Question 1

Why do my windows get condensation in winter?

Accepted Answer

Window condensation occurs when warm, moisture-filled air inside your home meets the cold surface of a window. In many New Zealand homes with older single glazing, the glass becomes very cold during winter, causing water vapour to turn into droplets on the inside of the window.Everyday activities like showering, cooking, drying clothes indoors and even breathing, especially while we sleep,  increase indoor humidity. While improving ventilation helps also, upgrading to SuperTherm™ double glazing creates a warmer inner glass surface, helping to reduce condensation and improve the comfort of your home.

Question 2

Does double glazing reduce condensation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Double glazing is one of the most effective ways to reduce window condensation because it keeps the inside pane of glass much warmer than single glazing.While no window system can completely eliminate condensation under every condition, SuperTherm™ double glazing, combined with good ventilation and moisture management, can dramatically reduce condensation, improve insulation and create a warmer, healthier living environment.

Question 3

What is the best way to stop condensation on windows?

Accepted Answer

The best long-term solution is a combination of improving ventilation and upgrading to high-performance double glazing.Simple steps like using extractor fans, opening windows regularly and avoiding drying clothes indoors can help reduce moisture levels. However, if your home still has single-glazed windows, they will continue to attract condensation because the glass remains cold.Installing SuperTherm™ double glazing helps keep the interior glass warmer, reducing condensation while also improving energy efficiency, comfort and year-round home performance.

Question 4

Can we get genuine double glazing like a new home into our timber joinery?

Accepted Answer

Yes and this is one of the most common questions we get from Bay of Plenty homeowners, particularly those with older character homes across Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, and Te Puke.The short answer is: absolutely yes. Elite Double Glazing specialises in retrofitting genuine, high-performance double glazing directly into existing timber window frames, no need to replace your joinery, and no compromise on the quality of the glass unit itself.The glass is the same, it's how it's installed that differs.New homes have double glazing built into brand new frames from the start. With retrofit double glazing, we remove your existing single-pane glass and replace it with a genuine sealed double-glazed unit, the same insulating glass technology used in new builds, fitted directly into your current timber frames. The result is identical thermal performance to a new home window.We use retroGLAZE® SuperTherm™ Low-E double glazing units, which are specifically engineered for retrofit installations into timber joinery. SuperTherm™ Low-E glass features a microscopically thin metallic coating that reflects heat back into your room in winter and blocks solar heat in summer,  giving you year-round comfort that single glazing simply can't match.Your timber frames stay and so does your home's character.One of the biggest concerns timber homeowners have is losing the look and feel of their original windows. With our retrofit process, your frames remain completely intact. We work within what's already there, so the external appearance of your home is unchanged. This makes retrofit double glazing the ideal solution for character villas, bungalows, and older homes across the Bay of Plenty where preserving the original aesthetic matters.What the installation process looks like:We remove your existing single-pane glass and replace it with a sealed double-glazed unit sized precisely for your frames. Once installed, we prime the sashes, fill any nail holes, and seal around fixed sashes, leaving your windows ready for painting. It's a clean, efficient process that causes minimal disruption to your home.The difference you'll feel:Once installed, you'll notice your home is significantly warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and free from the condensation and weeping windows that are so common in older New Zealand timber homes. Heat loss is reduced by over 80% compared to single-pane glass, and you'll likely see a meaningful reduction in your heating costs from the first winter.To see exactly how this works in a real Bay of Plenty home, take a look at our Case Studies page or book a free, no-obligation consultation and we'll come to your home, assess your timber joinery, and show you precisely what's possible.Call Sean on 027 761 9525 or book online at elitedoubleglazing.co.nz. We service Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati, Waihi, Whakatane, the Coromandel, and surrounding areas.

Question 5

Are there flexible payment options available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are several great options available to Bay of Plenty homeowners looking to upgrade to double glazing without a large upfront cost.While Elite Double Glazing doesn't offer in-house financing, the good news is that the New Zealand government and major banks have made energy-efficient home upgrades like double glazing very accessible through green home loan schemes. Many of our customers across Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, and Omokoroa are taking advantage of these right now.Current options available to NZ homeowners include:Westpac Greater Choices Home Loan Top-Up, which offers 0% interest for up to 5 years for energy-efficient home improvements, making it one of the most popular choices for double glazing projects.ANZ Good Energy Loan, ASB Better Homes Loan, and BNZ Green Home Loan all offer 1% interest rates specifically for upgrades that improve the energy efficiency of your home, including double glazing.These loans are designed precisely for projects like ours, and the application process is straightforward for existing customers of those banks.What does this mean in practice?A double glazing project that improves the warmth, dryness, and energy efficiency of your home can often be funded at little to no interest cost, with repayments spread over several years. Many of our customers find the monthly loan repayment is offset by the reduction in their power bills, making the upgrade effectively self-funding over time.We are happy to provide a full, itemised quote that you can take directly to your bank as part of a green home loan application. We can also walk you through the process and answer any questions about what information the banks typically require.To get started, book a free no-obligation consultation online at elitedoubleglazing.co.nz or call us on 027 505 9992. We service Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati, Waihi, Whakatane, the Coromandel, and surrounding areas.

Question 6

Do I have to double glaze my entire house at once?

Accepted Answer

No, not at all. This is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners across Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, and Omokoroa, and the answer is straightforward. You can absolutely stage your double glazing project to suit your budget and priorities.At Elite Double Glazing, we can quote on specific rooms or areas of your home and work through the project in stages that make sense for you. There is no requirement to do everything at once, and we will never pressure you into a bigger project than you need or want right now.Where do most people start?Most Bay of Plenty homeowners choose to begin with the rooms where they spend the most time or where the cold, condensation, or noise is causing the most discomfort. That typically means the main living area and bedrooms first. Getting these rooms sorted first delivers the biggest immediate improvement to your day to day comfort, and then you can add the remaining windows over time as your budget allows.Others choose to prioritise the rooms that face the prevailing weather, or windows where condensation and mould have become a real problem. Our team will help you think through which areas will give you the best return on your investment first.How does staging work in practice?When we visit your home for your free consultation, we will assess all of your windows and joinery and provide a full quote for the entire property. From there, we can break that quote down into stages so you have a clear picture of costs and can plan accordingly. Each stage is completed to full installation standard, so there is no compromise on quality regardless of where you start.Many of our customers across the Bay of Plenty complete their first stage, experience the difference it makes to warmth and comfort, and then come back to us for the next area sooner than they expected.To get started with a free, no-obligation home assessment, book online at elitedoubleglazing.co.nz or call us on 027 505 9992. We service Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati, Waihi, Whakatane, the Coromandel, and surrounding areas.

Question 7

Are there different kinds of double glazing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and choosing the right type for your specific needs is one of the most important parts of the process. Not all double glazing is the same, and at Elite Double Glazing we take the time to understand exactly what you want to achieve before recommending a solution. The right glass for a noisy street in Mount Maunganui may be quite different to the right glass for a cold, south-facing bedroom in Te Puke.Here is a plain English guide to the main types of double glazing available to Bay of Plenty homeowners.Standard Double GlazingA standard double-glazed unit consists of two panes of glass sealed together with a gap of air or argon gas between them. This gap acts as an insulating barrier that significantly reduces heat loss compared to single-pane glass. Standard double glazing is a solid upgrade for most homes and addresses the most common problems of cold, draughts, and condensation.Low-E Double Glazing (SuperTherm)Low-E stands for low emissivity. SuperTherm Low-E glass features a microscopically thin metallic coating on the glass surface that reflects heat back into your room during winter and blocks solar heat from entering during summer. This is the highest performing glass option for New Zealand conditions and is what Elite Double Glazing recommends for most Bay of Plenty homes. It delivers year-round comfort, significant energy savings, and superior condensation control compared to standard double glazing.Laminated Double GlazingLaminated glass has a thin plastic interlayer bonded between the panes. If the glass is broken, the interlayer holds the shards in place rather than allowing them to scatter. This makes laminated double glazing the preferred choice for security-conscious homeowners, homes with young children, and properties in higher traffic or higher crime areas. It also provides excellent noise reduction, making it popular for homes near busy roads in Tauranga and Papamoa.Toughened Double GlazingToughened or tempered glass is heat-treated to make it significantly stronger than standard glass. When it does break, it shatters into small, relatively harmless fragments rather than dangerous shards. Toughened glass is often required by New Zealand building code in certain locations such as shower screens, low-level windows, and doors, and is a great option for added safety and durability.Acoustic Double GlazingFor homeowners dealing with significant noise issues, acoustic double glazing uses a combination of glass thickness and interlayers specifically designed to reduce sound transmission. This is particularly popular in busier suburbs of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui where road noise, neighbours, or commercial activity can affect the peace and quiet of your home.Argon-Filled UnitsThe gap between the two panes of a double-glazed unit can be filled with either air or argon gas. Argon is a denser, inert gas that conducts heat less efficiently than air, which improves the overall thermal performance of the unit. Many of our premium double-glazed units use argon filling as standard.Which type is right for your home?The best way to find out is to have one of our team visit your home and assess your specific situation. We will look at the orientation of your windows, the type of joinery you have, the problems you are currently experiencing, and your budget, and then recommend the glass specification that will deliver the best results for you.Book a free no-obligation consultation online at elitedoubleglazing.co.nz or call us on 027 505 9992. We service Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati, Waihi, Whakatane, the Coromandel, and surrounding areas.

Question 8

How much of a difference does double glazing really make?

Accepted Answer

The honest answer is: more than most people expect. This is consistently the feedback we hear from homeowners across Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, and Omokoroa after their first winter with double glazing installed. The difference is not subtle. It is something you feel every single day.Here is what double glazing actually delivers in a real Bay of Plenty home.Dramatically warmer wintersOur double-glazed units reduce heat loss through your windows by over 80% compared to single-pane glass. In practical terms, this means your home holds heat for longer, your heat pump or wood burner does not have to work as hard, and those cold spots you feel near windows on a winter morning become a thing of the past. Rooms that were previously uncomfortable to spend time in during winter become genuinely warm and liveable.Cooler, more comfortable summersBay of Plenty summers are beautiful, but single-glazed homes can turn into heat traps on hot days. Our SuperTherm Low-E glass reflects solar heat and blocks UV rays before they enter your home, keeping indoor temperatures noticeably cooler without relying as heavily on air conditioning or fans.No more weeping windowsCondensation on windows is not just an inconvenience. In New Zealand homes it is one of the leading causes of mould growth around window frames, damaged curtains, peeling paint, and poor indoor air quality. Double glazing keeps the inner pane of glass much closer to room temperature, which eliminates the cold surface that causes condensation to form. Most of our customers notice their windows are completely dry within the first few weeks of installation.Noticeably quieter homeThe second pane of glass creates a sound barrier that makes a real difference to road noise, neighbour noise, and general outdoor sounds. This is particularly valued by homeowners in busier parts of Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and Papamoa where traffic or commercial activity can be a daily frustration.Lower power billsBecause your home retains heat more effectively, you spend less on heating. The exact saving depends on the size of your home, the number of windows upgraded, and how you currently heat your home, but many Bay of Plenty homeowners report a meaningful reduction in their power bills from the first winter after installation.Better health and air qualityWarmer, drier homes mean less mould, less damp, and better air quality. This is particularly important for families with young children, elderly family members, or anyone with respiratory conditions. New Zealand health research consistently links cold, damp housing with poorer health outcomes, and double glazing is one of the most effective ways to address this at a structural level.Increased property valueDouble glazing is increasingly expected by buyers in the Bay of Plenty property market. Homes with double glazing consistently present better, feel warmer during inspections, and attract stronger interest from buyers. It is both a comfort upgrade and a genuine investment in the long term value of your property.What do our customers say?The best evidence of the difference double glazing makes is the experience of real homeowners who have been through the process. We encourage you to visit our Testimonials and Case Studies pages to read about the results Bay of Plenty families have experienced after upgrading with Elite Double Glazing.To find out exactly what double glazing could do for your specific home, book a free no-obligation consultation online at elitedoubleglazing.co.nz or call us on 027 505 9992. We service Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati, Waihi, Whakatane, the Coromandel, and surrounding areas.

Question 9

Does retrofitting impact the appearance of my windows?

Accepted Answer

This is a really important question and one we are very happy to answer clearly. The short answer is no. In the vast majority of cases, retrofit double glazing has no visible impact on the appearance of your windows from either inside or outside your home. Your frames stay exactly as they are, and the finished result looks identical to how your windows looked before, with one key difference: the glass itself is now a high-performance double-glazed unit.This is one of the biggest advantages of retrofit double glazing over full window replacement, and it is a major reason why so many homeowners across Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, and Omokoroa choose the retrofit option.What actually changes during a retrofit?During a retrofit installation, our team removes your existing single-pane glass and replaces it with a precisely manufactured double-glazed unit that fits within your current frame. The frame itself is not touched, altered, or modified in any way. From the outside, your home looks exactly the same. From the inside, you simply have clearer, better performing glass in the same frames you have always had.What about timber joinery?For homes with timber joinery, which is common in older properties across the Bay of Plenty, we take particular care to ensure the finished result is clean and tidy. After installing the new double-glazed units, we prime the sashes, fill any nail holes, and seal around fixed sashes so everything is ready for painting. The character and charm of your original timber windows is completely preserved. Many of our customers are genuinely surprised at how unchanged their windows look after installation.What about aluminium joinery?For aluminium frames, the retrofit process is equally non-invasive. Our retroGLAZE® system is engineered specifically to work within standard New Zealand aluminium joinery profiles, so the fit is clean, precise, and professional. The frame profile remains unchanged, and the only visible difference is a slight increase in glass thickness where the double-glazed unit sits within the frame, which is barely noticeable from normal viewing distance.Will my neighbours or my landlord even notice?In most cases, no. The change is entirely in the performance of the glass, not the appearance of the window. This makes retrofit double glazing a particularly good option for homeowners in heritage areas, body corporate situations, or rental properties where maintaining the existing look of the building is important. If you have specific requirements around appearance, we are happy to discuss these during your free consultation and show you exactly what to expect.Seeing is believingWe encourage you to take a look at our Before and After gallery and Case Studies on the Elite Double Glazing website to see real examples of retrofit installations completed in Bay of Plenty homes. The transformation in performance is significant. The change in appearance is virtually invisible.Book a free no-obligation consultation online at elitedoubleglazing.co.nz or call us on 027 505 9992. We service Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati, Waihi, Whakatane, the Coromandel, and surrounding areas.

Question 10

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. At Elite Double Glazing we stand fully behind the quality of our workmanship and the products we install. Every job we complete across Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Omokoroa, and the wider Bay of Plenty comes with a comprehensive guarantee covering both the double-glazed units themselves and the standard of our installation work.A personal commitment from the ownerWhat sets Elite Double Glazing apart is that our guarantee is not just a piece of paper. Sean Collins, the owner of Elite Double Glazing, personally oversees every project and is deeply involved in selecting the products we use and the standards we work to. Sean's personal pledge to every customer is simple: we will only deliver the quality and workmanship that he would be proud to have in his own home. You can reach Sean personally on 027 761 9525 if you ever have a question or concern about your installation.Product guaranteesThe double-glazed units we install are manufactured to a high standard and are covered by product warranties. The sealed units we use are designed to perform for many years without fogging, seal failure, or loss of thermal performance. During your consultation we will walk you through the specific product guarantees that apply to the glazing solution recommended for your home.Workmanship guaranteeOur installation workmanship is guaranteed. If any issue arises as a result of how your double glazing was fitted, we will return and resolve it at no cost to you. We take pride in the quality of every installation we complete, and we back that pride with a genuine commitment to making things right if they ever fall short of the standard you were promised.Your deposit is protected tooBefore we even begin work, your investment is safeguarded. Elite Double Glazing uses DG Assure, an independent escrow service that holds your deposit securely and only releases funds when key project milestones are verified and met. This means your money is fully protected from day one, giving you complete peace of mind before a single window is touched.This level of transparency and protection is not standard across the double glazing industry in New Zealand, and it is one of the reasons Bay of Plenty homeowners consistently choose Elite Double Glazing with confidence.Our reputation speaks for itselfWe encourage you to visit our Testimonials page and read what real customers across Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, and Omokoroa have said about their experience with us. You can also find our reviews on Google, where our reputation for quality, honesty, and professional service is reflected in the feedback of homeowners we have worked with across the Bay of Plenty.Book a free no-obligation consultation online at elitedoubleglazing.co.nz or call us on 027 505 9992. We service Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati, Waihi, Whakatane, the Coromandel, and surrounding areas.

Question 11

What happens if rot is found during installation?

Accepted Answer

Finding rot in window frames during a double glazing installation is more common than many homeowners expect, particularly in older Bay of Plenty properties where timber joinery has been exposed to years of moisture, condensation, and the coastal humidity that affects areas like Papamoa and Mount Maunganui. The good news is that it is a manageable and straightforward situation when handled honestly and professionally, and at Elite Double Glazing we have a clear process for dealing with it.We will always tell you straight awayIf our team discovers rot in your window frames during installation, we stop and let you know immediately. We will show you exactly where the rot is, explain how significant it is, and give you a clear picture of what needs to be done before we can proceed. We will never cover it up, work around it, or leave you to discover the problem later. Transparency is a core part of how we operate, and we believe you deserve to know the full condition of your windows so you can make an informed decision about next steps.A separate quote for repairsTimber rot repairs fall outside the scope of a standard double glazing installation, so we provide a separate, itemised quote for any repair work required. This keeps things clear and fair. You will know exactly what the glazing costs, and exactly what any additional repair work costs, with no blurred lines or surprise charges buried in the original quote.You are also under no pressure to have us complete the repair work. We will give you the information you need and let you decide how you would like to proceed.Why it is better to find rot now than laterRot that is left untreated will continue to spread. In many cases, the condensation and moisture that caused the rot in the first place is the same problem that double glazing will fix going forward. By addressing the rot at the time of installation, you are solving the root cause and protecting your new double-glazed units from being installed into compromised frames that could cause problems down the track.Catching and repairing rot during a glazing installation is genuinely the best possible time to deal with it. The frames are already being worked on, the affected areas are exposed and accessible, and the repair can be completed cleanly as part of the overall project.Common causes of rot in Bay of Plenty homesTimber window rot in the Bay of Plenty is most commonly caused by years of condensation running down single-glazed windows and sitting in the joints and sills of timber frames. Coastal properties in Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, and Omokoroa are particularly susceptible due to higher humidity levels. In many cases, the installation of double glazing will eliminate the condensation that caused the rot in the first place, meaning the problem will not return once the repair and installation are complete.Our commitment to doing it rightSean Collins, the owner of Elite Double Glazing, personally oversees every project. His commitment is to deliver the quality and workmanship he would be proud to have in his own home, and that includes being upfront about problems when they are found rather than cutting corners to keep a job moving. You can reach Sean directly on 027 761 9525 if you have any questions about your installation.Book a free no-obligation consultation online at elitedoubleglazing.co.nz or call us on 027 505 9992. We service Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati, Waihi, Whakatane, the Coromandel, and surrounding areas.

Question 12

Can double glazing help with drafty windows?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer professional draft sealing solutions for both aluminium and timber joinery, helping to eliminate drafts.

Question 13

How long does the installation process take?

Accepted Answer

The timeframe depends on the size and complexity of your project. We’ll give you a detailed timeline during the consultation.

Question 14

Is double glazing suitable for all homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, double glazing can be adapted for various types of homes, including older properties with timber joinery.

Question 15

Will the installation disrupt my home?

Accepted Answer

We do our best to keep disruptions to a minimum. Most installations are quick, and we always leave your home as clean and tidy as we found it.

Question 16

How does double glazing reduce noise?

Accepted Answer

Double glazing adds an extra layer of glass, creating a sound barrier that significantly reduces outside noise, especially useful if you live in a busy area.

Question 17

What about condensation? Will double glazing help?

Accepted Answer

Yes, double glazing reduces condensation by insulating your windows and preventing cold air from meeting warm, moist air inside your home.

Question 18

Will I need to repaint my timber windows after they’re installed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will. We’ll get your windows ready for painting by priming the sashes, filling nail holes, and sealing around fixed sashes. It’s all part of our service to make things easier for you.

Question 19

Can double glazing improve home security?

Accepted Answer

Yes, double glazing strengthens your windows, making them harder to break, and enhancing the security of your home.

Question 20

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Elite Double Glazing services the Bay of Plenty region, including Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati, Waihi, Whakatane, and the Coromandel. If you're unsure whether we can reach you, just call Sean on 027 761 9525.

Question 21

What’s the first step to getting an assessment?

Accepted Answer

It’s super easy! Just book a free consultation with us online or give us a call. We’ll visit your home, assess your needs, and provide a personalized quote—no strings attached.

Question 22

How much does double glazing cost in New Zealand / Tauranga?

Accepted Answer

Retrofit double glazing in Tauranga typically starts from around $800 – $1,200 per pane depending on size and joinery type. Elite Double Glazing offers free, no-obligation quotes for Bay of Plenty homeowners - contact us to get an accurate price for your home.

Question 23

Is double glazing worth it in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — and for Bay of Plenty homeowners in particular, it's one of the best investments you can make in your home.Most New Zealand homes, including thousands across Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, and Omokoroa, were built with single-glazed windows. Single glazing loses heat rapidly in winter, traps it in summer, and is the leading cause of condensation and window mould — a widespread problem in NZ homes that affects both comfort and health.Here's what double glazing actually delivers:Warmth in winter. Our double-glazed units reduce heat loss by over 80% compared to single-pane glass, meaning your heat pump or heating system doesn't have to work nearly as hard to keep your home comfortable.Cooler summers. High-performance glass reflects solar heat and blocks UV rays, reducing the heat build-up that makes Bay of Plenty homes uncomfortable on hot summer days.No more weeping windows. Condensation forms when warm indoor air hits cold glass. Double glazing keeps the inner pane close to room temperature, dramatically reducing moisture build-up and protecting your curtains, windowsills, and walls from mould and rot.Lower power bills. Better insulation means less energy spent on heating and cooling — savings that add up meaningfully over time.A quieter home. The extra glass layer creates a sound barrier that reduces traffic, neighbour, and street noise — particularly valuable in busier parts of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.Higher property value. Double glazing is increasingly expected by buyers in the Bay of Plenty market and can improve your home's appeal and resale value.It's also more affordable than many people expect. Retrofit double glazing works within your existing window frames, making it far less disruptive and costly than full window replacement. And with 0% and 1% green home loans available from Westpac, ANZ, ASB, and BNZ, many Bay of Plenty homeowners are upgrading with little upfront cost.Elite Double Glazing offers free, no-obligation consultations across Tauranga, Papamoa, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Omokoroa, Katikati, and surrounding areas. Book online at elitedoubleglazing.co.nz or call Sean on 027 761 9525.

Frequently asked questions