E135. Windows and glazing for renovations (part 2)

If your house has ever felt like it's wearing a jumper full of holes, this episode is for you. Amelia and Frank dig into part two of their windows and glazing series, this time turning their attention to renovations rather than new builds. They walk through the eras of Australian windows, from the huge steel-framed and timber sashes of the early 1900s through to the thin single-glazed aluminium sliders that took over in the 70s and 80s, and explain why so many of these older windows are quietly leaking your heating budget straight out the glass.Frank shares real project stories, including a heritage timber replacement that went so smoothly you'd never know it had been touched, and a cautionary tale about a botched sill repair that looked like "a two-year-old did it." They cover when you can simply swap a window like-for-like without a permit, and when changing the size triggers a full structural and compliance process, plus a Tasmanian rule that catches a lot of renovators off guard where the rest of the house may need to be brought up to current code too.There's also a good look at material choices, uPVC versus timber versus aluminium, importing windows from overseas, and why that stamped WERS rating matters more than people think. As always, it comes back to research, the right tradespeople, and understanding your payback period before you commit.Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and to learn about windows and glazing for new builds be sure to listen to part 1 on the previous episode and tune in to any future episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast.DisclaimerThe information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts  do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company.  All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses,  or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.