How much does Double Glazing Windows cost?

Glaziers in Australia can charge between $70 to $90 per hour for installation. A new home may require $800 per square metre for aluminium or composite double glazed windows. The double glazed windows price effectively doubles for timber frames. These may be $1500 per square metre or more.

Type of glazing – When you ask how much do double glazed windows cost, it’s good to keep in mind that there are different ways to achieve the same goal. While you can replace the entire window, there is a process for existing windows called secondary glazing. A third method involves retrofitting for wooden window frames.

Air or Argon – While air is often used between the panes, a gas called argon is another option. Argon will increase the cost of the double glazing, but many consider it to be more effective at insulation.

Type of window – In terms of labour costs, simple single- or double-pane windows are less than louvred, bi-fold or other multi-pane windows. Small panes may need to be specially ordered or cut by hand. Complicated or extra-large windows will drive up labour costs.

Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) – A better energy rating may mean a more costly window. On the other hand, better ratings can indicate lower electricity bills. You will want to get the best rating you can afford if your primary purpose is to reduce heating and cooling costs. 

Material – In addition to the type of glazing, you must consider the cost of the new window frame. Composite or aluminium double glazed windows are one-third or one-half the cost of timber. Furthermore, the cost of double glazed windows tends to increase with wood frames due to the need for a carpenter. Double glazed doors can be $1,000 or more, bumping up the final price tag.

Accessibility – Costs will go up if the windows are difficult to reach. A two-storey home will be more expensive than a one-storey home with similar windows.

Installation costs – The condition of your window openings may affect the cost of installation. For example, sometimes a carpenter is needed to restore the opening before the glazier can put in the window. If new windows are put in, how will that affect the interior? You may find that you need to paint around the new frames.

Insulated glass units are two panes of glass made into one unit. At a minimum, there is a space of 20 millimetres between the panes. The double-glazed glass cost will be higher the closer you get to the maximum of 6 millimetres.

New double glazed windows – The double glazing cost varies widely. You may pay $250 for a 600 x 945 mm window that is composite framed and double glazed. The same window with a wooden frame might be $750.

Retrofit glazing – Companies often say that the retrofit double glazing cost is one-third the cost of buying new. It is specifically for wooden frames that are also the most expensive to replace. These are also the most important to preserve, especially in a classic home.

Secondary glazing – Often the choice of thrifty homeowners, secondary glazing doesn’t mean replacing the entire window. For about $400 per square metre, roughly half the cost of new windows, you can get this done for your home.

Double glazing doors – In terms of energy loss, a plain glass door needs to be insulated. A double glazed sliding doors cost may run $1,500 to $3,000. For instance, a 2100 millimetre by 2100 millimetre three-panel aluminium window with double glazing lists about $2,000.

• Regular windows have no insulation. The air pocket in double glazed windows functions as insulation, improving the effectiveness of your air conditioning. These windows can reduce electricity bills by 25%.
• Insulation can reduce noise pollution from entering the home, which is especially vital for homeowners in busy urban areas. The glass can keep out the neighbour’s loud music or busy traffic noises.
• Double glazed windows are much harder than single-pane windows, which may be as thin as 3 millimetres. Sliding glass doors are much more secure if they are double glazed. Similarly, any ground-level window is a potential entry point for vandals and, therefore, would benefit from double glazing.
• Double-glazed windows add to your home’s status as an investment. They can improve your home’s resale values. By one estimate, it raises the value by 2%

Tips on Creating an Accurate Estimate

1. Determine which windows best fit your home and your budget
2. Request multiple online quotes for the project
3. Use these amounts to determine the range you will need to pay for double glazed windows
4. Ask each potential contractor about any additional costs that aren’t included in the contract

 

Licencing and Qualifications

• There are no specific licensing requirements for glaziers. However, there are state glazier associations, and a member of that organisation is definitely qualified.
• If they work with timber frames, a carpenter’s license is essential.
• For your financial protection, they should have adequate insurance to cover any worker’s injury or any damage to your home.
• You may ask about brand certification as well. Some window manufacturers will void the warranty if the glazier hasn’t been certified to work with that brand.
• Although it is time-consuming, check the glazier’s references and prior work before hiring. Reading reviews and talking to past customers may help you decide which contractor is the one to trust.

 

Tips on How to Save

1. Before you plunk down big money for new windows, consider the possibility of retrofitting or secondary glazing. Keeping your current frames will significantly decrease the price.
2. You should shy away from cut-rate products. If it isn’t a quality product, the gap will trap condensation, which can lead to mould.

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

What is magnetic secondary glazing?

Magnetic secondary glazing is an alternative to traditional secondary glazing, which involves adding an extra pane of glass to an existing window frame. On the other hand, magnetic double glazing uses magnetic strips to hold a secondary acrylic panel or sheet of glass against the window frame, creating an additional barrier to help reduce heat loss and outside noise.

What is a glazing bead used for?

A glazing bead is a narrow, usually wooden or plastic strip used to hold a pane of glass within a window or door frame. The glazing bead fits into a groove or rabbet around the frame’s perimeter and securely holds the glass in position. Glazing beads not only secure the glass, but they also provide an aesthetic finish and help to weatherproof the window.