What Makes an Aluminium Window and Door System Reliable?

Reliable windows and doors need to perform as specified, be manufactured to a consistently high standard, arrive on site when expected, and be installed correctly. 

Just as importantly, they need knowledgeable technical support behind them when it’s needed.

Why does local industry experience matter when choosing windows and doors?

Window and door systems need to respond to New Zealand's Building Code, climate, construction methods, and the ever-changing expectations around building performance.

At Windowmakers, we proudly manufacture aluminium windows and doors using systems from APL Window Solutions. In Episode Five of APL’s Made Here, For You podcast series, Fabricator Development Manager Adam Luxton discusses the decades of industry experience within the APL design team. Having people who have seen New Zealand’s Building Code evolve over time creates a depth of understanding which influences product design.

That knowledge is strengthened by input from us as fabricators, as well as builders, architects and engineers, alongside APL’s longstanding involvement with the Window & Glass Association NZ.

Retaining that capability in New Zealand matters.

New Zealand's aluminium extrusion industry is facing growing pressure from a sharp increase in low-priced imported aluminium. 

Australia, the United States and the European Union have introduced tariffs or other measures around certain aluminium imports. With New Zealand remaining a comparatively open market, there are concerns it could become an attractive destination for excess global supply.

This raises a broader reliability issue - price matters, but what sits behind the product matters too. 

Maintaining local manufacturing capability helps retain the technical expertise, traceability, responsive support and knowledge of New Zealand's building and regulatory environment that our construction industry relies on.

For builders and architects, this is key to managing project risk, customisation and long-term warranty support.

How are aluminium windows and doors tested?

At its Hamilton facility, APL uses specialist test booths to assess the performance of its products.

Testing considers factors including:

• water performance 

• strength performance

• air leakage performance

• operational forces 

• aesthetics 

For architects and builders, rigorous testing above and beyond the expected standards provides confidence that specified performance isn't simply a claim — reliability is built into the APL brand. 

Why does glass manufacturing matter to window reliability?

In Episode Six of APL’s Podcast Series Made Here, For You, AGP Account Manager Bryce Ims explains that today's high-performance insulated glass units are considerably more sophisticated than the single glazing that was commonplace when he first began in the industry. 

Products such as Solux-E® and Solux Ultra® incorporate Low-Emissivity technology, and their manufacture requires careful handling and quality control.

Manufacturing quality therefore has a direct relationship with product reliability.

For example, automation reduces the amount of physical handling during production. Scanning technology checks glass for quality, and the AGP/ATS (Architectural Thermal Spacer) system ensures a very good seal with the Insulated Glass Units. This eliminates a lot of the factors that cause problems.

Are high-performance windows suitable for different New Zealand climates?

This is becoming a more important question as thermal performance expectations change. 

New Zealand's climate varies significantly - at the end of 2022, we moved from three climate zones to six to allow a more nuanced approach to climatic factors and window suitability. The appropriate combination of frame and glass therefore depends on the project's location, orientation, design and performance requirements.

Glazing technology has evolved to address competing requirements such as natural light, insulation and solar heat gain.

For example, Solux Ultra has been developed to provide high levels of visible light while also managing solar performance, providing an alternative to some of the darker glazing solutions – such as grey glass – traditionally used to reduce overheating.

For architects, this creates greater flexibility to specify glass according to the needs of the building rather than treating glazing as a standard component.

What technical support should a window supplier provide?

As a fabricator, our support includes technical expertise, manufacturing support and tools such as V6 software.

At Windowmakers, we resolve the vast majority of issues ourselves; the associated article on warranties explores this further. 

Largely we work with the APL specifications to provide a solution synthetic to the designer’s intent.  

What should builders, architects and homeowners look for when choosing a window system?

Price and aesthetics will always form part of the decision, but reliability requires looking further behind the product and the individual fabricator. 

Useful questions to ask include:

• Has the system been designed and tested for New Zealand conditions? 

• What performance testing has been carried out? 

• How are the windows and glass quality-controlled during manufacturing? 

• What technical support is available during design, manufacture and construction? 

• Who stands behind the product if something goes wrong? 

Ultimately, reliability is about reducing uncertainty.

A well-designed product, backed by rigorous testing, controlled manufacturing and experienced technical support, gives builders and architects greater confidence that the joinery they specify will perform as intended.

Windowmakers is built on a commitment to delivering seamless, superb service every time. 

Contact us directly to discuss how we tailor our products and services to meet your project’s unique requirements.

Listen to the Full Episodes of APL'S Podcast Series Here

Frequently Asked Questions

What warranties do aluminium windows and doors come with?

Warranties vary between manufacturers and between different components of the joinery. For example, for one window and door system there are separate warranties for the manufacturer, colour coating, and hardware components. Builders and clients should check exactly what is covered, for how long, and importantly, who is responsible for resolving an issue if one arises. 

At Windowmakers, our warranty is provided, under normal conditions of use, against failure of materials and/or workmanship for a period of 5 years from the date of delivery. Further detail on the separate warranties for the surface finishing of the aluminium extrusion, hardware/component warranty, and warranties for electronic products – including electronic locks –is available on our warranty page.  

How does regular maintenance impact the longevity of windows and doors?

Regular maintenance is essential. Maintenance means avoiding problems from use, environment or neglect – as distinct from a fault with the product itself. Homeowners should not expect normal wear and tear, weathering, or issues cause by blocked drainage holes or tracks, to be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.

Windows and doors should be cleaned every three months, cleaned more often in coastal or high-risk areas, and sills and door tracks should be kept free of debris. TheWindowmaker’s Knowledge Hub is our go-to resource for expert guidance on window and door maintenance.

How do I know if windows and doors comply with the NZ Building Code?

Compliance isn't determined by one measure alone. Depending on the project, windows and doors may need to meet requirements relating to structural performance, weathertightness, durability and energy efficiency.

One important indicator is the NZS 4211 label, which identifies windows and doors manufactured to the relevant performance standard, including testing for air leakage, water leakage and wind resistance. Architects and builders should also ensure the specified system and glazing meet the particular Building Code requirements of the project, including applicable H1 thermal-performance requirements. At Windowmakers, we ensure compliance in our PS3s, and demonstrate this with stickers on the sashes of our windows.

Are NZ-Made windows and doors more reliable than imported windows?

Not necessarily — where a window is made doesn't determine its reliability on its own. What matters is whether the system is appropriate for New Zealand conditions, has been rigorously tested, meets the required standards, is manufactured consistently, and has reliable technical and warranty support behind it. The advantage of an established NZ-made system is the local knowledge and accountability that can sit behind the product: systems developed for New Zealand requirements, local technical expertise, traceability and people who can provide support when something goes wrong.

Back...