Indoor / Outdoor Living: Bi-fold Doors

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Alfresco living is much in demand for entertaining. The trend towards building homes with an abundance of natural light and a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces is growing. Open up your house with either sliding doors, French doors or bi-fold doors. What are the advantages of each and which one should you chose? Let’s look at bi-fold doors Imagine an opening of up to 10 meters wide or up to 2.8 meters high, removing the barrier between indoors and outdoors to create one large entertainment area where friends can mingle with a glass of wine and nibbles, have

Window Coverings for Tilt & Turn Windows and Doors

Monday, January 15, 2018

We often get asked what to do with curtains or blinds when we make tilt and turn windows for our clients. Here are some possible answers including the latest in window furnishings. With a double or triple glazed Paarhammer window you should only need curtains or blinds for privacy and decoration, not for insulation to keep the cold or heat out. Having said that, it is always important to shade your windows from the summer sun with the best results achieved by external shading, especially on the western side of your home. Curtains for tilt & turn windows How far

Keep flies outside

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

In joking, the Australian salute or greeting is a wave of a hand in front of ones face. Why? Flies of course! They serve an important role in our eco system but are annoying and we generally don’t want them in the house. As Paarhammer windows open to the inside, we often get asked “what about a flyscreen?” The answer is easy - the flyscreen is fitted to the outside of the window or door. Depending on the product range, Paarhammer removable flyscreens are either made with a timber frame in the same colour as the outside of the window

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

Client Experience - Watch Video Clip

Wednesday, October 04, 2017

The journey with Paarhammer often begins with a show room visit for a meet and greet to see the products first hand, operate the German hardware, and take a tour of the factory to see production in action. With a variety of ranges, timbers, finishes and glass to choose from, a visit in person to our factory or a visit to our stand at the latest home expo can help with the final selection. Discussing the scope of work over a coffee is a great way to get to know our clients window needs, understand the objectives of their individual

Energy Efficient Video Series

Monday, September 11, 2017

  Video 1: High Level Energy Efficiency This video provides information on what is driving the requirement for energy efficiency, including the 2015 Paris Agreement; general energy policy; aims for future energy targets and compliance with the National Construction Code and state and territory specific regulations. Video 2: The science of energy and energy efficiency The science of energy and energy efficiency is investigates here and it includes information on the factors that affect energy requirements including in depth information on the physics behind window performance U-Values (comparison to R-values); Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient; low-E coatings; double glazing and triple

Architectural Window Hardware

Saturday, August 19, 2017

No longer just a hinge and a lock The quality of window and door products is enhanced by hardware which seals against the elements, is easy to operate, while at the same time discouraging burglars. The tilt & turn hardware fittings feature the flexibility of two opening positions. The sash will swing inward - casement style - when opened in the turn position. Alternatively, hinges at the bottom and a tilting arm at the top allow it to open inward at the top like a hopper window (tilt). Both actions are activated by the turn of the handle, a smooth

Home Security

Tuesday, August 08, 2017

Security is very important, especially in your own home. Paarhammer entrance doors feature concealed multi-point locks with pin-bolts and hook-bolts, and our energy efficient windows offer optimal security by using multi-point metal-to-metal locking. Household burglary is one of the most widespread crimes in Australia. In some areas statistics mention a burglary rate as high as 1 in 11 households, while in other areas it is 1 in 27 or 35. The tendency is rising in most areas. Crime statistics agency data shows that home invasions are up by 40%, with the majority of burglaries taking place when no one is

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

New low-maintenance Entrance Doors

Friday, May 26, 2017

The entrance door reflects the individuality of a home – and its owners - like nothing else. As the actively used interface between public and private spaces, it has a high architectural value but also has to satisfy function. The new doors from Paarhammer combine both and are low maintenance to boot. The new aluminium door range is available in different designs and colours with or without glass inserts. All doors are highly energy efficient with U-value starting from a low 1.4. The Pu-foam filled panels have a thickness of 46mm, and feature double or triple glazing if used. Side

Paarhammer Manufacturer of the Year – Small Business

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Paarhammer is Victoria’s ‘Manufacturer of the Year – Small Business’ 2017. We are absolutely thrilled and very honoured! A long manufacturing history, staff training and education, innovation and latest technology together with several ‘firsts’ and sustainable features of the factory, as well as community involvement, were mentioned by the Victoria State Government in regard to our award. The Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards, established in 2001, recognise individuals and companies who embrace new technologies and manufacturing techniques, are export (or import replacement) focused and excel in business innovation. Established by Tony and Edith Paarhammer in 1990, a family owned and

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