Often, when people are building their villas or undertaking interior work on new flats, they will devote the utmost attention to all aspects related to everything indoors. But when it comes to doors and windows, they may only spend a short while in deciding the fenestration solutions. Yet, the right doors and windows can completely transform and enhance the interiors of any premises and require equal attention. Particularly when there are hundreds of options in fenestration solutions. Therefore, choose wisely because the right solutions could last for years. Be it builders or buyers, both must maintain a fine balance between beauty and resilience, keeping the long term in mind. Checklist of Choice One of the prime purposes of premium doors and windows is to ascertain that these allow ample natural light inside while being well ventilated. For example, unlike fixed ones, operable windows that can be opened and closed are ideal for better ventilation. Once these fundamental facts are grasped, it’s clear that any door or window won’t work. Given the kaleidoscopic choice of colours, materials, styles, shapes and sizes, plus technological advancements, one must consider varied aspects before opting for novel fenestration solutions. For this, you must know whether the architectural style of your home is modern or conventional, minimalist or maximalist. Accordingly, choose fenestration solutions complementing the architectural theme of your home. Thereafter, choose the material and frame options that will work best while taking into account the surroundings and local weather conditions. To begin with, the frame and glass of modern windows can be drastically different from traditional wooden and grill models. Today, aluminium doors and windows work wonders in transforming homes. As one of the latest entrants in building fixtures, aluminium frames offer aesthetic appeal and excellent properties. These include sleek & elegant finish, large aperture size, smooth operation, high energy efficiency, triple sealing and double insulation, which reduce electricity bills. The great sound insulation of aluminium windows shields your home from external noise pollution. Aluminium frames are mechanical joints not fusion welded FYI Coming to the style, select a design that complements your home architecture. Measurements must be taken beforehand to choose the appropriate design. With aluminium, one can select from sliding windows, bay windows, casement windows and more, which easily amalgamate with the home décor. Home security is another indispensable aspect. Although aluminium frames have excellent strength and durability, nevertheless, ensure the frames meet mandated industry standards. Other security features to look for are multiple lock points, toughened glass, grills on the frame or the sill, all of which contribute to augmenting home security. Note that quality aluminium windows need low maintenance. Do ensure, however, that these doors and windows are resistant to termites and corrosion while providing excellent insulation against heat, dust, wind and noise pollution. Aluminium fixtures with these properties are also long-lasting. Apart from aluminium, uPVC doors and windows are the latest trends offering myriad options. With uPVC products, strength and energy efficiency are one of the main determinants. Strength is mainly provided via a multi-chambered uPVC profile, which is reinforced with galvanized steel. Sturdy uPVC profiles are highly durable and remain resistant to flaking and cracking. In the case of energy efficiency, uPVC windows enhance this element in homes since these, along with a good seal, are a low conductor of heat. For plugging gaps around uPVC windows and masonry walls, weather-proof silicone sealants are best, preventing heat gain or loss by creating an effective barrier. Temperature control in extremely hot or cold climes is essential because energy-efficient fenestration solutions curb power bills. Energy costs can also be cut by installing double-pane insulated glass, airtight frames, heat-resistant coatings and suchlike. Always choose UV resistant materials that won’t warp or fade over time due to extreme temperature variations. Additionally, the orientation of the rising and setting sun should be considered while selecting appropriate doors and windows so your home is not subjected to unnatural heating or cooling. Best Solutions For all homes, make it mandatory to note altitude, climate and weather conditions in choosing the right fenestration products. For places subject to heavy tropical monsoons, windows and doors must be capable of withstanding heavy rains and high wind speeds. Here, hurricane bars and rain tracks are additional but necessary components. Along with sealants, window gaskets are useful in sealing openings and gaps in windows. They prevent water from penetrating during rains or dust in extreme weather conditions. Window gaskets should have UV and ozone-resistant material and a minimum thickness of 3mm. The other qualities in uPVC fenestration solutions are sound insulation, security, glass thickness and colour stability. In noisy areas close to streets, sound insulation is necessary to prevent noise pollution. Double or triple-glazed uPVC windows ensure good sound insulation together with silicone sealants and EPDM rubber gaskets for effective sealing. For security, uPVC windows need to incorporate high-quality hardware coupled with a concealed locking mechanism. Furthermore, 304-grade stainless steel should be used for hardware such as hinges, handles and friction stays since these don’t rust or corrode easily. Depending on your home’s security needs, a single-point or multi-point lock should be installed in the windows. A double-glazed laminated glass window can ensure good security. For glass thickness, uPVC windows can have single, double or triple glazing while the glass varieties vary from normal float glass to toughened and laminated glass. Finally, the after sales service and warranty are vital. Renowned uPVC window manufacturers will offer a minimum 10 years’ warranty for uPVC profiles and a one-year warranty on the hardware. Besides, after sales services must be prompt. If all the above boxes have been ticked, rest assured you have found the right fenestration solution. About the author: Saket Jain is Business Head at Fenesta Building Systems.