Double Glazing & Window Retrofit Prices
$250 – $30,000
Typical range · Updated March 2026
Real pricing data for window retrofits, sliding doors, whole-house double glazing, secondary glazing, acoustic upgrades, frame replacements, and more. Know what you should pay before you upgrade.
How we get these prices: we review 200+ double glazing project quotes across retrofit, frame replacement, secondary glazing, and whole-house upgrade projects, then adjust for window size, glass specification, frame type, and location so the totals stay comparable.
Choose Your Country
Select a country to see detailed double glazing pricing by city
Australia
double glazing / window retrofit
From $30
12 services · 10 cities with data
8 regions covered
View Australia prices →
United Kingdom
double glazing / replacement windows
From £21
12 services · 10 cities with data
4 regions covered
View United Kingdom prices →
United States
double pane windows / window replacement
From $24
12 services · 9 cities with data
12 regions covered
View United States prices →
Canada
double glazing / window upgrade
From C$27
12 services · 7 cities with data
6 regions covered
View Canada prices →
New Zealand
double glazing / window retrofit
From NZ$29
12 services · 5 cities with data
5 regions covered
View New Zealand prices →
Double Glazing Prices by Service Type — Australia
National average prices — including labour, materials, and GST
| Service | Unit | From | Average | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Window Retrofit | /window | $400 | $580 | $800 |
| Large Window Retrofit | /window | $700 | $1,020 | $1,400 |
| Sliding Door Double Glazing | /door | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Bay Window Conversion | /window | $1,500 | $2,200 | $3,000 |
| Whole House (2-bed) | /house | $6,000 | $8,800 | $12,000 |
| Whole House (3-bed) | /house | $10,000 | $14,500 | $20,000 |
| Whole House (4+ bed) | /house | $15,000 | $22,000 | $30,000 |
| Secondary Glazing | /window | $250 | $360 | $500 |
| Acoustic Glazing Upgrade | /window | $600 | $880 | $1,200 |
| Low-E Coating Upgrade | /sqm | $50 | $95 | $150 |
| Argon Gas Fill Upgrade | /window | $30 | $52 | $80 |
| uPVC Frame Replacement | /window | $800 | $1,250 | $1,800 |
Based on verified quotes from licensed glaziers and window installers. All prices AUD including GST. Last updated March 2026.
Common Double Glazing Jobs and What They Cost
Real project costs based on complete scope — including glazier, materials, and installation.
| Job | Typical scope | Typical price | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double glaze a 3-bedroom home | Survey, remove existing single-glazed glass from 14 windows, supply and install double-glazed IGUs with Low-E coating and argon fill, re-seal all frames, and clean up | $10,000–$20,000 | 3–5 days on site |
| Retrofit double glazing to 6 standard windows | Remove existing single-pane glass from 6 standard-sized windows (up to 1.2m x 1.2m), supply and install new IGUs, re-seal frames, and dispose of old glass | $2,400–$4,800 | 1–2 days on site |
| Replace sliding door with double-glazed unit | Remove existing single-glazed sliding door, supply and install new double-glazed sliding door with new frame, tracks, hardware, and full weathersealing | $1,200–$2,500 | 4–6 hours on site |
| Install secondary glazing throughout a heritage home | Measure and install secondary glazing panels on 12 heritage timber-framed windows — retains original windows while adding thermal and acoustic insulation | $3,000–$6,000 | 2–3 days on site |
| Full uPVC frame replacement (10 windows) | Remove 10 existing aluminium window frames, supply and install new uPVC frames with double-glazed IGUs, hardware, and full weathersealing — includes disposal of old frames | $8,000–$18,000 | 3–5 days on site |
What Affects the Price of Double Glazing?
Window size and type
The size and type of window is the biggest cost driver. Standard windows ($400–$800 each) are the most affordable to retrofit. Large windows ($700–$1,400), bay windows ($1,500–$3,000), and sliding doors ($1,200–$2,500) cost more due to larger glass areas, custom shapes, and more complex installation. The number of windows in the project also affects per-window pricing — whole-house projects typically attract volume discounts of 10–15%.
Glass specification
Standard double glazing uses two panes of clear glass with an air gap. Upgrading to Low-E coated glass ($50–$150/sqm extra) improves thermal performance by 20–30%. Argon gas fill ($30–$80/window extra) adds approximately 15% more insulation. Acoustic laminated glass ($600–$1,200/window) provides superior noise reduction up to 40dB. Tinted or reflective glass adds $20–$60/sqm for solar control in hot climates.
Frame condition and type
If existing frames are in good condition, retrofit double glazing (replacing only the glass) is the most cost-effective option. If frames are deteriorated, damaged, or aluminium without a thermal break, full frame replacement with uPVC ($800–$1,800/window) or timber ($1,200–$2,500/window) frames is required. Heritage or period homes may require specialist frames to match the original design, adding 20–40% to frame costs.
Access and building type
Ground-floor installations are straightforward and priced at standard rates. Upper-floor windows requiring scaffolding or elevated work platforms add $500–$2,000 to the project cost. Apartment and unit buildings may require body corporate approval and specialist access equipment. Heritage-listed properties may require secondary glazing instead of replacement glazing, and planning approval can add time and cost.
Glazing Types Compared
Compare retrofit, frame replacement, secondary glazing, and acoustic glazing options
| Glazing Type | Price Range | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retrofit Double Glazing | $400–$1,400/window | Most cost-effective option, retains existing frames, minimal disruption, suitable for most window types | Requires frames in good condition, limited by existing frame depth for IGU thickness, may not suit very old frames | Homes with sound existing frames where maximum value and minimal disruption are priorities |
| Full Frame Replacement (uPVC) | $800–$1,800/window | Best thermal performance, new weathersealing, improved security hardware, low maintenance, wide range of styles | Higher cost, more disruptive installation (1–2 hours per window), may not suit heritage properties | Homes with deteriorated frames or when maximum thermal and acoustic performance is required |
| Secondary Glazing | $250–$500/window | Lowest cost option, retains original windows completely, ideal for heritage and listed buildings, good noise reduction | Less effective thermally than true double glazing, adds a visible secondary panel, requires cleaning between panels | Heritage-listed properties, rental properties, or budget-conscious homeowners wanting improved comfort |
| Acoustic Double Glazing | $600–$1,200/window | Superior noise reduction (up to 40dB), uses laminated glass for safety, excellent thermal performance | Premium pricing, heavier than standard IGUs which may require frame reinforcement, specialist installation | Homes near busy roads, airports, railways, or any property where noise reduction is the primary goal |
What's Included vs What Costs Extra
Usually Included in a Double Glazing Quote
- ✓ Removal of existing single-glazed glass and disposal
- ✓ Supply and installation of new double-glazed insulated glass units (IGUs)
- ✓ Re-sealing of window frames and weatherstripping
- ✓ Clean-up and removal of all waste materials
- ✓ Manufacturer warranty on glass units (typically 10–15 years)
Often Costs Extra
- ✗ Low-E coating upgrade ($50–$150/sqm per window)
- ✗ Argon gas fill upgrade ($30–$80 per window)
- ✗ Frame replacement if existing frames are deteriorated ($800–$1,800/window)
- ✗ Scaffolding or elevated access for upper-floor windows ($500–$2,000)
How to Get Double Glazing Installed
Step-by-step guide from survey to completed installation
Survey and quotation
A glazing specialist visits your home to measure all windows, assess frame condition, discuss glass specifications (Low-E, argon, acoustic), and provide a detailed written quote. Most reputable companies offer free surveys. Allow 1–2 weeks for the survey and quote process. Get at least three quotes for comparison.
Glass manufacturing
Once you accept a quote, the insulated glass units (IGUs) are custom manufactured to your exact window dimensions. Standard IGUs take 2–4 weeks to manufacture. Specialty glass (acoustic, tinted, or unusual sizes) may take 4–6 weeks. Your installer will confirm the manufacturing timeline at the time of order.
Installation
The installation team removes existing single-glazed glass, installs the new IGUs, re-seals all frames, and fits new weatherstripping where needed. A standard home (10–15 windows) typically takes 2–4 days to complete. Each window takes 30–90 minutes depending on size and complexity. The home remains habitable throughout — windows are replaced one at a time.
Inspection and handover
After installation, all windows are checked for correct operation, seal integrity, and clean finish. You receive warranty documentation for the IGUs and any new frames. The installer should explain the care and maintenance requirements for your new double glazing, including how to identify seal failure and what to do if condensation appears between panes.
How to Save Money on Double Glazing
Retrofit rather than replace frames
If your existing window frames are structurally sound, retrofitting new double-glazed IGUs into the existing frames saves 40–60% compared to full frame replacement. A standard retrofit costs $400–$800 per window versus $800–$1,800 for a full frame replacement. Only replace frames if they are deteriorated, draughty, or lack a thermal break.
Do the whole house at once
Whole-house projects attract volume discounts of 10–15% compared to doing windows individually over time. A 3-bedroom home with 14 windows costs $10,000–$20,000 as a whole-house project versus $5,600–$11,200 per batch if done in two stages (plus mobilisation costs both times). The energy savings also start immediately across the entire home.
Choose standard over acoustic glazing
Acoustic glazing ($600–$1,200/window) is only necessary for homes exposed to significant noise — busy roads, airports, or railways. Standard double glazing ($400–$800/window) already provides meaningful noise reduction of 25–30dB for most suburban homes. Only upgrade to acoustic where the noise source justifies the additional cost.
Check government rebates and incentives
Many governments offer energy efficiency rebates that can offset double glazing costs by 10–30%. In Australia, check state-based energy efficiency programs. In the UK, check the ECO scheme. In Canada, check the Canada Greener Homes Grant. In NZ, check EECA Warmer Kiwi Homes. Always check current eligibility before committing to ensure you claim available rebates.
Double glazing costs in Australia range from $250–$500 per window for secondary glazing, $400–$800 per window for a standard retrofit, and $10,000–$30,000 for a whole-house upgrade (3–4 bedroom home). Full frame replacement with uPVC costs $800–$1,800 per window. Prices include GST and vary by city, glass specification, and window size.
Yes. Double glazing typically reduces heating and cooling costs by 20–40%, depending on your climate zone and existing window quality. In cold climates like Melbourne, Canberra, and Hobart, payback periods of 5–10 years are common. Additional benefits include reduced condensation, improved comfort, noise reduction (25–40dB), and increased property value (typically 2–5% uplift).
Retrofit double glazing replaces the existing single-pane glass with a new insulated glass unit (IGU) within the existing frame — it provides the best thermal performance and is invisible once installed. Secondary glazing adds a separate panel on the interior side of the existing window — it is cheaper ($250–$500/window vs $400–$800) but less effective thermally, and the secondary panel is visible. Secondary glazing is the preferred option for heritage-listed buildings where the original windows must be retained.
A standard window takes 30–90 minutes to retrofit with new double-glazed glass. A whole house (10–15 windows) typically takes 2–4 days to complete. Manufacturing of custom IGUs takes 2–4 weeks after the order is placed. The home remains fully habitable throughout the installation — windows are replaced one at a time.
In most cases, like-for-like glass replacement (retrofit) does not require council approval. However, frame replacements that alter the external appearance of the building, or work on heritage-listed properties, may require development approval. In the UK, double glazing installations must comply with Building Regulations Part L and typically require FENSA or CERTASS certification. Always check with your local authority before starting work.
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