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What Does Full Window Replacement Involve?
Replacing your windows entirely means removing everything including glass, frames and sills and installing brand new windows from scratch. This process generally involves:
Demolition of existing frames and surrounding architraves
Plastering, painting, and preparing the surface around each opening
Installing New uPVC, aluminium, or timber frames
Can mean weeks of disruption to your home
Significant labour costs across multiple trades
Greater Environmental Impact When Replacing Frames Compared to Retrofitting
For the typical Melbourne home with around 10 to 15 windows, full replacement cost can range between $30,000-$60,000 depending on the size of the windows and the quality of materials used.
For homes that feature original timber frames such as heritage or period homes, full replacement can mean removing cherished elements of the homes that may change the original aesthetic and character of the home.
How Retrofit Double Glazing Works & Why It’s More Cost Effective
Retrofit double glazing takes a different approach as it involves upgrading your window glass to high performance double glazed units with a process that fits new double glazed glass within your existing timber window frames.
The retrofit process delivers the same double glazing performance but at a fraction of the cost of full replacement. Retrofitting avoids the need to remove window frames, plaster or paint and minimises disruption to the home.
Our retrofit double glazing process typically takes 1-2 days to complete for an average Melbourne home and when our install team completes the project, your home will be in the same state as when they arrived, except with high performance windows.
Full Window Replacement typically costs 3 to 5 times more than Retrofit Double Glazing.
More Reasons To Retrofit
In addition to the cost savings, there are further advantages when you retain your original timber frames, rather than replacing them.
1
Retrofitting performs just as well as replacement
LightBridge/Optitherm, features toughened safety glass, a Low-E coating, and an argon gas gap that may outperform new high-quality window installations.
It delivers a U-value of 1.4, 75% heat reduction and performs comparably to un-coated triple glazing.
2
You retain the original character of your home
Melbourne is home to a variety of heritage and period homes including Victorian terraces, Edwardian houses, and Federation bungalows.
Replacing the original timber frames changes the look and feel of the home.
3
Timber frames are made to last
if properly maintained, original timber frames are built and designed to last for generations.
Replacing them with cheaper and inferior modern materials can shorten their lifespan and downgrade the character of your home.
4
Retrofitting reduces waste
retaining your timber frames is a more sustainable choice as it avoids the need to manufacture new frames and extends the life of the timber frames that are already in place.
Find Out If Retrofit Double Glazing Is Right For Your Home
Join over 2,000 Melbourne homeowners who have made the switch to double glazing and are enjoying a happier,healthier and more energy efficient home.
Book a free, no-obligation measure and quote and we'll assess your windows, recommend the right glass, and provide a fixed price with no surprises. Or explre our double glazing cost calculator to get an approximate cost for your double glazing project.
How Much Does it Cost to Double Glaze Windows?
Retrofit double glazing your existing windows can be up to 66% cheaper than window replacement. See our pricing guide for double glazed window costs or use our double glazing calculator for an approximate cost for your project.
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