ecologically friendly because they prevent the heat and energy loss that occurs with standard, traditional and window frames. Sundip Kumar, Director, SCL Group says, “Our doors and windows can save up to 30 per cent on energy cost. Since the thermal conductivity is very low, you could expect best results of air-conditioning as the air loss is minimised in CORA uPVC windows.”

Uniqueness
Highly-efficient performance ratings
Bansal from Window Magic India says, “We use galvanised steel that superlatively enhances the safety and security of our products. Our technical support and services have given us the good opportunity to take giant strides forward.”

Thermal insulation and thermal resistant
CORA Windows are pioneers in the manufacturing of premium grade uPVC windows. CORA Windows offers distinct characteristics and advantages over other fenestration materials. And one of the features is enhanced security. Sundip from SCL Group says, “CORA Windows exhibits high thermal insulation and are thermal resistant. The extreme longevity of our product prevents it from rot and hard-wearing. The actual frames are strong enough that would be virtually impossible to break in. It is resistant to corrosion caused by salt-laden air making them ideal for coastal properties.”

Fenestration products: under one roof
Schmidt from Lingel informs, “In terms of products we are the only one company providing all fenestration products under one roof which includes Lingel uPVC windows, which is our flagship product, aluminum windows 6.0 German engineering made in India, aluminum thermal broken made in Germany, hardwood timber windows made in Germany, additionally fabrication and installation done by our own team.”

Host of benefits from Koemmerling
Koemmerling has played a pioneering role in developing innovative and high quality uPVC window systems around the globe. It is essential to understand the composition of uPVC profiles that makes it durable. Hashmi from Profine India says, “Koemmerling has exclusively developed unique formulation with high performance compound ‘KOMALIT Z’. This compound with high UV properties performs to worldwide standards for colour retention, strength, durability and heat stability.”

The uPVC window and door systems of the company have been independently tested for performance and quality throughout the world to ensure the legacy they have created. They meet and often surpass the requirements of relevant standards for uPVC windows worldwide. Koemmerling window and door systems offer a host of benefits like efficient thermal insulation, high sound insulation, and maximum water tightness. The systems are also termite resistant and 100 per cent lead free which makes the product environment friendly and sustainable.

Enhancing durability

Following measures are given by Hashmi to enhance durability of uPVC doors and windows.

• Selection of a good brand
There are many uPVC profile brands available in the market claiming to be of high quality; therefore, it is consumers’ duty to check their claim through valid certificates they have for the quality tests done on their profiles and past projects.
• Fabrication with quality hardware
Fabrication is very important stage as it ensures the strength and effectiveness of the product. Authorised fabricators having right machine, use of quality hardware and skilled workforce, ensure the quality and durability.
• Installation
Installation by skilled manpower with professional tools and proper sealing ensure the look, performance and durability.

Choosing right uPVC for durability
uPVC window and door frames are a unique construction alternative that offer proven durability and performance. uPVC material is much stronger than traditional wooden doors and windows partly due to the manner in which they are constructed. This makes them long-lasting and resilient. Bansal suggest, “uPVC is an exceedingly durable material and ensures your doors and windows will stand the tests of time and never lose their shape. All we need to do is to choose the right uPVC which is appropriate and durable for your requirement.”

uPVC is a great material for those looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance frame. To enhance the durability of doors and windows Schmidt outlines the following steps.

• Lubrication
It is highly advised to lubricate all moving parts like hinges and metals components at least twice a year. Moderate amount of light silicone lubricant can be used for stainless steel hinges and petroleum jelly for metal components.
• Use prescribed accessories
Only use accessories provided with uPVC doors and windows and never use anything from outside. Never use wooden screws for fitting any accessories of uPVC doors and windows. If one is not able to fix them, better to call a technician for getting it fixed.
• Gasket maintenance
Over time the rubber seals on windows and doors compress. In order to maintain flexibility in gaskets, it is advised to powder the seals with talc at least once in a year.

Our doors are designed to conserve energy and provide protection against air and water infiltration.
Mario Schmidt, Managing Director, Lingel Windows and Doors Technologies Pvt Ltd

All our products follow similar manufacturing process and are compliant with the latest standards of quality.
Manish Bansal, Director and CEO, Window Magic India

The extrusion process of Koemmerling uPVC window and door profiles is relatively energy efficient compared with other materials.
Amir Hashmi, National Head – Marketing & Sales, Profine India Window Technology Pvt Ltd

CORA Windows exhibit high thermal insulation and are thermal resistant.
Sundip Kumar, Director, SCL Group