Windows open out with several options
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They have evolved in terms of materials used, writes M. Soundariya Preetha
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File Photo: D. Gopalakrishnan
Wide options: Consumers can plan the windows in their buildings with different materials available in the market. —
The efforts that go into planning the window space when a building is under construction may not be sustained when the structure is nearing completion. For many in the domestic segment, planning a window means deciding the grill design and the material for the window frame. When the interiors are planned, priority is for aesthetics and curtains and blinds are decided accordingly.
However, windows have evolved in terms of materials used and the local trends are in line with the international preferences.
The options are many now for all segments: domestic, institutions, commercial and industrial buildings. Windows are made of timber, steel, aluminium, UPVC or roll formed GI section.
“Windows give protection from sun, dust and rain. Safety comes with the grills,” explains R.S. Krishnaswamy of Spark Structurals. In the domestic sector, strength and maintenance are the important factors when it comes to designing the grills.
Consumers should also look at factors such as wind direction while deciding the location, number of windows and opening of the windows.
Timber is still the preferred choice for windows at home. However, with problems in getting quality wood, the timber cost and the availability of carpenters, consumers have started using other materials such as Ultra Poly Vinyl Chloride (UPVC) and windows made from roll formed GI section. Internationally too UPVC windows are in trend and Coimbatore has four or five manufacturers who make these windows.
Institutions, including hospitals, schools and colleges, have moved away from wooden windows now. They went in for steel or aluminium windows and have now moved to those made from roll formed GI section or UPVC. In industries, it is mostly windows made from roll formed GI section.
Though there are ISI standards for windows, these are followed mostly in the government buildings.
Coimbatore has its strengths when it comes to windows with most of the projects having locally made windows. However, the volume here is not high as in other tier two cities. In the case of the UPVC and those formed with roll-formed GI section, the windows come as entire systems. These were installed by the suppliers, he added.
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