New lower U-values

Thursday, July 11, 2019

   The Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) enables windows to be rated and labelled for their energy impact on a whole house, in any climate of Australia. Paarhammer recently had some of their windows and doors re-tested with different glazing options and achieved excellent results. A Custom Rating on WERS provides an exact rating for a window product, based on its exact materials and specifications for frame, glazing and other components. Weather tightness is based on reported air infiltration data obtained according to the AS 2047 performance test. WERS is independent of any one manufacturer and acts as a fair,

Cyclone Proof Windows

Monday, April 08, 2019

Recently Paarhammer had their Wood-Alu composite window tested, and achieved the highest rating for windows with N6, C4 (general) and N5, C3 (corner) with the Ultimate Limit State Pressure Testing result at +5900 Pa and -5900 Pa. This test as per Australian Standard AS2047-2014 covers Structural Deflection, Air Infiltration, Water Penetration Resistance and Ultimate Strength, and was performed by a NATA-accredited testing facility in Melbourne. Under the National Construction Code (NCC), the Building Code of Australia (BCA) is a set of technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings throughout Australia. It allows for variations in climate, and geological

Bushfire Compliance

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Flame Zone (BAL-FZ) product testing requires successful completion of the AS1530.8.2-2007 test. This test has a 30 minute furnace cycle and a 60 minute cooling down cycle in which the product still has to keep its integrity. Part of the test is also a radiant heat requirement of a maximum of 15kW/m2 on the inside. Paarhammer BAL-FZ products showed a heat flux on the non-fire side of between 1kW/m2 and 2kW/m2 in the test, depending on the product. This is just 1/10th of the allowed radiant heat. To put this into perspective, naked skin can tolerate 5kW/m2 for approximately 10 seconds

Bi-fold Doors to open up your house

Wednesday, January 09, 2019

Bi-fold doors in a variety of configurations and up to 10 metre wide can open up your home for perfect summer entertaining. No bending down or stretching up to open or close shoot-bolts, all you do is turn a handle on every second door for easy operation. Watch this video to see how. For more information please see: Architectural Timber Range - Bi-fold Doors link

Compliance - the next Step

Wednesday, November 07, 2018

In response to non-compliant building products, the Queensland Government has taken the lead in creating new laws to cover the sale and use of building products, and creating a chain of responsibility. Bunnings Queensland reflects these changes in the updated information on the building products stocked. Compliance information and fitness for intended purpose for a building product must now be provided by each person in the supply chain, to the next person in the supply chain. This includes manufacturers, importers and suppliers who all have a responsibility to ensure that the building product in question is compliant and fit for

Energy Costs versus House Prices

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

You want to be comfortable in your home, right? To have a fairly even temperature is one of the things which make a house a healthy, comfortable place to live in. If your house is insulated the costs for heating and cooling are low, meanwhile, if your house is not insulated your costs for heating and cooling are high. Home-ownership is still the goal of many Australians. Many get into the housing market by buying a relatively ‘cheaply’ built house. But those are the ones who will be out of pocket for high energy costs the rest of their lives

Compare windows and makers

Friday, June 15, 2018

In days gone by the builder often chose the different components for your home, but that was then. Now, thanks to our greater understanding of the choices available many of us research all aspects of our proposed build or renovating project, from the latest building products to bathtubs and low flow shower heads. We google, we read blogs, we compare. And what about windows? Windows and doors are a major investment, so you want to get it right the first time. But this is not so easy. Windows and doors have many different components, just as a couch is made

Watch Videos of the Forever House

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Inspiration for the Forever House came from a 300 year old Moonah tree which takes centre-stage in the design by Bellemo & Cat Architects. The tree being so close to the building meant that this elevation needed to comply with bushfire attack level BAL-40. Easy to achieve with the tested and compliant Paarhammer ‘Bushfire Safe Range’ windows and doors, combined with Viridian PyroGuard 40 double glazing units. In addition to highly energy efficient windows and doors, the home has many sustainable features, including solar panels, a solar hydronic heat system, heat pumps for water, water tanks and fans. Featuring bluestone

Windows with Quality Assurance

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Windows and doors of a building carry many responsibilities and are used every day. They ensure inhabitants can get in and out of the building, and take in the view of a garden or the street, and allow light and fresh air to enter the rooms. But in the background they work hard as the link between inside and outside. Windows and doors must insulate from the heat or cold, reduce noise, provide security, and on top of that – also look good! These are many tasks all at the same time. Only those consumers who receive a quality product

New Building Regulations coming soon

Sunday, October 08, 2017

At the recent conference of the Australian Windows Association (AWA), new upcoming building regulations were announced. Policy changes to enable greenhouse gas reductions are being discussed with changes for commercial buildings possible as early as 2019 as per the Australian Building Codes Board 2017. Residential building requirement changes may be introduced in 2022. Other key points are to recognise NABERS Energy and Green Star as compliance options, and ensuring that residential buildings perform well year round. These will soon be reflected in the National Construction Code, and State and Territory specific regulations.  Buildings are responsible for 30% of greenhouse gas

Bushfire - Policy Changes NSW RFS

Thursday, June 29, 2017

The latest fact sheet by the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) details their policy changes in relation to Combustible Construction in Bush Fire-Prone Areas. Paarhammer fire resistant windows and doors, tested to and compliant with AS1530.8.1 and AS1530.8.2 respectively, are permitted to be used in BAL-FZ areas in NSW. The factsheet states that ‘for building elements subject to a radiant heat flux of greater than 29kW/m2, the use of exposed timber is generally not suitable without specific testing in accordance with suitable protocols.’ Paarhammer windows, doors, sliding doors and fixed glass units have been tested to BAL-40 in 2010

Tony Paarhammer voted onto AWA Board

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Tony Paarhammer, Managing Director of Paarhammer Windows & Doors, has recently been voted onto the Board of the Australian Windows Association (AWA). With his vast experience in the industry, Tony is looking forward to representing window makers on the AWA board in times of big changes and great challenges. Now comprising of more than 600 window manufacturers and industry suppliers throughout Australia, the AWA continues to drive product conformity and compliance, and advocate to both governments and regulators. The AWA keeps members up-to-date with the latest news in the industry, and provides advice and support. Further training in the industry