Staying home with only the members of your household is the best way to keep COVID-19 particles out of your home. However, if a visitor needs to be in your home, improving ventilation (i.e. air flow) can help prevent virus particles from accumulating in the air in your home. Good ventilation, along with other preventive actions, like staying 6 feet apart and wearing masks, can help prevent you from getting and spreading COVID-19.
Below are ways you can improve ventilation in your home. Use as many ways as you can (open windows) to help clear out virus in your home faster.
Bringing fresh, outdoor air into your home helps keep virus particles from accumulating inside. Breezway Altair Louvre Windows are designed to maximise human life quality and minimise environmental impact through high performance functions, including:
Maximum Ventilation
With no fixed panes and blades that are close to being fully horizontal, fresh, cooling air can flow freely into the building. When Breezway Louvre Windows are installed on opposing walls, it also allows hot, stale air to exit the other side while fresh air enters. The natural ventilation helps maintain a comfortable temperature and indoor air quality which reduces our constant need for air conditioning.
Solar Control
A variety of glazing options means you can control solar heat gain with Breezway Altair Louvre Windows, depending on climatic needs. For the warm, tropical climate in Southeast Asia, toned tinted glass blades come in handy in reducing the amount of sunlight and solar heat gain entering the building, while timber or aluminium blades function to block out the sunlight completely without compromising ventilation.
Optimised Insulation
Again, Southeast Asia’s hot and humid conditions may seem inescapable. U-values are the measure of the thermal conductivity of the window. That is, if there is a temperature difference between the air on either side of a window, it measures how quickly heat will pass through the window. Low U-values allow heat to be transferred through the window slowly, and a high U-value indicates that heat is transferred quickly. The greater the difference between the desired indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature, the more important U-values are. Breezway Altair Louvre Windows can achieve rather low U-values when using tinted glass blades or low e glass blades to offer insulating properties similar to those achieved by windows with double glazing.
Tight Sealing
Breezway Altair Louvre Windows have an air infiltration rating that is significantly better than the required residential standard. When fully closed, a locking mechanism applies strong pressure to the blades, while the living hinge design resists water and air penetration between the clips and the channels. The tight sealing mechanism helps protect the indoors from unfavourable draughts and rain.
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.
The Altair Powerlouvre Window System adds a brilliant touch of innovative technology to our day-to day living. Recognised by the Australian Window Association for its excellence in design, this low-voltage automated window is available in the Breezway Easyscreen Window System. It is more than just a futuristic addition; it is life made easy.
Let’s take a look at how the Altair Powerlouvre Window
System lives up to its award-winning
performance as a smart living solution:
Superior Aesthetics
The Powerlouvre Window incorporates a concealed
motor and gearbox within the framing system, which means
no visible motors, rods, arms or gallery screws.
Design Flexibility
When designing your building consider
the way you operate your louvre windows within reach or up high. The
Powerlouvre Window is ideal for out-of-reach locations and allows the window to
be operated more frequently by removing the need for awkward map rods to
operate manual handles.
Convenience
Breezway Powerlouvre Windows can be easily controlled through the Apptivate Control Unit, which is a touch sensitive wall plate, or via the Powerlouvre app, which allows smartphones and tablets to serve as a remote control. It can also be programmed to work with third party Building Management Systems (BMS) to suit a range of budget and control needs.
Energy and Cost Efficiency
The Powerlouvre Window can be set to operate automatically in response to various sensors and input, such as temperature and timer events. This significantly reduces the need for air conditioners, thus lowering household energy costs.
Proven Durability
Manufactured from 6060-T5 extruded aluminium, the Powerlouvre Window provides strength as well as long, low maintenance life. It has also been tested to perform in extreme conditions – from 0°c to 60°C in temperature to 90% humidity at 35°C.
Extra Protection
Breezway’s Easyscreen Window System includes an integrated
insect and security screen housing to allow easy fittings of screens to the
frame. Screens can be installed within the building to prevent interference
with louvre blade operation.
For more information on the Powerlouvre Window please visit our Powerlouvre page.
Breezway Altair Louvre Windows offer the freedom to personalise your favourite spaces with a variety of design options to suit any needs for natural light, fresh air and even panoramic views. Whether it is for a cosy home atmosphere or a conducive workplace environment, the brief selection guide below will help determine the right features to make your Altair Louvre Windows ideal for your desired environment.
BREEZWAY LOUVRE FRAMEOPTIONS
Aluminium
For low maintenance
Can be naturally anodised or powder coated in a wide range of colours and finishes.
Wood
For energy efficiency
Adds a warm tone to any space yet conducts little heat.
Screens
For extra security
Insect and security screens can be easily fitted on the built-in housing of the Easyscreen Window System or other compatible systems.
For more information on Breezway Frame Types please visit the Compare Window Frames page.
BREEZWAY LOUVRE DESIGN OPTIONS
Single / Multiple Windows / Wall of Windows
Louvres open twice as wide as regular windows. Multiple windows on walls maximise outdoor views and ventilation.
Narrow Windows
Allows natural light and ventilation in smaller areas within the home.
Windows Above Doors
Short yet wide characteristics allow rising hot air to escape quickly.
Floor-to-ceiling Window
Single/multi-bay windows maximise ventilation while adding a sense of height and aesthetics.
Windows beside Doors
Helps conduct airflow when doors are closed.
Fixed Lite Windows
Permits clearer views while still maximising ventilation.
For more design ideas please visit our Ideas Gallery page.
BREEZWAY LOUVRE BLADE OPTIONS
Glass
Great for views. Clear low e glass contains insulating properties suitable for cold or mixed climate, while tinted glass reduces solar heat gain which is ideal for hot climates.
Aluminium
Maximises privacy without compromising ventilation. Requires minimal maintenance and comes in a variety of colours and finishes. Wood-grain finish also available.
BREEZWAY LOUVRE CONTROL METHODS
Powerlouvre
For remote operation
Can be controlled directly via the Apptivate Control Unit or remotely via the Powerlouvre app. Suitable for out-of-reach windows.
Standard Handle
For regular use
Designed to fit the contours of the human hand for easy use.
Low Profile Handle
For a subtle look
Slim lined styling suitable for bifold and sliding doors.
Ring Pull Handle
For out-of-reach windows
Allows easy reach using a map rod.
BREEZWAY LOUVRE STANDARD COLOURS
Natural Anodised
Colour available for Altair Louvre Window channel and frames only.
Black Powder Coat
Colours of the Altair Louvre Windows can be matched with their respective handles and clips.
White Powder Coat
Colours of the Altair Louvre Windows can be matched with their respective handles and clips.
Misty Grey
Colour avilable for Altair Louvre Window clips and handles only.
A full range of off-standard colours are also available.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS FOR BREEZWAY LOUVRES
Security Bars
Extra protection can be added to protect buildings or homes from unfavourable external intrusions such as break-ins.
Screens
Insect or security screens can be fitted to the outside of Breezway Easyscreen Frames and some other compatible systems to protect your home from intruders, bugs or insects.
To read and learn more about our louvre customising options available please visit our Customising Options page or visit our Product Selection Guide to start your customised louvre check list today.
While Breezway’s Altair Louvre Windows
are manufactured using non-corrosive materials and high quality finishes, it is
still crucial to perform occasional maintenance in order to maintain good condition.
Just like cars, louvre windows
(especially concerning blades and finishes) are often exposed to harsh
environmental effects such as wind, rain, dust and not to forget the notorious
heat we often experience in Malaysia.
With that said, prolonging their good condition would mean putting in effort to care for them. Here are some simple yet effective steps we can take in order to reduce the rate of weathering and prolong the life of our Altair Louvre Windows.
Maintaining Aluminium
Finishes
Regular maintenance of the surface finish will be necessary to reduce the rate of weathering. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the environmental conditions, but as a guide should be done at three (3) monthly intervals, or more frequently in aggressive coastal or industrial environments.
Remove
loose deposits by gently brushing or hosing.
Clean
using a sponge or soft brush and warm water with a mild detergent. Avoid
cleaning agents with a caustic base, abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
Rinse
with clean water.
Dry
with a chamois (optional).
Apply
a ‘non-abrasive’ car polish to maintain the lustre of the finish (optional).
Glass Maintenance
For best results glass blades should be
regularly cleaned with mild, non-abrasive detergents.
Use
a non-abrasive detergent/ mixture of 1 part vinegar to 10 parts clean water as
cleaning agent.
Use
cleaning agent with a lint-free cloth or towel to clean the blades.
The blade condition can be easily maintained
by ensuring they are installed correctly. For Breezway’s low e glass blades,
the right way of installation is when the coated side faces the inside of the building.
Avoid harsh cleaning agents and to avoid scratching the glass or damaging low e
coatings.
Louvre Maintenance
It is recommended that inspection be
carried out at the time of installation and then at yearly intervals. This may
be required more frequently depending upon the variation of location, and
environmental conditions.
Inspection Checklist
Inspect
all fittings and screw fixings for firmness.
Where
handle connectors are used, inspect all pivot points of linkages, connecting
links, pins and split pins and/or clips for wear and secure fixings.
Ensure
that all Stronghold System pins (if present) are firmly clicked in place.
Check
the louvre clips for any degradation over time.
Check
that the blade is firmly and safely positioned in the clips.
Ensure
all louvre blades operate freely.
Ensure
that seals are in place and clean.
The Breezway Altair Powerlouvre Window
should be operated at least once a month to keep its performance in check.
Lubrication
Do take note that all internal louvre operating mechanisms are pre-lubricated prior to assembly, with a clear lubricant where required. Thus under normal conditions, this will be satisfactory for the life of the window on top of regular care and maintenance.
Breathing new life
into an old home, rescuing a period gem from ruin or simply renovating a neglected
house on a budget can be incredibly rewarding.
You probably might want to replace your windows too even though the logistics and functioning of windows are rarely something that homeowners need to think about until something goes wrong. Some may not even be aware of it. So, let us discuss the main reasons to get new windows today.
1.Water Intrusion
Moisture, drafts, air leaks, water infiltration, and condensation problems are the common enemies of a window. You’ll know there is an issue with the window itself because there’s a visible leak where the window sash meets the jamb or on the window frame. These water issues result in rotting, corroding, and mold formation, which are harmful to your home’s overall structural integrity. These can be avoided with Breezway Altair Louvre Window’s patented ‘Living Hinge’ design, that pulls the clips tightly against the channel when closed for superior water performance and reduced air infiltration.
2.High Energy Bills
Window replacement is one common recommendation among construction professionals as a way to reduce high energy bills. By increasing the energy efficiency of your home, you can reduce your energy bills while also saving money and doing good for the planet. But what style of windows are energy efficient? The answer is — Louvre Windows. This is because louvre windows allow 90% of fresh air regardless of wind direction (in comparison to any other window style as shown below). At Breezway, we believe buildings should be designed to work with nature, rather than sealing up and fighting against it. Read more on our energy page here.
3.Safety and Security
Single-hung floor-to-floor ceiling windows can be dangerous to have open if you have young children. To solve this problem, you’ll need windows that can let in air without posing a safety risk. That means installing Breezway Louvre Windows. Breezway offers the Altair Louvre with the Stronghold System that can comply with the fall prevention requirements whilst providing ventilation and safety to occupants, even when the openings are restricted. The Stronghold System mechanically retains blades and is ideal for apartment buildings where window openings and cross ventilation can be limited.
4.Aesthetic Concerns
If you plan on staying in your home for years to come, you should invest in it. You should feel comfortable in the home you live in and that includes enjoying the way it looks and feels. And if you want to update the style of your house, getting replacement windows could be a good option. It would be nice to have windows that match your architectural design and exterior. Not only are these pleasing to the eyes, but complementary windows also enhance home value. Breezway Louvre Windows have a sleek, elegant design and are available with automation so you can keep up with current trends. Read more about our Powerlouvre Window here.
5.Compromised Comfort
If you aren’t comfortable at home, you’re not going to be happy at your home, which isn’t a good thing. The quality of air indoors greatly influences your indoor environment. By using Altair Louvre Windows, you can reduce the need for air conditioning to keep your home at a comfortable temperature with natural ventilation. Research even shows that those users of naturally ventilated and hybrid buildings are more comfortable than or at least as comfortable as, users of an air conditioned building.
We know replacing your windows can be a little intimidating, simply because of the scope and cost of the project. One that not only saves you energy and increases the value of your home, but also adds comfort, security, and beauty inside out. At the forefront of louvre window technology in the world, Breezway always make sure that our product is well tested and #BuiltForYou.
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