Accoya Windows, Timber Windows

Why Purchase an Accoya Window?

Timber windows offer an aesthetic that just isn’t matched by other materials. Some aluminium and UPVC windows are coated to look like timber, but it just isn’t the same.

Unfortunately however, timber windows come with their downsides. Some timbers bleed through paint and are therefore limited to oiled or stained finishes. Different timbers also have different service lives with some not lasting very long when exposed to the elements, and others lasting longer but requiring upkeep.

Accoya is unique. Compare Accoya to Western Red Cedar for a moment. Accoya has a radial shrinkage of 0.4% whilst WR Cedar has a radial shrinkage of 1.5%. This means that when drying, Accoya shrinks less than 3 times as much as Cedar.

Accoya also has a good hardness for use in windows. It has a Janka Hardness rating of 4.1. Western Red Cedar on the other hand, has a Janka Hardness of 2.

Accoya is extremely durable and has a minimum service life of 70 years. This results in Accoya being a Class 1 timber, a timber expected to last more than 40 years outdoors. Western Red Cedar is Class 2, a timber expected to last 15-40 years outdoors.

The above reasons are already great reasons to buy an Accoya Window, but there’s more!

Accoya is resistant to pests such as termites, It has a 50-year above-ground warranty, can be painted, stained or left uncoated and, Accoya is produced from sustainably grown plantation pine.

How much does an Accoya Window cost?

The short of it is that an Accoya Window will generally be more expensive than an equivalent aluminium or UPVC window, at least as up-front costs are involved. But in the long run, you may see a different picture.

An Accoya Window frame has the benefit of Accoya’s 70 year minimum service life. The average life expectancy of a UPVC window is 20-35 years and 40 years for a thermally broken Aluminium Window. It is also worth noting; not all windows are made equal.

If you would like a price for an Accoya Window, Please contact us.

https://www.gowanleatimbers.com.au/timber-durability/

https://www.accoya.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janka_hardness_test

https://brittontimbers.com.au/timbers/western-red-cedar/

https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/property/how-long-do-upvc-windows-last-82940/

May 11, 2022May 11, 2022

What is a BAL rating?

Introduction

If you are planning a build or renovation, you may have come across the term ‘BAL Rating’. This is often a new concept to home owners can might seem confusing at first. Luckily, it is not that complicated once broken down.

So what is a BAL Rating?

The BAL rating is a rating applied to a home which signifies the risk of damage from bush fire. The location of the house and it’s surrounds are inspected to determine how much heat the house would be exposed to in the case of a bush fire.

BAL – LOW

BAL Low is the lowest BAL Rating and suggests that there are no notable bush fire related threats to the home. There is therefore no specific requirement for the doors and windows.

BAL – 12.5

BAL 12.5 indicates that the house may be subject to ember attack and heat up to 12kW/m2. The requirements for doors and windows under this rating are not difficult to achieve but may include using safety glass and fire-resistant timber species.

https://mybuildingcertifier.com.au/forms/MBC-BAL-12_5-Summary.pdf

BAL – 19

The BAL 19 rating indicates that the property may be subject to increasing levels or ember attack and debris. A BAL 19 rated property may be subject to radiant heat up to 19kW/M2. The requirements for doors are windows are a bit stricter than BAL 12.5 but very similar.

https://mybuildingcertifier.com.au/forms/MBC-BAL-19-Summary.pdf

BAL – 29

BAL 29 indicates a high risk of bush fire attack. This includes increased attack from embers and debris with heats up to 29kW/M2. Timber doors and windows must be made with bush fire resistant timber species and glazed with a minimum of 5mm toughened glass. Alternatively, they can be covered by bush fire-resistant screens or shutters.

https://mybuildingcertifier.com.au/forms/MBC-BAL-29-Summary.pdf

BAL – 40

BAL 40 is a very high risk. The home is now exposed to increased embers, debris and possibly flames. Heats may reach 40kW/M2. Timber doors and windows must be covered by a bushfire shutter. Glass must be a minimum of 6mm toughened.

https://mybuildingcertifier.com.au/forms/MBC-BAL-40-Summary.pdf

BAL – FZ

the flame zone. BAL FZ or ‘Flame Zone’ is the highest BAL rating. A BAL FZ house may be exposed to direct flames from a bush fire front and heats exceeding 40kW/M2. The requirements for doors and windows are much higher and may be difficult to achieve with timber doors and windows.

Can I change my BAL Rating?

A consultant or your local council, will assign a BAL rating to the property. It may be possible to lower the BAL rating if desired. An example of how this could be achieved is by clearing the land around the house allowing a 20-50M radius. Maintained gardens and lawns are not ‘Bush’. Thus the more of this type of area is surrounding the house, the lower the BAL requirement will be. If you require BAL rated timber doors or windows, please contact us for a quote.

April 6, 2022June 22, 2023

Kitchen and Cabinetry Quotes

Enquiring about a quote

The typical ‘first step’ in organizing a Kitchen or Cabinetry Renovation is to source a quote, or multiple quotes. This involves contacting manufacturers and explaining your requirement for a quote. The manufacturer may conduct a site measure or you may be able to supply them with draft plans. You should plan ahead and allow sufficient time for obtaining quotes prior to the projected start date for the project. I would suggest, for an average kitchen, requesting quotes no less than 3 months in advance of when you hope to have the kitchen completed.

The Quoting Process

Once a site measure is taken or plans have been received by the manufacturer, they will then normally prepare their own drafts and begin pricing. The manufacturer may first present you with a design draft prior to providing a quote, to ensure that their quote will be in line with what you are expecting. Depending on how busy the manufacturer is, this may typically take 1 to 4 weeks.

Considering and Comparing Quotes

A quote will typically outline the materials and hardware included with approximate quantities and a description of the project. This may include a rough plan or 3D renders.

You should be careful to read and understand all information provided. If there is anything you are unsure of, be sure to ask the provider for an explanation. A quote that is vague may be a cause for concern and you should ask for more information, in writing. A Quote that is significantly cheaper compared to others, should also be suspect as it suggests there is a reason it is cheaper.

You should also look for the manufacturers ABN and Contractor License Number on the quote. As the consumer, it is up to you to make sure they are licensed to carry out the work before accepting the quote. For more information on this, visit: https://www.tradebusters.com.au/trade-licence-check-with-nsw-fair-trading/

Accepting a Quote

After you have decided to accept a quote, you should contact the company or tradesperson who provided the quote. This will often involve signing the quote and returning a copy to them. From here, they will be able to guide you through their process. If the job value exceeds $5,000.00 they will also require a contract to be signed before the project may commence.

Looking for a Kitchen Quote?

At the Joinery Store we offer Free Measures and Quotes for kitchens in a 1 Hr travel Radius of Young, NSW. We can also provide quotes from your plans. If you would like a quote, please contact us.