Windows and Doors
The right product for the right setting.
Most homes are different in look or outlook. Size and aspect vary almost infinitely. We offer a product range and selection that recognises this reality. We have a specialised suite of windows and doors to suit every taste and functional requirement.
For the majority of homes, the Residential range will do just fine. It has a ThermalHEART® option as well. However, where bigger formats or specialised applications are required there are several upgrade suites – Metro Series (including ThermalHEART®), APL Architectural Series and Klima Series. These all have their own unique features and benefits which we can discuss with you.
What are the changes to the NZ Building Code?
As part of the Government’s Building for Climate Change programme, the New Zealand Building Code requires all consented residential construction to meet defined standards in energy performance. R-values have been used to determine energy performance in a home.
What does this mean?
The country has been divided into six climate zones based on the average climate of each area. Wellington is Zone 3 and Wairarapa is Zone 4.
November 3, 2022 to April 30, 2023: the R-value requirement for Zones 3 and 4 is R0.37. This can be achieved by using our current, nonthermally broken aluminium with Low-E glass.
May 1, 2023 and beyond: the R-value requirement for Zones 3 and 4 is R0.46. This requires our thermally broken aluminium or uPVC joinery with Low-E glass.
As the ThermalHEART® ranges are our main offering, we are well equipped to supply thermally efficient window systems which utilise The AGP System high-performance glass, to ensure exceptional thermal performance. We provide WEERS (Window Energy Efficiency Rating System) ratings for all windows and doors with our quotes.
Recommended cleaning regime
First Windows & Doors meets all statutory warranty requirements and is fully tested to ensure compliance with the New Zealand Building Code. Nevertheless, some simple steps will aid in retaining the appeal of your windows and doors for many years to come.
- After house construction is completed it is important that any builder's debris or dust is cleaned from the inside of sills to ensure that drainage holes are not blocked. This is especially applicable to doorways that may have been in regular use during construction.
- Cleaning once every three months is recommended for windows and doors. In coastal or industrial environments more frequent washing will be required.
- We recommend cleaning with a soft brush with warm water and some mild household detergent. Rinse with fresh water.
- Do not use abrasive steel wool, scrapers, scouring liquids or aggressive solvents or thinners. These are likely to damage the surface finish.
- The cleaning cycle should include the removal of build-up in door tracks to ensure drainage paths are unobstructed.
Hardware care
Powder coated hardware should be cleaned regularly with a wet sponge or soft brush, warm water and a mild detergent and rinsed with fresh water. Plated product should be cleaned with a wet sponge without the use of detergent, as the latter can damage plating.
Stainless steel hardware needs to be cleaned regularly and care needs to be taken when rust spots occur. Even the highest grades of stainless steel can develop rust spots and these can removed with a mildly abrasive cleaner and rinsed with fresh water. In cases of heavy corrosion a Scotch-Brite hand pad can be used. Specialised 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish is also available as an alternative cleaning compound.
Take extra care with glass
Glass is a very delicate product that can be easily damaged. Care is needed to ensure that scratching does not occur.
Only detergents and cleaning solutions which are recommended for glass should be used. Commence cleaning by soaking the glass to loosen dirt. Then using a mild, non-abrasive solution uniformly apply to the glass surfaces. Ensure that the solution is removed by rinsing with water as cleaning residue can permanently mark glass.
For more care and maintenance information view our brochure
Technical Details
FIRST technical details and drawings are hosted on the EBOSS website, which is New Zealand’s primary one-stop source of technical advice to designers and builders. It contains drawings, CAD files, specifications and technical advice relating to all FIRST products.
To view our technical details visit our eBoss site.
