Tired of chilly drafts, noisy streets, and rising power bills? If your home still has old aluminium or timber joinery, you’re likely feeling the effects every winter—and maybe even in summer too.
New Zealand’s climate can be unpredictable, with cold, damp winters, salty coastal air, and intense UV levels that take a toll on your home’s comfort and efficiency. That’s where uPVC joinery steps in as a smart, long-term retrofit solution.
uPVC joinery has been the go-to choice across Europe for decades, especially in countries with cold winters and strict energy efficiency standards. In places like Germany, the UK, and Scandinavia, over 60% of homes use uPVC windows and doors because of their superior insulation, long-term durability, and low maintenance. With rising energy costs and a growing focus on sustainable building, European homeowners have embraced uPVC as a smarter, warmer, and more cost-effective solution—and now more Kiwis are doing the same.
From Southland to Northland, Kiwi homes face unique weather extremes. Traditional aluminium joinery isn’t built to handle these conditions without compromise. Here’s how uPVC outperforms aluminium in our climate:
Aluminium is a conductor—it lets heat escape. uPVC is an insulator, helping keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, improving comfort and reducing energy use.
🔹 Thermal Performance:
Standard aluminium is a thermal conductor, meaning it transfers heat and cold easily. Even with double glazing, it allows warmth to escape in winter and lets heat in during summer. uPVC, on the other hand, is a natural insulator, drastically reducing heat transfer and helping maintain a consistent indoor temperature year-round. Some aluminium frames have a “thermal break” added, but they still can’t match the insulation performance of uPVC.
🔹 Condensation Control:
Aluminium frames are prone to condensation, especially in colder areas. This leads to dampness, mould, and damage to window frames and sills. uPVC helps minimise condensation by maintaining warmer internal surfaces.
🔹 Durability in Coastal Areas:
NZ homes near the coast face corrosion issues. Aluminium can pit and degrade over time, even with powder coating. uPVC is naturally corrosion-resistant and ideal for salt-air environments.
🔹 Noise Reduction:
uPVC provides superior acoustic insulation compared to aluminium, especially when paired with double glazing. That means less road noise, neighbour noise, and outside disturbances.
🔹 Comfort + Energy Efficiency:
In the long run, uPVC outperforms aluminium in comfort, energy savings, and maintenance. It’s an upgrade you’ll feel daily—and one that continues to pay off through lower energy bills.
Weather Resistance: Coastal homes need materials that won’t rust or corrode. uPVC is moisture-resistant and ideal for salt-heavy environments.
UV Stability: Our strong UV rays can cause fading and cracking. High-quality uPVC is UV-stabilised, keeping its shape and colour over time.
uPVC joinery may not have been the traditional option in NZ—but it’s fast becoming the preferred one. It’s durable, cost-effective over time, and provides real comfort benefits you’ll feel.
✅ Benefits of Retrofit uPVC Joinery
✔️ Better insulation – Keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer
✔️ Modern aesthetics – Clean, sleek frames that suit any style of home
✔️ Increased property value – A smart investment that boosts comfort and resale appeal
Whether you’re looking to warm up a chilly home, cut down power bills, or just modernise your space, retrofit uPVC is a smart, future-ready solution
Let’s Make Your Home Warmer, Quieter & More Efficient
At Elite Glazing, we supply and install high-quality retrofit uPVC joinery designed specifically for New Zealand conditions. With professional service and locally backed materials, we help you transform your home from cold and drafty to warm and energy-smart.
📞 Contact us today for a free quote or to chat with our team about how retrofit uPVC can work for you.
