Casement Windows

Casement windows are side opening and can catch the breeze and direct it inwards.
Like awning windows they can be used in most positions but are not recommended where windows open on to pedestrian areas.
Be careful about positioning casements that open to catch the breeze in exposed positions as they may slam wide open in strong gusts. Restrictor stays can limit the opening in these situations.
Special friction stays are available to allow wide 90 ° opening.
The optimum maximum size is 1400mm high x 700mm wide. Consult your First fabricator if larger casements are desired.

Horizontal Sliding Windows

Sliding windows are ideal where serveries to the outside are required and where no projections on to busy areas are wanted. Standard options include windows with a single sliding panel or two sliding panels meeting in the middle.
A heavy duty Slidemaster version is available for demanding environments, and there is also the double slider where two panels slide past each other for greater flexibility.
A double track option allows a timber shutter outside a glass panel for privacy and sunscreen purposes.
Insect screens work well in conjunction with sliding windows so First sliders are a good option where insects are a problem and exterior mesh screens need to be fitted.
Standard sliders can be built to panel widths of 800mm or more.

Vertical Sliding Windows

The First double hung window has two surrounding frame options – one with a scrolled Edwardian appearance and the other with a clean, flat face for a more contemporary look.
The First double hung allows easy cleaning of the window exterior. The two independently moving sashes can be pivoted inwards to allow cleaning from the inside.
The maximum size for each sliding panel is limited by a weight restriction of 20kg. This easily allows a wide range of large sized or double glazed panels to be used.
The alternative Shugg vertical slider consists of two counter balanced panes of glass which slide past each other with no aluminium rails to obstruct the view.

Bi-Fold Windows

First bi-fold windows run on an easy-slide track system and allow wide opening.
They’re ideal where homeowners or designers want to capitalise on views, capture cooling summer breezes, or create a unity between indoors and outdoors.
First bi-folds carry the weight on a bottom roller so there is no weight pulling down the lintel and causing the panels to jam.
Because bi-folds project outwards exercise caution in using them beside decks or walkways.
Configurations with even numbered panels are generally used e.g. 2 panels, 2+2 panels, 4 panels and 6 panels. A maximum panel weight of 40kg applies. A maximum height of 1800mm is recommended and a maximum panel width of 900mm.

Greenhouse, Box & Bay Windows

Bay, box and greenhouse windows all project from the wall of a house and add space and light to a room.
Greenhouse windows have a sloping glazed roof with a bench base and project from the wall of a house. They can be formed as corner windows and can also be built down to floor level.
Box windows stand out from the wall of a house and are built up to the eaves.
They usually have a bench base but, as with greenhouse windows, can be built down to floor level.
Bays are a traditional design and have sides at 135º to the wall. They can be built in a number of different forms -- top glazed with a cladding base, extending up to the eaves of a house or with their own sloped roof or built full height with doors.

Custom Designed Windows

Custom designed windows include curved, raked, arched and faceted windows as well as curved glass, glass blocks and louvre windows.
They are used anywhere where a special design effect or functional outcome is desired.
Curved windows are possible down to quite a tight radius -- consult your First fabricator about the possibilities.
Louvre windows are increasingly popular but should not be used on exposed frontages as they can be difficult to fully seal against wind-driven rain.
Consult you First fabricator about your size requirements.

Roof Windows & Overhead Glazing

The Profile opening roof window allows both light entry and high level ventilation. A deep cowl around the outside of the sash means that it can be left partially open for fresh air while still keeping the rain out.
It is suitable for conservatories, kitchens, bathrooms, passage ways etc.
Fixed overhead glass windows are also available and can be built in a wide variety of designs, from small skylights to large glazed expanses. They’re ideal in porches and rooms that would otherwise be dimly lit. Profile roof windows are suitable for most roof pitches with a minimum of 15º required for single glazing.
Overhead glazing can be built in large expanses, provided First glazing bars (rafters) are used at appropriate intervals.

Windows

First Windows recognise the realities of current building and design – as well as the sometimes harsh realities of the New Zealand climate.

Not only was the First suite designed and launched as recently as the 1990’s but it has been the subject of continuous refinement and product range expansion. More ecently the First window frame has been enlarged to a 35mm platform. This has added to its strength and robustness and has enlarged the options for glazing.

First offers a satisfyingly complete and contemporary window package, one that has proved a runaway success throughout the country.