What causes condensation?
Condensation is a natural phenomenon.  It is caused by excess humidity in the air of the room.  When this humidity comes into contact with a cold surface, the water vapour becomes visible in the form of drops.

Do you have any suggestions to reduce humidity in a room?
We recommend airing the room by opening the window for brief intervals.  In rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms where a high level of humidity is likely, a good idea is to install windows with airvents.

How can I maintain the quality and appearance of my new windows in the long term?
For alluminium windows is it very easy, this being a material that has high resistance to weather conditions.  Periodic cleaning with a damp cloth and neutral detergent is sufficient.  For wooden windows, a more degradable material, periodic maintenance with suitable products is necessary.  To find out further details on this important aspect, please page through  the manuals for wood and alluminium on our internet site.

How can I keep the windows in good working order?
Check the drip holes and oil all metal working parts.  The condition of sealed parts must also be checked, and replaced when necessary.
Other steps to be followed:

• Do not load windows with unnecessary weight
• Do not insert objects between window and frame
• Close window with a gentle push when open vertically

What is a low emissive power and what advantages does it have?
The low emissive power is a pane which has high insulation qualities.  It improves the quality of the window because:

• It improves insulation
• Reduces condensation
• Helps to reduce heating costs in winter and air-conditioning costs in summer

How can I compare windows produced in different materials?
Windows can be chosen by comparing the acoustic and thermal insulation each one offers.  Consider also the level of maintenance required to preserve appearance of window.  Do not overlook the quality of metal parts and accessories.

What does U value mean on the production tables?
It is the coefficient of thermal transmission.  The lower the value, the higher the insulation and thus higher savings on heating and air-conditioning.

How can I save on central heating?
You can consider several options to lower heating costs:

• Use of low emissive power/double glazing/low emission glass
• Periodic check of sealing
• Low U values
• Periodic maintenance

How much does a state of the art window installation cost?
Installation must be carried out by highly qualified and competent personnel.  Incorrect installation would put at risk all the advantages gained from having protection in security, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation and opening/closing sliding mechanisms.

What is the best time of year to replace doors and windows?
The most suitable seasons to replace existing doors and windows are spring and summer.  Be careful when choosing replacement period however as 60 to 90 days are needed from order of fittings to installation in the home.

How can I decide on the type of opening?
A good solution can be a vertical opening combined with a leaf window for airing of rooms. This type of window can be left ajar even when raining as the water runs off externally.  The window  horizontal opening leaf , normally used for roof windows as it facilitates external cleaning from the inside, can also be installed in a vertical window.  This type of solution has the advantage of allowing the internal windowsills to be used for putting objects on.
In general, in the case of very high windows, to ease leaf opening, it is better to provide a fix glass in the upper part.
In the case of wide panes giving onto terraces or gardens, panes with folding leaves are the best solution.  These differ from sliding panes as they allow complete opening of window and provide an ideal link between outside and inside.

Are there windows and doors for exteriors of historical buildings?
Windows and doors in alluminium can also be installed in historical buildings thanks to ad hoc studied profiles, aesthetically suitable that respect architectural requirements.  For particular cases Apar studies and produces profiles that faithfully reproduce the aesthetics of those to be replaced.

What are the advantages of alluminium doors and windows in respect of other types?
Alluminium is a light material that can be worked in any form and dimension.  It is painted with epoxy resin in all colours, including different colours externally and internally.  It does not require maintenance and is easy to clean.

What are the advantages of doors and windows in wood?
Traditionally, wood is used in classic doors and windows even if other materials are now becoming popular.  It is pleasing to touch, and has a warm and elegant appearance.  Different woods have different characteristics: firs and pine are softer than chestnut and Douglas pine.  It can be left in its natural state (treated) or painted.

Why are doors in a combination of wood and alluminium used?
This is an excellent combination that provides the tradition of wood (inside) and the technology of alluminium (outside).  They are also called “combined doors and windows”.

Why is thermic shear used in doors and windows?
Thermic shear is a separation in plastic that prevents contact between the two frames (inside and outside) when these are both in alluminium.  It is indispensable in preventing condensation on internal frame.