European windows and doors have become very popular amongst residential and commercial builders in North America as well. There are many good reasons behind this but it can sometimes be difficult for anyone who is not familiar with exactly what sets them apart from their North American equivalents. However, if you take your time and understand the differences between the two you will soon be able to make up your mind about which type of door or window is right for you. So, let’s take a look at the main differences between the two.
First of all the biggest difference between the two is the material the windows or doors are made from. In Europe, where tradition and habit are revered, wooden windows and doors tend to be very popular, especially in rural areas. As a result, a wooden door or window can cost a lot more than a comparable vinyl or aluminium one, which is often much cheaper due to the lower manufacturing costs involved in the building of wooden items. It also adds a certain sense of style and substance to a property, something that you might not get if you choose a cold and uninspiring plastic alternative.
Another big difference between the two is the construction of the glass paneling. In most cases, they are manufactured using the same materials – lead-free polycarbonate and double walled vinyl – but the construction is different. In the case of European windows and doors, the glass is usually placed in a mould before it is extruded; this means that it will be a lot lighter and less brittle than its North American equivalent. This is an important factor when considering purchasing these types of products because breakages can be relatively common. As long as you are careful and follow manufacturers recommended care though, you should find that the savings you make on energy bills are well worth it.
As well as the fact that they are constructed with more lightweight materials, the construction of European windows and doors also means that they have low levels of internal dampening. Dampening is very important for energy efficiency in any home, because it reduces the amount of radiant heat which can be radiated out of a property. In effect, it lowers the ‘effective’ heat capacity of a property.
As well as this low level of dampening, another of the main advantages associated with buying high quality European style windows and doors is the advantage they offer for security. With these types of doors and windows, you are less likely to have to worry about someone entering your property illegally; they are much less likely to be able to bypass the security locking that is in place with traditional types of doors. A high quality security door/window is also likely to have excellent insulation. In fact, some leading brands of European windows and doors now include double action tilt and turn locks. Double action tilt and turn locks can ensure that even if a criminal is able to bypass the locking mechanism on the door, they will find it very difficult to turn it.
Of course, there are many other advantages to choosing genuine European windows and doors. These advantages include the fact that they can provide greater security. They can also provide greater flexibility when it comes to allowing natural light into a property. The advantages mentioned above are particularly relevant to tenants of offices and shops who require natural light during certain times of the day. In addition, they are great for helping to maintain an ideal temperature inside a property, because they will help to keep the interior warm, whereas standard type of doors can often make it feel cold.
One of the most common types of materials used in manufacturing European style windows and doors is glass. Glass is one of the best insulated materials, meaning that it provides the best possible temperature control within a building. Many people prefer to install European style windows and doors, because they have a contemporary look that blends well with a vast array of existing building materials. Because of this fact, many replacement windows and doors being sold online are made from genuine glass. In addition, you will often find that the glass has been treated with a special anti-scratch coating to ensure that it is as long-lasting as possible.
When it comes to double glazing, these can provide greater energy efficiency. Because they consist of two panes of glass, the heat that is allowed to circulate between the panes is increased, resulting in an increased level of warmth within a property. Double glazing is also effective at preventing noise from entering a room. Because of this, many businesses choose to install these windows and doors.
