Frequently Asked Questions
Please explain the basic terminology used with aluminium louvre windows
There are a few terms that are unique to aluminium louvre window systems and are helpful to know.
Can I have screens on my louvre windows from Breezway?
Yes, the Breezway Altair Easyscreen Window System allows insect or security screens to be installed to the outside of your Breezway Louvres.
What about security?
Our louvres have received a lot of investment in Research and Development and today are a substantially different product from “traditional” old style metal Nako windows. If you would like to upgrade your security features, then you may consider security bars or security screens.
How wide can my louvre windows be? Are there standard sizes?
Typically people are asking how wide a louvre bay can be i.e. the length of the blades. An indicative answer is 600mm to 900mm, however Breezway can offer blade widths up to 1200mm if using the Stronghold System (please refer to the Product Performance Warranty for more information). When replacing windows or installing new windows, a rule of thumb is the higher the wind and water performance required, the shorter the blade should be. In monsoonal regions the bay widths may be a maximum of 600mm or in other geographic areas with lower wind loads they may extend up to 900mm. The window frame can then be designed with multiple bays to achieve the desired frame width. With Breezway’s framing systems this can be up to 4 metres wide. Your window manufacturer will advise you based on your specific circumstances.
There are no standard widths. However, there are standard heights and it is beneficial to stay within these standard heights. The actual standard height will vary depending on your chosen louvre size and framing system. If you use a standard height all louvre blades will operate. If you have an off standard height a small piece of fixed louvre blade will be placed at the head of the window to make up the difference between standard heights. It is worth discussing with your window manufacturer and builder to ensure you have standard height louvre windows installed.
What about cleaning louvres?
Like all aluminium windows, louvres will need regular cleaning. The smooth outer surface of the Altair Louvre clips and the quality polished edges of the glass blades do make cleaning easier. Another big plus for cleaning our louvre windows is that you can clean the inside and the outside surfaces from the inside of the building. This can be a huge plus for upper storey windows.
What colours are available, can they match my other aluminium or timber windows and doors?
In Asia we offer some 3 standard colours and a variety of off-standard colours, with optional colour matched hardware (note: Powdercoated aluminium and plastic finishes may vary slightly in colour).
What price are they?
Breezway’s range of louvre windows has undergone a transformation since the 1960’s. Today our premium window system products are very much at home in high class architectural buildings. Our seal tight window products are individually tailored per window and pricing needs to be done by each design. As an indication a Breezway window may be 2-3 times the price of a sliding window.
Can I customise my louvre windows?
With careful thought your new or replacement louvres can be much more than just a window. Consideration of control methods, blade selection and frame type can impact in real benefits such as ease of use, shading, privacy, energy efficiency, comfort, creating views, security, screening etc. Have a look at our Customising Page to help you decide. Some time spent now will reward you once the aluminium louvre windows are installed.
How do I buy Breezway louvre windows?
Breezway has a network of resellers that ensure the product is locally available and built to meet the required Standards. These resellers are qualified window manufacturers, so you also have the benefit of being able to buy other windows and doors from them.
How long do my louvres take to manufacture?
As each order is custom made and exported to countries all around Asia, we advise you speak with your local Breezway Distributor for specific lead times on your Breezway Louvre Window order.
How are they installed?
Breezway Altair Louvre Windows will be assembled by Breezway or one of our approved window manufacturers and delivered as a complete window ready for installation by a builder using typical industry practices.
Do I need to do any maintenance?
There is some maintenance required with Breezway aluminium louvres. It is important to have a regular cleaning program for your aluminium windows. You should think of the finish of your windows in a similar way as your car. Both items need regular cleaning to remove environmental contaminants and maintain paint work. This is particularly so in coastal environments. A higher performance finish may also be required in these environments. Powerlouvres will also require some extra care. Please see the Care & Maintenance page.
I am building near the beach, will this make a difference?
Like all painted aluminium products Breezway Louvres can be vulnerable to harsh coastal environments. The componentry in Breezway louvres is aluminium, stainless steel and industrial grade plastics and will stand up well to these conditions. The powder coat finish however will need special consideration in these environments. If you are in a coastal environment a high performance powder coat or an anodized finish to our standard 25um is required.
I am building in a monsoonal area, will this make a difference?
Yes, your window manufacturer will work with Breezway to make sure your louvres are designed for the specific conditions on your building site. Our anti leaking windows from Breezway have been fully tested in a NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) approved laboratory. The products have been deemed suitable for use in monsoonal regions. To see feedback from our customers please visit the Testimonial Page.
The fall to the outside of some windows is more than 2 metres, are Breezway Louvre Windows safe?
The Building Code of Australia requires fall prevention measures when the fall to the outside of bedroom windows is more than 2 metres, or when the fall to the outside of all other windows is more than 4 metres. Altair Louvre Windows with the Stronghold System and restricted openings satisfy the Building Code requirements whilst maximising natural, cooling ventilation, thereby avoiding the need for screens which can restrict airflow. For more information please visit the Stronghold System page.
What does COVID-19 mean for Breezway?
The advent of the COVID-19 virus has meant that all businesses, including Breezway, need to prepare diligently for what are likely to be challenging times ahead. Part of this preparation is around communicating clearly to all stakeholders along with how we intend to deal with any resultant impact.
Current Breezway Status
- The number one priority is the safety of our team members and those people we come into contact with, including customers, suppliers, contractors and other individuals.
- At the moment, the Breezway Malaysia site is unable to supply customers due to the Malaysian Government’s Movement Control Order under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
- Most non-factory employees of Breezway Malaysia are working remotely and are available to customers.
- Whilst the situation is very fluid and can change quickly, the Movement Control Order is currently due to expire on 31st March which will allow Breezway Malaysia to re open on Wednesday 1st April 2020.
How Are We Managing Changing Conditions?
- We are using the World Health Organisation and the Australian Government guidance to inform our position and actions.
- The senior leadership team is meeting daily to discuss any changes to supply lines from a material perspective and also from a manpower perspective.
- We are limiting off site and onsite meetings wherever possible and replacing these with online sessions using tools like Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business.
- Whilst our hygiene standards have always been important to us, we have taken this to another level inside and outside our facilities.
- The Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) is on standby and can be enacted quickly if needs be.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.