How Much Does Double Glazing Cost?

Installing double glazed windows in Australia usually comes to a few thousand dollars for a small set of openings and reaches the mid five figures for a whole home. The final double glazing cost depends on window size, frame material, glass specification, site access and whether you retrofit existing frames or replace the lot. This guide answers how much double glazing costs in simple numbers, explains the key factors that change price, and shows where the real energy and noise gains come from so you can choose confidently. When you are ready to compare options, start with the best glaziers in Australia.

How Much Does Double Glazing Cost in Australia?

Most suppliers quote either per opening or per square metre, then adjust for hardware, glass upgrades and access.

Per square metre

• uPVC frames: $1,200 to $1,800 per m²
• Thermally broken aluminium: $1,600 to $2,400 per m²
• Timber: $1,800 to $2,800 per m²

Per opening, installed

• Small fixed or sliding windows, 0.6 to 1.0 m²: $900 to $1,800
• Medium casement or awning windows, 1.2 to 1.8 m²: $1,800 to $3,200
• Large feature windows, 2.0 to 3.0 m²: $3,000 to $5,000
• External hinged or sliding doors: $1,500 to $3,000 per m², or $3,000 to $7,500 per door

Whole Home Guides

• Three to four windows: $4,000 to $8,000
• Ten to fourteen windows: $18,000 to $38,000
• Homes with large panes and multiple doors: $40,000+

Retrofit Versus Full Replacement

• Retrofit insulated glass units into sound existing window frames: $700 to $1,400 per m² installed
• Full frame replacement: use the per square metre bands above. Replacement carries a higher price but improves airtightness, drainage and security and lets you choose modern systems rather than older profiles. If you prefer to browse locally by state, you can scan providers here: Best Glazing in Western Australia.

Common Add-Ons

• Delivery and handling: $150 to $600 per drop
• Removal and disposal of single glazed windows: $50 to $150 per opening
• Upper storeys or tight access: allow 10 to 20 percent extra for labour and equipment
• For larger projects, organise waste early with the best skip bin hire around so removal and disposal are included in your totals.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Double Glazing?

Several factors impact glazing cost. Window size, window styles and frame material set the baseline. Glass options and on-site conditions then move the number up or down.

Window Size and Operation

Larger panes use more glass and heavier frames. Active sashes such as casement windows, awnings and tilt-and-turns need stronger hinges, locks and seals. A standard window that is oversized may need extra installers or lifting gear, which adds to labour.

Frame Material

uPVC frames are usually the most cost effective way to achieve superior insulation with low maintenance. Standard aluminium is slim and offers a wide colour range, but it is more conductive. Thermally broken aluminium inserts a plastic break between the inner and outer skins to improve energy efficiency at a higher initial cost. Timber provides strong insulation and a traditional look, though pricing and upkeep are generally higher.

Glass Specification

Low E coatings lower heat transfer and help with year-round comfort. Argon gas between the two panes improves thermal insulation. Laminated or acoustic glass adds noise reduction and extra security. Tinted glass can reduce glare and UV rays on sunny orientations. Each upgrade adds materials cost but can lower cooling bills and improve long-term benefits.

Access and Finishing

Second storey work, scaffold, brick-in reveals, shaped sashes and colour upgrades add time. These items explain price differences when two companies offer the same glass and frame but different totals.

Is Double Glazing Worth It for Older Homes?

Yes, provided you target the right rooms and check the frames. Older houses with single glazed windows lose heat quickly in winter and gain too much heat in summer. Replacing single glazed with quality double glazing improves thermal comfort and controls condensation on cold mornings.

Start where you get the most return. Street-facing bedrooms and west-facing living rooms feel the biggest lift. If existing windows are square and the sashes still seal, retrofitting existing windows with double glazed units lowers upfront costs while keeping period profiles. If frames are warped or leaking, full frame replacement is smarter than chasing draughts and water ingress later. For glass-only upgrades, compare specialists under Window Glass Replacement to confirm your frames are suitable.

How Much Can Double Glazing Save on Energy Bills?

Double glazed windows reduce heat loss in winter and cut radiant gain in summer. The result is lower energy bills because heaters and air conditioners run for less time. Many homes see a 10 to 25 percent reduction in heating and cooling run time after upgrading the hottest and noisiest rooms and sealing air leaks. If your household spends $1,800 a year on heating and cooling, a 15 percent reduction saves about $270 per year. Results vary with climate, shading and thermostat habits, but correctly specified double glazing consistently supports lower energy bills and long-term savings.

Best value upgrades for energy efficiency are Low E on living areas and bedrooms, argon fill, a warm-edge spacer and an airtight install that matches the performance you paid for. If you want a deeper dive into budgeting and scope, read our Window Replacement Cost Guide.

Does Double Glazing Reduce Noise and By How Much?

Yes. Two panes with a sealed air or argon gap reduce general noise pollution compared to single glazed. For traffic and aircraft noise, the build you choose matters as much as the gap. A laminated inner pane improves mid to high frequency performance. Offset pane thickness, for example 4 millimetre outer and 6.38 millimetre laminated inner, shifts resonance to damp more frequencies. No glass upgrade will work if frames leak air, so insist on tight seals and correct perimeter finishing. Bedrooms beside busy roads often feel markedly quieter when airtight frames are paired with laminated and acoustic options.

Which Is Better for My Home, Double or Triple Glazing?

Double glazing suits most of Australia’s climate because it balances performance, weight and cost. Triple glazed windows can help in very cold regions or on highway exposures, but they are generally higher in price and weight and can need deeper frames and upgraded hardware. Many homes achieve year-round comfort with well specified double glazing that uses Low E, argon and a frame with good thermal breaks.

How Long Do Double Glazed Windows Last?

Expect 20 to 30 years from quality double glazed units when frames, seals and drainage are maintained. Lifespan depends on sun exposure, coastal conditions and the way the system handles water. Keep weep holes clear so water exits the frame, wash frames to remove grime and select UV-stable spacers. These simple steps protect the seal and extend life.

What Are Window Energy Ratings and Why Do They Matter?

Energy ratings let you compare apples with apples. U-value measures heat transfer through the whole window. Lower numbers mean better insulation. SHGC measures how much solar heat enters through the glass. Match SHGC to orientation so west rooms do not overheat while south rooms still harvest winter sun. Star labels provide a quick guide, but insist your quote lists the exact U and SHGC for the final frame and glass combination. Correctly matching ratings to each elevation does more for a home’s energy efficiency than chasing the lowest U-value without context.

Do I Need Approval to Replace Windows?

Like for like replacements often proceed without formal approval, but you should check local council rules, particularly for façade changes, heritage overlays and strata schemes. New windows must meet relevant Australian Standards for structural and water performance. If your window replacement ties into bathroom waterproofing or external plumbing works, line up licensed trades via Plumbers so compliance is covered in one go.

Can I Replace Just the Glass and Keep Existing Frames?

Yes, if the frames are square and strong. A glass-only retrofit replaces a single glazed pane with a sealed double glazed unit, upgrades seals and can include new hinges or rollers. Retrofits typically cost $700 to $1,400 per m² installed and are a cost-effective way to treat street-facing rooms first. Choose full replacement when frames show corrosion, movement or water entry that would stress the new glass.

How Does Double Glazing Compare with Secondary Glazing?

Secondary glazing adds a fixed or removable inner panel to your existing windows, creating a second air space. It is useful for rentals and for targeted noise reduction on bedrooms because the cavity can be larger than a standard unit. Installed cost often lands between $350 and $900 per m². It usually trails purpose-built double glazing on airtightness and weather resistance, so see it as a lower initial cost option or a targeted fix rather than a whole-home solution.

How Long Does Installation Take?

Measure and manufacture usually take three to eight weeks depending on supplier load and colour choice. On site, a two-person crew commonly installs four to eight units per day depending on window size, access and trim detail. Finishing includes sealant, trims and cleanup before handover so each opening looks complete. Second storeys and large doors can extend the schedule. If you plan powered blinds or sensor cabling at the same time, compare licensed Electricians.

So the power point and wiring are ready for handover. Where access cuts or ground levelling are needed for large doors, coordinate site prep through Bobcat & Earthworks Services.

What Should I Check Before I Buy Double Glazed Windows?

Work through this simple checklist so your glazing cost buys performance, not just glass.

1. Frame System
2. Multi-chamber uPVC, thermally broken aluminium or timber. Confirm reinforcement at hardware points for larger sashes.
3. Glass Build
4. Low E type, argon fill, spacer type, laminated or acoustic glass where you need noise control and tint for harsh sun.
5. Hardware
6. Hinges, rollers and multipoint locks sized for sash weight. Sliding windows need quality rollers to carry heavier panes.
7. Colours and Finishes
8. White frames in uPVC or powder-coated aluminium are low maintenance. Dark colours can run hotter in sun, so check system suitability.
9. Documentation
10. Ask for a glazing diagram and the exact U-value and SHGC on the quote. The certificate should match the final specification, not a generic example.
11. Inclusions
12. Delivery, removal and disposal of old units, trims, sealants and any painting or plaster patching if reveals are disturbed. For tidy reveals after install, shortlist finishing help via Painters

What Mistakes Should I Avoid?

Avoid mixing frame types across one elevation because sightlines and performance become uneven. Avoid under-specifying hot west rooms with clear glass when Low E would reduce heat. Avoid vague quotes that do not list window size, glass specification, spacer and gas fill. Avoid ignoring access costs for second storeys. Avoid skipping air-tightness at installation because leaks can erase much of the benefit of the glass.

How Do I Compare Quotes Fairly?

Give each company the same window schedule and ask them to price the identical specification. Match window size and style for every opening. Match frame material and colour. Match glass build, including Low E, laminate or acoustic glass, spacer and argon fill. Confirm inclusions for delivery, old unit removal, disposal, trims and sealants. Check licences, insurance, lead times and installation guarantees.

Example Budgets You Can Use Today

• Upgrade four standard windows in uPVC with Low E and argon: $7,500 to $10,000 installed
• Retrofit four street-facing windows with laminated double-glazed units into sound frames: $3,500 to $6,500 installed
• Replace ten mixed windows in thermally broken aluminium with Low E and argon: $22,000 to $32,000 installed
• One 2.4 metre sliding door with safety laminate: $4,500 to $7,500 installed

These figures reflect typical Australian jobs and include supply, install and standard finishing. They are a practical benchmark when you evaluate a comprehensive quote.

Final Word on Value

If you have been wondering how much does double glazing cost, the answer is that it varies with several factors, but you can budget confidently with the ranges above. The right double-glazed windows cut drafts and heat loss, lower energy bills, reduce outside noise and lift property value. Start with the hottest or noisiest rooms, choose a specification that fits your climate and elevation, and insist on airtight installation. That approach delivers clear comfort today and reliable long-term savings for years to come.