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Slimline Window Systems – INTEGRAL

Slimline Window Systems – INTEGRAL

Wood Alum System – Integral

Our new, premium slimline window system is a beautiful addition to any home, both inside and out. The Integral system has an ultra-slim structure which allows for more demanding and innovative window designs. This new system should be a welcome addition for any homeowner seeking to add high-quality, slimline windows to their home.

The wood-aluminum system has a narrow frame with fully covered sashes and noise-insulating glass windowpane. Thanks to greater surface areas, these windows will allow in a greater amount of natural light. Elegant and timeless, the new system’s sophisticated design is exceptionally durable.

Some of the features of wood aluminum integral system are:

  • Narrow frame surfaces with fully covered sashes;
  • Excellent thermal insulation;
  • Profile with clear lines and small radii on the exposed edge;
  • Maximum protection against weather effects is guaranteed by the help of well-ventilated frames which are attached to the wood tension-free;
  • The combination of aluminum durability and wood’s natural beauty;
  • 3 alternatives of the wood thickness;
  • Different finishing options of bead shelf – square or angled.

As a result of all of this, the wood aluminum integral system provides superior quality and comfort. Modern trends in the design of window favor slim rectangular forms as well as aluminum profiles connected to the frame. The wood aluminum integral system provides the best features of  both wood and aluminum.

Also, there are a wide range of powder coated finishes available for the aluminum frames. These finishes mean that your windows will require little maintenance. Further, wood offers good thermal features and natural beauty.  Finally, The covering of aluminum protects the natural wood and ensures that this will be an an exceptional window system.

To read more about our other slimline window systems, please click here.

Interior Steel Frame Doors

Interior Steel Frame Doors

We are excited to present our new line of our Interior Steel Frame Doors.

Incredibly slim and lightweight design will bring true elegance to your interiors.

The highest quality galvanized steel and the 2mm steel profiles make it possible to produce exceptionally thin door frames without compromising durability.

Interior steel doors are a perfect fit for modern interiors. They also add character to loft-style apartments. Their minimalism will enhance the design of your living room, kitchen, or study.

We also have a new range of ultra slim steel windows, which you can learn more about here.

Introducing Railings System

Introducing Railings System

OpenAWD Team is proud to present a new line of our products – RAILINGS SYSTEMS.

Sophisticated design, unbeatable quality, rapid assembly and excellent safety – that is what OpenAWD Railing stands for. So, take the time to discover our wide range of certified glass balustrades, baluster railings, handrails, glass adapters and glass clamps, as well as our many other innovative solutions for top-quality balustrades.

OpenAWD Railing’s system is suitable to all your needs thanks to its flexibility and a wide variety of combinations. Thanks to their modular design, you can mix and match components in any way you wish, creating truly unique balustrades. That is how, together, we bring your vision to life.

OpenAWD at the AD Design Show 2019

OpenAWD at the AD Design Show 2019

AD Design Show 2019 Happened in New York Between the 21-24 March

Now in its 18th year, the Architectural Digest Design Show drew approximately 40,000 design aficionados to interact with incredible design displays from more than 400 brands.

OpenAWD was at the event showcasing a few samples of new trendy, minimalism-inspired Window and Door Series in Wood, Wood/Aluminum clad and Steel, as well as Frameless Railings and the latest in Tilt and Turn windows and doors.

You can find our video here.

This event provided us successful and exciting experience. We can only wait for next year’s.

Passive House and Energy Efficient Windows Offer

Passive House and Energy Efficient Windows Offer

Here at OPEN AWD, we are increasingly aware of the fact that global warming is quickly becoming everyone’s problem. As sellers of windows and doors, we realize the difference we can make is limited. However, we are constantly trying to find new ways to help you make your home more energy efficient and sustainable. This is why we are excited to introduce you to our new range of Passive House windows and doors. For a limited time only, we are offering a 50% discount on certain windows from our Passive House-certified range. If you don’t already know about what the Passive House concept could mean for your home and the environment, we have put together some useful information on it below.

What is Passive House?

Passive House is a building standard that promotes thermally and energy efficient homes. Created in Germany at the end of the twentieth century, the Passive House concept has since become the global standard in sustainable design and energy efficiency. Through a combination of extensive insulation, thermally broken, airtight windows and doors, and an energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system, your home’s heating and cooling needs can be reduced by up to 90%. The result produces a home which is extremely cost effective and whose temperature is highly regulated.

The idea behind Passive Homes is simple: achieve the maximum amount energy for the least amount effort or cost. Then, energy within the home is maintained through insulation and an ERV system. Installing passive house-certified windows is a great starting point to cut down on your energy bills.

passive windows 2 1194x1536 1
passive windows 1 1024x1536 1

What Makes a Passive House Different from a Standard Building?

Why Do Standard Buildings Use So Much Energy?

Most homes are fitted with heating, ventilation, and air condition units (HVAC) which are used to heat and cool their home. As your home’s internal temperature fluctuates, your ventilation and cooling systems kick in, overcompensating for the temperature change by stabilizing it. Constant heating or cooling can result in significant energy expenses.

Some of the primary reasons for high energy costs are:

  • Non-airtight Windows and Doors
  • Insufficient Insulation
  • Open Fireplaces
  • Minor Cracks in the Building

This means that the average home uses uses most of the energy spent heating or cooling it very inefficiently. These HVAC systems are costly and represent an average of 40% of most people’s home energy bills.

How Do Passive Houses Work?

Passive Houses, on the other hand, retain all of this energy for three reasons:

  • Excellent, Airtight Windows and Doors
  • Continuous Insulation
  • Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) Systems.

Of these three, the single most important factor is airtight windows and doors. While ERV systems and proper insulation are important, airtight, thermally broken, triple-glazed, argon-filled windows and doors are the single most important step towards making your home Passive House-certified.

Frankly, windows will represent the biggest part of your investment in making your home Passive House-certified, but no other investment in your home will result in a greater return.

How Do Passive Houses Work

Why Choose Passive House Design?

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Firstly, passive houses have a significantly smaller carbon footprint than standard homes. Accordingly, passive houses, on average, use 1.5l of oil (1.5m3) per square meter of space over the course of an entire year. This equates to spending 90% less than the average homeowner spends to heat and cool their home.

Save Money

Lastly, it is also worth pointing out that energy efficient windows can save you money. In addition to making your home more energy efficient, Passive House-certified windows increase property value. As homeowners become more conscious of the environment, the desire for sustainable homes grow. This trend is already evident in New York City. More and more developers and homeowners here are seeking to future-proof their homes.

Our Offer

At OPEN AWD, we have been providing the most energy efficient and innovative windows the industry has to offer for over a decade. This is why we would like to help you on your journey toward making your own home more efficient and sustainable.

We are offering thermally broken, triple-glazed, argon-filled windows at a 50% discount for a limited time only. This applies to 3” x 5” ($550 Fixed; $900 Operable) and 3’6” x 6” ($650 Fixed; $990 Operable). This does not include tax or shipping costs.

The offer is available until December 1 and applies to all of our customers. If you are interested, please contact us at info@openawd.com today. Someone from our team would be happy to discuss your options with you.

For more information on Passive House, please refer to the New York Passive House society, or this recent article about a recent Passive House remodel in Brooklyn.

The Beauty of Slimline Steel Windows

The Beauty of Slimline Steel Windows

Although much has changed in the world of windows over the past century, quite a lot has remained the same. While homeowners can now choose from a variety of different window materials. These include but are not limited to: vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum. wood, and wood-clad, classic metals such as Stainless and Powder Coated Steel, as well as Bronze and Brass. These continue to be the most popular choices for homeowners who want beautifully slim windows. One of the most popular and enduring choices are slimline steel windows.

Although steel windows are not new, they are enjoying a resurgence as more and more want slimline steel windows for their modern homes.

A Brief History of Metal Windows

Favored by designers for their strength, and sought after by homeowners for their beauty, metal windows have always been the windows of choice for those wishing to make a statement. Iron, which had been the metal of choice for centuries, was replaced by steel during the Industrial Revolution of the nineteenth century. Blacksmiths soon realized how much more beautiful and durable steel windows could be. With increased strength and workability, steel offered window-makers the opportunity to do more with less, to design windows with slimmer profiles, narrower sight-lines, and with more glass on display, paving the way for the window styles we all have in our homes today.

The Enduring Beauty of Steel and Bronze

Furthermore, because of its timeless appeal, steel has never gone out of fashion. Steel windows, alongside Bronze windows, remain the most visually appealing windows. Unlike with some of the other materials, time is much kinder to steel and bronze. As these metals age gracefully over time, your home does, too. This is particularly true of bronze, whose much-admired bluish-green patina develops over time in response to the elements. As a result, this makes bronze an ideal choice for those with coastal or seafront properties.

Similarly, advances in technology have meant that it is now possible to have ultra-slim metal windows without sacrificing any of the thermal efficiency and customizability of more modern materials. In addition to this, metal windows are safer, more secure, more fire resistant, and will last significantly longer than other window types. Here at Open AWD, we are happy to provide you with Galvanized Steel, Stainless Steel, Corten Steel, Bronze, Brass, and Copper-Clad windows.

Steel and Bronze Windows 3

Beloved for its versatility and strength, steel is one of the of the most sustainable, widely recycled and reused material available. Its strength is one of its most appealing characteristics for a number of reasons. Because of its strength, steel windows can have incredibly thin sight-lines. This in turn creates slimmer profiles that would not be possible with other materials. These slimmer, less clunky joints can easily be concealed within existing structures.

Furthermore, steel windows provide a degree of flexibility that other window types simply do not offer. For example, steel can be used in renovation projects where it is important to match or recreate the historic look of a building, but also to ensure that the windows are as efficient as possible. With steel, you also have a significantly higher degree of customizability. You can choose from different frame thicknesses, new muntin designs, high-performance glass, improved weather-stripping, as well as a range of factory-applied finishes.

Interior Steel Doors from a recent OPEN AWD project in Tribeca.

Exterior Line

Glazing Beads and Simulated Divided Lites

Glazing Beads Simulated Divided Lites
Glazing Beads Simulated Divided Lites

Materials

Materials for Doors and Windows
U Value

An increasingly popular choice, steel is the perfect choice for homeowners for whom thermal efficiency is as important as durability, security, and aesthetics. Our steel and bronze windows are every bit as thermally efficient as other contemporary window types. Thermally broken steel windows retain heat excellently.

Because of their strength, steel windows can be made with much thinner frames. Slimmer profiles mean more glass surface area. Today’s high-performance, thermally optimized glass means that there can now be increased amounts of glass on display within a frame, which can help heat your home.

Steel, like most other metals, has a very high thermal transmittance rate. In order to achieve great thermal insulation results in windows, thermally broken profiles are used. This creates a thermal break between the outer and inner part of the windows. This, combined with double or triple-glazed glass, energy efficient coatings, and gas-filled spaces results in a window unit with an optimal U-Value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. This will help cut down on heating and cooling costs and also maintain a more comfort and consistent temperature in your home.

Safety and Security

When it comes to safety and security, metal windows simply cannot be beaten. Other materials do not come close to providing similar levels. To get a sense of what this means, steel windows are three-times stronger than aluminum windows. Steel can bear a load capacity of up to 330lb. Steel’s natural strength means that it is an ideal choice for a homeowner where security is a concern. Our robust frames will help protect you and your home from unwanted intruders.

The Resistance Class (RC) rating is the ranking system for measuring a window’s security. Even with the most secure wooden windows you could possibly find, the RC rating will not go beyond 4. However, with steel, you can it is possible to achieve an RC rating of up to 5 or 6. Likewise, we can very easily fit steel windows with anti-burglary fittings and highly breakthrough resistant glass.

Customizability

Now, thanks to advances in technology, steel can be finished with a variety of treatments and paints. These will ensure that it your windows are both long-lasting and incredibly easy to maintain. These include corrosion inhibiting finishes such as galvanizing, electro-coat (e-coat) primer, powder coatings, urethane enamels and more. All of these will ensure that your windows will not need to re-painted or treated annually. A simple wipe is enough to ensure that your windows look clean and polished.

Finally, we can finish powder-coated steel in any color. This means that we can create these windows to suit any style of home. Moreover, we can even finish our steel windows to give off the appearance of wooden windows.

Improved Fire Rating

Lastly, fire safety is another area in which steel windows, unsurprisingly, come out on top. Of the different materials used in standard home windows, steel is more fire resistant that wood, vinyl, or even aluminum. As a result of this, steel windows can be designed to be fire resistant for up to 2 hours, ensuring that your home and family are as safe as possible.

We are also happy to provide any sort of operable steel windows or doors depending your needs.

Contact Us Today

To discuss your options with one of our project managers, give us a call or drop us an email at info@openawd.com. Whatever your needs, OPEN AWD has the right windows and doors for you.

Contact Us Today for Right Windows and Doors
Six Reasons To Invest In High Quality Windows and Doors

Six Reasons To Invest In High Quality Windows and Doors

Choosing high quality windows and doors for your home can be a time-consuming business. Ideally, it will be something you only do once every few decades. This is why it’s important to do it right. With so many factors such as glazing, frame materials, soundproofing, and security to take into consideration, it can be difficult to know that you are choosing windows and doors which not only look good, but perform well.

As window and door technology continues to become more innovative and efficient, more choices means more opportunities to get windows and doors which look and perform exactly as you want them to. Here at Open Architectural Windows and Doors, we don’t believe you should have to sacrifice aesthetics in favour of functionality and performance, or vice versa. So, we’ve put together a list of the top aspects you should consider when investing in high-quality windows and doors.

1. Holistic Design Approach

Every time we look out through a window, we’re also looking at the window itself. It is also worth noting out that not only are windows the way we look out at the world, they’re also how the world looks in and sees us. Modern or Traditional, your windows and doors should be made to complement your idea of a perfect home.

Furthermore, an under-appreciated fact of high quality windows and doors is the beauty they add to your home. If you’ve gone to all the trouble of creating your ideal home, why not choose windows and doors which add to the beauty of your home? Standard, run-of-the-mill windows often look out of place on elegantly designed and decorated homes. We believe that windows and doors should be one of the most important parts of your interior and exterior design plans.

2. Thermally Efficient, High Quality Windows and Doors Windows Save Money

Thermally Efficient, High Quality Windows and Doors Windows Save Money

One of the primary benefits of having well-constructed, airtight windows is that they retain more heat and keep the temperature in your home more evenly regulated. This is very important in the colder months of the year. Thermally efficient, airtight windows will prevent heat loss, meaning you can consistently save money on your energy bills. On the other hand, efficient windows also ensure that your air-conditioning unit can operate effectively and efficiently.

1. Glazing bead.

2. Structural thermal break.

3. Fitting groove.

4. Internal and external rebate.

5. Internal rebate seal.

Well-made, thermally broken windows should have a minimum of double-glazing, although triple-glazed windows will be even more efficient. Consider windows which have been filled with argon gas. Argon gas is denser than air which means that it can significantly reduce heat loss. Similarly, consider windows with Low-E (Low-Emissivity) coatings. This extra layer will increase the thermal efficiency of your windows.

3. Environmentally Friendly

Environmentally Friendly Doors Windows

On average, 40% of homeowners’ energy bills are spent heating and cooling their homes. As you already know, thermally-broken windows dramatically reduce heat loss. By reducing unnecessary heat loss and cutting down on your energy bills, you can in turn significantly decrease carbon dioxide emissions. If cutting down on your home energy bills and being more environmentally-friendly is a concern for you, consider investing in passive house certified windows. For more on passive house windows, see our article on them. 

Furthermore, with well-constructed, high quality windows and doors, you can also expect less problems and maintenance issues over time. This can cut down the use of any extra materials you might have to invest in to help fix your windows or doors.

4. Safety and Security

Safety and Security Doors Windows

Having the safest and most secure windows can drastically reduce your exposure to burglaries. In addition to being distressing, burglaries can result in financial and irreplaceable losses. Good security is an investment you do not want to cut corners on. Thanks to advances in technology, windows and doors are becoming more and more safe and secure. 

Components such as multi-locking points, anti-burglary fittings, and anti-breakthrough glass have become more popular choices amongst homeowners seeking to protect their homes and families. Unfortunately, many older windows lack many of these features and, as a result, most burglaries are opportunistic.

Burglars know they only have to be lucky once. Don’t give them an opportunity. Consider investing in up-to date, high quality windows and doors. By reducing the possibility, you are greatly reducing the probability.

5. Comfort and Control

Heat Flows Through Windows

An often overlooked quality of good windows is the comfort and control they offer. Badly designed, or even slightly defective windows, can create annoying, and, oftentimes, immutable problems for your home. Areas which are particularly cold in a room, near windows or doors, are known as ‘cold spots’. These are caused by low-quality windows and poor workmanship. The installation process is a crucial part of ensuring that your windows or doors are completely airtight. It should only be undertaken by professionals.

Not only is it important that windows offer airtightness, but also operable sections that allow for you to control the degree of airflow into your home. As discussed, temperature fluctuations can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. It is important that you invest in windows which help you achieve the maximum level of comfort in your home.

6. Noise-Reduction

Noise-Reduction Doors Windows

Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings are the measure by which we determine how something—in this case a window or a door—stops the flow of sound. When choosing windows or doors for your home, it is important to do so with an understanding of what STC rating you will need. To do this, you will need to take several things into consideration. 

For people whose homes are within earshot of traffic, car horns, low-flying airplanes, sirens, construction noise, or even loud neighbors, your home will be subject to much low-frequency (i.e. loud noises from a distance). Many windows are unable to withstand such low-frequency noise. If that’s the case, then your window might only let it unwanted noise, but could also cause vibrations, too. In this instance, you would need a lower STC rating.

For some people, proper soundproofing can mean the difference in being able to sleep comfortably, even live properly, in their own home. When choosing windows, it is important to discuss your needs with whomever is designing and installing your windows.  Moreover, you should consider windows which have additional coatings and layers. This will ensure optimum sound-proofing.

Contact Us Today

Finally, it is worth pointing out that, in addition to saving you money by cutting down on your energy bills, high quality windows are also an investment in your future. Beautiful windows create a strong first impression and can make your property more attractive. There is much to consider when choosing windows and doors for your home. With some careful consideration, you can find the right windows and doors for your home.

Contact us today and someone from our team would be happy to discuss your options with you.

Introducing: Open AWD’s Ultra Slim Sliding Door Systems

Introducing: Open AWD’s Ultra Slim Sliding Door Systems

One of the eternal problems within modern architecture has been the quest for slimmer and slimmer sight lines. For a variety of reasons, ultra slim profiles are not always possible to achieve, particularly in sliding door systems. One of the main reasons is that the slimmer the frame, the less overall structural integrity the door will have. This issue becomes even more important when you take operable parts into consideration.

So, after much researching, testing, and modeling, Open Architectural Windows and Doors is very excited to announce the launch of our latest range of state-of-the-art sliding door systems. We will be offering two ultra-slim wood-aluminum and aluminum sliding doors, the OPEN m40 and the OPEN s26a. All of our windows and doors are sourced from first-rate European manufacturers.

Both systems have been designed with some of the slimmest profiles possible to achieve with sliding door systems—1” aluminum, and 1¾” for wood-aluminum. As a result of this, your sliding door will be completely flush with the wall. No lip, no threshold, just slim, elegant sight lines.

Both systems have been tested in Europe and testing is currently underway in the US.

OPEN M40

open m40 sliding door system

Our new and elegant sliding door system, the OPEN m40, is comprised of cladded wood-aluminum. Its beautiful 1¾” wooden frame contains a robust, supporting internal aluminum frame. The wooden exterior provides all of the natural beauty of wood while aluminum offers additional strength and durability. As a result of this, the aluminum cladding will ensure that the door needs little or no maintenance and will be watertight and perfect for all seasons.

Other Highlights Include:

  • Elegant selection of woods and finishes to choose from.
  • Sound Transmission Class rating of 43.
  • Glass is tempered and finished with a low-e heat retention coating.
  • Offers excellent security and fire resistance.
  • Three weather gasket planes with continuous, one-piece full-perimeter weather gaskets.
open m40 sliding door system
open m40 sliding door system

OPEN A26A

Open A26A

Our other new aluminum sliding door system, Open S-26a, has an exceptionally slim visible section of just 25mm. This minimalist system is particularly well suited to oversized panels (up to 12ft x 10ft). The Open S-26a also has exceptional thermal and acoustic performance ratings. The reinforced, stainless steel rolling area allows for a smoother and easier sliding movement.

Other Highlights Include:

  • Sound Transmission Class rating of 43.
  • Glass is tempered and finished with a low-e heat retention coating.
  • Offers excellent security and fire resistance.
  • Possible to join corner sashes at 90º without a mullion.
  • Available in standard RAL powder coating and in wood-effect.

Overview

No Threshold

No-Threshold​

Our advanced new systems have eradicated the need for thresholds, ensuring elegant sight lines all round. This means that your home can blend seamlessly into your patio.

Innovative Locking System

Innovative Locking System

Our concealed locking system means that there will be no bulky and unnecessary fittings visible on your sliding door. The locking systems have a corrosion resistant coating.

Flush With The Wall

Flush With The Wall

With our new innovative system, our OPEN-m40 model boasts an exposed sash section of only 40mm. This ultra slim profile ensures that it can remain completely flush with the wall.

Slimmer Profile, More Glass and More Light

Slimmer Profile, More Glass and More Light

A slimmer profile means more glass on display. More glass means more light and a brighter home. Furthermore, we are also offering oversize sliding doors with glass panels up to 12ft x 10ft. With our new models we can achieve up to 94% glass surface level.

U-Value and STC

U-Value and STC

Our new systems boast a U-value of 0.16 up to 0.23 BTU/h∙ft²∙°F.

The systems have an impressive Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 43. This means that the windows will be exceptionally resistant to external sounds, minimizing sound pollution.

Unique Finishes and Maximum Comfort

Unique Finishes and Maximum Comfort

The OPEN-m40 will be available in a variety of different woods. The OPEN-s26a is available in all standard RAL varieties of custom colors.

Open AWD can fit your new sliding doors with the most thermally efficient double or triple glazing available. So, not only will you cut down on energy bills, you will also ensures an optimal level of comfort inside your home.

Find Out More

If you would like to find out more about our new sliding doors, contact us today. Someone from our team would be happy to discuss your options further with you.

Designing the Perfect Entry Door

Designing the Perfect Entry Door

Deciding on an entry door for your home can be one of the most important choices you have to make for your home. Although some people might think of doors as simply functional components of a home, they are much more than that. Doors are an integral part of any home’s exterior. The first thing people notice as they enter your home, doors greatly contribute to a first impression and the overall feeling of a space.

With so many different materials and styles to choose from, it can be hard to know you’re choosing the right one. You will need to consider the type of door, the materials, what you need it to do, whether it is safe and secure, and that it will perform well. The ideal door for your home, then, will be a perfect marriage of functionality and aesthetics, carefully tailored to your unique needs. If you’ve gone to all the trouble of designing and decorating your perfect home, why settle for a less than perfect door.

Choosing The Right Material For Your Entry Door

The materials you choose for your front door will greatly determine how safe, secure, weather-resistant, and durable your door will be. Choosing the material is a crucial step when considering purchasing a door for your home. Doors make a dramatic difference to the appearance of your home and, more importantly, how you feel about the way it looks. We’ll first look at some of the different materials you can choose for your door and figure out which might be the perfect fit for your home.

Wood Doors

Wooden Doors

There is a reason the popularity of wooden doors has remained undimmed for thousands of years. They are the most traditional and timeless choice and their beauty is often unsurpassed. Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, advances in technology now mean that wooden doors are now as efficient and durable as more contemporary materials such as aluminum, composites, and other materials.

Ornate accents are often added to wooden entry doors in order to complement or add a flourish to the facade. Although there is a level of upkeep in wooden entry doors, finished and treated properly, they can last a lifetime. Wooden entry doors are perfect if you would like to make a statement.

Some of our most popular choices include:

  • Oak 
  • Teak
  • Mahogany
  • Birch
  • Fir
  • Maple
  • Cherry
  • Ash
  • Scandinavian Pine

Steel Doors

Steel Doors

Beloved for their versatility and strength, steel doors are the sturdiest, most fire-resistant, most secure, and most long lasting doors available on the market. In addition to this, steel doors offer exceptional thermal performance thanks to their thermal break. This means that they both retain the heat and keep the cold out, allowing you to keep the heat in your home at the optimal level for comfort.

Another major factor in steel’s increasing popularity is its strength. Unlike with the most popular and widely used material (wood), it is possible to have exceptionally thin sight-lines with steel doors. Steel’s natural strength means that it can be both exceptionally slim and robust. The combination of slimness and added security is simply not possible in wooden doors.

Finally, with steel, you also have a significantly higher degree of customizability. You can choose from different frame thicknesses, high-performance glass, improved weather-stripping, as well as a range of factory-applied finishes. It is precisely for these reasons that steel doors have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners searching to add a modern or contemporary flourish to their exterior facade.

Here at Open AWD, we are happy to provide you with the following steel doors:

  • Galvanized Steel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Corten Steel

Cladded Doors

cladded doors

An increasingly popular choice, cladded doors give you and your home the best of both worlds. Our cladded doors are available in a wide variety of different materials such as bronze, copper, and aluminum. With cladded doors, the wooden door frame is supported by a robust frame, designed with a metal of your choice. The wooden interior provides all of the natural beauty of wood while, on the exterior, a weather-resistant metal offers additional strength and durability. Cladding ensures that the door needs little or no maintenance and will be watertight and perfect for all seasons. Cladding is also a popular choice for sliding doors.

As pictured here, copper-clad is an exceptionally elegant choice. This style means that all of copper’s natural beauty is visible on the exterior for everyone to see, and the natural warmth of wood is present on the interior. Copper, much like bronze, is a metal which ages very gracefully. This means that the facade on your building will take on a beautiful bluish-green patina which only gets more beautiful over time. This, combined with the fact it is resistant to saltwater, makes it a perfect choice for those with an oceanfront property.

Our most popular cladded doors:

  • Aluminum-clad
  • Wood-clad
  • Copper-clad

Putting The Finishing Touches on Your Entry Door

As the revered modernist architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, once said, “God is in the details.” It’s the little things which seem at once simple, but are in fact ornate and beautiful, which separate a good entry door from a great one. Once you’ve chosen your material, you must then begin considering the finer elements. These include decorative accents, handles, and additional safety and security features.

Accents

Accents

Now that you’ve chosen the type of your material, you must consider how you would like your door to look. Entry doors are a perfect place to add a few finishing touches such as bespoke accents. here are a wide range of elegant accents which you can add to your door.

Details such as accents on doors say a lot about a home and its owners. Accents are a great place to add a flourish which complements the rest of your facade. They are, for instance, your only opportunity to add a decorative glass element to your facade.

Our team would be delighted to talk through your ideas with you, show you examples, and help you create the perfect entry door for your home.

Door Handles

Door Handles

After accents, doors handles and door knobs are components which must be carefully considered. It is important to choose a handle or a knob that will match, or at least complement, the aesthetics of your entry door and facade.

While handles are certainly a much more popular choice, knobs are popular amongst those with classic-looking, wooden entry doors. Bronze, copper, and brass remain the most popular choices for door knobs. Also, it is a little known fact that these metals contain antimicrobial properties. This means that they can actually help kill any germs which may be on your handle in a few hours.

If you’re looking for something more modern, steel handles might be a better fit. There are an endless variety of steel door handles available depending on the style of your home. You can learn more about the types of handles, knobs, and knockers we use here. Whatever your needs, we’ve got a huge selection to choose from.

Increased Safety and Security

Increased Safety and Security of Door

A great entry door amounts to very little if it is not safe and secure. If you have gone to the trouble of installing a beautiful new entry door, you must ensure that it can keep intruders out.

There are a number of things to consider here. For example, the material you choose for your door will have an impact on the safety and security of your home. Metal doors, in general, are of course stronger than wooden or composite doors. 

If you opt to have glass in your entry door, make sure to discuss your options to have the glazing reinforced so that it can withstand any attempted break-ins. Glass, while being beautiful, provides intruders with an easier entry point into your home. There are a number of ways to increase the security of your home via your entry door.

Most importantly, an entry door should have a good, multipoint locking system. This means that the top, middle, and bottom of the door can be locked with the turn of a key or the push of a button. Here at Open AWD, we use expertly designed multipoint locking systems from our European manufacturers.

Additional features such as security sets, extra secure hinges, and other anti-burglary fittings can be installed. Each of these additional features will increase the overall Resistance Class (RC) Rating of your entry door.

Locking systems are an equally important component of choosing the right entry door. It is important to consider which type of locking system would be most beneficial for your needs. For many, this will mean a traditional lock and key. For others, however, electronic lock (also known as keyless entry) might suit their needs better.

Contact Us

To discuss your options with one of our project managers, give us a call today or drop us an email. Whatever your needs, OPEN AWD has the right entry door for you.

The Top Five Advantages of Tilt and Turn Windows

The Top Five Advantages of Tilt and Turn Windows

Tilt and Turn windows are perhaps the most versatile, functional, and aesthetically pleasing of all contemporary window types. Having been standard in Europe for some time now, the popularity of Tilt and Turn windows is increasing across America.

In addition to being very elegant, they’re very versatile windows. They feature a hinge mechanism which allows them to be opened two ways: turned inwards, like a casement window, or tilted so that the top of the window is angled into the room. The tilt option provides an opening for ventilation and also has the added benefit of increased airtightness and security.

Before we look at their unique benefits, we’ll quickly explain exactly how they work.

How Tilt and Turn Windows Work

Equipped with profile cylinders, Tilt and Turn windows have a free-wheel function integrated into their handles. This allows them to move seamlessly between the closed and tilt positions. In its closed position, pointing south, the handle has a 180-degree range of movement. At 90 degrees, the ‘turn’ position, the window can be opened inward, like a casement window. At 180 degrees, or facing upward, the window is in its tilt position, which means simply tilts inwards. Now, let’s see what this means for your home.

How Tilt and Turn Windows Work
‘Tilt’ (Left) and ‘Turn’ (Right)

1. Optimum Window Ventilation

Optimum Window Ventilation

One of the biggest benefits of Tilt and Turn windows are the varied types of ventilation possible. As mentioned above, with Sliding or Double-Hung windows you lack the precision and control which Tilt and Turn windows provide. With two different ways of opening—tilting and turning—you can determine just how much air enters your home, helping you to cut down on energy costs. Another excellent benefit of these windows is that in the ’tilt’ position, cool air can enter your home, but rain cannot.

2. Airtight and Energy Efficient

Tilt and Turn windows are an incredible 10-30 times more airtight than standard double hung windows found in most American homes. Excellent design, robust locking points, and more efficient air seals prevent air and water infiltrating your home. This minimizes potential or unexpected damage associated with wind or rain. Airtight windows also help reduce unwanted heat loss and complement the performance of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system. This means that your home will be significantly more energy efficient. These windows make an excellent choice where energy consumption is a concern, and a perfect choice for passive houses.

Airtight and Energy Efficient

3. Excellent Soundproofing

Soundproofing is one of the most important (and often neglected) aspects of window design. Because sound travels through the air, it is important to get windows which will form an effective barrier against sound coming into your home.

Due to increased airtightness and the possibility to use triple-glazed panels, this window system often have much better soundproofing. For reference, with the correct component configuration, sound attenuation comparable to a concrete wall can be achieved with these windows.

Excellent Soundproofing

4. Maximum Security

Maximum Security

Tilt and Turn windows have a multi-point locking system. This means that there are multiple locking point situated within the frame. While this allows for the windows to be locked in the ’tilt’ and ‘turn’ positions, the robust internal mechanism affords the window greater security. These features significantly decrease the chances of a burglar breaking into your home via your windows.

With greater security comes greater possibilities. Because of these additional locking mechanisms, it is much easier to create more secure, oversized Tilt and Turn windows. Unlike Sliding or Double Hung windows, Tilt and Turn windows manage to be secure AND provide maximum ventilation.

5. Make The Most of Natural Light with Oversized Units

Due to their above average load-bearing capacity, Tilt and Turn windows work exceptionally well as oversized units. Thanks to their design, the windows can withstand up to an unbelievable 550lb in the ’tilt’ position. Most other systems are simply unable to handle comparable loads and so must be made at standard sizes. Anything more could compromise their structural integrity.

Oversized window units can add a dramatic effect to your home’s facade. Some of the many benefits of oversized window units include unobstructed views, maximized natural light as well as added solar heat gain. With more glass on display, your home will naturally benefit from the sun’s rays.

Natural Light with Oversized Units

6. Maintenance

maintenance

Tilt and Turn windows are also easier to maintain than most other window types. By opening and tilting inwards, Tilt and Turn windows can be cleaned much more easily and safely than other windows. and much more safely than other windows.

Because they often lack a partition in the center, the unbroken surface area makes it easier to clean the panes. No need to risk to climbing up on a ladder or paying a small fortune for a window-cleaner.

Find Out More

If you would like to find out more about how Tilt and Turn windows can benefit your home, contact us today at 929-202-2558 or email us here and someone from our team would be happy to talk you through it!

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