Are you one of New Zealands homeowners still battling dampness, mould, and cold in your home? Upgrade with retroGLAZE® SuperTherm™ double glazing for a warmer, drier, and healthier living space.
24 March 2025
The 2023 Census data from Stats NZ reveals a positive trend in New Zealand’s housing quality: the percentage of homes experiencing dampness has decreased from 21.5% in 2018 to 18.1% in 2023, and those affected by visible mould larger than an A4 sheet of paper have reduced from 16.9% to 14%. That is one in seven New Zealand homes still experiencing a substantial amount of mould in their home environment!
While yes these improvements are encouraging, a significant number of homes, particularly older ones, continue to face these persistent issues.
The Challenge: Cold, damp and mouldy homes
Dampness, cold, and mould don’t just impact the condition of a home—they have serious consequences for the people living in them. Mould spores can contribute to respiratory illnesses, allergies, and asthma, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Cold, damp environments can also lead to higher heating costs as homeowners struggle to keep their homes warm. In the long term, excess moisture can damage a home’s structure, leading to rotting timber, peeling paint, and reduced property value. Addressing these issues isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting health, finances, and the longevity of the home.
What about heat pumps and home ventilation systems?
In response to these challenges, many homeowners have turned to heat pumps and positive pressure ventilation systems to maintain warmer indoor environments. While modern heat pumps are designed with energy efficiency in mind, their increased usage can lead to higher electricity consumption. PPV systems also aim to improve indoor air quality by circulating fresh air, but they often pull air from the roof cavity, which can be a source of moisture, dust, and contaminants. (Systems that pull air from the roof space are not NZ Building Code compliant). This approach addresses the symptoms of cold and dampness but doesn’t tackle the underlying causes, such as inadequate insulation or poor ventilation, and can sometimes exacerbate the problem if the air being circulated isn’t properly filtered or conditioned.
The Solution: SuperTherm™ low-e double glazing
To effectively combat dampness and mould, it’s crucial to address these root causes. One effective solution is enhancing the thermal performance of the home through Retrofit Double Glazing or Replacement Windows and Doors. retroGLAZE® specialize in upgrading existing windows and doors with SuperTherm™ double glazing, significantly improving insulation and reducing condensation. This not only leads to a warmer, drier, and healthier living environment but also contributes to energy efficiency, potentially lowering heating costs.
SuperTherm™ low-e double glazing has a nanoscopically thin coating on one side that is undetectable to the human eye and has special properties that perform like a filter to allow the right light in.
Low-E glass responds to different wavelengths of light, letting healthy levels of daylight pass through whilst blocking particular wavelengths of heat energy and UV. The heat generated inside your home is a different wavelength again. SuperTherm™ double glazing is designed to reflect this inside heat energy, keeping it inside where it belongs. All of this results in a warmer, drier, healthier home!
Not all double glazing is the same with many cheaper options not able to provide the same level of performance, clarity, and durability as retroGLAZE® SuperTherm™ range of low-e double glazing. Make sure to ask for high-performing SuperTherm™ low-e double glazing to ensure you have a warmer, drier, healthier home.
By focusing on comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of dampness and mould, homeowners can create healthier living spaces and enjoy the benefits of improved energy efficiency.
Talk to one of our double glazing specialists to learn how Retrofit Double Glazing can give you a warmer, drier, healthier home.
