Knowing what you want, determining requirements clearly are the necessary first steps in any project. And in the context of home renovation, it is no different. For Windows and Grilles there are quite a few options to consider before contracting out the work. The type of windows, the frame, glass color and grille design all should gel well with the rest of your house décor.

But with so many types, designs and colors to choose from how to make the most sensible choice? In addition to aesthetics, the usability and practicality aspects also must be weighed in.

In this post we hope to simply and demystify some of these factors to enable you make the right decision for yourself.

 

Window Design and Styles

There are many considerations for choosing the type, style and design of Windows and accompanying Grilles.  While there may be guidelines which could influence the type and style you must go for, ultimately, it is individual preference, taste and budget that governs the choice. Here are common attributes to think about –

Types of Windows in Singapore

#TypePros and Cons
1SLIDING
  • Ease of usage especially for multiple panels in large window openings
  • Hinge, handle and rivet free
  • Can give 66% or less aperture for ventilation, depending on the number of panels
2CASEMENT
  • Provides unrestricted ventilation, but slightly obstructive in view
  • Good in sealing weather & external noise
  • Best suited for solo 2 panel windows
  • Less ease of usage when compared to Sliding Windows
3AWNING
  • Have similar properties as Casements
  • Top hung, usually with single movable panel and require greater external space to open
4FULLY OPENABLE
  • Provides full unobstructed view & complete ventilation
  • Proprietary technology and comes with a higher price tag
5LOUVRE
  • Gives unrestricted ventilation, can be left open even in moderate rain
  • Best suited for Bathrooms

Popular Choice – SLIDING & CASEMENT WINDOWS

home window configuration

Colour of Window Frames

#ColourPros and Cons
1WHITE
  • Gives a refreshing, pristine look and is the most popular choice amongst homeowners
  • Not able to hide dirt and scratches
2SILVER
  • Does not require a coat of paint, is cheaper and can hide scratches
3DARK BROWN, TEAL, GREY, ETC
  • Based on individual preference or when required to match with interior/exterior decor

Popular Choice – WHITE COLOUR FRAMES

 

Types of Window Glass

#TypePros and Cons
1PLAIN
  • Most used in Glass Windows
2FROSTED
  • Best suited when privacy is a consideration
  • Provides an option for design imprinting
3TEMPERED
  • Best suited for safety considerations in the event of breakage
4DOUBLE GLAZED
  • Best suited when noise reduction and weather proofing is a need

Popular Choice – PLAIN GLASS

 

Colour of Window Glass

#ColourPros and Cons
1NO COLOUR, UN-TINTED
  • Preferable for homes where sunlight is less especially, for lower floor units or when the interior décor is dark
2SEA GREEN
  • Best suited to go with White colour window frames
  • Popular choice amongst homeowners for the clean and green look it offers
3BLUE
  • Best suited to go with White colour window frames
  • Gives slightly better UV ray protection
4BROWN
  • Best Suited to go with dark brown window frames.
  • Gives slightly better UV ray protection, but makes the interiors darker
  • Can hide dirt

Popular Choice – SEA GREEN COLOUR

glass colours for windows

 

Grille Design and Styles

Your choice of Grilles will rest on a few factors. While there may be guidelines/regulations (like those prescribed by MCST in Singapore condominiums) that may influence your decision, but other than that it boils down to the individual’s preference, taste and budget. Here is a short video on window grill design to give you an idea –

Some common attributes for a Window Grille that you need to think about –

Types of Window Grilles

#TypePros and Cons
1ALUMINIUM
  • Easier to clean, cheaper, and will not rust
  • Most popular choice amongst homeowners
  • Mostly installed as Sliding panels, limited designs
2WROUGHT IRON
  • Ornamental and aesthetically pleasing, wide range of designs
  • Ideal for Door Gates to create a welcoming look
  • Mostly installed as Casement
  • Prone to rust, difficult to clean
3INVISIBLE
  • Provides unrestricted view with internal safety from falling out, ease to clean
  • Made of thin stainless-steel cable which cannot safeguard against break-ins
4STEEL
  • Seldom chosen for their lacklustre looks, very limited designs
  • Loses shine after few years

Popular Choice – ALUMINIUM

 

Type of Tubes (for Aluminium Grilles)

#TypePros and Cons
1OVAL SINGLE HOLLOW
  • Most popular choice amongst homeowners
  • Sufficient for normal security requirements
2OVAL DOUBLE HOLLOW
  • Provides sturdiness due to the extra metal section, better resistance to bends and dents
  • Costs more
3ROUND HOLLOW
  • Gives a thinner appearance than oval tubes
  • Less sturdy, more prone to bending
4ROUND SOLID
  • Suited for more stringent security requirements
  • Costs more
5OVAL/ROUND HOLLOW EXTRA THICK
  • Provides extra sturdiness
  • Costs more

Popular Choice – SINGLE OVAL HOLLOW

 

Colour of Window Grilles

#ColourPros and Cons
1SAME AS WINDOW FRAME COLOUR
  • Best to opt for the same colours as Window frame for consistency and pairing (for Aluminium Grilles)
2GOLDEN & BLACK
  • Gives a rustic ornamental look (for Wrought Iron)
  • Can hide scratches and rust marks
3SILVER & BLACK
  • Gives a rustic ornamental look (for Wrought Iron)
  • Can hide scratches and rust marks
4MONOTONE
  • Based on individual preference (for Wrought Iron)
  • Sensitive to scratches

colours for aluminium grilles

 

Designs of Aluminium Grilles

#DesignPros and Cons
1VERTICAL OR SLANTED
  • Based on individual preference
2HORIZONTAL
  • Based on individual preference
  • Possibility for alternative usage for hanging plants and decorations
3COMBINATION
  • Variety of patterns with horizontal & vertical bars
  • Most popular choice amongst homeowners
4MESH
  • Seldom chosen since it restricts the view, tedious to clean

Popular Choice – COMBINATION

grid styles for grilles

 

Designs of Wrought Iron Grilles

#TypePros and Cons
1VARIOUS THEMES (FLORAL, GEOMETRIC, ETC)
  • Based on individual preference
  • Wide range of designs and patterns
2CUSTOMIZED DESIGN
  • Based on individual preference
  • Costs more

 

Number of Panels and Tracks

For Sliding Windows

For Sliding Windows more panels mean you get a wider opening when the panels are slid and stacked at the ends.  So, a 4-panel set gives an aperture of 50% whereas a 6-panel set gives an aperture of 66%.  However, a 6-panel set requires 3 bottom tracks to function as compared to a 4 panel where in 2 tracks are sufficient.

PanelsNumber of TracksOpening
3 or 6 PANELS3 tracks66% Opening
2 or 4 PANELS2 tracks50% Opening

While a bigger opening means better ventilation and unrestricted view, two factors that need to be considered when opting for higher number of tracks-

  • Wall thickness, if it is enough to accommodate the width of the track section
  • Cleaning and maintenance effort, which will be slightly more

For Casement Windows

Casement Windows are simpler in this regard.  You may decide on the number of panels based on your usage preferences.  However, do note that for casements, the window leaf cannot exceed a maximum width of 700 mm as per HDB/BCA guidelines.

For Grilles

Typical Aluminium Grilles usually are installed in the 4-panel 2-track configuration.  In HDB units for Kitchen Windows, it is advisable to have more panel/tracks (hence wider opening) if possible, so as to have ease in hanging your laundry for drying.

 

Customizations in Windows and Grilles

In most cases, requirements are standard for a set of Windows and Grilles. Customizations, for a special purpose or for catering to future needs are best determined and to be communicated in the beginning.  Subsequent alterations are not only a hassle but also expensive once an installation is done.

While customizations are a function of individual needs, common among them are –

  • Soundproof Windows for noise reduction requirements
  • Use of tempered glass in Windows as an added safety measure
  • Special Anti-theft Locking mechanism for corridor windows
  • Narrow gap Grille design to keep pets indoors or to safeguard the main door access (next to corridor windows)
  • Getting a matching set of Number or Name Plate for your Door Gates

Checklist of Specifications

After you have determined all your requirements prepare a final specification list to record them.  It will be worthwhile to do so since many a times details do fall through the cracks, and you may end up settling for something other than the desired.  After all, Windows and Grilles could be a onetime investment you would do for your house.

For expert advice in choosing/finalizing your requirements, get in touch! The friendly team at Grilles N Glass is just a phone call away!

 

Get in touch

(65) 9100 8767

sales@grillesnglass.com

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