Question 1

WHY ARE ML WINDOWS BETTER QUALITY THAN MOST YOU’LL FIND IN AUSTRALIA?

Accepted Answer

We’ve completed extensive research and selected manufacturers that specialise in high quality windows using high quality components. We’ve visited the factories to ensure they can deliver what they say they can. We aren’t the lowest cost supplier of double glazed windows but our prices are competitive for the quality that we offer. We aim for the balance of quality, sustainability and affordability.

ML windows are commercial premium quality. They are European style and have been exported to Europe and North America as well as to Australia. All our windows are made with high quality aluminium frames with multiple thermal breaks, gas filled air gaps, multiple locking points to make them very secure. They also come with stainless steel flyscreen for additional security and perfect for bush fire zones.

Question 2

WHAT IS THE ML WINDOWS PRODUCT WARRANTY?

Accepted Answer

We are confident and proud of our product quality. We offer 8 year warranty for manufacturer defects. We will fix them for free. It includes any functional issues, handles and parts, rubber seals. It doesn’t include general wear and tear or any accidental damage that is not caused by us or our manufacturers.

Question 3

WHAT IS A HIGH PERFORMANCE WINDOW？

Accepted Answer

Typically it refers to a window that is designed and engineered to provide superior energy efficiency, durability, and functionality compared to standard windows. These windows often incorporate advanced materials, such as multiple panes of glass with insulating gas fills (double or triple glazing), low-emissivity (low-e) glass, and well-sealed frames to minimize heat transfer, reduce condensation, and enhance sound insulation.
 
Some features of high performance windows may include:
 
1. Multiple Panes: Double or triple-pane windows create insulating layers of air or gas between the glass panes, reducing heat transfer and improving thermal performance.
 
2. Gas Fills: Argon or krypton gas fills between the panes enhance insulation by reducing convective heat transfer.
 
3. Low-E Glass: Low-emissivity coatings help to reflect heat back into the room during cold weather and reflect it away during hot weather, improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
 
4. Insulated Frames: Frames made of materials offer better thermal performance and durability compared to traditional aluminium frames, which can conduct heat and cold.
 
5. Tight Seals: High quality weather-stripping and seals around the frame prevent air leakage, reducing drafts and improving energy efficiency.
 
6. Low Uw value: The heat transfer through a window is measured in Watts / square metre Kelvin.  A lower U value signifies better insulation properties, meaning the window is more effective at keeping heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer. 
 
High performance windows can help homeowners save money on energy bills, improve indoor comfort, reduce noise pollution, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly home.

Question 4

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN WINDOW FRAMES?

Accepted Answer

In general, there are typically three different types of frames that are commonly used in the high performance window products in Australia, they are:
 
Timber - Possibly the most expensive material to use, but very thermally efficient. They also have the highest ongoing maintenance due to timber rotting if it’s not maintained well. However, Timber aluminium cladding frames require minimal maintenance compared to traditional timber frames. The aluminium exterior protects the timber from external elements such as rain, wind, and UV rays, significantly extending the lifespan of the windows.
 
Aluminium - Aluminium frames are possibly the strongest and most robust of all the different frames available, but they have the major disadvantage of conducting heat or cold straight through the frame. Aluminium frames with a thermal break are basically two frames that have been joined by an inert joiner that effectively reduces heat transfer across the frame. For this reason they are more expensive than normal aluminium frames, but the advantages of strength and thermal efficiency greatly out way the disadvantages. 
 
uPVC - Usually, the lowest cost material to make frames out of, they have been used in the northern hemisphere for over 40 years. uPVC frames are thermally efficient. However, they usually require an additive here in Australia to combat high UV levels and internal aluminium or steel reinforcements for added strength. uPVC frames are effectively plastic and don’t perform well in bushfire zones. They also give off toxic gases in a fire situation.
 
All ML Windows products feature either thermally broken aluminium frames or timber aluminium cladding frames.

Question 5

ARE TRIPLE GLAZED WINDOWS NECESSARY IN AUSTRALIA?

Accepted Answer

The answer I’m afraid is complicated. It comes down to what is important to you. If you want a home with a 9 or 10 star energy report or you are building a passive house or you are really trying to reduce your energy bills to as low as possible, or you live in the high countries or near the coastline, then triple glazing is certainly worth considering.

Question 6

WHAT DOES THE U VALUE MEAN?

Accepted Answer

In its most simple form, the U value is a measure of how energy efficient a window and frame are.
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The heat transfer through a window (or any part of a building) is measured using a “U value.” (measured in Watts / square metre Kelvin), The lower the U value is, the lower the rate of heat transfer. 
 
Double glazing typically has a much lower level of heat transfer than a single glazed window. A typical single glazed window has a U value of 5 or 6. While a decent U value for double glazing is around 2, figures of 1.5 are more than achievable. 
 
In general, the lower the U value, the more expensive the window will be.

Question 7

WHAT DOES LOW E COATING ON GLASS MEAN?

Accepted Answer

Low E means ‘Low Emissivity’ – emissivity is defined as the amount of radiation emitted or absorbed from a surface.
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The main difference between a Low E glass and an ordinary glass is that Low E glass has a very thin coating applied to one side of the glass. This enables a reduction in the transport of heat or cold through the glass. Think of it as an invisible insulation barrier for your windows.
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Just as wall and ceiling insulation provides protection to those areas, Low E glass does the same for glass. Coated glass helps provide a more comfortable temperature in a room, more window area can be used as an added bonus, and heating and cooling costs are reduced. Combining better insulated products into our homes makes sense and contributes to reducing greenhouse emissions.

Question 8

WHAT IS SHGC?

Accepted Answer

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient or SHGC is a measure of how much solar radiation passes through the window. In a cool climate, windows which have a high SHGC allow a greater amount of solar radiation to pass through, offering free solar heating for the home. Glass selection as well as Low E coatings have a considerable effect on the SHGC of a window or door. 
 
SHGC is measured between 0 and 1. With 0 meaning no transmission of solar heat and 1 meaning all the solar heat is transmitted through the glass.
 
So what is a good number and what is a bad number? Unfortunately, there is no correct answer to that. You need to determine how much heat do you want to gain from the sun and how much heat do you want to block? 
 
In a cool climate a higher SHGC will allow more solar heat to pass through the window and help to heat the home, whereas in a warmer climate a lower SHGC will allow less solar heat to pass helping to keep the home cooler. 
Glass tints and low-e coatings are some of the options to consider to get the best result for your home.
 
Things to consider when choosing your windows are:
The climate of your build or renovation location.
What are the building materials that interact with the windows? E.g., insulation, cladding or other building materials.
The design of the building. E.g., orientation, layout window position and size, roofing or shading.
Double or triple glazing, thickness of the glass, types of glass and coatings also play critical role in manipulating SHGC.

Question 9

WHAT IS THE PRODUCT CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE?

Accepted Answer

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTION
Aluminium framed windows and doors are generally low maintenance. We suggest you follow the tips below to keep them clean and parts lubricated.

Keep the frames, glass, rubber seals / gaskets clean by washing with mild soapy water or non-abrasive cleaners twice a year. If you live close to the beach, clean monthly to prevent salt build-up. Do not use any chemicals, solvents, or abrasive cleaners on your aluminium frames.
Use a mild soapy water or window-cleaning solution, and a soft sponge or cloth to clean glass surfaces.
Dry with a soft cloth to ensure that all water is removed from glass, frames, hinges, sealant. 
Hardware components (i.e., hinges and locking points etc) can be lubricated with a fine oil spray with a straw applicator, such as WD40. 
Sliding windows and doors: Keep the track as clean as possible. Build up debris such as dirt, sand and small stones can damage the track and rollers over time. We suggest you vacuum and wipe the track with a damp cloth regularly. 
Check the rubber seals / gasket yearly to ensure they are not brittle. 
Check glass to ensure no moisture between panes.

CONDENSATION
Our windows and doors are high quality. It is common to see condensation on the outside, a measure of high performance. However, there are other factors in your house can cause condensation and it's common in winter. Condensation can still occur if your indoor humidity level is high and your room is now more airtight with the new double glazed windows and doors. 
 
Keeping windows or doors open to create ventilation for a short period of time is the quickest way to remove condensation. 
Indoor humidity level can be monitored and adjusted by using an indoor dehumidifier.

HANDLE OPERATION
For our dual opening windows (i.e., tilt & turn, awning casement), please remember to only turn the handle when the window is shut. Turning the handle when the window is open may stop the locking mechanism from working in which case it needs to be reset / corrected by us. 
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Hinged door has multiple locking points. The handle needs to be lifted first to engage the top and bottom locking points before locking. This movement is necessary for both inside manual lock and outside key lock.

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