Escence Wood™ vs Traditional Timber Retrofit Double Glazing: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Escence Wood™ vs timber retrofit double glazing: what's the difference, and which option is right for your home? If you own a property with timber windows in Tauranga or the Bay of Plenty, understanding your options can help you upgrade to modern double glazing while preserving the character of your existing joinery.
Many existing timber windows can be upgraded with high-performance double glazing while retaining the character and craftsmanship that make them special. Traditionally, this has been achieved through timber retrofit double glazing, where your existing timber sashes are carefully adapted to accommodate modern double-glazed units.
Now, there's another option: Escence Wood™ timber sash replacement, a purpose-engineered system that allows homeowners to replace their existing timber sashes with new, double-glazed timber sashes while retaining suitable original window frames.
Both approaches offer excellent opportunities to improve your home's comfort and energy efficiency, but the processes and outcomes differ.
So, which option is right for your home?
What Is Traditional Timber Retrofit Double Glazing?
Traditional timber retrofit double glazing involves upgrading your existing timber windows to accommodate modern double-glazed units, rather than replacing the entire window system.
It's a particularly good option for homeowners who want to preserve their original timber joinery, especially in older villas, bungalows and character homes where maintaining the natural timber finish, distinctive architectural details or original New Zealand native timbers is a priority.
How Does the Timber Retrofit Process Work?
At Elite Double Glazing, our traditional timber retrofit process involves:
Carefully removing your existing timber window sashes.
Transporting the sashes to the workshop, where our team assesses, adapts and refurbishes them to accommodate double glazing.
Installing high-performance SuperTherm™ Low-E double-glazed units into the refurbished sashes.
Returning the upgraded sashes to your home and reinstalling them into their original frames.
Fitting appropriate draught seals and adjusting hardware to improve the window's operation and performance.
While your sashes are being refurbished, we ensure your home remains weather-tight.
The result is a window that retains its original timber character while benefiting from modern double glazing and improved sealing.
When Is Traditional Timber Retrofit the Best Option?
Traditional timber retrofit is particularly well suited to homes where:
The existing timber sashes and frames are structurally sound.
Preserving original timber joinery is a priority, particularly native New Zealand timbers or exposed natural woodgrain.
The windows feature unique architectural detailing or profiles worth retaining.
The existing sashes can accommodate the new double-glazed units.
For many Tauranga character homes, particularly those with quality original timber joinery, retaining and upgrading the existing sashes is a practical and considered solution.
What Is Escence Wood™ Timber Sash Replacement?
Escence Wood™ offers another way to upgrade existing timber windows without removing the entire window frame. Rather than modifying the original timber sash, Escence Wood™ replaces it with a new, purpose-engineered timber sash designed specifically for modern double glazing.
The existing outer timber frame remains in place, provided it is in suitable condition.
Each new sash is precision-manufactured to fit the existing window opening, allowing homeowners to retain much of the architectural character of their original windows while renewing the glazed and operational components.
What Makes Escence Wood™ Different?
Escence Wood™ is more than a standard replacement timber sash. The system incorporates several features designed to improve durability, functionality and long-term performance.
Engineered New Zealand timber
Escence Wood™ sashes are manufactured using sustainably grown New Zealand radiata pine, which is thermally modified and laminated to improve dimensional stability.
The timber also receives H3.1 treatment to help protect against fungal decay and wood-boring insects.
Purpose-designed for double glazing
Unlike traditional timber sashes, which were originally manufactured for single glazing, Escence Wood™ sashes are engineered specifically to accommodate modern double-glazed units.
Integrated weather sealing
Purpose-designed compression seals help reduce unwanted air movement between the opening sash and existing timber frame.
Modern hardware
New hinges, stays and fasteners can be specified as part of the replacement, helping improve how your windows open, close and seal.
Independently tested performance
Escence Wood™ has undergone independent WGANZ 502 performance testing on specified fixed, casement and split-rail window configurations, including testing at pressures extending to Extreme wind-load levels. Actual performance depends on the window configuration, existing frame condition and installation.
How Does the Escence Wood™ Installation Process Work?
One of the key differences between traditional timber retrofit and Escence Wood™ is the installation process. With Escence Wood™, the replacement sashes are manufactured and prepared before installation day.
Once ready, our installation team:
Carefully removes the existing timber sashes.
Checks and prepares the retained timber frames.
Installs the new purpose-made Escence Wood™ sashes.
Fits and adjusts the specified hardware and weather seals.
Completes the installation and checks that the windows operate correctly.
Because the replacement sashes are prepared in advance, much of the manufacturing and glazing work takes place off-site, helping minimise disruption during installation.
Escence Wood™ vs Traditional Timber Retrofit: What's the Difference?
Both options allow homeowners to retain suitable existing timber window frames while upgrading to modern double glazing. The main difference is what happens to the original timber sash.
Feature | Traditional Timber Retrofit | Escence Wood™ |
Existing outer timber frame | Retained | Retained |
Original timber sash | Refurbished and retained | Replaced with a new engineered timber sash |
Double glazing | Installed into adapted original sash | Incorporated into purpose-designed new sash |
Timber material | Original timber preserved | Thermally modified NZ radiata pine |
Installation process | Original sashes removed and refurbished off-site | New sashes prepared in advance and installed on-site |
Weather sealing | Draught seals fitted or upgraded as appropriate | Purpose-designed weather-seal system |
Window hardware | Existing hardware adjusted or replaced as required | New compatible hardware specified |
Appearance | Preserves original sash details | Designed to complement existing timber character |
Best suited to | Sound original joinery worth retaining | Homeowners wanting new timber sashes while keeping suitable frames |
Neither option is automatically better than the other. The right choice depends on your existing windows, the condition of the timber and what you want to achieve from the upgrade.
Do Your Timber Windows Need to Be Damaged to Choose Escence Wood™?
Not necessarily.
While Escence Wood™ is an excellent option when existing timber sashes are deteriorating, it can also be considered when the original sashes remain in reasonable condition. Some homeowners prefer to retain their original timber joinery wherever possible, particularly when their windows feature native New Zealand timbers, natural timber finishes or distinctive architectural detailing. Others may prefer the benefits of a newly engineered timber sash designed specifically for modern double glazing.
Regardless of whether you choose traditional timber retrofit or Escence Wood™, at Elite Double Glazing, we always recommend upgrading your window hardware and draught seals. These improvements are an important part of the overall window upgrade, helping improve operation, reduce unwanted draughts and maximise the benefits of your new double glazing.
Ultimately, the right solution comes down to the condition of your existing windows, the architectural features you want to preserve, your performance requirements and your renovation budget.
Which Option Offers Better Thermal Performance?
Both traditional timber retrofit and Escence Wood™ can significantly improve thermal comfort compared with existing single-glazed windows.
However, the performance of a window depends on more than the glass alone.
The complete window system matters, including:
The thermal performance of the double-glazed unit.
The condition and design of the timber frame.
The quality of the draught seals.
How effectively the sash closes against the frame.
The installation and glazing specification.
At Elite Double Glazing, we offer the SuperTherm™ Low-E double glazing range, allowing us to recommend glass suited to different areas of your home.
For example, a sunny living room in Papamoa may benefit from a solar-control glazing option such as SuperTherm Cool™, while a colder bedroom on the shaded side of a Tauranga home may benefit from a specification focused on retaining warmth such as SuperTherm Warm™.
Both traditional timber retrofit and Escence Wood™ can incorporate appropriate high-performance double glazing. The best-performing solution for your home will depend on the complete window specification, rather than the sash type alone.
Is Escence Wood™ More Expensive Than Traditional Timber Retrofit?
The cost of upgrading timber windows depends on several factors, including the size and number of windows, their configuration, the condition of the existing timber, the glazing specification and the work required. Traditional timber retrofit involves adapting and refurbishing existing sashes, while
Escence Wood™ involves manufacturing new engineered timber sashes.
Where original timber joinery requires extensive refurbishment, replacing the sashes may be worth considering alongside the cost of restoring them. However, there isn't a universal price difference that applies to every home. The best approach is to have your existing windows assessed so you can compare the most suitable options for your property.
Talk to Tauranga's Timber Double Glazing Specialists
At Elite Double Glazing, we specialise in upgrading existing timber windows throughout Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and the wider Bay of Plenty.
As your local RetroGLAZE® partner, we offer traditional timber retrofit double glazing, Escence Wood™ timber sash replacement, aluminium inserts and full window replacement.
Our team will assess your existing joinery, explain the available options and recommend a solution based on your home's needs, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Ready to upgrade your timber windows? Contact Elite Double Glazing for a free, no-obligation measure and quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you double glaze existing timber windows without replacing the frames?
Yes. Many existing timber windows can be upgraded to double glazing while retaining their original outer frames. Depending on the condition of the joinery, this may involve retrofitting the existing sashes or installing new Escence Wood™ timber sashes.
What is the difference between timber retrofit and timber sash replacement?
Traditional timber retrofit involves adapting and refurbishing your existing timber sashes to accommodate double glazing. Timber sash replacement involves removing the original sashes and installing new, purpose-engineered double-glazed timber sashes into suitable existing frames.
Is Escence Wood™ suitable for older villas and bungalows?
Escence Wood™ can be suitable for many older timber homes, including villas and bungalows. However, suitability depends on the condition, dimensions and configuration of the existing frames. A professional assessment is required.
Will double glazing stop condensation on timber windows?
Double glazing can significantly reduce condensation on the inside surface of windows by helping keep the internal glass warmer. However, condensation also depends on indoor humidity, ventilation and temperature, so double glazing cannot guarantee condensation-free windows.
Can I retain the original appearance of my timber windows?
Yes. Traditional timber retrofit retains your existing sashes, while Escence Wood™ offers new timber sashes designed to complement the original window proportions and character. The most suitable option depends on the architectural detailing you want to preserve.
