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When building a new home, windows are more than a design choice. They influence natural light, indoor comfort, outside noise and how hard heating and cooling systems need to work. For many Australian homeowners, double glazed windows are worth considering early in the design process.
If you are comparing double glazed windows cost, the answer will depend on the size of your home, the number of openings, frame materials, glass specifications and the types of windows and doors selected.
What is double glazing?
Double glazing uses two panes of glass separated by a sealed space. This space is commonly filled with air or an inert gas and helps slow the transfer of heat through the window. By comparison, single glazing uses one pane of glass and generally provides less insulation.
A double glazed unit also includes the frame, seals and spacer system, so the performance of the whole window matters. Different glazed units can have different thermal and acoustic properties.
The Australian Government Your Home guide provides further information about glazing, passive design and how windows can affect the energy performance of a home.
How much do double glazed windows cost?
Double glazing cost varies from one new home to another. Glazing costs vary according to window size, glass type, opening style, frame material, hardware and the number of glazed windows and doors included in the build.
Large feature windows, glazed windows and doors, custom shapes and oversized slide doors can all influence window costs. The installation of double glazed windows should also be considered, with installation costs varying depending on the home design, window sizes, frame materials and products selected. Planning these details early in a new build can make it easier to understand the overall glazing costs.
When reviewing your inclusions, ask what is covered in the quoted price, including the frame, glass, hardware and installation. Comparing like for like is important, because a lower upfront price does not always mean the most cost effective option over the life of the home.
What are the benefits of double glazing?
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose double glazing is comfort. A thermally efficient window system can help reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside of the home, which may make internal temperatures easier to manage throughout the year.
This can also support energy savings by reducing the demand placed on heating and cooling systems. The effect on energy bills will depend on factors such as climate, orientation, insulation, shading, household habits and the amount of glazing used.
Double glazing can also contribute to noise reduction. The additional pane and sealed space can help reduce noise entering the home, although acoustic performance varies between products. If reduced noise is important, such as for a home near a main road, railway or busy neighbourhood, discuss this early so the glazing specification can be selected with acoustic performance in mind.
Double glazed doors can provide similar benefits for large indoor-outdoor openings in contemporary homes.
Which window frames should you consider?
The glass is only one part of the window. Frame materials also influence appearance, maintenance, durability and thermal performance.
Common choices include aluminium, thermally broken aluminium, uPVC frames and timber frames. Each option has different characteristics, so the right choice will depend on your home design, location, budget and preferred look.
Consider the window as one complete system. High performing glass paired with an unsuitable frame may not deliver the result you expect, so compare the performance of the complete window rather than focusing only on the panes.
Should you consider triple glazed windows?
Triple glazed windows use three panes of glass and two sealed spaces. A triple glazed window can provide higher levels of insulation in some applications, but it is also heavier and usually more expensive than double glazing.
For many new homes, double glazing can provide a practical balance of comfort, performance and cost. Triple glazed options may be worth discussing in colder locations, high performance home designs or where stronger acoustic performance is a priority.
What should you consider before choosing double glazing?
Start by considering where glazing will have the greatest impact. Window orientation, room use and exposure to sun, wind and noise can all affect the best solution.
In living areas, you may want large windows or slide doors to maximise light and create a connection to outdoor spaces. Bedrooms may benefit more from reduced noise and improved winter comfort. West-facing glazing may require additional attention to shading and solar heat gain.
Discuss whether the same specification is necessary throughout the home. In some designs, investing more in selected windows and doors may deliver better value than applying the highest specification everywhere.
Consider the long-term picture as well. While the initial double glazing cost may be higher than single glazing, the decision should also consider comfort, potential reduced energy use, energy savings, maintenance and the way windows contribute to the overall performance of the home.
Plan your windows early
Windows should be considered early in the design process rather than treated as a finishing detail. Their size, placement, orientation and specification all interact with the floor plan, façade, insulation and energy-efficiency strategy.
When building with Hotondo Homes, discussing double glazed windows and doors during planning and selections can help you understand the available options and how they fit with your home design and budget.
The right choice will be different for every household. By considering glazing costs, frame materials, noise reduction, thermal performance and how each room will be used, you can make a more informed decision about whether double glazing is right for your new home.
Ready to start planning your new home? Contact Hotondo Homes to discuss your design, inclusions and window options.
