For many New Zealanders, indoor-outdoor living is a must-have over the spring and summer months. In places like Hamilton, average daily temperatures increase by 10-15 degrees, meaning more time is spent outdoors on the deck, by the pool, or inside with air conditioning. This is in contrast to how people used to live, where access was prioritised to the roadside or front of the house, rather than the back. Because of this, many older homes require replacement doors or windows to improve access to the back of the house.
At Duco, we understand that cost and quality play an important role in any decision. We offer a range of cost-effective and quality solutions that have helped hundreds of local Hamilton families to improve their lifestyle.
Improving indoor-outdoor flow doesn’t necessitate a complete renovation. Installing replacement windows and doors can be a great and cost-effective way to make it easier to access your outdoor spaces. It can also help keep the cold air in, especially if you opt for thermally efficient windows and doors like double glazing and low-E glass.
Key Considerations for Improving Your Indoor-Outdoor Flow
When specifying windows and doors, several key factors must be considered to achieve the best indoor-outdoor flow.
Door Configurations
Choosing the right door configuration is essential for seamless access to your outdoor space. We recommend sliding doors, bifold doors, or stacker doors as they maximise the opening and do not obstruct the interior or exterior spaces.
Sliding Doors: Sliding doors open horizontally, optimising your space without obstructions. Our unique track systems also allow for rebated frames, which can achieve a flush, level entry from inside to outside, improving both flow and safety.
Bifold Doors: These doors consist of hinged panels that fold into each other to maximise the opening. They offer great flexibility and adaptable ventilation.
Hinged/French doors: A pair of hinged panels that can open 180 degrees and latch back to your external cladding to provide an unobstructed opening and minimum intrusion into your outdoor space.
Window Configurations
Just like doors, the right window configuration can also enhance your indoor-outdoor flow by improving light, ventilation, and a connection to your outdoor space.
Fixed Windows: Ideal for highlighting a view, these windows are fixed and let more light into a room. They are effective at framing a view without distraction.
Bifold Windows: Bifold windows consist of hinged panels that fold into each other, maximising the opening. They are popular in kitchens, particularly for opening up to an outdoor entertaining area.
Sliding Windows: Sliding windows open and close horizontally, allowing you to adjust their position as needed to maximise natural light and ventilation.
Thermal Performance
Windows and doors are a complete system, and each component contributes to your home's overall thermal performance. Approximately 35-50% of heat is lost through windows and doors in a home. If you’re looking to maximise your connection to the outdoors, but keen the cold air in, it’s important to consider your options.
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Double Glazing: This consists of two panes of glass bonded together with a spacer, creating an insulated unit. This unit acts as a barrier to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
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Low-E Glass: A low-emissivity coating on the glass reflects heat back into the home during cooler months, helping to retain warmth. In summer, it helps to limit overheating by reducing the amount of solar heat entering the home. This helps maintain a stable home temperature year-round, which can lead to smaller energy bills.
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Why Choose Duco Group?
We have a long history of helping New Zealanders create spaces they love to be in. Our expert team designs, manufactures, and installs premium quality joinery throughout the North Island. We are trusted to make projects easier and better by providing a seamless client experience and delivering quality outcomes.
If you're looking to improve the indoor-outdoor flow of your home, our team can help you find the right solutions, whether you're building new or renovating.
