Double Glazing
Retrofit double glazing for East Auckland homes. Warmer winters, quieter rooms, lower energy bills — without replacing your window frames.
Retrofit Double Glazing for East Auckland Homes
New Zealand homes have historically been under-insulated and under-glazed compared to international standards. Single-glazed aluminium joinery — still prevalent in most East Auckland homes built before 2000 — is a major source of heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Retrofit double glazing is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s thermal performance. Rather than replacing your entire window joinery (an expensive and disruptive process), we replace just the glass units — upgrading from single pane to double-glazed insulating glass units (IGUs) within your existing aluminium frames.
The result is a warmer, quieter home with dramatically reduced condensation, lower heating bills, and improved comfort year-round — at a fraction of the cost of new joinery.
Benefits of Double Glazing
Warmer in Winter
Double-glazed units have significantly better thermal insulation than single panes, reducing heat loss by up to 50%.
Reduces Condensation
The warm inner pane dramatically reduces condensation — a major cause of mould in NZ homes.
Noise Reduction
Double glazing reduces noise transmission — particularly beneficial on busy roads or near schools.
Lower Energy Bills
Less heat loss means your heating system works less hard — reducing energy consumption and costs.
Adds Property Value
Double-glazed homes command a premium in the New Zealand property market.
Better for the Environment
Lower energy consumption means a reduced carbon footprint for your household.
Why Howick Glass for Double Glazing?
We have been upgrading East Auckland homes from single to double glazing for years. Our glaziers know the full range of aluminium joinery systems in the market and can accurately assess what's achievable for your specific frames.
Call 09 535 4180Joinery Assessment
We check your existing frames before quoting to confirm they can accept double-glazed units.
Quality IGU Units
We supply quality double-glazed insulating glass units with Low-E coating options available.
Experienced Installers
Our glaziers have installed retrofit double glazing in hundreds of East Auckland homes.
Cost-Effective Solution
Far more affordable than full window replacement — most retrofits cost 30–50% less.
Our Double Glazing Process
Free Assessment
We assess your existing joinery to confirm it can accept double-glazed units and measure accurately.
Quote & Approval
We provide a clear, itemised quote. No obligation — take your time to decide.
IGU Manufacture
Your double-glazed units are manufactured to the exact sizes of your existing frames.
Retrofit Installation
Our glaziers remove the existing single-pane glass and install the new double-glazed units cleanly and efficiently.
Double Glazing Across East Auckland
What Is Retrofit Double Glazing?
Retrofit double glazing involves replacing the glass units in your existing window frames with double-glazed insulating glass units (IGUs) — without replacing the frames themselves.
A double-glazed unit consists of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar filled with a desiccant material, with the cavity sealed and filled with either air or an inert gas (typically argon). This trapped air or gas layer acts as thermal insulation between the two panes, significantly reducing heat transfer through the glass.
Low-E Glass
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass has a microscopic metallic coating applied to one pane that reflects radiant heat back into the room in winter (and reflects solar heat outward in summer). Adding Low-E coating to your double-glazed units can improve thermal performance by a further 30–40%.
Is My Joinery Suitable?
Most standard aluminium joinery profiles manufactured from the late 1980s onward can accept retrofit double-glazed units, provided the frame rebate is deep enough. Our glaziers will assess your joinery during the quoting visit. Some older or custom profiles may not be suitable — we’ll be upfront about this.
Double Glazing Cost in New Zealand
Retrofit double glazing is significantly more affordable than most homeowners expect. As a rough guide:
Typical Pricing
Retrofit double glazing in New Zealand typically costs $200–$500 per window pane installed, depending on size, glass type, and site access. A standard 3-bedroom home with 10–15 windows might cost $3,000–$6,000 fully double-glazed — a fraction of the cost of new window frames.
Warmer Homes Initiative
Some double glazing work may be eligible for subsidised funding through the New Zealand Government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, administered by EECA. Eligibility depends on household income and property type. Visit energywise.govt.nz for current information.
Return on Investment
While the ROI period varies depending on your current heating costs, most Auckland homeowners see meaningful reductions in their winter heating bills — and the increased comfort and condensation reduction are immediate benefits that are difficult to put a price on.
Double Glazing vs New Joinery
Full window replacement (new frames and all) costs $800–$2,500+ per window installed in NZ. Retrofit double glazing typically costs 30–50% less. If your frames are in good condition, retrofit is almost always the better-value option.
Double Glazing FAQs
Most aluminium joinery from the late 1980s onward can accept retrofit double-glazed units. The best way to find out is to book a free assessment — our glazier will check your frames and let you know what's achievable.
Retrofit double glazing dramatically reduces condensation by keeping the inner glass surface warmer. In most cases, it eliminates condensation on the glass entirely. However, if your home has high humidity from inadequate ventilation, some residual condensation may occur — particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.
Quality double-glazed units have a typical lifespan of 20–25 years before the seal may start to fail and moisture can enter the unit (causing fogging). The aluminium frames themselves last much longer. When a unit fails, it can be replaced individually without affecting the rest.
No. Replacing glass in existing frames does not require a building consent in New Zealand.
Yes — particularly for warmth, condensation control, and comfort. Auckland winters are milder than the South Island but damp and cool enough that poorly insulated homes feel very cold. The condensation reduction alone makes double glazing worthwhile in Auckland's humid climate.
Upgrade to Double Glazing Today
Get a free assessment and quote for retrofit double glazing across your East Auckland home. Warmer, quieter, drier living awaits.