Frequently Asked Questions

Please explain the basic terminology used with louvre windows

Breezway was voted the winner of the most trusted ‘Windows and Glazing’ brand by Architecture and Design in 2015. There are a few terms that are unique to louvre windows and are helpful to know.

Louvre_Window_Terminology

Can I have screens on my louvre windows from Breezway?

Yes, there are many framing systems today that will allow a security or insect screen to be placed to the inside or the outside of your Altair Louvres. Following discussions with your window manufacturer you may choose Breezway’s Altair Easyscreen or Innoscreen Window System, or we will often sell our adjustable Altair Louvre Window mechanisms to window manufacturers who will use their own framing system.  Breezway does not have its own insect or security screen range.  They are readily available from local window manufacturers. For more information on the frame types available please visit the Frame Options on the Customising page .

What about security?

Our adjustable louvre windows have received a lot of investment in Research and Development and today are a substantially different product from “traditional” old style metal jalousie louvre windows. If you would like to upgrade your security features, then you may consider keylocks, security bars or security screens. Our Altair Louvre Stronghold System is also a great way to increase the strength and safety of your louvre window. Read more about our barrier options in the Customising Page.

What price are they?

Breezway’s range of louvre windows has undergone a transformation since the 1960’s. Today our products are very much at home in premium architectural buildings. Our 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.

How do I buy Breezway louvre windows?

Breezway Louvre Windows are no longer a DIY proposition due to the extensive knowledge required to ensure Australian Standards are adhered to (i.e. for correct assembly and installation covered by AS2047 and AS1288). Therefore we recommend a fully assembled louvre window from a qualified window fabricator that can be installed by a competent DIYer if this option is chosen.

 

Breezway solely manufactures so you will need to go through a window fabricator who deals our products to get a price for windows and installation. You can find the closest fabricator to you by using our Where to View or Buy page. Type in your postcode or suburb and select the “Home Owner & Builder Enquiry” category filter to narrow down the search.

I am building in a cyclonic 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. Altair Louvres from Breezway have been fully tested in a NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited laboratory. The products have been deemed suitable for use in cyclonic regions, including Region D in Western Australia. To see feedback from our customers on Cyclone Yasi please visit the Testimonial page.

I am building around a pool area, what do I need to consider?

When installing Altair Louvre Windows adjacent to swimming pools, Clause 2.6 of AS1926.1-2012 “Swimming pool safety. Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools” defines the requirements for windows opening directly into a pool area.

State and local government authorities may choose to impose stricter local requirements. We recommend that you receive independent advice from your local council authority to determine the regulations and ensure you comply with the correct protection measures for your individual circumstance. For more information, please visit the Louvre Windows Adjacent to Swimming Pools page.

What colours are available, can they match my other aluminium or timber windows and doors?

Breezway’s powder coating operation has been set up to address the diverse needs of Australian building designs. In Australia we offer some 30 standard colours, with optional colour matched hardware (note: Powdercoated aluminium and plastic finishes may vary slightly in colour). We can paint some 300 additional colours. Breezway also has certification from Dulux and Akzo Nobel to powder coat their high performance finishes.

For more information visit our Colour Section in the Customising page.

Do I need to do any maintenance?

There is some maintenance required with Breezway aluminium louvres or timber louvres. It is important to have a regular cleaning program for your aluminium or timber 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. Timber blades and Powerlouvres will also require some extra care. Please see the Care & Maintenance page.

How do I operate Powerlouvre Windows? Do I need to order a control system?

Breezway Powerlouvre Windows can be operated by bell press switches or can be integrated into a Building Management System specified by your Architect or Building Designer.

For more information on the Powerlouvre Window and the control options available, please visit our Powerlouvre Window page.

How wide can my louvre windows be? Are there standard sizes?

Ultimately, the maximum widths and heights depend on the wind and water pressures for the site.

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 bay 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 louvre blade should be. In cyclonic 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. To see our standard height chart please visit our Customising page.

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 Design and Products pages to help you decide. Some time spent now will reward you once the windows are installed.

Visit the Product Selection Guide page to see the variety of customising options.

How long do my louvres take to manufacture?

Every Breezway Louvre is made to order. Orders commence production throughout the day. Each process – cut, paint, assembly, packaging and despatch is scheduled over the lead time that has been allocated to your order. Very large orders or specialised requests may require a longer lead time. You will then need to allow for shipping time and any assembly by your window manufacturer. The window manufacturer will be able to advise you on total lead time.

How are they installed?

Breezway’s Louvres are part of a complete window system that has been tested to Australian Standards. The louvres 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.

To see our range of installation videos please visit the Altair Louvre Installation Instruction page.

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.

Visit our Care & Maintenance page for more information.

I am building near the beach, will this make a difference?

Like all painted aluminium products Altair Louvres can be vulnerable to harsh coastal environments. The componentry in our 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 bushfire prone area, will this make a difference?

Altair Louvre Windows can be configured to comply to all Bushfire Attack Levels. The requirements for using Altair Louvre Windows in bushfire prone areas are based on our interpretation of AS 3959-2009 “Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas”. We recommend that you receive independent advice from both an engineer and your local council authority to determine your level of construction and to ensure that you comply with the correct protection measures for your individual circumstance. For more information, please visit the Bushfire Prone Areas 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 Fall Prevention page.

Can blinds be installed with my Breezway Louvres?

Yes, blinds can be installed in conjunction with your louvre windows to help darken rooms if required. Please take into consideration when ordering your louvres that the top blade can be fixed to assist with the installation of the blind above the window. 102mm blade heights are also recommended along with low profile handles as the unique shape of the handle provides a functional fit that won’t get in the way of the blinds.