If you’re thinking about double glazing your Wellington home, you don’t necessarily need to replace all your windows.
There are many options available, from retrofit double-glazing your existing windows and doors, to partial or full joinery replacement.
The right option comes down to the type and condition of your existing windows, how they’re performing and what you want to achieve from the upgrade.
What Are Your Window Upgrade Options?
At Wellington Glass & Mirror, we install double glazing into both timber and aluminium joinery and offer various approaches, depending on your objectives and budget.
For existing timber windows, these include:
Keeping with timber
- Retrofitting and refurbishing your existing timber sashes.
- Replacing your old timber sashes with new timber sashes using Escence Wood™.
Replacing timber with aluminium
- Replacing your old timber sashes with thermally efficient aluminium inserts, keeping the outer timber frames and surrounds.
- Full replacement of your old timber joinery with all new aluminium joinery (full frame replacement) using standard or modern thermally efficient aluminium profiles.
For existing aluminium windows, options include:
- Retrofitting fixed windows and replacing opening windows, keeping your original aluminium frames.
- Full replacement of your old aluminium joinery with all new aluminium joinery (full frame replacement) using standard or modern thermally efficient aluminium profiles.
Retrofit Double Glazing
Retrofit double glazing replaces old single-pane windows with new high-performance SuperTherm™ Low-E double glazing, retaining good-quality existing joinery wherever possible.
For timber windows, suitable existing joinery can be refurbished and carefully adapted to accommodate new high-performance double-glazed units. This is a great option for Wellington’s character homes, particularly where original timber joinery is in good condition and you want to retain the natural feel and superior insulating performance of timber. This option particularly suits sliding (double-hung) windows and those glazed with leadlights.
For aluminium windows, the existing frames fitted to the walls of your house can be retained. Fixed single-glazed panes are replaced with new double-glazed units and beads, while opening windows are replaced with new opening aluminium sashes, stays, seals and handles designed to accommodate double-glazing units.
Retrofit is often the best place to start when your existing joinery is in good condition. It allows you to improve the warmth, comfort and performance of your windows without replacing more of the existing window system than necessary.
Partial Joinery Replacement of Existing Timber Windows
If the outer timber frames fixed to the walls of your home are sound and you want to change the timber sashes or change window configuration that sits inside those, then partial joinery replacement presents two options.
Escence Wood™ Timber Sash Replacement
Escence Wood™ timber sash replacement offers a stunning new timber alternative. Where the existing outer timber frame is still in good condition, old sashes can be replaced with new, purpose-built timber sashes designed for modern double glazing. It’s a great option for character homes, with or without leadlight windows, where retaining the look and feel of timber is important.
Aluminium inserts
Aluminium inserts retain the existing outer timber frame and replace all the existing sashes with new, low-maintenance thermally efficient aluminium joinery and SuperTherm™ Low-E double glazing. This option also provides the most flexible way of completely changing window configuration inside each frame.
Aluminium Full-Frame Replacement
With aluminium full-frame replacement, the entire existing window, including the outer frame, is removed and replaced with new aluminium joinery. We can replace existing timber or aluminium windows with new thermally enhanced Omega® aluminium joinery and SuperTherm™ Low-E double glazing for a complete window upgrade.
Wellington Glass & Mirror is a licensed fabricator for Omega Windows + Doors, blending contemporary design with exceptional durability, using joinery completely designed, tested, manufactured, and finished here in NZ, specifically to NZ standards and conditions.
Full replacement is often the best option when existing joinery has deteriorated or is no longer performing well, or when you’re renovating and want greater flexibility to change the style, colour, configuration or functionality of your windows and doors.
It’s the most comprehensive of the options presented here, upgrading both the frame, the window or the door joinery and the glass to improve the overall comfort, performance,function and appearance of your home.
When Is Full Window Replacement Worth Considering?
If your existing windows are in good condition, there’s often no reason to remove them simply because they’re single glazed. But sometimes the issues with a window extend beyond the glass.
Full replacement may be worth considering when:
- Your existing joinery is in poor condition, rotten, damaged or leaking
- You’re undertaking a larger renovation and want to make substantial changes
- You want to significantly change the appearance of your home
- You want greater flexibility over window or door configurations
- You want to markedly reduce ongoing maintenance
For Wellington homes exposed to strong winds and cold southerlies, replacing ageing or poorly fitting joinery can be particularly valuable.
What Are the Benefits of Full Replacement Joinery?
Full replacement is a bigger investment than retrofit or partial replacement, but for the right property it gives you the opportunity to change much more than the glass.
Benefits include:
Upgrading the Entire Window System
Rather than working around existing components, you’re starting afresh with new frames, flashings, seals, hardware and double glazing, all designed to work seamlessly together. This can be particularly worthwhile where existing windows have multiple issues, such as poor sealing, deteriorating joinery and difficult operation.
Improving Thermal Performance
When replacing your windows, it’s important to consider the performance of both the glass and the frame. Traditional aluminium is highly conductive. New thermally broken (enhanced) aluminium joinery significantly reduces heat conduction through and condensation on the frame, while SuperTherm™ Low-E double glazing reduces heat transfer through the glass. Together, they comprise a complete thermal upgrade.
Reducing Draughts
New joinery can provide better sealing than ageing or poorly fitting windows. For an exposed Wellington property, reducing unwanted draughts can make a noticeable difference to how comfortable the home feels.
Modernising Your Home
Full replacement joinery can also completely change the appearance of a property.
You have greater freedom to select new colours, profiles, hardware and opening styles, making it particularly appealing if you’re already renovating or updating your home’s exterior. Depending on the project, there may also be opportunities to reconsider window and door configurations vertically. More substantial changes can involve additional building work or consent, so these need to be assessed individually.
Reducing Ongoing Maintenance
Good timber windows can be well worth retaining, particularly in Wellington’s character homes. But if your timber joinery is deteriorating or you’re looking for a lower-maintenance solution, new aluminium joinery may be a better long-term fit.
Retrofit, Partial or Full Replacement: How Do You Decide?
All of these options can substantially improve the thermal performance of your windows and doors. The best place to start is by assessing the condition of your existing joinery.
If your windows are sound, functional and suit your home, retrofit double glazing may be all you need.
For timber windows with good outer frames, Escence Wood™ replacement timber sashes or aluminium inserts offer cost-effective alternatives. Both options allow you to retain the existing outer timber frames while upgrading the window sashes.
However, full-frame replacement may make more sense if your existing joinery is deteriorating, performing poorly or no longer meets your needs.
Cost is another important consideration. Full-frame replacement generally requires a greater investment because it involves replacing the entire joinery system and glazing.You can read more in our guide to double glazing costs in Wellington.
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.
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for Your Home?
With more than 25 years of double glazing experience across the Wellington region, Wellington Glass & Mirror can assess what you already have and recommend tailored solutions based on your needs, your home and your budget, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
As Wellington’s licensed retroGLAZE® Partner, we offer retrofit double glazing, partial replacement solutions and full-frame replacement options across Wellington, the Hutt Valley, Porirua and the Kāpiti Coast. The best place to start is by telling us about your home and what you’d like to improve. If you can, include photos of your existing windows so our team can get a better understanding of your project.