There are 3 recommended options for replacing or upgrading existing your windows and doors. These are:
- Retro Fit Double Glazing
- Insert Windows
- Full Replacement Windows
Each option has huge benefits and you will ultimately get the best outcome if you choose the correct option for your situation. The guide below will give you assistance in choosing the best solution for your home.
Retro Fit Double Glazing
Retrofit double-glazing is the process of replacing your existing single glazing with double glazed glass. The existing Aluminium frames are left in situ. The existing external beads and opening sashes (sometimes panels) are removed and simply replaced with double glazed glass, beads and sashes.
The benefits:
- Requires minimal interruption and can generally be done in 1-2 days
- It is the lowest cost solution
- There is no additional work required when the glass is installed
The disadvantages:
- You cannot change the colour of your windows and doors at the same time
- You can get colour variation between the old window frames left insitu and the new components being replaced
- You cannot change the configuration of the windows and doors
- All the seals and some of the components / locks are not changed so they are still as old as the original windows and doors
- You are doubling the weight of the glass in items that were not designed for this weight (e.g. sliding door rollers)
- It is strongly recommended that you do not Retro Fit Double Glaze windows and doors older than 15 years old (for the reasons above)
- Although some companies do Retro Fit Double Glazing into wooden frames NZWindows does not undertake this service due to the issues around fitting double glazing into products that were not designed for this.
Insert Windows and doors
Insert windows and doors provide an affordable solution by replacing old timber windows with new aluminium joinery without compromising the tradition style of your home. You keep the chunky timber look but have modern aluminium windows and doors that have weather-tight seals and less ongoing maintenance. However, insert windows cannot be done if the existing wooden window frames and sills are rotten or are in poor condition.
The benefits:
- You keep the look of the timber windows from the outside (the sills, jambs and head of the timber windows are left in place) so you keep the chunky timber style look.
- You get the timber look with modern Aluminium windows and doors that have great seals and are higher performance.
- Low ongoing maintenance
- You can change the configuration of the windows and doors
- You can choose any colour you want
- Greater security
- No additional work required after the inserts are installed
- Installation of inserts generally complete in 2-3 days
- This is the middle of the range price wise
The disadvantages:
- Windows work really well with the insert option but doors often have difficulties with frame widths and often have limitations with the sills (too high a step over)
- The timber frames are still in place and will require maintenance
Full Replacements
Full replacement gives you the opportunity to change your windows and doors to suit any colour, style and configuration. Everything is brand new and installation is to the current building code. A key benefit of replacing the entire window structure is that you can update your windows to make them more energy efficient.
The benefits:
- Everything is new
- You can choose any style, colour, configuration
- Installation is to the current building code
- You can change the sill height of your windows easily (e.g. take out a window and make the hole big enough to change it to a door)
The disadvantages:
- You need to fill and paint the interior liner and architraves after the installation is complete
- It is the most disruptive process. We need to work inside and outside each window with full access. Although the house will be secure every night furniture will need to be moved and drapes taken down.
- It is the most expensive of the 3 options
- All windows and doors will require architraves. Any existing windows not being changed without architraves will not match
Changing your existing windows and doors to incorporate Double Glazing will have huge benefits. It will increase the comfort of your home, reduce condensation, make your home a warmer and healthier environment.