By Steve Strawbridge — General Manager, Wellington Glass & Mirror (WGAM) & local landlord
Rental homes don’t just need to survive winter, they need to perform year-round. Retrofit double glazing is one of the fastest ways to lift comfort, cut condensation, and make your properties stand out in a competitive market. As both a GM in glazing and a landlord, I’ve seen the difference first-hand.
Why act now (not just in winter)
Summer comfort: North and north-west facing rooms can overheat. Modern Low-E options (like SuperTherm™ Cool) let in light while reducing heat and UV, so living rooms stay bright without the glare, heat, and fading.
Winter warmth: Double glazing reduces heat loss through windows, helping homes hold temperature overnight and easing power bills for tenants.
Less condensation = less damage: Warmer inner glass means fewer wet windows, less mould risk, and less maintenance on frames, paint, and furnishings.
Quieter, more private: Two panes + insulated air gap noticeably reduce outside noise, a tenant-pleaser in busy streets.
Asset protection: Drier homes are easier to manage, last longer between paint cycles, and feel “well cared-for” – great for rental appeal and reviews.
The rental edge: attract and keep great tenants
Tenants compare homes on comfort and running costs. Double-glazed rentals photograph better, feel better, and rent faster. They’re also easier to keep occupied because people stay longer when their home is warm, dry, and quiet. That’s fewer turnover costs, fewer complaints, and a stronger reputation for both landlords and property managers.
Healthy Homes alignment + finance options
While double glazing isn’t mandatory, it supports Healthy Homes outcomes (warmth, draught-stopping, lower moisture). Right now, several banks offer low-interest or interest-free “green” loans that can cover upgrades like double glazing, helping owners’ smooth costs while enjoying the benefits sooner.
Pro tip: Off-season (spring/summer) is the best time to retrofit, schedules are faster, and homes are ready before next winter.
How retrofit works (quick view)
- Measure & consult: We assess orientation (north/west heat), noise, and current frames.
- Recommend glass: From winter-focused Low-E to heat-control glass for sunny rooms.
- Retrofit install: Minimal disruption, in many cases no full frame removal.
- Finish & check: Tidy trims, compliance checks, and care tips for tenants.
Partnering with property managers
This isn’t a one-off sales pitch, we’re proposing a business partnership. We’ll help you:
- Identify candidate properties (simple window health check your team can use).
- Educate landlords with clear, forwardable info (1-page guides + case studies).
- Reduce complaint calls (condensation, cold rooms, fading/UV issues).
- Unlock PM partner incentives on referred projects.
We’ve been doing this for 15+ years as a partner within the RetroGLAZE network (thousands of NZ retrofits), with specialist solutions for everything from sun-baked lounges to heritage villas.
Wellington and Kāpiti
While our roots are in Wellington, I’m now based on the Kāpiti Coast and leading our local expansion, so you’ve got on-the-ground support from the city through to Paraparaumu, Waikanae, and Ōtaki.
Ready to make rentals perform year-round?
- Property managers: Want the guide + a 15-minute briefing for your team?
- Landlords: Want a no-obligation measure & quote with the right glass for your property?
Let’s talk.
Steve Strawbridge, General Manager, WGAM | Landlord (Wellington/Kāpiti)
wellingtonglass.co.nz
FAQs
Retrofit is designed to be tenant friendly. Many installs happen without removing the entire frame. We work room-by-room to minimise downtime.
Absolutely. Glass can be painted in almost any colour, digitally printed with designs, or finished with metallic, frosted, or mirrored effects. Lighter colours and digital art are best reflected by choosing special ultra-clear low iron glass. We’ll help you match the perfect finish to your kitchen.
It depends on window count and glass type. Owners often use green finance to spread costs; we provide firm quotes after a no-obligation measure.
Typically: cooler summers in sun-exposed rooms, warmer winters, less condensation, and happier tenants, with less ongoing maintenance.