Going without double glazing can be a trial for contemporary homeowners, but the appeal and individuality of historic windows is a strong selling point for homes. Vintage windows can be beautiful pieces of work, carrying along with them one-of-a-kind details and rich histories. It’s a no-brainer that a homeowner would want to keep them as accurate as possible, but as they age, they could be costing you a fortune in lost heat.
Today, we look at five ways you can keep historic windows, but maintain them to keep up with modern techniques.
In order to keep as much of the window as authentic as possible, try to avoid throwing out the whole thing when it becomes apparent it’s having problems. Maybe it’s only the joinery that’s failed. Maybe it’s fine, but is unable to open, or close. If you’re able to analyse exactly what the problems are you can keep any repairs focused to those specific issues.
Wood is the most likely material to cause problems due to age, but luckily, it can take a surprisingly small amount of effort to maintain. Try testing the wood with an awl, in order to find out if it seems sturdy, or hollow and soft. A few things you can do yourself include filling splits in old wood with putty and repainting, or resealing wood with some caulking. There are plenty of resources out there for learning how to use felt or clay string to eliminate gaps.
Of course, you’ll want to replace cracked, chipped, or otherwise broken windows, but updating unbroken glass on vintage windows is also a great idea. Taking the opportunity while you get other work done to install retrofit double glazing can end up saving you in the long run, as double-glazed windows are much more energy efficient, and insulate your home much more effectively. If the wood is in good condition, but you can still hear the windows whistling in the wind, you may have issues with the glass fitting. Getting them re-fitted will certainly help keep your house warmer, but jumping at the chance to get them double glazed will be an investment into your home that pays off for years to come.
If you can, make all your replacements with parts or glass that resemble the original as close as possible. While you may be tempted to entirely replace the joinery, try to maintain the original character of the window. The best way to approach the situation with the care it needs, is to take measurements and photographs, and then take them to a professional.
With over 40 years of experience, the Atlas Glass team truly is a dedicated group of professional Auckland glaziers. We have the knowledge and ability to take your vintage windows, and make them work for your home, without stripping their historical value. Talk to Atlas Glass today for your free quote!
If you’ve got timber joinery for your double glazing, then you’ve already got an energy-efficient, practical, and aesthetically pleasing frame for your windows. That’s not something you want to let go to waste! Maintaining your timber joinery is as simple as finishing it with sealant, keeping it clean and dry, and repainting or re-oiling it 18 months after installation, and then again every six to eight years. In this article, we look at why you should put the effort in to keep your timber joinery in top form.
Energy-efficient and economic window design
Timber has a storied history as a building material, and has always been considered a great accomplishment of nature. It acts as a natural insulator, keeping the temperature of your house warm and comfortable. This helps lower carbon emissions, and lowers your energy bill by better retaining heat. You might think this would make them more expensive than aluminium or PVC joinery options, but this isn’t necessarily true! Top-range wood joinery -like mahogany – can cost much more, but middle-range timber can work out cheaper. With proper maintenance, timber joinery can easily outlast the competition, saving you ever paying to replace it.
Timeless, beautiful aesthetics
Another benefit of timber is its visual versatility, and huge potential for aesthetically pleasing window design. Depending on which wood you settle on and how you choose to stain and finish your timber, it can be made to suit any surrounding architecture. You can even have it carved to fit in with your house – an option you may not have with other building materials.
Ongoing maintenance and weatherproofing also serves to keep your joinery looking amazing. Repainting and varnishing your joinery improves the value of the house, making it a great investment for a property you plan to renovate and sell. Contrary to popular opinion, window frames made from other materials - like PVC - aren’t completely maintenance free, and no amount of maintenance will make PVC look as good as timber does.
Environmentally friendly
Wooden window frames are much more environmentally sound than their counterparts. Over their lifetime, they save so much energy that they have a negative GWP (global warming potential), reducing your total carbon footprint. Timber nowadays is largely from sustainable sources, whereas the production of other building materials can involve the release of toxic chemicals. Environmental activists are in favour of using timber joinery over PVC – the waste involved in producing timber is far more manageable and recyclable than the alternatives. Maintaining your timber joinery is not only directly beneficial to your power bill – it directly benefits the planet.
A lifetime of benefits
All of these benefits increase in value exponentially when you combine them with the lifespan of timber joinery. If looked after properly, wooden window frames can easily last a lifetime – resisting weather wear and tear for generations.
If you’ve been looking into retrofit double glazing, why not take the opportunity to look into timber joinery too? The Atlas Glass team are experts in glazing and double-glazing windows for timber joinery – we provide glazing for several timber joiners throughout Auckland, and we can point you in the right direction! Talk to us today!
If you’re a homeowner, it’s likely you’ve heard of double glazing. It’s a simple technique - two panes of glass with a gas-filled vacuum between them – but it’s an investment you’ll want to protect.
Looking after double-glazed windows is relatively easy, and well worth doing to protect them from wear and tear. It helps to regularly check the seals around the windows, looking for gaps or ruptures – take the time to do this whenever you clean them and you should be alright. While cleaning windows, don’t save the job for a sunny day. Cloudy days are better, as your windows could streak if they dry too quickly. Also ensure you clean them with the right products – certain cleaning products can damage the seals of your double glazing.
Keeping your house dry and ventilated will also improve the lifespan of your double glazing, and help you avoid any moisture build-up between the panes of glass – potentially leading to mould, and subsequent replacement costs.
Today, we go through some of the benefits of double glazing, and why it’s worth maintaining, or replacing if needed.
Heat retention
The most commonly known benefit of double glazing is its heat retention. The extra pane of glass and space between them helps retain much more heat within your building. This makes heating your home and keeping it warm much easier and cheaper.
Sound insulation
Living next to a noisy road, sports stadium, or loud neighbours can be a struggle, but double glazing reduces noise pollution by a significant amount. After living in a double-glazed space, you’ll be surprised at the difference in noise pollution when you visit friends or family without it.
Reduced condensation
By maintaining a stable indoor temperature, the chances of cold air meeting warm air on the inside of your windows is reduced. Choosing double glazing, along with a few other minor changes – like keeping windows uncovered by furniture – can greatly mitigate the risk of winding up with mould in your home.
Longer lasting
Single glazing can weaken with time, sometimes over only a decade or so. Modern double glazing generally lasts at least 20 years, and can last longer with proper care. Double glazing also looks better for longer – single glazing can become dirty or misted much faster over its lifetime.
Adds value
If you’re planning to renovate and sell, double glazing goes a long way to increasing the sale value of your house. Any real estate agent will agree that it makes your house worth more in the eyes of prospective buyers, and much more appealing to certain demographics, such as new families.
Can be retrofitted
If you’ve got single-glazed windows, but would like all the benefits discussed above, retrofit double glazing is absolutely an option for you. Atlas Glass provides the best double glazing NZ has ever seen, offering the greater Auckland area glass cut-to-size and installation. Contact us now for a free quote!
Sometimes, it feels like no matter where you are – the place is noisy. There’s traffic or people or barking animals, and you feel like you can’t get any peace. If this feels even slightly familiar, then acoustic glass may be the perfect option for you.
Acoustic glass consists of two or more sheets of glass, bonded together with one or more acoustic interlayers. The interlayers act as a noise dampening core, weakening the sound as it travels through the glass. When it is faced with sound, it works as a reflective agent: reflecting the majority of the sound waves, and absorbing those that it does not reflect.
By providing different layers of insulation, noise from the outside world is strongly reduced, which can have a myriad of benefits.”
Noise pollution is a real and unpleasant part of everyday life. If not efficiently dealt with, it can lead to serious issues – this is where acoustic glass comes in. By effectively lowering noise pollution, you can get back to living your best life.
A good night’s sleep is vital for optimal functioning and health. When our outside environments are noisy, we may feel like we do not get the rest that we need. This leaks into other areas of our life: our relationships, our work, even the way we feel about ourselves. Studies show that a lack of good sleep can lead to heightened irritation and an inability to think clearly.
Single pane windows are not an effective barrier against the night-time noises that may keep us awake. This is because the sound is able to pass straight through. With double glazed windows, the sound has to pass through several layers, greatly diminishing it and giving you the opportunity to finally get to sleep.
It’s difficult to focus when you can hear your neighbour’s dog barking and their children fighting all day. How can someone focus on their activities, whether they are work or leisure, when background noise is taking up the foreground?
For many people, distractions lead to heightened levels of stress. Too much stress can cause many different health problems, from ulcers to heart palpations.
Acoustic glass has been shown to significantly decrease the noise of the outside world. Although you may still hear your neighbour’s voice, it will be more of a whisper than an angry shout. Take a moment to imagine how pleasant it will feel to read your book without hearing loud traffic outside your window.
Acoustic glass was developed with all of these issues in mind. It is often used in places where noisy environments can be overwhelming, such as airports, houses on main roads and office buildings. In environments such as these, acoustic glass can reduce noise levels by up to 50%.
Say yes to your health and choose acoustic glass for your windows. Here at Atlas Glass, we offer a variety of options, including acoustic glass. If you have any questions about our services, or if you would be interested in receiving a free quote, please contact us.
When renovating or building, it can be tempting to go for what appears to be the cheaper option upfront. In the long run, it is important not to fall into this pitfall; instead, choose a window that will help you save. In this article, we’re exploring modern glass options to cut costs on your energy bills in the future.
When it is winter, we prefer to keep the heat indoors. When it is summer, we prefer to keep the heat outdoors. It’s that simple. The best way to ensure that the temperature inside our homes is regulated accordingly is to choose top-quality windows that will insulate it effectively. Before the expansion of the glass industry, there was simply single pane glass. Now, there are several options to choose from.
Double glazed windows are essentially two panes of glass with a layer of air separating them. As glass is a conductor of heat, it is not reliable on its own. It allows for heat to leak through, which is often why single pane houses have one eerily cold or hot room, depending on the season.
What makes double glazed glass so effective is the layer of air between the two sheets. By separating the sheets, it allows for outside energy to be reflected. What it does not reflect, it absorbs, ensuring that it does not leak inside the house.
Low-E Glass is an alternative to double glazing, although it was built with another idea in mind: to ensure the UV light does not have a harmful effect on residents, while not diminishing the strength or brightness of the incoming light.
Both Low-E Glass and double glazed windows come highly recommended as top-quality windows that can save you money in the long run. Keeping the temperature regulated will steadily lower your energy bill.
Is noise constantly around you? Perhaps you live near a school, loud neighbours or an airport. Maybe the sound of the 7 am traffic wakes you up when you’d rather sleep in. In all of these scenarios, the issue is not just with the noise – rather, that the noise has made its way into your home.
The solution is acoustic glass. Acoustic glass was specially developed with noise in mind and is used in a variety of places, from schools to airports.
Acoustic glass works by absorbing and diminishing the noise through its panes and layers. Decreasing the amount of noise that enters your house will decrease stress, distractions and anxiety while increasing your quality of life.
One of the most vital aspects of these windows is their ability to save you money in the long run. Their value will increase the value of your home in general, while also decreasing the amount written on your energy bill. Just as eyes are the window to the soul – windows are at the heart of a home, and choosing top-quality windows makes for a solid and knowledgeable investment.
Modern glass is an incredible way to save money, while also giving significant benefits to your home. Atlas Glass offers a variety of modern glass products for both upgrades and instalments. If you have any questions about our services, or if you would be interested in receiving a free quote, feel free to contact us.
Double glazed windows are all the rage for good reason, but it can be quite a hassle to install double glazing when your home is equipped with single pane windows. Thankfully, retrofitting double glazing is a viable and optimal solution!
Retrofitting double glazing involves removing your single pane of glass, and replacing it with a double pane. This means that instead of having one pane of glass, your window will now have two panes, separated by a thin layer of either gas or air.
Double glazed windows aren’t in style simply because they are fashionable. They offer a variety of benefits, including:
For houses with large window spaces, this is vital. The more single pane window space you have, the more likely it is that heat is being transferred and lost. In countries where the winters are freezing cold and the summers are boiling hot, this heat transfer can make or break a home. Single pane glasses are a great heat conductor, which means the heat simply soaks through – both in and out during summer and winter.
Double pane glass has a layer of air in between the two panes. Air is a poor conductor of heat, which allows for effective temperature regulation and very minimal heat transfer.
Your house will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer, just as it should be.
In more than one way, having double glazed windows promotes health. It is healthier for the environment because you won’t need to run your heating and air-conditioner as much as with single pane windows – and even better, it significantly reduces a number of problems that often come with single pane glass.
Single pane windows can lead to condensation, which occurs due to the humidity of the air inside the house. The condensation may drip down onto the floorboards or form on the wall, which leads to floorboard rotting, mould and potential health problems such as asthma.
With double glazed glass, these things simply don’t happen. Condensation doesn’t occur because of the layer of air, and therefore mould has no ability to grow and form.
No matter how much you run the air-con, the house never seems to reach an ideal temperature. The more you try to control the temperature, the more you spend. Does this sound familiar? This may be because your house is fitted with single layer windows. Double glazed windows do not lead to the same budget strain. Although they may be slightly more expensive upfront, they will help you save money on your energy bills by regulating your temperature.
Completely replacing your windows is not your only option. Retrofitting will give you the same benefits as double-glazed windows without the entire replacement process and at an affordable price.
If your home has many large window spaces, retrofitting double glazed windows is likely to be a great fit for you without breaking your budget.
Retrofitting your windows is a vital action that will give you benefits across a variety of aspects, from health to style. If you have any questions about retrofitting or double glazed windows, or if you would be interested in receiving a free quote, please contact us at Atlas Glass.
Windows are an essential part of every room and there are many things to consider when upgrading or renovating. In this article, we will explore the regular issues with choosing windows and offer some helpful advice!
Every house is different, so every house has different needs. A one-size-fits-all approach, while appropriate for floorboards, does not work for windows, although many people make the mistake of thinking it does.
With so many different choices on the market, it is easy to get swept up in the process. It is possible to end up with a single-glazed window in a house that requires double glazing to keep the heat in.
You Google “window upgrades” and are met with a variety of links, most pertaining to the computer software. You have a skim read of some online articles, maybe a brochure or two, then head to Bunnings armed with a ruler and ask the attendant for advice.
They help you out as best they can, even though they have not ever seen your house. You come home with a window that appears to fit. Later, when it is installed, you realise that you forgot about your insulation needs and the window doesn’t suit the style of the room.
This scenario is common. Many people make the mistake of skipping the research stage and going straight for purchasing. However, even those that do the research may end up with a window that does not fit quite right for their home.
Without careful consideration, window upgrades can become costly. There are many things to consider, including the complexity of the job, the style of window that will be used and your current windows. Some older homes have architectural windows that may pose problems to renovators.
Thankfully, all these common pitfalls can be easily avoided if you go through a custom glazier who can evaluate your situation for you. Armed with extensive knowledge in window upgrades, they will help you find the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
Working with a professional will significantly reduce the amount of research you’ll have to do. They may have ideas and designs that you hadn’t yet come across and may suggest similar, achievable alternatives to what you have chosen.
Perhaps a timber fitting would be more appropriate to the layout of your home and your furniture style, rather than your original idea. Either way, you will be able to sleep soundly knowing that you made the right choice with your purchase.
Staying within your budget can prove difficult if there are many other things to renovate. It may be tiresome even if windows are the only upgrades you will be installing. You may find yourself in love with one design, but it may be above your designated price range.
This is where the experts can come in. They can guide you to a similar idea that will also make your house look fresh, while staying within your budget.
Here at Atlas Glass, we specialise in a variety of services, including windows. If you have any questions about this article or would be interested in a free quote, feel free to contact us.
Flip through any renovation handbook and you’ll see it: double glazing. In this article, we will explore and examine double glazing and what it has to offer.
The term is used so often and yet many of us are still unsure as to what exactly double glazed windows are. To answer this question: double glazed windows are windows with two panes of glass, separated by a spacer and a layer of air. Typically, this space is 6–20 mm; however, it is recommended that the minimum is 12mm for optimal benefits.
You may be asking yourself, why should I go for double glazing when single glazed windows are cheaper? The short answer: because double glazed windows are worth the extra cost. They offer several significant benefits.
Winters in New Zealand are freezing, and the last thing we want is heat escaping the house. 40% of a house’s heating can be lost if the windows are not properly fitted and glazed. Double glazing significantly reduces this. The air gap and the two panes of glass ensure that heat stays inside the house during winter through thermal resistance, and it helps minimise entering heat during summer.
By keeping your house warm in winter and cool in summer, double glazed windows can significantly lower your energy costs. If you invest now in double glazing, you will save significantly in the future.
Your neighbours are arguing and although all your windows are closed, you can still hear it. Why? Perhaps your windows are single pane glass. Double glazed windows reduce the travel of noise, whether from outside entering the home or from the home going outside. All unpleasant noises, like arguing neighbours, barking dogs and traffic, will be softer and less audible. Your days of being distracted and displeased will be over.
Condensation occurs when the inside air of a home is too humid, causing water droplets to form on its surfaces. Although condensation is fine on your water-bottle, large-scale condensation can lead to a variety of problems such as wood rot, mould and asthma. These things often happen when the condensation trickles and wets the walls or floors, which could lead to structural issues if not eliminated.
By reducing any possibility of heat transfer between the panes and the home, double glazed windows greatly reduce the forming of condensation and are strongly recommended to those suffering from asthma.
Double glazed windows will notably enhance your home’s value. Double glazed windows are stronger than their single pane counterparts, making your house more secure. Not only that, their beauty will make every room feel tasteful.
Double glazed windows are the right move to ensure a comfortable and energy-efficient home. If you have any questions about double glazed windows or would be interested in receiving a free quote, please contact us at Atlas Glass.
The glass you choose for the windows in your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make while building or renovating in Auckland.
Windows insulate us from temperature extremes and control the passage of light and heat. Picking the right glass for your needs will mean a more comfortable and healthy home for you and your family.
But how do you go about making this decision?
We’re here to help. Read below to find out more about your options, and why double glazing just might be a perfect choice.
When choosing glass for your windows, there are three main areas you need to consider:
Each window type has different properties, allowing you to prioritise benefits based on your needs. There are options to reduce noise, to provide extra security, and to provide shelter from extreme weather. Think about what qualities are going to best suit your house and its location.
Double glazing uses two panes of glass to reduce the transmission of both heat and sound. This style of window offers a wide array of benefits that most other glass types simply can’t beat.
With double glazed windows, your home will be comfortable all year round. The technology keeps the heat out in summer and the warmth in during winter.
You’ll enjoy a peaceful and quieter home with double glazed windows. They will dramatically cut down on any noise pollution from outside, leaving you to relax in silence.
Did you know that your windows play a large role in your home’s heating energy? With the wrong glass, you’ll lose up to 40% of the heat through your windows but with the best option, you’ll gain up to 87% heat. Double glazing offers great thermal performance, slashing your energy bills and saving you money.
The gas in between the two panes of glass in a double glazed window virtually eliminates any condensation during winter. This lack of moisture can help with allergies and saves your window framing from any damage.
There are several legitimate alternatives to double glazing that will provide slightly different features to your home. These alternatives include:
While these glass types offer their own benefits to your home, double glazing offers a wide array of ongoing advantages. Depending on where you live, double glazing could be a great investment that will improve comfort and save you money in the long run. Consider it as an option for your new home or renovations.
Find out if double glazed windows are the right choice for you. Chat with the Atlas Glass specialists today for a free quote and answers to your questions.
Double hung windows are a very popular choice for homes throughout New Zealand. Traditional and cost effective, they are built to open both the top and bottom sashes (the part of the window that holds the glass).
The sashes typically move up and down, and well as tilt inwards. Among many benefits, double hung windows are known for being safe and easy to use.
Keep reading to find out our top 5 reasons to choose double hung windows for your home.
Double hung windows are the perfect choice for every home, with a huge variety of shapes, sizes and colours available. They are easy to operate and they fit in seamlessly with most interiors.
You can even choose from a range of materials including wood, aluminium and fibreglass.
Cleaning and maintaining your windows becomes a breeze when you choose double hung windows.
You don’t have to bend over backwards with the tilt out to clean the upper and lowers sashes. Some manufacturers even offer designs with removable sashes, making it that much easier.
Perhaps the most attractive feature of double hung windows is their energy efficiency. When installed accurately and by a professional, the windows minimise moisture and air leaks, keeping the heat in and the cold out.
You’ll save your hard earned cash by spending most of the year without using any powered temperature control.
This type of window also brings in a generous amount of natural light. This will save you even more on your energy costs as you enjoy basking in the sunlight.
When you choose double hung windows, you will enjoy the ability to control airflow and ventilation throughout your home. You have the choice of opening one or both of the sashes.
For maximum airflow, simply open both to let the cool air in and the warm air out. This will improve the air quality of your home, making it feel fresh and comfortable all year round.
Double hung windows offer many benefits and are a great option for your new home or renovation. However, these benefits can be maximised if you choose double glazed windows.
The sealed air gap between the two glass panes will make your windows more energy efficient by providing unbeatable thermal resistance. Additionally, they’ll keep out noise, nasty pollutants and allergens.
Choose timber joinery as an alternative to aluminium to enjoy even more temperature and condensation control.
Thinking about installing double glazed, double hung windows in your new home or renovation?
Call the experts at Atlas Glass on 09 820 0160 for your free quote. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about timber double glazing, new window installations or retrofitting double glazed windows.
