Yes! Most timber windows can be upgraded to double glazing through a process called “Retrofit Double Glazing” which refurbishes and reuses your existing timber sashes and frames.
There are also cost-effective alternatives for partial replacement or up-grade, depending on the condition of your existing joinery, your objectives and budget.
Escence Wood™ timber sash replacement offers a stunning new option available through RetroGlaze® Network partners.
So, which option is right for your home?
Option 1: Retrofit Your Existing Timber Windows
If your existing timber frames and sashes are in good condition, retrofit double glazing is often the first option to consider. We carefully remove and adapt your existing timber sashes to accommodate new double glazing. This improves window performance while preserving your original joinery. This option particularly suits Wellington character homes with quality native timbers such as Rimu. It also helps preserve exposed timber grain, unique window detailing and original character.
Traditional timber retrofit involves removing the existing sashes and taking them back to our factory to be carefully adapted and double glazed. Additional options are available to refurbish and repair worn or damaged sashes and to remove old layers of paint back to bare timber and then primed and top coated with quality modern paint. Temporary glazing is installed at your home in the meantime, before we return to reinstall the finished double-glazed sashes.
Best for: quality existing timber joinery that’s in good condition and worth preserving, particularly native timber or windows with unique character and detailing.
Option 2: Escence™ Timber Sash Replacement
Sometimes the outer timber frame is still in good condition, but the existing sash needs replacing. Escence Wood™ timber sash replacement allows the suitable existing outer frame to remain while the old sash is replaced with a new timber sash specifically designed for modern double glazing. For Wellington’s villas, bungalows and character homes, this provides another way to maintain the look and warmth of timber without needing to retain every part of the original window.
One of the big advantages of Escence Wood™ is faster, less disruptive installation. We manufacture and assemble your new timber sashes before installation day. When we’re ready to install, we remove the existing sashes and replace them with the new double-glazed Escence Wood™ sashes the same day, avoiding the need for temporary glazing or boarding.
That makes Escence Wood™ particularly appealing for homeowners who want to retain the timber aesthetic while minimising disruption at home.
Escence Wood™ undergoes rigorous engineering and field testing to ensure weather-tightness under extreme wind pressures, making it particularly suited to Wellington’s climate.
Best for: sound existing timber outer frames where you want new double-glazed timber sashes, particularly when maintaining character and reducing installation disruption are priorities.
Option 3: Aluminium Insert Windows
If lower maintenance is a priority, an aluminium insert provides another option for suitable timber windows. We retain your existing outer timber frame and replace the old sash with a new aluminium window featuring SuperTherm™ Low-E double glazing. This gives you the benefits of new aluminium joinery without necessarily undertaking complete full-frame replacement.
Best for: sound timber outer frames where you want to move to lower-maintenance aluminium windows.
What About Leadlights and Double-Hung Windows?
Original features don’t necessarily need to disappear when you upgrade to double glazing. Wellington Glass & Mirror has experience working with leadlights, double-hung windows and character timber joinery. We can often refurbish existing leadlights and incorporate them into modern double glazing. We can also retrofit suitable double-hung windows. As every character window is different, our team assesses each one individually to recommend the best approach.
You can learn more about how retrofit double glazing works.
When Is Full Window Frame Replacement the Better Option?
If your outer timber frames have significant rot or damage, full replacement may be the better long-term solution. In this situation, we can remove the entire existing window and install a new window system. Full replacement may also be better for larger renovations or if you want to change your windows’ style or configuration.
For a more detailed comparison, read Retrofit vs Replacement Windows: Which Is Right for Your Wellington Home?
How Much Does It Cost to Double Glaze Timber Windows?
The cost depends on your windows’ condition, size and style, as well as the upgrade option you choose.
Factors such as window configuration, leadlights, glass specification and access can also affect the overall project cost.
Timber retrofit double glazing and Escence Wood™ sash replacement are generally similar in cost. Aluminium inserts cost slightly more, while full window replacement is the most expensive option.
Our double glazing cost guide explains the main factors affecting double glazing prices in Wellington.
Which Timber Double Glazing Option Is Right for Your Home?
A simple way to think about it:
- Good existing frame + good sash → Retrofit
- Good existing frame + new timber sash needed → Escence Wood™
- Good existing timber frame + want aluminium → Aluminium insert
- Outer timber frame no longer worth retaining → Full replacement
With more than 25 years of glazing experience in the Wellington region, Wellington Glass & Mirror can assess your existing timber joinery and recommend the right approach for your home.
As Wellington’s licensed retroGLAZE® Partner, our focus is on making the most of good existing joinery rather than replacing it unnecessarily. The best place to start is to tell us about your home and existing windows. Include a few photos if you can, and our team can get a better understanding of your windows before getting in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can existing timber windows be double glazed?
Yes. Many timber windows can be retrofitted with modern double glazing. Where the existing sash isn’t suitable, other options may include replacing the existing timber sashes with new Escence Wood™ sashes or aluminium inserts, retaining your existing outer timber frames.
Can existing aluminium windows be double glazed?
Yes. With a suitable aluminium retrofit, the existing frames can be retained, fixed panes upgraded to double glazing and opening windows replaced with new double-glazed aluminium opening sashes, stays and seals.
Is it cheaper to retrofit or replace windows?
Retrofit is generally the lowest-cost option because more of the existing window system is retained. However, if your existing joinery is deteriorating or nearing the end of its useful life, replacement may represent better long-term value.
Do I need to replace every window at once?
No. Window upgrades can often be completed in stages, and different solutions can even be used within the same home depending on the condition and type of existing windows.