Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
If you have timber windows, then most likely yes! We can retrofit almost all types of timber windows, including double-hung, awning, casement, fixed, clerestory, doors, and sliding windows. If you are unsure, send us a photo of your window, and we'll check it out.
Double glazing retrofit can help you reduce energy costs, increase comfort, and improve the soundproofing of your property.
Additionally, it enhances the appearance and value of your property. Retrofitting is significantly cheaper than replacing the entire window frame with a new uPVC, timber, or thermally broken aluminium while maintaining similar performance. It is also more sustainable, as it avoids creating waste by discarding the existing frame.
No need to replace your existing frames during the retrofit process. Our team will install the new glass pane into your existing window frame.
Double glazing retrofit is a long-term investment that can save you money on energy costs, increase the comfort and value of your property, and improve its sound insulation for many years to come.
Yes, double glazing retrofit is an environmentally friendly solution as it helps reduce energy consumption, thereby reducing your carbon footprint. By retaining your existing window frames, we minimise waste by not discarding frames like some other solutions.
The Government YourHome website has some great information on glazing to get you up to speed: https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing
Double Glazing
Double glazing is a type of window construction where two panes of glass are separated by a sealed air space. This provides extra insulation, reducing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency. Double glazing also helps reduce noise and enhances the window's appearance. The sealed air space can also be filled with an insulating gas, such as argon, to further improve the window's insulation properties.
Double glazing creates a barrier by trapping air between two glass panels. This acts as insulation, reducing heat transfer through the window. As a result, it helps regulate the temperature inside your home or business, making it more comfortable and reducing your reliance on heating and cooling systems.
A low-e coating is a microscopically thin, invisible layer of metal applied to the surface of a glass panel in double glazing. It reflects heat back into the room in winter and blocks heat from entering the room in summer. This helps to regulate the temperature inside your home or business.
No, the low-e coating is microscopically thin and invisible, making it an unobtrusive solution for improving energy efficiency.
We use various glass thicknesses based on window location, size, and purpose. The most common is 4mm thick glass, but we also utilise 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm glass, along with 6.5mm and 6.9mm laminated glass.
The width of the air gap in double-glazed windows can significantly affect the insulation properties of the window. Generally, a wider air gap results in better insulation performance, as there is more space for the insulation to work. However, it's important to note that an air gap that is too wide can reduce the effectiveness of the insulation, as air circulation within the gap can diminish the insulating properties. Additionally, a too-wide air gap can lead to condensation buildup between the glass panes, affecting the window's appearance and potentially causing damage to the frames and seals.
It is generally recommended to use an air gap width between 6mm and 16mm for optimal insulation performance. The exact width will depend on the specific requirements of your double-glazing project, including the size and type of the window, the climate, and the desired insulation performance.
We commonly use 12mm, with 8mm and 10mm in some opening windows where required.
Double glazing windows are made with two glass panes separated by a sealed air space. Here are the steps for constructing a typical double glazing window:
- Measurement: Accurately measure the window opening to ensure the double glazing unit fits perfectly.
- Glass selection: Choose the type of glass for the double glazing unit, such as clear, low-e, or toughened glass, each with its own unique properties and benefits.
- Cutting: Cut the glass panes to size and bevel them to fit into the window frame.
- Sealing: Place the two glass panes into a frame and seal along the edges to create an airtight space between the panes.
- Air space: Fill the air space between the two glass panes with air or an insulating gas, such as argon, to improve the insulation performance.
- Spacer: Seal the edges of the glass panes to a spacer, which acts as a barrier to prevent air from circulating within the air space.
- Drying: Dry the unit to remove any moisture or air from the air space, ensuring it remains airtight. Place a desiccant within the spacer to absorb any residual moisture.
- Installation: Install the double glazing unit into the window opening, either as a retrofit or as part of a new window construction project.
This is a basic overview of the construction of double glazing windows. The specific process and materials used may vary depending on the project requirements and the manufacturer.
Installation
For the majority of windows, it takes around 1.5-3 hours per pane of glass. This involves removing the old glass and beading, preparing and routing the frame, installing and sealing the new double glazed unit, and finally adding new beading or capping. Double hung (sash) windows may take significantly longer, as well as any windows that need repair or have 'glazing cement' holding the glass in place.
We typically require 2-4 weeks from completing the measurement to accepting the quote.
Not really! You might see a small amount of the black spacer around the edge of the frame, depending on your window. Other than that, your windows will look the same as they always have.
Yes, as we leave your frames intact, your flyscreens will still work. Some may need to be moved slightly if you opt for additional seals on the inside of the windows.
For double glazed units, there are a few minimum requirements to consider. The minimum chargeable size is 0.5 sqm, so any unit smaller than that will be charged at 0.5 sqm. For larger units, you may need to upgrade from 4mm glass to 5mm glass or thicker, typically for units over 2400 x 1200mm. Additionally, some areas require 5mm glass for BAL ratings (Bushfire Attack Level).
There is a cost to get glass to our factory for pickup, or to your site for install.
These rates are a flat rate, so are the same for 1 piece of glass or 100!
If we are doing the installation for you, you don't need to worry about anything! We will bring all the necessary materials.
If you are doing it yourself, in addition to the glass, you will need the following items:
- Beading and/or capping: This is timber used to finish the frame and seal against the glass.
- Silicone: Make sure to use a 'neutral cure' silicone to avoid damaging the IGU seals.
- Nails: It's preferable to use a nail gun for easy installation and to reduce the chance of breakage.
- Spacer blocks: These are placed under the glass.