A warm, dry, healthy home should be a basic right for every kiwi.

April 2023

As a homeowner in New Zealand, you are likely familiar with the high cost of energy bills during winter and the struggle to keep your home comfortable and healthy. What if we told you that there is a simple solution that can address both of these issues while also being eco-friendly? Retrofit double glazing is the answer!

Most new builds in New Zealand now include double glazing with increased requirements in energy efficiency levels for new homes being phased in across six new ‘climate zones’ identified throughout the country. While these enhancements in new housing are already providing improved outcomes in energy savings and a reduced health burden for both the home and inhabitants, owners of existing houses built before 2008 may wonder about the potential benefits of retrofitting double glazing in their properties and whether the cost is worth it.

Timber Retrofit Double Glazing

New Zealand’s commitment to improving housing standards has been emphasized in a recent Stuff article reporting that improving the country’s unhealthy homes could cost over $50 billion, but the long-term benefits could save $116 billion in health costs. One effective way to improve housing standards is by retrofitting double glazing into existing homes.

Timber Retrofit Double Glazing

Poor insulation and ventilation in homes can lead to dampness and mould growth, which can cause respiratory problems and exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma. Retrofit double glazing helps to address these issues by improving insulation and preventing moisture build-up. It also reduces the energy consumption of heaters and heat pumps by keeping heat inside the home and the cold temperatures outside. Retrofit double glazing helps promote energy efficiency, which is especially important given the urgent matters around climate change and rising energy costs.

Timber Retrofit Double Glazing

Poor insulation and ventilation in homes can lead to dampness and mould growth, which can cause respiratory problems and exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma. Retrofit double glazing helps to address these issues by improving insulation and preventing moisture build-up. It also reduces the energy consumption of heaters and heat pumps by keeping heat inside the home and the cold temperatures outside. Retrofit double glazing helps promote energy efficiency, which is especially important given the urgent matters around climate change and rising energy costs.

Ange Toon of The RetroGlaze Network specializes in retrofit double glazing and notes that genuine double glazing can be installed in existing timber or aluminum frames, improving the comfort of your home whilst preserving the home’s original character.

Retrofitting double glazing offers homeowners notable results in five key areas.

Improve insulation and energy efficiency.

Retrofit double glazing lets the right solar energy into your home and holds it in, keeping your home warmer and drier and reducing the amount and cost of energy required to heat or cool your home (heat pumps etc).

According to the Building Research Association of NZ (BRANZ), “up to 50% of a home’s heat is lost through the windows. Changing from single glass to double glazing can reduce this heat loss significantly”, especially with when more efficient options such as RetroGlaze Network’s SuperTherm™ range are used

Reduce condensation to prevent mould growth.

Mould cause significant damage to both your home and your health.   By installing double glazing, the inside pane of the glazing remains warmer due to the thermal blanket formed inside the hermetically sealed space of the unit, keeping the temperature of your home at a consistent level.   This provides comfort and reduces the incidence of ill health amongst family members meaning fewer doctors’ visits and days off work – especially during winter.

Reduce external noise.

Many Kiwis live in cities where the roads are constantly busy and the noise that they generate can have negative effects on home occupants’ health.  Double glazing can help create a quieter, more peaceful home.

“Our SuperTherm Protect™ system provides excellent insulation with perceived noise reduction of up to 63%, when compared with 3mm single glass,” says Toon.

Increase security.

Ange Toon points out that recent unprecedented weather events have served to highlight the need for increased attention to equipping your home to effectively resist external forces such as high winds, slips and general damage from storm debris.

Old single glazing can be brittle and prone to fail.  Double glazing provides additional security with two panes of glass to penetrate, which can be strengthened further by including laminated glass as is the case with RetroGlaze SuperTherm Protect™.

Reduce your carbon footprint.

By taking steps to minimise energy loss in your home, you also contribute meaningfully to collective efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and help combat climate change.

In addition, by retaining the original frames retrofit double glazing reduces the manufacturing costs and impact associated with full replacement options, meaning less waste going back into the environment and less energy consumption.

With 19 years of experience and thousands of happy customers, The RetroGlaze Network which includes The Double Glazing Company understands that each property is unique. They pride themselves on only providing genuine high-performing double glazing using their SuperTherm™ Low E double glazing range.  Each proposal is customised to provide the right double glazing for each home’s individual needs.

Homeowners looking to retrofit double glazing should consider a reputable provider that uses high-quality materials and installation techniques. The RetroGlaze Network of businesses uses leading local and international suppliers.  All double glazing is tested by BRANZ and is compliant with New Zealand’s required standards.   Homeowners can contact them for a free, friendly, no-obligation chat about their particular circumstances.

Retrofit double glazing is an excellent option for homeowners in New Zealand who are looking to improve the health, comfort, and energy efficiency of their homes. Not only does it provide significant benefits to the homeowner, but it also aligns with the government’s commitment to reducing emissions and combating climate change. By choosing retrofit double glazing, homeowners can take a sustainable approach to improve the energy efficiency of their homes without having to replace all of their window frames.

Check out our article in Stuff here....