Originally published 10 November 2023. Reviewed and substantially updated 16 September 2026.
Choosing aluminium windows and doors involves more than comparing frame colour and price. The opening type, glass, energy values, hardware, screens, wall construction and installation details must align with the plans and intended use.
This Melbourne-focused specification checklist helps homeowners, builders and designers prepare clearer information before requesting a quotation. It also reduces late changes after shop drawings or manufacturing have started.
1. Start with Current Drawings and a Window Schedule
Provide the latest architectural plans, elevations and window schedule. Each opening should have a unique reference, width, height, opening style and location. If the schedule conflicts with the drawings, clarify which document controls before quotation.
For replacement projects, photographs and approximate measurements can support an initial discussion, but final manufacturing dimensions require an agreed measuring process and review of the existing opening.
2. Confirm the Opening Type and Direction
Fixed, awning, casement and sliding windows provide different ventilation and access. Sliding, stacker, hinged and bi-fold doors also have different panel movements and clear-opening widths.
- Show which sashes or door panels move.
- Identify opening direction and handing.
- Nominate the everyday active panel on double or multi-panel doors.
- Check furniture, curtains, screens and outdoor areas for operating clearance.
- Review large sash and panel dimensions against system limits.
See the JL guide to aluminium window opening types when comparing configurations.
3. Match the Frame to the Energy Report
The energy report may nominate whole-window U-value and solar heat gain coefficient requirements for individual openings. Confirm whether standard aluminium can achieve these values or whether a thermally broken frame is required.
A thermal frame is not automatically necessary for every window. The correct choice depends on the report, frame series, glass, size, opening type and orientation. Compare JL Essential and JL Thermal options against the actual schedule.
4. Select the Complete Glass Makeup
A glass description should identify more than “double glazed” or “Low E.” Depending on the project, it may need to specify pane thicknesses, cavity, coating, tint, toughened or laminated safety glass, and obscure glass for privacy.
- Confirm safety-glazing locations.
- Mark obscure or privacy glass clearly.
- Check whether acoustic performance is required.
- Coordinate Low E coating and tint across visible elevations.
- Allow for glass weight when reviewing opening sashes and door panels.
Read how to choose window glass for a more detailed explanation.
5. Choose Colours and Visible Finishes
Nominate the powder-coated frame colour and confirm whether internal and external finishes are the same. Consider how the colour coordinates with roofing, cladding, brickwork, interior finishes and nearby doors.
Hardware colour, flyscreen frames, glazing bars and visible seal colours should also be reviewed. Samples can help, but screen display and lighting may affect how colours appear.
6. Specify Hardware, Screens and Access
Handles, locks, rollers, hinges, restrictors and flyscreens must be compatible with the selected system. Identify access, security and ventilation expectations early, particularly for high windows, heavy panels and frequently used doors.
- Confirm keyed or non-keyed locks where applicable.
- Nominate flyscreens for each opening.
- Identify restrictor requirements.
- Check handle access around benches and reveals.
- Review screen and handle conflicts on doors.
7. Coordinate Reveals, Sills and Wall Construction
The frame must connect correctly to the building. Provide wall type, reveal requirements, frame setback and relevant sill details. Brick veneer, double brick, lightweight cladding and replacement openings may require different coordination.
For doors, confirm internal and external floor levels, threshold expectations, drainage, waterproofing and flashing before manufacturing. Step-free access requirements must be coordinated with the building design rather than assumed from the door frame alone.
8. Define Supply and Installation Responsibilities
A quotation should state whether it covers supply only or supply and installation. Clarify responsibility for final measurements, removal of existing windows, access equipment, structural openings, reveals, flashings, perimeter sealing, internal finishing and disposal.
Final Quotation Checklist
- Latest plans and window schedule supplied
- Dimensions and opening directions confirmed
- Energy-report values included
- Glass and privacy locations identified
- Frame and hardware colours selected
- Flyscreens and locks listed
- Reveals, wall construction and sills coordinated
- Supply-only or installation scope clearly defined
Request an Aluminium Window and Door Quote
Send JL Windows your current plans, schedules and energy report for a project-specific review. Browse our aluminium windows Melbourne range, call 0481 818 785, email [email protected] or request a quote.
