In the journey of home improvements, retrofit double glazing has emerged as a popular option for those looking to enhance the insulation, noise reduction, and energy efficiency of their homes. But what exactly is retrofit double glazing, and why might it be essential, especially for older homes?
Retrofit Double Glazing Defined
Retrofit double glazing is the process of replacing single-pane windows in existing timber or aluminium frames with much more energy-efficient double-glazing units. The retrofit process uses the existing window or door frames, making it a cost-effective and less invasive solution. In the process, minor changes are made to the existing frames so they can accommodate the additional thickness of new double-glazing units. These changes are almost unnoticeable, resulting in a finished product that maintains the authenticity and character of your existing windows.
Retrofit double glazing typically costs only 35%-45% of the cost of alternatives such as aluminium or PVC inserts and full joinery replacement, and results in significantly less waste.
In double glazing, different types and thicknesses of glass, spacer and gas-fill can be combined to create units of very different thermal efficiencies and abilities to let light, heat, sound and radiation causing fading into the home, as well as to markedly reduce condensation and heat loss. In addition, the grade of glass in each window must be carefully selected according to wind zone, height and location to ensure it is safe and complies with NZ safety standards.
The retroGLAZE® Difference
Wellington Glass & Mirror is a licenced partner in the national retroGLAZE® Network and uses the retroGLAZE® system for all our retrofit double glazing.
The retroGLAZE® Network has carefully selected the best performing products and worked with engineers to test, refine and improve their systems over the last 20 years to provide superior double-glazing solutions. Developments include the way existing joinery is modified and refurbished, and the selection of premium, quality-assured, SuperTherm™ double glazing units made using high-performance Low-E glass, designed to perform exceptionally well under New Zealand conditions.
Highly trained consultants listen to customer needs and carefully assess their homes, then propose quality double-glazing options, window by window, optimised for safety, performance, appearance and price. Customers can have confidence the solutions proposed are right for their home.
Find out more about the retroGLAZE® system here.
The Retrofit Process
The retrofit process is managed from start to finish to ensure each project runs smoothly and the customers’ expectations are fully met. The process has three stages:
1. Consultation
A local consultant will visit the customer’s home to discuss their specific needs and find the right solution. Options that can help improve the health and comfort of the home are presented and the consultants take time to demonstrate what the changes will look like and answer questions. They then take the required measurements and provide a detailed quote.
2. Project confirmation
Prior to installation, the project leader will double check that all measurements and specifications are correct and ensure all customer’s project expectations have been covered.
3. Installation
A series of installation visits are then scheduled, and the installation team removes the existing glass and installs new, thermally enhanced double glazing. Communication is key; the teams are expertly trained, clean, tidy, and considerate so customers can have confidence that a professional job will be done in trustworthy manner.
Joinery Types
Timber: Retrofit double glazing is particularly beneficial for homes with timber joinery as it retains the joinery’s natural character and beauty together with timber’s superior insulating performance, while providing all the benefits of high-performance double glazing. Using the retroGLAZE® system, timber joinery is:
- Sanded down to the original timber, repaired, and either oiled or painted with 2 coats of quality oil-based primer-undercoat.
- Glazed using timber beads (goodbye putty!).
- Carefully adjusted and refitted to your frame using new stainless-steel hinges, stays or double-hung counterbalances on all opening windows.
- Refitted with new or existing handles and hardware according to the customer’s choice.
- Fitted with high-performance draught seal and painted with 2 tops coats of quality semi-gloss white paint, if selected.
In the process:
- Leadlight windows can be refurbished and encased inside new double-glazing units, protecting them for posterity and improving thermal performance.
- Colonial bars can be re-fitted to retain original character or removed to provide a more modern look and improve the view.
- Window configuration can be changed, for example, changing several small windows to a single large picture window.
- Window function can be modified, changing fixed to opening or opening to fixed windows, and hinges to friction stays.
- Pet doors can be added or deleted.
Aluminium: Most aluminium frames, known for their durability, can also be retrofitted. Using the retroGLAZE® system:
- The aluminium sash surrounding all opening windows is completely replaced, including new aluminium, rubbers, seals, handles and stays, coloured matched as closely as possible to the originals.
- New powder-coated or anodised aluminium beads are applied to all fixed windows, coloured matched as above.
- New aluminium adaptor frames, vision rails and rubber seals are applied to doors.
- Security stays or stainless-steel restrictor stays are added to opening windows as needed.
In the process:
- Colonial bars can be re-fitted to retain original character or removed to provide a more modern look and improve the view.
- Window configuration can be changed, for example, changing several small windows to a single large picture window, or removing vision rails from doors.
- Window function can be modified, changing fixed to opening or opening to fixed windows.
- Pet doors can be added or deleted.
Why Older Homes Should Consider Retrofitting
Older houses were built with single-pane windows, which do not provide the same insulation and energy efficiency as modern windows. Retrofit double glazing is a very cost-effective way to upgrade these homes and substantially improve their comfort and energy efficiency without sacrificing their original charm.
