Our recommendation is that you get a licensed tradesperson to measure your windows and doors to ensure that all products fit correctly.

According to AS1288-2006 Australian Standards Glass in Building any glazing that is capable of being mistaken for a doorway or opening must have a motif displayed on the glass.

Motifs are required for the following:

• A glass doorway, for example sliding door, bi-fold door, hinged door, must be fitted with Safety A glass or laminated glass
• An opening between inside and outside of a building, for example a full glass fixed panel
• Any glazing that can result in human impact, causing any type of bodily harm to a human being.

Under the Building Code of Australia, the Council of Australian Governments introduced key measures to help improve the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings across Australia. These new measures require that new buildings and renovations have a building energy assessments carried out.

There are different assessment tools used by Accredited Assessors depending on which state you are in.

• National House Energy Rating Scheme (NaTHERS)
• Nationally – AccuRate Sustainability by CSIRO
• New South Wales – Basix
• Queensland – BERS
• Victoria – FirstRate

For more information on the Building Code of Australia and these measures visit the Australian Building Code Board.

For windows where the fall height from floor to ground is 2 metres or greater, all openings within 1700mm of the floor shall be fitted with either a device to restrict the size of the opening or a screen with secure fittings.

The device or screen must not allow a 125mm ball to pass through the window opening and resist an outward force of 250N (≈25kgs). The device or screen may be removable, but if so must be a child resistant release mechanism.

If the device or screen is removable, there shall be no window openings greater than 125mm within 865mm of the floor. Also there shall be no horizontal elements between 150mm to 760mm above the floor which can facilitate climbing. All other window to follow the existing requirements.

Use plenty of water and let it soak onto the cement. Gradually lift off the cement from the frame or glass using a sponge or rag. Do not use any abrasive objects.

This is a sign that the windows spirals/balances need to be changed. When replaced it is recommended that you operate the window by moving the top and bottom sashes at least fortnightly.

There are different spiral sizes that take different weights. The spiral should have a coloured mark on it to indicate its weight range. You will need to replace the old spiral with the corresponding colour and length.

When sliding doors and windows no longer slide smoothly, it’s a sign that the products rollers are worn. This will occur over time due to product use. 

To prolong the life of the rollers in your windows and doors, vacuum the sill regularly to remove dust, dirt and insects which cause a build-up of grit in the rollers.

On an annual basis, clean tracks by wiping with light machine oil, such as sewing machine oil, to assist with smoother operation.