Question 1

What should I be asking when considering retrofit double glazing?

Accepted Answer

How long has the company been operating, who are the people behind the company and how long have they been doing this work (retrofitting double glazing). Check their website for previous work completed and customer feedback, also ask to contact previous customers to get an idea on their workmanship and service. Never settle on face value or how many different originations they maybe associated with, as at the end of the day you want the piece of mind they the installer will do a quality job, with quality materials at a competitive price and be willing to stand behind the work they do and not run for cover if problems occur. 
 
What will your windows and doors look like when they have been double glazed? Ask to see samples or if possible to see another home in your area which the installer has done. Most windows should have no reduction in viewable glass area, but there will always be one that may and the installer should notify and explain these. The finished outcome should be one where the changes maintain or enhance your home's appearance - and don't just look like an add-on.
 
What is the width of the space between the two pieces of glass in the double glazing unit? This should be at least 8mm and not more than 16mm. The optimal with air filled double glazing is 14mm and with argon gas is 12mm. If the space is too small, the cold will more easily travel through the double glazing from one side to the other. 
 
What is the spacer in the double glazing made of? Warm edge spacers are recommended in all double glazing. This will make a noticeable difference for condensation reduction.
 
What are the options available that can help address other issues at the same time? Consider options for improved sound control, reducing fading, Solar gain, privacy and enhancing security.
 
What is the warranty being offered - on the double glazing and on the workmanship? Double glazing manufactured by members of the Insulating Glazing Unit Manufacturers Association (IGUMA) has to meet BRANZ tested standards and comes with a 10-year warranty.

Question 2

How long does the installation process take?

Accepted Answer

A rough estimate would be between 10 and 20 sashes would take between 5 to 8 working days is achievable as a guide.
All sash windows will be removed from your property and taken back to our workshop to be machined. This process will take a couple of days, which allows for a larger rebate to be routed out and the double glazing to be installed. While they are away we will board up your window with plywood and tape up any air gaps that are present. Doors are double glazed same day as these are treated as must happen same day. All fixed windows (non-sashes) will be installed on-site frame by frame. We will remove the old glass, prep the frame, and install the double glazed unit in one session. Your fixed frames will not require boarding up.
 
For Aluminium Joinery, a typical house will require approximately three or four full days on site, but also depends on size of panes, access to windows and types of windows, doors and roof lights being fitted. We only remove the glass we are about to replace so your home will always be left safe and secure at the end of each day.

Question 3

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

It is a very difficult process to offer an approximate price before assessing the home. When we assess the home, we are looking for several different variables that will achieve the desired results in your home and, in turn, contribute to the cost of the Double glazed units.
 
These variables include:
 • The age and condition of your existing joiner
 • Compatibility of your existing joinery with new double glazed units.
 • Volume of glass in the home.
 • Double glazing make-up required to both comply with current building code and achieve the desired results.
 • Access to your current windows for installation.

Unfortunately there is no such "one solution fits all" scenario as every home has different sized windows, amounts of safety glass required and complexities around access to the glazing area. All of these factors influence the price.
We also like to view the home we are pricing as most homes will benefit greatly from double glazing, but some will require additional insulation before double glazing will have the desired effect. For this reason we prefer to identify and assess the needs of the homeowner before suggesting a solution.

Question 4

Do you put another piece of glass in front of the existing glass?

Accepted Answer

No, we will always remove your existing glass. New insulating glass units will be made to measure and installed into your existing frames.

Question 5

What are the advantages of Low E and Argon Gas?

Accepted Answer

The use of Low Emissivity (Low E) Glass and argon gas increases the thermal performance of your windows. An increase in thermal performance contributes to a more consistent temperature in your home throughout the year, retaining more heat in winter and reducing solar heat gain in summer.

Question 6

Will double glazing reduce noise?

Accepted Answer

Yes it will. By removing your single glass and replacing with standard double glazed units, you will notice a reduced amount of perceived noise into your home through the windows. Because there are now two pieces of glass sealed with an air (or argon) space between them, sound transmission into your home is reduced. We can also engineer a higher performance unit to deal specifically with noise while still offering all the increased comfort levels of standard double glazing. However noise will also enter through gaps in the frames and building envelope, and in some cases advice from an acoustic consultant is wise.

Question 7

Will double glazing reduce fading effects caused by Ultra Violet light?

Accepted Answer

Yes it will, but the amount depends on the glass type selected. If a reduction in fading of furniture and furnishings is a priority, we can offer a unit that will not only reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, it will also reduce the harmful UV rays and visible light that causes fading.

Question 8

Will double glazing get rid of condensation?

Accepted Answer

Double glazing will normally reduce the amount of condensation forming on the inside of your windows, however an assessment of your home will better confirm this, as poorly insulated houses can still have condensation problems.
Every home has different conditions. But the factors that influence condensation are outside/inside temperature, inside relative humidity, insulation (ceiling, wall, window and floor), and the amount of ventilation and heating.
In some homes condensation may still form on aluminium inserts.

Question 9

Do you have to replace the whole frame?

Accepted Answer

No, the majority of the time we will be able to fit double glazing into your existing frames.
The configuration of the window can be changed to create a more modern look.

Question 10

Can you use any of my old glass?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no way to be sure that the existing glass in your home will maintain its integrity and durability. Because our IGU's are covered by a 10 year warranty, we will custom build a unit to suit your existing frame. That way, we know the complete life history of the glass used and can be confident that the units will not fail.

Question 11

What colour aluminium is available?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of aluminium colours available, most commonly used colour are the whites. Sample colours are available.

Question 12

What it the quoting process?

Accepted Answer

The first step to double glazing your home is to provide you with a quote. Either Jordon or Casey will visit your home and discuss your requirements. During this visit, your windows and doors are measured to ensure an accurate quote can be given.
 
The existing frames are inspected to check for suitability for the new double glazing.
We will then go away and produce a detailed quotation which itemizes out each individual room, window or total house lot, how ever you require it broken down. We will then either email, post or present your written quotation in person.
 
Once the quotation is accepted, we then schedule your work, order materials and then request a deposit two weeks prior to the scheduled installation date.

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