Thermally Broken Windows and Doors

When choosing the right windows and doors for your home or project, you might have come across the term “thermally broken.” In particular, you’ll likely have come across thermally broken doors and thermally broken windows as options when looking at solutions for energy efficient homes.

What does thermally broken mean?

There are many different materials, designs, and functions to choose from when looking for the right windows and doors. One aspect that has been trending lately due to the change in Australia’s building standards is the thermally broken design. A thermally broken window or a thermally broken door is one that better protects a home from the elements – making them ideal options for energy-efficient homes and anyone looking to achieve a higher energy efficiency star rating for their home. For more information on building standards and star ratings, read our guide to energy efficiency.

Metals like aluminium tend to absorb heat and cold, which means energy can pass through the window and door frames. To reduce this process in a thermally broken window or a thermally broken door, a thermal break is added. The thermal break is a strip that’s made from reinforced polyamide (a non-metallic material similar to nylon).

Think of this strip as a buffer that cuts down on heat and cold transfer, making your windows and doors much more energy-efficient and reducing the need for powered heating or cooling devices. 

This graphic depicts how heat transfers through aluminium window frames and single panes of glass, which contributes significantly to an increase in temperature inside a home.

Benefits of thermally broken windows and thermally broken doors

• Better energy efficiency: One of the biggest benefits of thermally broken windows and thermally broken doors is how they boost a home's energy efficiency. By cutting down on heat and cold transfer, these windows help keep indoor temperatures steady, which means there’s no need to crank up the heating or cooling as much, ultimately saving on energy costs.
  
  
• Enhanced comfort: Thanks to their excellent insulation, thermally broken windows and thermally broken doors make a home more comfortable. They prevent hot and cold spots near the windows, keeping the temperature consistent throughout each room.
  
  
• Less condensation: Some windows and doors can suffer from condensation, leading to problems like mould growth and damage to interior surfaces. Thanks to double glazing, thermally broken windows and thermally broken doors maintain a warmer surface temperature inside, which helps reduce condensation and the risk of moisture-related issues.
  
  
• Greater durability and longevity: Thermally broken windows and thermally broken doors incorporate non-conductive materials like polyamide (a nylon-like material) that are better at resisting temperature changes. By using aluminium for the frames, they are also durable and longer-lasting, meaning less time and money is spent on maintenance over time.

With thermally broken windows, the heat from the outside is kept outside thanks to the two layers of glass, and the thermal break embedded in the window frame.

Do I need thermally broken windows or doors?

Recent changes in legislation have raised the standards for energy efficiency in new homes in Australia from 6 to 7 stars. By choosing thermally broken doors and windows, you can significantly enhance the rating of an energy-efficient home. These products minimise heat and cold transfer, so the home stays comfortable year-round. This means you'll use less electricity or gas, leading to lower energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint (talk about a win-win).

Now, to answer the question of whether your home or project needs thermally broken windows and doors, it might depend on your location. Australia's climate varies greatly, and different regions have different heating and cooling needs. Thermally broken windows and doors are especially useful in colder areas like Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory, where keeping a home warm in winter is essential. That’s not to say other areas can’t use them, but when achieving a higher star rating is the objective, cooler states will benefit more from this kind of product.

In short, investing in thermally broken windows and thermally broken doors is a smart move for creating a comfortable and energy-efficient home that meets the 7-star requirement. And this is particularly true if you live in a state that is prone to cold snaps and chilly winters! Of course, it’s important to note that energy efficiency doesn’t just depend on your choice of windows and doors. Multiple fixtures and fittings contribute to a star rating.

Read this next: How to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency on a Budget

Which range of thermally broken windows or doors should I choose?

The Envira Collection is the newest thermally broken product on the market and is backed by Stegbar’s nearly 80 years of industry experience. The products in this collection are double-glazed as standard, providing the required boost for energy efficient homes. The collection includes EnviraSlim windows and doors and EnviraLuxe windows and doors.

The EnviraSlim range includes sliding, awning and fixed windows, as well as sliding and stacking doors. EnviraSlim is the ideal solution for those looking to add expertly crafted thermally broken windows and doors with a thin profile to their home or project.

The EnviraLuxe range includes fixed, raked and awning windows, as well as sliding, stacking, and hinged doors. This boutique option has a bold profile that adds a touch of designer flair to any energy efficient home or project.

Both ranges offer black matt, monument matt, surf mist matt, and pearl white colours and premium hardware options

Are you ready to increase your energy efficiency?

Thermally broken doors and windows are a fantastic investment for homeowners and builders who want to boost their homes' energy efficiency. These advanced products not only help maintain a comfortable indoor environment by reducing heat and cold transfer but also contribute to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

With the introduction of Stegbar’s Envira Collection, finding the perfect blend of style and efficiency has never been easier. The Envira Collection offers a range of cutting-edge thermally broken windows and doors that will help you raise the bar while meeting the highest standards of energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

For more information on the Envira Collection, you can visit the product page on our website or visit a Stegbar showroom to see the stunning options in person.