A Contractor performing a window replacement on the Gold Coast

Why Hire Professionals to Install Your Bi-Fold Doors

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hire a professional

Bi-fold door installation is precise work and it requires professional experience to get it right. The presence of moving parts and other specific requirements means that installation can be quite tricky.

While the DIY process can be rewarding, it doesn’t suit every task. You’ll be using your bi-fold doors every day and they will affect the overall look of your room, so it’s important to get the installation right.

Fortunately, most reputable door companies like Southern Cross Windows, include installation in the cost of your door. This means the process will be professional, easy, and affordable.

Here are just a few reasons why you should avoid DIY door installations.

Right Tools

Like with any installation process, bi-fold door installation requires an array of tools. If you’re attempting DIY bi-fold door installation, you’ll need to own all the required tools.

Not only are these tools expensive, but there’s a good chance that you won’t use any of them again. Instead of making an expensive, one-off investment, hire the professionals and get the job done for less.

The Frame

One of the most common problems with door installation is that the existing doorframe is not properly square. This usually results in poorly-fitted doors, which leads to inadequate installation and insufficient clearance. This causes scraping against the floor or tracks as your doors move, resulting in a harmful, noisy installation.

A professional installer is able to re-fit the doorframe or even trim the door. This will solve all these problems and save you a headache down the track.

Hinges

The door hinges of bi-fold doors need to be precisely positioned so the doors are parallel. If this is not done properly, the doors will not fold together. Moreover, if the hinges are not properly recessed, the doors won’t fit properly into the opening.

The Tracks

The upper track of your door must be parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the sides of the opening. This is another precise action that, if miscalculated, will result in the failure of the doors. In addition to this, hardware materials such as pivot plates need to be positioned on the upper track and floor brackets. These processes are not easily followed in a DIY manual.

Peace of Mind

With a reputable renovation specialist like Southern Cross Windows, you can count on professional craftsmanship every time. Southern Cross Windows not only sells and installs the products, we manufacture them too. When it comes to all things doors, we are well known for our personalised service and high-quality installations.

The intricacy involved in installing bi-fold doors means that using professional installers is really the only option. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the open-air provided by your new bi-fold doors. Get an obligation-free quote on the manufacturing, supply, and installation of your doors. Contact Southern Cross Windows today. We are your experts on the Gold Coast.

bifold windows vs stacker doors

Bi-Fold vs Stacker Doors

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bifold windows vs stacker doors

What Are Bi-Fold Doors?

Bi-fold doors function using a number of framed panels that are hinged together. They fold up against each other to offer simple movement between open and closed spaces while offering you easy access in and out.

What Are Stacker Doors?

Stacker doors are functional doors that operate using two panels that slide in behind a single fixed pane. As one panel slides past the next, they interlock and continue sliding towards the fixed pane. The panels effectively collect each other and then rest one upon the next, as if they were ‘stacked’.

Benefits of Bi-Fold Doors

Elegant Transformation

Bi-fold doors are the perfect solution for creating a free-flowing entertainment space. They also provide unobstructed views, letting light into your home and offering great exterior views. The unrestricted ventilation and natural light that comes with bi-fold doors mean that the stifling heat of a Gold Coast summer, or the stuffiness of winter, are easily countered.

Out of Sight – Out of Mind

Bi-fold doors don’t just operate easily – they’re also smooth and discrete. In fact, when you fold your doors away to either side, you won’t even know that they are there. With benefits when they’re open and closed, you can enjoy your bi-fold doors at all times.

Benefits of Stacker Doors

Ambience

Aluminium stacker doors are an addition that will make you wonder how you ever lived before. Whether you have a traditional country home or a chic modern open plan, stacker doors are perfectly suited. Their precise, elegant, and streamlined design means they’re visually adaptable to any setting.

Stacker doors gracefully open up or seal off spaces, meaning you can maintain the flow and feel of your home at every time of year. The high-quality seals are effective at keeping the elements at bay when you want to settle down in the winter months.

Stylish

Aluminium stacker doors boast a classically stylish design and they’re just as practical, too. Whether you are connecting your living area to your outdoor entertaining area or keeping out the elements, all it takes is one simple push.

Features

There are two types of stacker doors, the Essential and the Signature. The Essential is specifically designed for domestic settings, while the Signature is prepared for specialised environments. They both possess a clean modern design with concealed fixings that perfectly compliment any architectural layout. The tastefully refined handles come with mortice locks for high-quality security.

Which Design Is Better For You?

The main difference between bi-fold and stacker doors is how they open and close. Bi-folding doors fold in on themselves, while stacker doors run along a track.

If you’re short on space near the opening you plan to use, stacker doors are the better option. Their sliding mechanism takes up less space during opening and closing, making it easier to design your room.

If you’re after a more open space once your doors are retracted, then bi-fold doors are the superior design. Once they are actually folded away, these doors are barely visible.

For an obligation-free quote, or any more information about either of these fantastic products, contact Southern Cross Windows today.

Bi-fold Door Benefits

The Many Benefits of Bi-Fold Doors

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Bi-fold Door Benefits

Bi-fold Doors

Bi-fold doors are a fantastic addition to any home. Their versatility and modern appeal mean they can be used in any setting. However, their good-looks and flexibility are not their only attractive qualities. Here are some of the benefits of bi-fold doors:

They Can Transform Your Home

One of the most obvious benefits of newly installed bi-fold doors is that they can transform your entire home. They have the ability to stack away to one or both sides of the bi-fold doors. This means that any two spaces can immediately be brought together into one free-flowing, spacious area.

For those of us lucky enough to live on the Gold Coast, this function allows for the perfect indoor-outdoor entertaining area.

Subtle Security

With a maximum height of 3100mm and a maximum width of 8000mm, bi-fold doors can be used to fit a wide range of openings. While having the doors open allows for a flowing entertainment area, closed bi-fold doors provide security, and protection from the elements. They have all the benefits of a normal barrier, without the visual barricade.

Unobstructed Exterior Views

With bi-folding doors, you can enjoy the unobstructed exterior views your home offers at all times. They don’t suffer from the impracticality of large glass panes, boasting lower maintenance and greater flexibility. This allows you to easily enjoy the ocean views or watch the kids playing outdoors or in the pool.

Perfect Ventilation and Access to Natural Light

Bi-fold doors also allow your home to breathe and take in more light. The unobstructed airflow provided by the easy to stack windows means that stifling and stuffy rooms are a thing of the past. This is especially useful in the summer months. A retractable screen solution also means that you can enjoy the improved airflow and availability of natural light without having to deal with all the annoying insects and bugs that the warmer seasons bring.

Ease of Operation

The highly refined manufacturing process at Southern Cross Windows means that a smooth gliding action is assured. Whether it is a single or double side stacking door, with 2 or 4 panels, we ensure easy operation.

This makes it even easier to transform your space, creating an inviting and spacious environment that brings the whole home and family together. The open spaces invite people to gather together, bringing them out of their stuffy individual spaces.

If you’re in the Gold Coast region, contact Southern Cross Windows for a quote on the manufacturing, supply, and installation of bi-fold doors. Get in touch with our team and transform your home today.

bifold doors

Configuring Your Bi-Fold Door

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bifold doors

Bi-fold Doors

Bi-fold doors are incredibly functional and elegant solutions for combining indoor and outdoor living. However, bi-fold doors are only one configuration of doors that accomplish this task. There are also Sliding Doors, Stacker Doors, and Hinged Doors. This article will provide you with the information you need to decide which configuration is perfect for you and your space.

Bi-Fold Doors

Bi-fold doors involve a number of framed panels or panes that are hinged together. Each panel folds against the next as they slide down a smooth track. The panels are then stored neatly on either side of the opening. Bi-fold doors allow for unobstructed access and flow between the interior and exterior of your house, with a minimal amount of clutter.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors are the most common modern form of door. Their streamlined design runs on a Precision Euro track roller system. This means that they are the most immediately effective way of connecting your interior and exterior spaces.

Sliding doors come in two major design groups:

Essential – Domestic Environments

This simple, modern design is perfectly suited to any architectural style. The clean finish and mortice locks ensure the doors stylish design is complemented by superior security settings.

Signature – Specialised Environments

The Signature design provides many of the same excellent features of the Essential. However, the Signature also allows for refreshing lifestyle options like corner and cavity configurations.

Stacker Doors

High-quality aluminium stacker doors combine some of the great functions of both the sliding door and bi-fold door designs. Stacker doors operate through an effective system where two panels slide behind a fixed panel. The smooth and neat packing away of the stacker doors means that a much wider space can be transformed.

Hinged Doors

The traditional hinged door is not as basic as it always seems. With flexibility in design and opening arrangements, these doors can prove classy and timeless additions to the presentation of your home. For instance, the use of sidelights, high lights, or a chic aluminium glass door transforms a hinged door from a simple functional item into an added feature that can complement the style of your home.

Which Door is Best for Your Home?

The best door configuration for you will depend on where and how you want the door to operate and your personal preferences and style. For instance, if you want to have a large opening between your living area and your outdoor entertainment area, a bi-fold or stacking door will provide the smoothest transition. For smaller entryway or balcony settings, a sliding or hinged door is better suited.

Want to learn more about the best configurations for your Gold Coast home? For more information or an obligation-free quote, talk to Southern Cross Windows.

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.

woman standing at open window

How the Right Windows Impact Rooms Visually

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woman standing at open window

You’d be surprised about the difference you can make to the aesthetics and feel of a room just by changing out the windows. Everything from the placement to the design and materials, when used correctly and with intention, can add a positive impact to your home, both visually and functionally.

Choose Aluminium Windows

While there are many common materials to use in your window applications, such as PVC and timber, the best on the market is definitely aluminium. Aluminium is a material that is not only incredibly durable and weather resistant, but it is also easily manipulated. You can have it fit to your exact specifications, and you can usually obtain it in a variety of designer colours to suit your home. Both an accessory and a functional piece of your home, aluminium windows are cost-effective, environmentally friendly and incredibly versatile.

Bi-Fold Windows For A Classic Look

While aluminium bi-fold windows look great in both traditional and modern settings, the effect they have on your room is purely classic. Whether they are fully opened and stacked to the side of the frame, they provide unobstructed views of your outside area. In addition, bi-fold windows provide much needed ventilation and natural light, opening and brightening up your space in an incredibly simple way. You can make bi-folds as high or wide as you want. Get a truly dramatic effect with larger windows, or create a second function out of them by adding a kitchen bench. The window rail can be hung from the top and you can use the bottom bench as a half-in-half-out breakfast bar.

Sliding Windows For Clean Modernity

If you would like to characterise your home with the big open spaces and clean, sophisticated lines, try installing simple aluminium sliding doors. Modern living is all about finding the function of an item in its form. Sliding doors are easy to use, secure, durable and attractive. They allow for clear views outside and can fit to large openings, and they let in plenty of airflow and sunlight.

Old School Meets Efficiency With Louvre Windows

You can usually choose between glass, wood or aluminium for louvre windows, but no matter which one you go with, you can be guaranteed to achieve an old-school look without sacrificing efficiency. Louvre windows are made of multiple slats that you can open and close as you like. When they’re open, louvre windows provide easy ventilation and controlled light, and when they’re closed, the joints seal effectively to keep out the elements, perfect for boiling Gold Coast summers and harsh, elemental winters.

Find out how else choosing the right window can change the dynamic of your home. For general design advice or questions about aluminium windows, contact Southern Cross Windows on the Gold Coast today.

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.

Track frame of white stacker doors

Stacker Doors for Versatility and Style

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stacker doors

Stacker Doors

When you start a home renovation, the first thing to think about is how your house can reflect your personal style. One great way to make an easy change in your home is to come up with creative ways to use stacker doors. Stacker doors are very similar to sliding doors. They involve two panels that slide behind one fixed panel, each panel connecting with the next until they interlock and slide together. They are usually made of glass with an aluminium frame to add strength and stability. The end result is a clean, streamlined finish that can be used to efficiently modernise your home in a variety of ways.

The Aesthetic Appeal

Stacker doors allow for you to create very large and wide openings in your home. The glass complements this making the doors appear even more spacious, modern and clear in appearance. When the doors are open, they stack neatly upon themselves, giving the illusion that they are hidden and the opening is available for free use.

A Versatile Addition To Your Home

Stacker doors have a variety of uses in your home or in other applications. View some of our suggestions for uses below:

The Classic: Use as a Back or Front Door

You will often see these doors used as openings to and from a home, usually as a back or front door. If you live somewhere on the Gold Coast with great views of the countryside or the beach, you might want to consider stacker doors. They allow for uninterrupted access to the full visual clarity of your surroundings. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for your view either. They can be open to let in the sun and ventilation in the summer and tightly closed in the winter.

Most stacker doors also come with mortice locks so you don’t have to worry about your stylish opening being unsafe or unsecure. So enjoy the view of your lovely backyard and have peace of mind that you can keep an eye on children or pets playing outside with these versatile sliding doors.

The Garden Entrance: Use as a Side Door

Have a nice space off the side of your house, like a garden or a veggie patch? It makes it all the more convenient for you to be able to access it easily with stacker doors. In fact, you can find all new uses for the side yard of your house with the option of versatile doors. Maybe even create a fenced-in play space for children or pets, with the added benefit of easy access and crystal clear views.

The Patio Connector: Use on the Patio

If you’re the type who loves alfresco entertaining, you might want to consider investing in a lovely veranda, pergola or patio with sheltering. You can have the benefits of enjoying eating and entertaining outside without any of the disadvantages of the elements, such as rain or insects. Our versatile stacker doors could separate your patio from the outside world, and with smooth operating and tight seals, you’ll never have to worry about anything you’d rather keep out getting in.

Interested in updating your modern home with stacker doors? Speak to an expert at Southern Cross Windows on the Gold Coast today.

cleaning window

Top Glass Window Cleaning Tips

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cleaning window

Glass doors and windows elegantly frame the views of your outdoor surroundings and let beautiful, natural light into your home – that is; they do when they’re clean. So how do you properly clean glass windows and doors without leaving behind nasty streaks and lint? What products should you use to achieve the best shine? And how often should you be cleaning them? We’ve compiled our best glass window and door cleaning tips to help you get the most out of your glass at home.

Where do I start?

Before washing glass windows and doors, thoroughly vacuum the sill and frames with the brush attachment to remove any spider webs or other debris. When cleaning a glass door or window, you should always begin at the top of the pane and continue downwards. This will minimise the likelihood of leaving cleaning residue on the lower levels of the glass.

What should I use?

For the best results when cleaning glass, natural solutions provide a better finish and are less damaging both to the glass and the environment. Try using a homemade mix of either 1 part vinegar to 10 parts clean water or 1 part isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to 1 part clean water. Drench the glass with clean water first to remove surface dirt, and then spray one of these solutions all over the glass. Once you’ve done this, dry the glass with a lint-free microfibre cloth. Don’t use paper towel as this will leave lint behind.

Cleaning Sliding or Stacker Doors

Sliding and slacker doors may become difficult to open if their tracks accumulate a lot of dirt and debris. Luckily, our tracks can be easily vacuumed to clean out any dirt. Avoid scraping the tracks with sharp objects such as screwdrivers, as this can remove the powder coating and damage your doors.

How Often Should I Clean?

If your home or property is in a rural or suburban environment, cleaning should take place at least every 6 months. If you reside in a coastal or industrial area, more frequent cleaning is necessary. The maximum period between cleaning here should be no more than 3 months. For areas that receive extreme weather conditions, monthly cleaning is necessary and highly recommended to prevent deterioration.

Things To Remember

Many people are unaware that improperly cleaning their glass window and doors can permanently damage the surface of glazing products. Glass should only be cleaned when it is cool to the touch and should never be cleaned whilst in direct sunlight as it causes the cleaning solution to dry before you wipe it off, leaving you with unsightly streaks. Also, don’t even think about using newspaper. Despite what you’ve heard in the past, the latex-based inks in today’s newspapers will probably leave you with a streaky mess. If you need more advice on taking care of your glass windows or doors, call the experts at Southern Cross Windows on 07 5610 5293.