Window Upgrade Advisor

retroGLAZE® Window Upgrade Advisor

Step 1 of 16: Your Information

Let's get Started - Your Details
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We use this information to help provide a personalised window assessment that's relevant to your needs and location.

What do you want to Achieve?
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Your goals help us recommend the right glass type and approach. Thermal goals (heating/cooling) are typically easier and more cost-effective to achieve than other improvements.

Select all that apply - this helps us with glass recommendations:

Comfort & Temperature Control

Health & Peace of Mind

Property Value & Maintenance

Pro Tip: SuperTherm Cool™ can reduce solar heat gain by up to 66% while maintaining 70% of natural daylight - perfect for those hot summer days!

Your Budget
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Your budget can influence which solutions are most suitable. Retrofit glazing often costs around 30–50% less than full replacement. If you're unsure, we can suggest options for a range of budgets.

What's your approximate budget range?

Smart Investment: retroGLAZE retrofit solutions typically cost 30-50% less than full window replacement while delivering similar energy performance improvements.

When do you want this done?
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Timeline affects planning and pricing. Urgent projects may have limited options or require premium scheduling. Most window projects benefit from proper planning time.

When are you looking to complete this project?

Installation Insight: Most retrofit projects can be completed in 1-2 days (depending on scope) with minimal disruption to your daily routine, no need to vacate your home!

How many Windows need Attention
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Window count affects pricing, project complexity, and installation time. An approximate number is fine — an installer can confirm exact measurements during a site visit.

Approximately how many windows need attention?

Your Current Window Frame Materials
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Material type is crucial for determining retrofit feasibility. Timber and aluminium have different retrofit considerations. If you're unsure, we can assess this during a site visit.

What are your current window frames made of?

Retrofit Advantage: Both timber and aluminium frames can usually be retrofitted (dependent on condition), preserving your home's character while dramatically improving performance.

Timber Age
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Older timber requires more careful assessment. Very old timber may need restoration first, while newer timber is generally easier to retrofit. Age can also affect which glazing systems are suitable.

How old is your timber joinery?

Timber Condition
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Physical condition is critical for retrofit success. Poor condition timber may need repairs first, which adds cost. Look for rot, warping, loose joints, or paint that's peeling badly.

What's the overall condition of your timber joinery?

Timber Hardware Condition
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Hardware includes handles, locks, hinges, stays, and latches. If hardware is failing, it may need replacement during retrofit, which affects costs. Seized or broken hardware may suggest deeper maintenance needs.

How is the hardware (handles, locks, hinges, stays)?

Timber Function
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If you want to change how your windows open (e.g., from sliding sash to casement), this is usually possible with retrofit. Some door style changes, however, may require full replacement. Keeping the same opening style is usually more cost-effective.

What changes do you want to make?

Windows

Doors

Aluminium Age
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Aluminium technology has improved over time. Newer systems with thermal breaks are often more suitable for retrofitting. Very old aluminium may lack the features needed for effective retrofit glazing.

How old is your aluminium joinery?

Aluminium Condition
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Look for corrosion (white powdery deposits), pitting, or damage. Aluminium near the sea deteriorates faster. Minor surface wear is normal, but structural damage or severe corrosion may require replacement.

What's the condition of your aluminium joinery?

Aluminium Hardware Condition
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Aluminium hardware is generally more durable than timber hardware, but when it fails it can be expensive to replace. Check if handles operate smoothly and locks engage properly.

How is the hardware condition (handles, locks, hinges, stays)?

Aluminium Function
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If you want to change how your windows open (e.g., from sliding sash to casement), this is usually possible with retrofit. Some door style changes, however, may require full replacement. Keeping the same opening style is usually more cost-effective.

What changes do you want to make?

Windows

Doors

Your Window Assessment Results

Get your full report! Proceed to the next page, provide your email and phone, and we'll send you your full report that includes detailed analysis, glass recommendations, product specifications, and a roadmap for your next steps.

Get Your Detailed Report
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We'll email you a comprehensive report with detailed analysis, charts, and recommendations. We may also follow up to discuss your window upgrade options.

What to Expect: Your personalised report will include a detailed analysis, glass recommendations, product specifications, and a roadmap for your next steps - all tailored to your specific windows and goals.

How our Advisor works

The Advisor evaluates every answer you give and adds weight to either a retrofit score or a replacement score. Condition questions (like frame soundness and moisture issues) carry more weight than style or preference, while factors such as joinery material, safety-glass zones, glass area, access, and installation complexity also contribute. As you progress, the scores update in the background so the final recommendation reflects the balance of your inputs, not a single checkbox.

Retrofit vs Replacement explainer

Retrofit vs replacement: when each makes sense

  • Retrofit double glazing keeps sound frames and upgrades to modern insulated glass, seals, and hardware. Best when the frames are structurally good and you want to preserve the look while cutting condensation and heat loss. Faster and usually less disruptive.
  • Replacement windows and doors remove the whole unit and install thermally enhanced joinery with high-performance glass. Best when frames are failing, too thin for modern units, or you want a new style and top whole-window performance.
Talk to someone about your recommendation
More info on Retrofit vs Replacement

Retrofit vs Replacement FAQs

When Does Retrofit Cost More than Replacement?

When heritage timber repairs, shaped/arched panes, true muntins, tricky access/scaffolding, or consent add lots of labour and materials.

Is Retrofit as Warm as Full Replacement?

Both improve comfort a lot. New thermally-broken aluminium usually wins on whole-window warmth. Timber retrofits feel warmer at the frame than older aluminium.

Will Aluminium still get Condensation after Retrofit?

Possibly. The glass is warmer, but older non-thermal aluminium frames can still show edge condensation on cold mornings, depending on your home’s humidity levels.

Do I need building consent in NZ to retrofit?

Often you don’t for simple retrofits but check locally. Full replacement is more likely to need consent, especially with reclads/layout changes.

How Disruptive is the Work?

Retrofit installations are typically faster and carried out room by room, minimising disruption and keeping the site tidy

Replacement requires more site work and finishing, but it delivers a full new window system.