Category: Windows

Float Glass vs Tempered Glass: Which is the Better Choice?

One of the most significant and often utilised materials in both residential and commercial construction is glass. Its versatility and aesthetic appeal make it a go-to choice for different applications, from windows to interior design features. Whether replacing a window or choosing glass for a new design, you’ll probably come across these common options: float glass and tempered glass. However, how can you tell which one is best for you?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer here, and each type of glass has its strengths. Knowing these distinctions is essential to making a cost, durability, and safety-conscious decision.

In this post, we’ll examine the differences between tempered and float glass, assisting you in selecting the option that best suits your needs.

What is Float Glass and How Is It Made?

Float glass is a clear, distortion-free glass commonly used for windows and other applications. Its smooth surface and excellent clarity make it popular in architecture and design.

The process of manufacturing float glass is quite interesting. First, molten glass is poured from a furnace into a chamber that already contains molten tin. This method, known as the Pilkington Process, allows the glass to float on the surface of the tin, which helps it achieve a uniform thickness and a flawless finish. The conditions in the chamber are carefully controlled to ensure the highest quality.

As the molten glass spreads out, it can reach widths of 90 to 140 inches, with its thickness determined during manufacturing. The top surface, referred to as the air side, is polished with high heat, giving it a clear, shiny appearance. The bottom side, known as the tin side, remains unpolished.

Once the glass is shaped, it moves into an oven called a lehr, where it is slowly cooled in a process called annealing. This step is essential for relieving any internal stresses that may have developed during production. The cooling rate is monitored closely to ensure the float glass comes out as a smooth, continuous ribbon at room temperature.

After exiting the lehr, the glass is flat, with a polished top surface and smooth edges. Finally, automatic cutters trim it to the desired lengths, preparing it for various uses.

Pros and Cons of Float Glass

The following is a closer look at float glass’s pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your project.

Pros

High Clarity

Float glass is known for its outstanding transparency and light transmission, making it ideal for bright, airy spaces. Clear float glass allows natural light to pour in; hence, it is great for windows, skylights, and storefronts where clear visibility and aesthetics are crucial.

Smooth Surface

The manufacturing process of float glass creates a perfectly smooth and distortion-free surface. The uniform surface is essential for high-precision applications, like mirrors and display cases, where visual accuracy is important.

Versatility

Float glass can be easily cut, shaped, and transformed into various types, including tempered, laminated, frosted, and tinted glass.

Cost-Effective

The float glass production process is efficient, making it more affordable than traditional glass-making methods.

Durability

While float glass isn’t as robust as certain particularly treated varieties, like tempered glass, it’s still durable for daily use. It is resistant to typical environmental stresses including wind, minor impacts, and temperature variations.

Recyclability

Float glass can be recycled multiple times without losing its quality, contributing to waste reduction and sustainable building practices.

Cons

Safety Concerns

Unlike tempered glass, float glass isn’t designed to break safely. When it shatters, it can break into large, sharp pieces that can be dangerous to people and property.

Prone to Scratches

While its smooth surface is attractive, float glass is more susceptible to scratches. To clarify, even minor contact with abrasive materials can leave noticeable marks.

Brittleness

Due to its inherent brittleness, float glass is susceptible to cracking or breaking when subjected to extreme thermal stresses or sudden impacts. Without additional processing, like tempering or laminating, it may not be the best choice for high-stress environments, such as high-rise buildings or areas exposed to harsh weather.

Limited Thermal Resistance

Unlike tempered glass, float glass has a lower thermal resistance. This can make it less suitable for environments with extreme temperature changes, such as windows in hot climates or areas near heat sources.

What is Tempered Glass and How Is It Made?

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass specially treated to make it stronger and more durable than regular glass. This treatment enhances its strength and also changes how it breaks when impacted. Instead of shattering into sharp shards, tempered glass breaks into small, blunt pieces, which helps reduce the risk of injury.

This glass is designed to withstand everyday use, making it a reliable option for various applications in homes and businesses.

The manufacturing process begins with standard annealed glass. First, the glass is placed on a roller table and moved through a furnace where it is heated to temperatures between 620 °C (1,148 °F) and 564 °C (1,047 °F). This high heat makes the glass more pliable.

Once it reaches the desired temperature, the glass is quickly cooled using forced air. This quick cooling strengthens the glass by creating internal stresses that enhance its durability. While the outer surface hardens quickly, the inner part stays softer for a short time, helping to maintain the glass’s overall integrity.

There’s also a chemical toughening method. In this process, the tempered glass is immersed in a molten potassium nitrate bath, allowing larger potassium ions to replace smaller sodium ions on the surface. This ion exchange creates a compressive layer that enhances the glass’s toughness and enables it to take on more complex shapes.

Whether made through thermal or chemical methods, tempered glass prioritises safety and durability, making it an excellent choice for various uses.

Pros and Cons of Tempered Glass

Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of tempered glass to help you understand whether it’s the right choice for your needs.

Pros

Safety

One of the biggest perks of tempered glass is its safety feature. When this glass breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp shards, which greatly reduces the risk of injury. This makes it an excellent choice for places like shower doors, tabletops, and homes with children or pets.

Strength

Tempered glass door windows are up to four times stronger than regular glass. This impressive strength allows it to resist impacts, scratches, and thermal shock, which makes it suitable for high-traffic areas and surfaces that experience daily use.

Clarity

This glass never loses its outstanding transparency, guaranteeing unhindered vision. It works perfectly for tabletops, display cabinets, and windows, among other applications.

Heat Resistance

Tempered glass can withstand much higher temperatures than standard glass. This property makes it a great option for environments like bathrooms, where exposure to hot water is common.

Scratch Resistance

Its surface is less prone to scratches, which is very helpful for durable items like dining tables and automobile windscreens.

Versatility

Tempered glass is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of architectural applications. It comes in a variety of thicknesses, colours, and textures.

Easy to Clean

Tempered glass’s smooth, non-porous surface makes it easy to clean and maintain, as it doesn’t trap dirt or bacteria.

Cons

Modification Limitations

Once tempered, the glass cannot be cut, shaped, or drilled. Any modifications must be done prior to the tempering process, which may limit the flexibility of the design.

Prone to Chipping

Tempered glass door and windows can break easily at the edges when it falls. Even small accidents can damage the glass and alter its appearance, which could pose a safety risk.

Higher Cost

Tempered glass typically costs more than regular glass, and this is mainly due to the additional processing it undergoes during manufacturing. Although the production costs are higher, many people believe the benefits of tempered glass make it worth the investment.

Weight Considerations

Larger panels of tempered glass can be quite heavy, which requires strong support structures for installation.

Visibility Issues

Sometimes, tempered glass can exhibit slight distortions or optical imperfections, especially in larger sheets. These issues can affect visibility and may not meet the aesthetic standards you’re looking for in certain applications.

Conclusion

Deciding between float and tempered glass depends on what you need and how you plan to use it. Float glass is known for its crystal-clear transparency and flexibility, making it an excellent option for windows, mirrors, and furniture.

Conversely, tempered glass is all about robustness and safety. It’s ideal for busy areas, kitchens, and cars because of its resistance to impacts and capacity to withstand temperature changes. Even though it’s typically more expensive, the extra security it provides often justifies the cost.

In the end, everything revolves around what suits you the most. Whether you like tempered glass’s robustness or the stylish looks of float glass, each has unique advantages. Contact us for more information and inspiration about gates, windows, and doors in Singapore.

HDB Windows Myths: What Really Works and What Doesn’t

Singapore’s hot and humid climate surely makes a lot of flat owners desperate for a breeze. Of course, we all hope for a gust of cool air when we fling the HDB windows open. However, we often end up with more sticky and stagnant air. This case may sound familiar to many, and if your windows aren’t doing their job, it’s time to stop believing the myths.

Perhaps you’ve been wondering what window tricks work and which are just hot air. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place because we’ve got the real deal on HDB window ventilation do’s and don’ts. We’ve debunked the most popular ventilation myths and provided solutions that really make a difference. Here’s what the HDB window contractor experts have to say about airflow and ventilation:

Do We Need Proper Ventilation in HDB Flats?

Arguably, one of the most popular myths about ventilation in HDB flats is that it’s not essential. In fact, many people neglect or don’t see the reason to utilise other means of increasing the airflow. The reality is that proper ventilation in HDB flats is crucial to ensuring optimal health, comfort and energy efficiency.

Allow Airflow

Good airflow is homeowners’ dream, and its presence often translates into higher curb appeal. On the contrary, homes without proper ventilation build up stale, humid air – a breeding ground for mould, mildew and dust mites. These pollutants often trigger allergies and other respiratory problems. While opening the windows can let in fresh air, using various fans helps allow humidity to escape.

Regulate Temperature

Air conditioning is a common way for temperature control in Condos and HDB flats. However, many residents overlook the need for natural ventilation from open windows. Using fans can maximise the temperature efficiency by helping air circulate better, effectively heating or cooling the space.

Save Money

Of course, running an AC unit costs money and energy. Luckily, you can counter the effect by mastering natural ventilation and airflow. Making small changes like opening windows at night, using fans, and installing window treatments to block sunlight during the day can reduce your utility bills.

Top 3 Myths About HDB Windows and Ventilation Debunked

Beyond keeping windows open when the weather allows, ventilation in HDB flats often requires creative solutions. But first, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the common misconceptions about window ventilation in Singapore. Here’s what’s stopping your space from getting the fresh air you need:

Open Windows Provide Better Ventilation Than Exhaust Fans

Many believe open windows are always better than exhaust fans for ventilation in HDB flats. The truth is, while windows do help, they may not be enough on their own, especially for internal rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. Windows in HDB flats typically only open a few inches, limiting airflow. Exhaust fans, on the other hand, can effectively remove hot, humid air. In this case, it’s best to use both windows and fans.

You Need HDB Approval for Exhaust Fan Installation

Another myth is that you need HDB approval to install exhaust fans. This is only true if you mount the fans directly on window glass. Freestanding or wall-mounted fans don’t require approval and can work great for small spaces like bathrooms. Look for quiet, energy-efficient models to avoid disturbing neighbours.

You Don’t Need Ventilation in Bathrooms

Surprisingly, there are still people who think ventilation is an unnecessary feature for bathrooms and kitchens. Wrong. Proper ventilation is crucial for every space prone to moisture buildup. In this regard, professional HDB window contractors in Singapore offer exhaust fan installations to prevent mould and mildew. Run the fan for at least 20 minutes after showering or cooking to clear the air.

Expert Tips for Effective HDB Window Ventilation

Lubricate Moving Parts

The secret to good airflow often lies in ensuring your windows function properly. Typically, lubricating all sliding, pivoting, and hinged components ensures free movement and higher efficiency. In this case, your best friend is light oil like WD-40, which will make opening and closing your units a breeze. However, be sure to wipe away any excess oil and dirt to keep tracks clear.

Cross-Ventilate Whenever Possible

By far, cross-ventilation is the most effective way to let fresh air into your home without any costs. Simply open windows on opposite sides of your flat once a day to improve indoor air quality. The best time to do this is in the morning and evening when temperatures are comfortable.

Seek Approval for Exhaust Fans

For ventilation in rooms without windows, like bathrooms and kitchens, exhaust fans are essential. However, installing any fixture on HDB windows requires approval from the housing authority. Exhaust fans can only be installed at approved locations and by HDB’s appointed contractors. This ensures safety, proper installation, and compliance with building regulations. Plan well in advance if you wish to install exhaust fans.

Natural Air is Best

While we’ve already touched on the matter, you should rely on natural ventilation as much as possible. Instead of mechanical solutions like air purifiers, you should open your windows whenever you can. Best of all, natural ventilation does not consume energy, and you won’t have to replace filters. Your lungs and wallet will thank you!

HDB Window Types and Ventilation Capabilities

As expected, ventilation efficiency may highly vary depending on the type of HDB windows you have at home. Luckily, having basic knowledge may help you determine what window types suit your HDB flat best.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are hinged on one side and swing outwards for optimal airflow. These windows are great for small spaces since they don’t require extra space for sliding parts. While they do require regular maintenance to keep hinges in working order, their superior ventilation capabilities make them ideal for bedrooms or living rooms.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows move horizontally along tracks, allowing you to control how much of the window is open. They work well for ventilation since you can open them partially or fully. Because of their space efficiency and relative affordability, they are popular in HDB flats. Of course, they may not provide as much airflow as casement windows when fully open. Still, their flexibility in controlling the opening size is perfect for urban environments where noise pollution is a concern.

HDB Window Grill

It’s also important to consider how any grilles or insect screens on the windows may impact airflow and ventilation. Grilles with wider gaps typically allow for better circulation. On the other hand, installing removable or retractable screens is a convenience that will provide ease of use.

Final Thoughts

While some of these about HDB windows are obvious, some intricacies will spare you a ton of headaches. Of course, it may sound tempting to believe some of those old wives’ tales. However, the reality shows that proper home ventilation depends on more than just how you position your windows.

Consider an integrated approach that combines window placement, fans, air filters, and other strategies tailored to your home. And remember – don’t sweat the small stuff. Keeping your place reasonably ventilated is what matters most, not agonising over every tiny detail. Apply the core principles we covered to let fresh air flow freely. With a practical strategy based on fact, not fiction, you can breathe easy knowing your HDB home is well-ventilated.

Enhancing the security and look of your home starts with the right features. Our range of HDB window grills and wrought iron gates ensures both safety and style. For those looking to improve indoor aesthetics, consider our timber doors for a warm and inviting look. Don’t forget to consider additional security options like digital locks in Singapore to ensure your home is safe.

Comparing Window Frame Materials for Singapore’s HDB Units: Pros and Cons

Windows make up an important part of an HDB unit in Singapore and its design, style, and material of construction all play a significant role in providing the necessary functionality and aesthetics to the interior. Whichever HDB window frames you choose, it will determine the kind of function the window offers, its visual impact, as well as the kind of insulation the window offers. Since windows are structures that you do not change often, it is important to choose them wisely so that they are not only durable and functional, but also provide the right aesthetics to go along with your HDB home interior design.

This article discusses the different kinds of window frame materials available in Singapore for HDB units, shedding light on each material’s pros and cons. By having detailed information about how each material compares with the other, you will be able to make a better decision in choosing the right window frame for your HDB.

Importance of Window Frames in HDB Units

When it comes to discussing windows and window frames, we often think about them as a structure that can be opened and closed according to your requirement of whether you want any ventilation or not. However, an HDB’s windows and frame offer many more functions that must be kept in mind while selecting a window frame for your home.

Insulation

A window frame is largely responsible for providing insulation to the HDB unit. This insulation could be against extreme temperatures, winds, and sound. In case of the hot and humid weather of Singapore, when you turn on the AC in your home, you would want the cold to stay inside the room in an insulated environment. A good window frame allows for good insulation, allowing the room to stay cold when the window is shut.

Security

A window frame also offers a secure and protected barrier along with the window grilles for your home. A strong and resilient window frame will ensure that there could be no break-ins, giving you the peace of mind that you are safe and protected inside your home.

Aesthetics

Apart from the functional properties of security and insulation, a window frame plays a crucial role in enhancing the appearance of your home. The right kind of window frame will complement other elements of your home interior design to create an overall aesthetically appealing and attractive interior. Find current trending window designs in our blog.

Different Types of Window Frame Materials Available in Singapore

In Singapore, you will find that there are several different types of window frames available. The most commonly used materials for window frames in Singapore include:

Aluminum — one of the most common materials chosen for window frames, aluminum offers extreme strength and durability even though it is a lightweight material.
uPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) — Double glazed uPVC window frames are also another popular choice because of their low maintenance, affordable costs, and durable nature.
Wood — Wood window frames offer a timeless appearance to any space where they are installed and is a good choice for HDB homes where the interior design theme is classy and elegant.
Steel — One of the strongest forms of materials, steel window frames offer unmatched strength, making it a favorable choice for some homeowners.

Let’s go through the pros and cons of each of these materials in detail so you can have a good understanding of what each material offers and which one is best for your HDB window frames.

Pros and Cons of Aluminum Window Frames

As stated earlier, each material of construction for window frames has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum is considered one of the most popular choices of material for window frames. Let’s consider the advantages aluminum material offers for HDB window frames.

Aluminum is a highly durable material that can last for years. Window frames made from this material are resistant to rust and corrosion.
It is a highly strong material that is weather-resistant and can resist strong winds. Hence, its window frames are the ideal choice for high-wind areas.
Aluminum window frames require minimum maintenance, therefore, you do not need to worry too much about their maintenance frequently. They are prone to rusting and corrosion, so do not require much maintenance. All you need to do is to clean them with soapy water or a damp cloth after a few weeks and your windows will last for years.
Aluminum is a highly budget-friendly option for window frames especially when you consider its low maintenance costs over the years. The kind of durability and strength these window frames offer is the best value for money in the long run.
This material is available in a variety of colors and leaves many options for customization when selecting your window frames.
Aluminum is a fire-resistant material, therefore, its window frames are a safe choice for an HDB unit.
While choosing a material for your window frame, it is crucial to see how strong the frame is so it can uphold the entire window system. Aluminum is a highly strong and durable material that is ideal for window frames as it has the power to withhold the entire window elements in the right places.
This material offers great aesthetic value that is perfect for window frames. It can be powder-coated in any color and finish of your choice to match the overall design and aesthetics of your HDB flat. You can customize the window frame in many different ways because of its great versatility.
Aluminum is an energy-efficient material that offers great insulation through its thermal break technology when used in window frames. This prevents any heat transfer through the window resulting in better energy efficiency.
Aluminum is a recyclable material, thus making it an eco-friendly and sustainable material.

Apart from these advantages, there are a few disadvantages of aluminum that should also be considered before choosing the material for window frames.

The aluminum window systems that do not have the thermal break technology have a high U-value that allows heat to transfer through the material. This means that it is a good conductor of heat and does not create an energy efficient environment.
Aluminum is generally a good conductor of heat and the varying indoor and outdoor temperatures can cause the aluminum window frames to become condensed. This can become a problem especially in cold weather when the aluminum window frame can be too cold to touch.
Aluminum window frames that are not powder coated or painted have the tendency to corrode. Hence, the moisture in the air and other types of water sources can cause rusting in aluminum window frames.

For more pros and cons of aluminum window frames, check out this article.

Pros and Cons of uPVC Window Frames

uPVC window frames are another popular choice of homeowners in Singapore for their HDB units because of their many advantages.

uPVC is a strong and sturdy material that is bound to last for many years.
This material can withstand tough weather conditions because of the strong galvanized steel sections that make up the multi-chambered uPVC panels. This gives its window frames their extreme strength and durability.
uPVC window frames are very easy to clean and maintain. You just need water and soap to deep clean them, otherwise just normal dusting can keep the window frames clean.
This material is a poor conductor of heat which makes it quite energy efficient. It can help maintain the temperature of the room and keep the cold or heat inside according to your desired temperature setting. Thus, these window frames act as good thermal insulators for your HDB units.
uPVC window frames come at a relatively lower price as compared to wooden window frames.
uPVC is a highly resistant material that does not rot or warp over time. Hence, when you install these window frames, you can be rest assured that they will last a lifetime.

Although there are several advantages of uPVC window frames, there are a few disadvantages associated with them.

As compared to aluminum window frames, uPVC window frames are more expensive.
uPVC frames can give the appearance of wood frames but that appearance looks cheap and plastic-like. Therefore, such window frames may not be appropriate for a classy interior design theme.

Pros and Cons of Wooden Window Frames

Another material for window frames that is popular in Singapore for HDB homes is wood. Wooden window frames offer such class and elegance that is unmatched. The appearance that a real wood window creates has such a look and feel that it is bound to attract anyone and everyone. There are several advantages of choosing wooden window frames for your HDB units:

The aesthetic properties of real wood cannot be matched by any other material. If you have a classic or traditional interior design in your home, a real wood window can help enhance the ambience to great new levels. Wood is available in a number of different colors, textures, and grains. Moreover, it can be painted in a variety of colors to match the aesthetics and style of your interior.
Wood is a very poor conductor of heat and, therefore, offers great insulation. Wooden window frames provide a lot more insulation as compared to steel and aluminum window frames. Thus, they can help keep the house warm in winters and cool in summers. This helps conserve electricity bills and makes them energy efficient.
Wooden window frames also offer great insulation against sound and noise. So you can be assured that the outside noises will not disturb you inside your home if you have wooden window frames.
Wood window frames are easy to install and require basic carpentry skills for installation.
Wood is a renewable material, therefore, if you choose wood for your window frames, you can be assured that you are choosing an environment-friendly option and playing your part towards a sustainable future.
Wood, if maintained properly and regularly, can last a lifetime, making it a good choice for HDB window frames.

Although wooden window frames are hands down one of the most beautiful and attractive types of window frames that offer a number of advantages, there are a few drawbacks of wood as well.

Wood has the tendency to warp and look old if it is not treated, sealed, or painted regularly.
Wood is affected greatly by moisture and can twist or expand in a humid environment if it is not cared for. This poses a great challenge for homeowners in Singapore as the humid climate can affect the wooden window frames much more as compared to a dry climate area.
Wood can be infested by insects, most commonly by termites. Again, proper painting and sealing is essential to prevent any insect infestation on the wooden window frame.
Because pure wood offers a great number of aesthetic and functional properties, it costs much more than other types of materials. The regular and frequent maintenance of wood also adds to the overall cost of the frame over the years. This makes wooden window frames a costly option for HDBs.

Pros and Cons of Steel Window Frames

Lastly, we discuss another common window frame material which is steel or mild steel. Steel window frames offer a number of great advantages including:

Steel is a highly strong and durable material. If they are installed and maintained properly, they can last a lifetime. Its strength makes it a good choice for window frames in HDBs as it can offer an appropriate level of security and protection against break-ins.
This material has a much more insulation capacity as compared to aluminum. Thus, it can help in creating a thermally efficient environment in your HDB, conserving energy, and keeping your energy bills at a low level.
It cannot warp or crack due to weather changes or with time.
Steel window frames can offer different levels of fire resistance.
Steel is a relatively low maintenance material and requires very little taking care of over the years to last a lifetime.

Although there are many advantages, steel window frames have a number of limitations that you should know about so you can make your selection accordingly.

Steel window frames have a metal coating making them quite heavy and difficult to install.
Steel window frames can be quite expensive as compared to other types of window frame materials.

Steel is vulnerable to rusting and corrosion especially if you live in areas near salt water. Steel window frames in such areas would require much more maintenance and care to prevent them from corroding.

How to Choose the Right Window Frame Material

When you choose a new window frame for your HDB, it is just not an upgrade. Rather, it is an investment in the practicality, functionality, comfort, and energy efficiency of your home over the next many years. Therefore, it is very important that you make your decision wisely and take several factors into consideration before finalizing your decision of which material you want to choose.

Unique Needs and Preferences for Your Home

Every home is different and every homeowner is different. The first thing to consider while choosing a window frame material for your HDB in Singapore is to understand your home’s unique needs. The architectural style, climate, different rooms, and surrounding structures all should guide your choice. The distinct needs of your home need to be matched by your selection of the window frame so that you can achieve the desired look while still getting all the functionality.

Balance Between Practicality and Aesthetics

While choosing a window frame material for your home, make sure that it creates a balance between functionality and aesthetics. A window frame will not only help create a secure and protected environment for your home, it will also create a visual impact that can enhance or diminish the interior’s ambience. Therefore, keep both these requirements in consideration while choosing the material so that you can achieve a harmonious balance between looks and performance for your HDB unit.

Energy Efficiency

While choosing a window frame, among other requirements, you should also consider prioritizing energy efficiency. Window frames play a major role in regulating temperatures inside an HDB and therefore, directly affect the amount of energy consumption and subsequently the energy bills. By choosing energy-efficient materials, you can be assured that you will eventually save on the costs of energy over the next many years.

Budget Considerations and Costs

The budget that you have planned for the window frames upgradation and the corresponding costs of each material can drive your selection of frames. Each material has its upfront cost that must fall within your budget. However, always think of window frame upgradation as an investment that can affect you over several years. Therefore, choose a material that will eventually be cost-effective in the long run.

Maintenance Efforts and Costs

Another important factor to consider while choosing a particular window frame material is to check how frequently it needs to be maintained and taken care of and what that will cost you. Some materials may have a relatively low upfront cost but will require you to maintain them much more frequently. This will cost you in terms of time, effort, and money. The wise choice is to select a material that requires low maintenance like aluminum.

Choosing a window frame material for your HDB home in Singapore should not be considered a decision that you should make without having all the required knowledge about the pros and cons of each material. We have tried to go through all the major window frame materials available in Singapore, highlighting their features while still discussing their limitations. Having complete knowledge about these materials can ensure that you make the right, well-informed decision so you can benefit from them over the course of years to come.

Conclusion

Gate Door Window (GDW) is Singapore’s leading door supplier and one-stop solution for all your home needs. GDW specializes in providing custom-made, strong, and versatile aluminum window frames for HDBs in Singapore. They have supplied and installed a wide range of aluminum window frames in Singapore. You can view their portfolio on their website. For more information about window frames or other products like HDB gates, HDB interior doors, digital locks, and many others, contact GDW today.

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Trending Window Designs In Singapore (Updated 2024)

Windows are an important part of any house or building since they not only play a part in the exterior appearance but also the interiors. In terms of exterior appearance, the windows’ colour, design, architecture, and size all play a role in making the house appear beautiful and trendy. In terms of interiors, windows can help enhance the interior design of any room. They also serve as the most important factor when it comes to providing the house with proper sunlight and ventilation. Therefore, the windows of any room should not only be architecturally beautiful but also functional.

There are several aspects of creating a functional and beautiful window. Here, we will discuss some of the trending window designs of 2023 which will help enhance your home’s appearance and make it more comfortable and cosy. A trusted and reliable window supplier, SG Gate Door Window excels in customizing windows according to your preferences and requirements to provide you with the best possible results.

Black Window Frames

Black window frames are the newest trend these days as opposed to white frames from the last decade or so. Black colour creates a dramatic effect whenever it is used in interior design and this is what happens when it is chosen for the windows as well. Black or any other darker colour for the frames creates a bold and elegant statement making it look dramatic. They work well with neutral as well as warm shades of walls. If your interior design is Scandinavian, minimalist, modern, contemporary, or mid-century modern, black windows will create the perfect harmony in the interior.

FB_IG_26_September_2022(1)-min — Black Window Frames by SG Gate Door Window

Full-Length Windows

Another trending design these days is to incorporate full-length windows that run from the ceiling to the floor. They not only make the area look spacious but add a grand effect to the design. Through such huge windows, sunlight floods in to illuminate the room’s every corner making it appear brighter and cleaner.

You can choose to keep the HDB window grilles just like that of a door or add grilles and stiles. If you have a beautiful view overlooking the windows, then these types of windows are the way to go since you would be able to enjoy the beautiful view from those full-length windows.

Sidelights

Another trending window design is to add them as sidelights with a door, especially with a front door. A sidelight is a thin vertical window that is added next to a door to allow light to pass through and enhance the door’s appearance. You can keep the sidelight as a fixed feature or can even make its design in a way so it can be opened to allow fresh air to flow inside. Usually, the sidelight’s frames are the same as that of the door but you can play around with different colour and design options and choose the one which best stands out.

Contemporary Designs

Contemporary interior design features stark contrast in colours such as black and white or any dark shade with neutrals. It also features clean, strong lines that enhance the functionality of the interior. Combine all these elements in a window and you will get contemporary windows for your home! If your interior design is modern and contemporary, then this type of window is the best option. Add dark bold frames for the window and keep the walls neutral. Or you can add a dramatic effect to such a design by flipping over the colours: keep the walls dark and the window frames neutral or white. Make the frames strong to enhance their clean lines. Keep the exterior neutral in tones of grey or beige and they will work perfectly well with black or darker window frames.

windows and grilles16 — Contemporary Windows by SG Gate Door Window

Mix Different Finishes Of Windows

Another trending design of windows is to add depth and character to them by choosing different finishes for a single window. A single finish in a window makes it look dull and washed out. On the other hand, if you choose different finishes for the sash, stiles, and frames, it will add depth to the design and make it look much fresher and more beautiful. You can choose different stains and wood grains for these elements, or choose different colours for them. Mix and match different textures and colours to see what goes well with the walls and the rest of the room’s interior. Just by making these elements of the windows different, you would be able to create a unique and dramatic effect.

Custom Neon Colours in Design

Another trending design these days is to make them appear bold and beautiful by choosing neon and bright shades for them. Imagine a room where you want to create a funky and fun interior. You choose the right kind of bright furniture and fabrics that will make the room pop. However, instead of opting for a bright-coloured wall, keep the wall neutral or warm and make the window frame bright and bold. This will create the right amount of colour pop that you need while also clearly defining the boundaries of the window and making it stand out.

Why Is It Important To Take Care Of Your Windows

There are many different aspects of home maintenance and care, but we seldom consider one of the essential elements of the design that need our attention: the windows. Try to think about the last time you had your windows checked and maintained correctly. We guess that you may have difficulty remembering if you ever did it! But the truth is that windows need to be maintained and properly taken care of regularly to ensure that they cause no mishap or accident. Every year in Singapore, there are so many cases of fallen windows in high-rise buildings, with almost 43 cases in the first 11 months of the year 2021 alone.

The Building and Construction Authority in Singapore (BCA) urges all homeowners to take care of their buildings and maintain them to avoid such accidents and damages. The homeowner can also face a fine of up to $10,000 or a jail term if one of their windows falls. These factors encourage every homeowner to become socially responsible citizens and regularly maintain their windows. Here we will discuss the critical reasons and technicalities of keeping one’s HDB windows.

The Three C’s: Check, Clean, And Change

Just remember the three C’s for window cleaning and maintenance: check, clean, and change. You should clean your windows once every two months and check them for maintenance at least twice a year. During checking, if you feel there is some problem with the window, take immediate action to repair or change your window. If you think the window is working fine, cleaning them will make them suitable for the next six months. If the window needs to be changed, it is a good idea to hire a BCA-approved window contractor so they can carry out the replacement process keeping in view all the correct rules, regulations, and standards.

Types Of Windows

According to the news report on fallen windows, there were mainly three types of windows that resulted in those accidents. We will discuss the maintenance of all three of these types of windows below: