Frequently Asked Questions

Please explain the basic terminology used with louver 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 louver windows and are helpful to know.

Louvre_Window_Terminology

Can I have screens on my louver 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 Louvers. 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 Louver 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 Customizing page .

What about security?

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

What price are they?

Breezway’s range of louver 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 louver windows?

Breezway Louver Windows are no longer a DIY proposition due to the extensive knowledge required to ensure International Standards are adhered to. Therefore we recommend a fully assembled louver 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 hurricane area, will this make a difference?

Yes, your window dealer will work with Breezway to make sure your luxury louvers are designed for the specific conditions on your building site. Altair Louvers from Breezway with Prowler Proof screens have been fully tested and are hurricane rated to US standards. The products have been deemed suitable for use in hurricane regions.

Do I need to do any maintenance?

There is some maintenance required with Breezway aluminium louvers or timber louvers. 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 Powerlouvers will also require some extra care. Please see the Care & Maintenance page.

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

Breezway Powerlouver Windows can be operated by bell press switches or a touch sensitive wall switch called the Apptivate Control Unit from Breezway. However this must be requested at the time of ordering your Powerlouver Windows. Alternatively, the Powerlouver can be integrated into a Building Management System specified by your Architect or Building Designer.

Single or dual channel models of the Apptivate Control Unit are available which can operate multiple Powerlouver Windows for maximum ventilation. The Apptivate Control Unit is Bluetooth compatible allowing users to control Powerlouvers by smartphones and tablets via the Powerlouver App that is available for download from the Apple iTunes App Store or Google Play. This will also allow your Powerlouvers to automatically respond to temperature or timer events to help keep your environment comfortable to live or work in.

For more information on the Powerlouver Window and Apptivate Control Unit, please visit our Powerlouver Window page.

How wide can my louver 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 louver 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 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 louver size and framing system. If you use a standard height all louver blades will operate. If you have an off standard height a small piece of fixed louver 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 louver windows installed. To see our standard height chart please visit our Customizing page.

Can I customize my louver windows?

With careful thought your new or replacement louvers 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 customizing options.

How long do my louvers take to manufacture?

Every Breezway Louver 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 specialized 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 Altair Louver Windows 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.

What about cleaning louvers?

Like all aluminum windows, louvers will need regular cleaning. The smooth outer surface of the Altair Louver clips and the quality polished edges of the glass blades do make cleaning easier. Another big plus for cleaning our louver 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 Louvers can be vulnerable to harsh coastal environments. The componentry in our louvers is aluminum, 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.

Can blinds be installed with my Breezway Louvers?

Yes, blinds can be installed in conjunction with your louver windows to help darken rooms if required. Please take into consideration when ordering your louvers 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.