woman coloring an aluminum window with paint brush

Colouring Aluminium Windows and Doors

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Colouring Aluminium Windows and Doors

Colouring Aluminium Windows and Doors

You might be looking to invest in new doors and windows for your home, but perhaps you’re unsure of which material to go with. Aluminium, as you have probably already gleaned, is an incredibly durable and versatile material that can withstand even the toughest Gold Coast weather. It is low maintenance and easy to manipulate into a range of designs. Did you also know that you can get aluminium doors and windows in a variety of colours through the process of powder coating?

What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is very similar to painting in that it allows you to choose your colour for a clean, bright finish. The process involves preparing the aluminium surface, applying the paint electronically, and then placing it in the oven to bake and finish. Like porcelain, you will find a hard, durable finish that is applied evenly and even offers an extra layer of protection against the elements.

Other Colouring Options

Another means of colouring aluminium that is a bit less popular is called aluminium anodising. This involves an electrochemical process whereby the coating is actually added to the material. The end result is a thicker layer over the metal, a more durable surface and corrosion-resistant aluminium.

You’ve Got The Colour, Now What About the Style?

One of the best things about using aluminium to frame your windows and doors is its incredible versatility in style. You can completely change the look and feel of many rooms in your house through the strategic use of windows and doors. Aluminium windows and doors come in a range of shapes and styles that can be cut to your exact specifications. Combine that ability with whatever colour you choose and you have a match made in heaven!

Try going white for a clean, modern look with floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors that will give you incredible unobstructed access in and out of the house when opened fully. Or add a touch of sophistication with large sliding doors, outlined in sleek black aluminium. Give your home traditional and controlled light and airflow with soft off-white awning windows.

Don’t underestimate the power and appeal of a splash of colour. A bit of bright blue or turquoise along your sliding window frames will really draw the eye to the shape of the window and what lies beyond. If you are thinking of playing around with an interesting fixed light window, try outlining it with a dark blue or black to make the look seem even more dramatic.

With aluminium windows and doors, the options are endless. If you have a vision, you can rest assured that you can see it through by using this versatile material to your liking.

With powder coating, there is no end to the custom options you can design so that your aluminium windows and doors match your home’s décor. Contact an expert at Southern Cross Windows on the Gold Coast to learn more.

Girl cleaning aluminium windows with cloth

How to Maintain your Aluminium Doors and Windows

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aluminium window maintenenace

There are a wide range of benefits that come with investing in aluminium doors and windows. For example, no other material can beat the incredible durability in the face of even the harshest Gold Coast weather conditions. In addition, they are versatile, energy efficient and can be made to fit many sizes and designs. They are also powder-coated to many different colours. Overall, aluminium doors and windows are rather low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you should forgo taking care of them at all.

The Importance of Maintenance

The fact of the matter is that while aluminium is a great material to use, it can corrode. Once the corrosion process starts, it spirals and can be hard to stop. Gold Coast residents are especially at risk if they do not take the time to properly care for their aluminium doors and windows, sills, tracks and frames. The closer you get to the salty ocean air, the more apparent corrosion can be.

You should also not forget about things like locks, latches, drop bolts and rollers. Your aluminium hinges can become very stiff over time, making them more and more difficult to open.

Check out our tips below on maintenance.

Clean the Glass

The first thing you should do is to make sure the glass parts of the doors are clean and free from dirt or debris. The most effective way to clean this glass is just with a bit of detergent and clean water. Anything too harsh may scratch the surface.

Unclog the Tracks

It is important to make sure that roller tracks, drain holes, and other elements are all cleaned and unclogged of debris. If these areas are clogged, they are even more likely to experience corrosion. Try using a vacuum to suck up any hard debris or set-in dirt. You should only use mild, soapy water with a soft sponge or cloth. Don’t use anything sharp to get debris out of the tracks as it can damage them as well as the powder coating.

Wash the Frame

The frame should be washed the same way as the tracks, with a soft cloth or sponge and minimal detergent use. Do not use any harsh soap. When you rinse the soap off, do so lightly but make sure you get all of the soap off. When you are done, make sure to dry everything with a clean, dry cloth to prevent further corrosion or damage from the dried water.

Lubricate Hardware Components

Use a straw applicator to lubricate anything like locks, handles and roller assemblies, with a wet silicone spray. It is also a good idea to apply lubrication to joints and hinges to keep them moving smoothly.

How Often Should I Maintain?

If you live within 8 km from the coast, you should clean and inspect your aluminium doors and windows monthly. You should have a professional inspect and maintain your windows about once a year for optimum results and extended life.

You’ll know it’s time to replace your windows or doors if they have corroded beyond repair.

For more expert advice on maintaining your aluminium doors and windows, don’t hesitate to contact Southern Cross Windows on the Gold Coast.

Large Patio area with comfortable seating

How To Make Your Patio a Feature of The House

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patio doors

Making the most out of your outdoor living situation is truly something everyone should invest in, especially if you’re a Gold Coast resident. If you live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, you should take the time to invest in a means of enjoying it every day.

There are many ways to make your patio a key feature of your home. Many homeowners will choose to update their patio with decorative stones or inviting seating arrangements. Perhaps they’ll throw in a barbeque area and a proper dining room table, or put up a pergola laced with vines or flowers. Maybe they’ll get creative with lighting.

One way that not many people consider is to get clever with the use of aluminium doors. Below we’ll go over bi-fold doors and stacker doors, and how you can use them both to improve your patio life.

Bi-Fold Doors

Bi-fold doors consist of a few aluminium-framed panels that are hinged together. When they open, they are stacked against each other and then neatly arranged to one side or both sides of the doorway.

These doors are the perfect option to enhance your patio. First off, they are aesthetically pleasing, giving your home a classic look with the modern finish that comes with using aluminium. Secondly, they are also incredibly durable and able to stand up to the harshest Gold Coast weather while still maintaining their clean beauty and charm.

When it comes to patio living, you want to be able to move freely into and out of the house to bring out food and drinks as you please. Bi-fold doors allow this and more because they provide unobstructed access in and out when they are opened.

Stacker Doors

Stacker doors are similar to sliding glass doors, in that they do slide. Only they involve two or more connected panels that slide behind one fixed panel. As they open, they interlock and then slide together.

Like bi-folds, stacker doors give you an easy and efficient way to connect your house to your patio. These doors are a bit easier to install, and they can be made to your exact specifications because they are made of aluminium. They are perfect not only for when you want to connect the inside of your house to the patio, but also as a connection to a patio cover, giving you a link from the patio to the outside.

Their incredibly smooth track system makes using them a breeze, so they’re perfect for a high traffic area like your beautiful patio.

For more advice about style, décor, supply or installation of aluminium windows and doors, get in touch with one of our experts at Southern Cross Windows today.

Angular view of timber balcony opening into living space

Choosing bi-fold doors and windows for your balcony

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patio doors

Aluminium Windows and Doors for Gold Coast Balconies

Whether your apartment or multi story house has a balcony, veranda, patio or terrace, you can easily enhance your stunning Gold Coast views without the need for a full renovation. Increase the amount of light entering your home and easily move between your indoor and outdoor space by installing bi-fold glass doors and windows. But what style should you choose to enhance your space, and should you choose windows, doors or both? It all depends on whether you have a large or small space to work with, so here’s our top tips for Gold Coast balconies.

Doors For Balconies

Bi-fold doors

Best for larger balconies, patios and verandas, bi-fold doors easily fold back into a discreet stack, leaving an opening that is unobstructed by frames. This means a bi-fold door can provide excellent ventilation and the flexibility to turn your entire balcony into a doorway to the outdoors with just a simple push. The main consideration here is to ensure that the doors are configured and installed in such a way that they fold away safely and efficiently within your space.

Sliding doors

Sliding doors are one of the most popular design options for a large or small balcony, as they can be easily adjusted to suit your specific individual access or entertaining requirements. Unlike bi-fold doors, sliding doors won’t swing open and impede on your precious outdoor space. Sliding doors have the flexibility to be configured in such a way as to create a doorway for the entire opening of the balcony on their own, letting you create an expansive indoor/outdoor entertainment area by simply sliding the doors across.

Windows For Balconies

Sliding windows

A space-efficient and convenient window style that’s great for both small and larger outdoor areas, sliding windows can be combined with a fixed panel of glass underneath to create the idea of a wall of glass. Sliding windows can also be installed with fly screens, providing the option of leaving the windows open for extra ventilation without letting all the bugs inside.

Louvre windows

Louvre windows are also a great option for larger balconies, offering the ultimate in uninterrupted views and ventilation. Suitable for small balconies, multiple sections of Louvre windows can be placed side-by-side and spanning from ceiling to floor, their tilt-adjustable blades allowing you to control the flow of air from the balcony throughout your living space.

Combining Doors and Windows

For stunning floor to ceiling glass in between your balcony and living space, combine your bi-fold doors or sliding doors with adjacent windows. This minimalist approach allows your view to take centre stage and make a living area feel bigger overall. When choosing doors and windows, ensure they sit flush with the wall when open, to avoid injuries and taking up unnecessary space you could otherwise utilise for outdoor furniture or plants.

Speak to an expert at Southern Cross Windows on 07 5610 5293 for more advice on maximising the potential of your balcony.

White bi fold windows over a sink in a modular kitchen

How to make your kitchen look bigger

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Having a small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all the fun of current design trends or entertaining. There are many ways to update your kitchen and get it ready for summer entertaining without having to extend. With our simple renovation and stylish tips, you can flawlessly fake a larger kitchen to create the illusion of space when you don’t have the luxury of adding that real extra footage.

Let There Be Light

The first tip to creating the illusion of a larger room is to flood the space with light. Whether your kitchen is painted in pale or darker shades, having light beaming in will help it to feel as large as possible. To allow it as much light as possible from the sun, keep window treatments or dressing minimal or non-existent. Painting cabinets the same colour as the walls can also help to erase visual boundaries and ensures that the kitchen does not look overcrowded. Paint them white for best results, as the combination of this single hue and the natural light will make the room feel even larger.

kitchen windows

Open Up with Bi-Fold Windows

Function and attractive, bi-fold windows provide the best of both worlds for your home. Bi-fold windows can create a moving glass walls that literally opens up your home to the outside world. Enjoy the benefits of fresh air, natural light and beautiful views with no barriers in sight. Bi-fold windows are easy to open, even easier to clean and provide superior security for the home.

Double Up with Bi-fold Doors

Instantly increase the space of your kitchen by using bi-fold doors along an exterior wall. As with bi-fold windows windows, these will combine the indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces to create an expansive kitchen space, rather than 2 individual spaces. Not only do bi-fold doors add an abundance of natural light to the space, they create a great social, spacious entertainment area for the host or chef to enjoy those summer barbecues and Christmas gatherings while preparing food in the kitchen.

Smarter Storage

In order to make your kitchen appear larger, you need to include plenty of vertical storage space. This will allow things to be removed from the counters and stored out of sight to prevent the kitchen appearing visually cluttered and small. Increase available shelf space, overall kitchen space and add depth by building cabinets or shelving into the wall between studs. You can even enhance the perception of depth by painting the carved space a deeper shade of the wall.

If carving into the wall isn’t an option, replace existing cabinets with taller versions that reach the ceiling. This will subtly draw the eye upwards and make the overall room appear more spacious. You can also incorporate open or glass shelving into furnishings, which further reduce visual weight and lend to the illusion of a more expansive kitchen.

Get In Touch

Need more ideas or advice on how to create a bigger kitchen without a full renovation? Contact us today.

Open bi-fold doors opening into large living room with dining area

How to create an indoor/outdoor living space/alfresco

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alfresco living

Australians love alfresco dining and with its idyllic climate, there’s no better place for it than in Queensland. Creating the perfect indoor/outdoor living and Entertainment space in the comfort of your own home can be easily achieved through some simple renovations. Sliding, stacker, hinged and bifold doors provide scope for design projects that create a seamless transition from your homes interior through to the outdoors, opening up your existing space to become the ultimate alfresco area for dining and relaxing all year round.

Here are our top tips on how to create a seamless indoor/outdoor living area, along with helpful design examples for great looking alfresco spaces that blend in with your existing indoor living rooms.

Pergolas

Pergolas create the feel of an outdoor room, blending all the fresh air and heat or cool breezes of the outdoors with stylish and comfortable furniture. Pergolas are an easy way to create an indoor/outdoor flow in your house, with its framework simply built as an extension to your home. Pergolas can either stand alone as a signature feature, or connect your indoor entertainment area with your outdoor space. Pergolas are popular for providing a shady spot for summer dining and have the potential to add great value to your home.

Bi-fold Doors

One of the most popular and striking methods of linking indoor and outdoor entertaining areas is to install bi-fold doors. These days, bi-fold doors are smooth and effortless operating systems that provide a stylish, reliable and functional statement for your home. Bi-fold doors with large windows frame the view of your outdoor surroundings and let in beautiful natural light when closed. They provide the flexibility to transform the flow of your entire house. Aluminium bi-fold doors can be specifically coated to integrate with timber decking outdoors or your home’s interior.

Stacker Doors

Similar to bi-fold doors, stacker doors are a great way to create an easy extension from your indoor kitchen or living space to an outdoor entertainment area. Stacker doors also provide maximum daylight with minimal vertical distraction. With stacker doors, you can either open just one portion of the glass door for day-to-day access, or all portions, to create a seamless flow from the inside, out.

Bi-fold Windows

Create a moving glass wall and open the interior of your home to the outdoors with aluminium bi-fold windows. Both functional and attractive, bi-fold windows provide unobstructed views of your surroundings, as well as natural light and ventilation. Their innovative design makes them a unique and ideal feature for use as a counter window from your kitchen to your outdoor entertaining and dining areas. Aluminium bi-fold windows can also be coated in a range of colours to perfectly suit the look of your home.

Expert Design Advice

Need help deciding on the right way to create an indoor/outdoor space in your home? Speak to an expert at Southern Cross Windows today for more design advice.

Doors

Bifold Door Design

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When selecting a Bi Fold Door you must consider how you want to design (configure) your doors to suit not only your home but the new opening and what you want to achieve (the smooth transition from the inside to your outdoor entertainment area) as an example. Aluminium Bifold doors can have an active door which is a door that is opened and closed easily without having to open two or three sections for access. This door can be positioned in the middle or at one end depending on how many doors you have but we can help guide you in this process and see what is best suited for your home. Your Bifold can also have an even number of panels folding away in the one corner.

With bifold doors you have many different configurations and here are just a few:

(1 ) Your doors can all open to the left, stacking to the end.

2. They can open to the right, stacking to the end.

3. The doors can even open from the middle, allowing half to open to the right and half to the left.

(4) Your doors can open in or out.

(5) The doors can be made in certain widths up to 1000mm wide which may vary to suit the look or use you would like to achieve.

Please see our gallery for just a couple of options you could have in your home…..

Bi Fold Door widths can impact on space when opening in and or out into your entertainment area. Some people reduce the size of each door panel to combat this. There are advantages and down sides to both options. If you reduce the panels to much you reduce the size of visible glass making it look too busy, but you generally can fit it into any space.

For more information or design tips on what works for your home, contact us here at Southern Cross Windows on the Gold Coast and we will happily organize a Free Measure and Quote take you through the many different options we have available.

open bi-fold windows

Selecting Windows and Doors for your Home Renovation

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3 Simple Solutions To Help You Decide on the right Window or Door for your Home!

It can be so frustrating and time consuming!

You know when you think you know what is right for your home renovation but then you see something spectacular and YOU JUST WANT IT!!

So what should you do when that happens?

You need to see what’s going to work for your home as windows and doors are a key part of a home’s character and atmosphere – they provide views, daylight, ventilation and a sense of spaciousness.

There are a range of factors to consider when choosing the right windows and doors…

1 – Function

Windows and doors by definition are expected to provide uninterrupted views and control airflow, whilst operating effortlessly. You need to ensure the window suits the area so for example you wouldn’t put a bifold in a toilet. But being on the Gold Coast and you love to entertain a bifold window would be great addition to your kitchen. A lot of homes now have the bifold window with no bottom sill if the kitchen bench top runs from the inside to the outside and you don’t want a break in the stone top (as seen below).

open bi-fold windows

Bi-fold Window Design

2 – Design

You may have your heart set on a certain product mainly because you see them on TV or at a prize home. Now this is fantastic but these homes have been built to have this design incorporated and the structure is designed to suit the free flowing bifold doors onto a deck etc. Now if you are doing a full renovation to your home to have this than fantastic and we can offer free advise and the best time to have your new bifold doors installed so there minimal disruption to your renovation.

Our Last tip….

bifold doors

3 – Affordable Quality and Value

Windows and doors are expected to perform at peak levels for an extended period of time. Selection based solely on cost may be regretted over time. Consider factors such as maintenance and resale value. Your aim should be to get the quality you want and the options you desire, at a price you can afford.

We use Stainless steel components and heavy duty rollers and hardware on all doors giving our customers peace of mind that our doors are here to stay.

We work with you on your selection so you don’t have an off the shelf product; it’s precision cut to be 100% accurate each and every time and we have specifically trained a bifold door specialist to ensure your product is correct to meet your requirements.

If you are still interested in a bifold door or window or any other glass window or door for your home renovation contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you

Open bi-fold doors opening into large living room with dining area

Bifold Doors for Home Extensions on the Gold Coast

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You live on the Gold Coast so you want to create the feeling of the inside to outside free flow. You may even want to extend your entertainment area but don’t want to be restricted in the capabilities and the free flow from your new deck from the alfresco are to the newly laid timber floor boards. Then our bifolds are exactly what you need to achieve this wonderful feeling.

Our Bifold doors have the ability to stack to one side, or multiple to both sides and can be top hung or bottom rolling depending on what suits your home and what you want to achieve.

Our bifold doors are strong and durable and built to last; we are based on the Gold Coast and know all to well the environmental factors you need to consider. We have done this for you and use only the highest componentry so it will outlast the competitors and be working for years to come.

Southern Cross Glass Windows and Doors allow you to combine your living areas with your entertaining areas on those warm summer days when we supply and install your new bifold door.

alfresco living