Beyond Standard Double Glazing: Smarter Comfort for NZ Homes
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Planning to upgrade to double glazing? Make sure it solves more than just winter warmth.
That’s because not all double glazing is designed for New Zealand conditions. Standard double glazing may slow down winter heat loss, but it does little to stop solar heat pouring through your windows in summer. The result? Living rooms that feel like greenhouses, fading furniture from harsh UV, and rising power bills as you blast the air con just to stay comfortable.
The smarter solution is Low-E (low emissivity) glass, like our SuperTherm™ range, engineered specifically for Kiwi winters & summers.
Why Standard Double Glazing Falls Short in NZ
Overheating in Summer
Standard double glazing does very little to stop solar heat gain. In fact, it blocks only around 11% of the sun’s radiant heat, about the same as single-pane glass. That’s why in sun-soaked areas like Tauranga, Rotorua, and the Coromandel, rooms with large west-facing windows often become unbearably hot.
SuperTherm™ Cool is designed specifically for this problem. Its advanced Low-E coating allows natural daylight to flood in while limiting unwanted solar heat and glare. It reduces solar heat gain by up to 66%, while still letting in around 70% of daylight, so your home stays bright but far more comfortable.
Unlike tinted glass, which darkens interiors, SuperTherm™ Cool achieves better heat rejection without sacrificing light. It also improves insulation, reducing heat loss through glass by up to 83% compared with single glazing, making it a year-round performer.
Fading From UV
Even with standard double glazing, New Zealand’s strong UV rays and solar heat can still stream through, damaging interiors. Over time, curtains fade, timber floors lose their colour, and furnishings age faster than they should.
SuperTherm™ Protect is designed to stop this. It blocks 99% of damaging UV light (the main cause of fading) and cuts 66% of radiant solar heat, keeping your interiors cooler and dramatically slowing down sun damage. But it doesn’t stop there. With its acoustic laminated glass, SuperTherm™ Protect also reduces external noise by up to 63% compared with single glazing, while providing added strength and security for peace of mind.
Losing Heat in Winter
Standard double glazing does slow heat loss compared to single-paned glass, but it still allows warmth to escape on particuarly cold nights. That’s why homes can still feel alittle chilly even with the heater running.
SuperTherm™ Warm is different. Its nanoscopic Low-E coating is designed to let in natural daylight and radiant heat from the sun, while reflecting warmth produced inside (from heaters, fireplaces, and even people) back into the room. The result? Up to 81% less heat loss through your glazing compared with single glass, far superior insulation and far steadier indoor temperatures during the cooler months.
Standard Double Glazing vs SuperTherm™
Feature | Conventional Double Glazing | SuperTherm™ Low-E Double Glazing |
Summer comfort | Overheats easily | Reduces solar heat gain by 66% |
UV protection | Minimal | Blocks 99% of UV rays |
Winter warmth | Some improvement | Cuts heat loss by up to 81% |
Noise reduction | Limited | Up to 63% less perceived noise |
Security | Standard glass | Laminated option adds strength & safety |
👉 See our double glazing options
Why Elite Recommends SuperTherm™
We know that standard double glazing doesn’t always solve the real problems New Zealand homeowners face, overheating in summer, fading from UV, and heat loss in winter. That’s why we recommend SuperTherm™, available in three tailored options:
SuperTherm™ Cool: Keeps sun-facing rooms bright, while cutting solar heat by up to 66%.
SuperTherm™ Protect: Blocks 99% of UV rays, reduces noise, and adds security.
SuperTherm™ Warm: Lets natural warmth in while reducing heat loss by up to 81%.
As the exclusive RetroGlaze® partner in Tauranga, Elite Double Glazing brings this world-class technology to local homes - combining smarter glazing with expert installation and solutions tailored to your property.
Together, these options deliver true year-round comfort: not too hot in summer, not too cold in winter, just right for Kiwi homes. And because every home is different, our team will work with you to design the perfect glazing solution, mixing the right SuperTherm™ products to match your needs.
👉 Explore our aluminium retrofit upgrades
👉 See how timber retrofits preserve character homes
FAQs
Q: Why does my home get hot with double glazing?
A: Standard double glazing doesn’t block solar heat. Low-E glass like SuperTherm™ Cool reduces solar gain by up to 66%, keeping your home brighter and cooler.
Q: Does Low-E glass make a home darker?
A: No. SuperTherm™ is designed to let in plenty of daylight while filtering out excess heat and UV, so rooms stay naturally bright.
Q: Can I retrofit my existing windows with Low-E glass?
A: Yes, with retrofit double glazing, we can upgrade your existing frames with SuperTherm™ units without needing full replacements.
Q: Will retrofit double glazing help in winter too?
A: Absolutely. SuperTherm™ Warm reduces heat loss by up to 81% compared to single glazing, helping your home stay warmer overnight and lowering heating costs.
Standard double glazing may meet building code requirements, but it doesn’t solve the real issues New Zealand homeowners face: overheating in summer, fading from UV, and heat loss in winter.
With SuperTherm™ double glazing, you get glazing technology designed for our climate, cooler summers, warmer winters, and year-round comfort.
Request your free, no-obligation quote today and discover how Elite can help you stop overheating at home.
Source: RetroGLAZE® Learn more here
A very well written article that makes things a lot clearer