Glazing your Climate Zone

How to select the right glazing for your NZ Climate Zone

Recommendation for each Climate Zone

Choosing the right windows is one of the most important decisions for your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. New Zealand’s diverse climate means a window system that works in Northland won’t be the best choice for a frosty Canterbury morning. This guide removes the confusion, matching our advanced glazing technology to your specific region.

Let’s find the perfect solution to keep your home warm all winter, cool in the summer, and reduce your power bills year-round.

Find your zone on the map 

Zone 1

Warmer climates – high-performance double glazing

Zone 2

Mild climates – high-performance double glazing

Zone 3

Colder climates – triple glazing

Triple glazing

triple-glazed-windows

Zone 3 - colder climates

For homes in New Zealand’s coldest areas, including Christchurch, Otago, and the Central Plateau, Triple glazing is the superior choice. By using three panes of glass and two gas-filled insulating layers, it offers unmatched thermal performance. This technology is the ultimate defence against the winter chill, dramatically reducing heat loss to keep your home warmer and your heating costs down. It is the gold standard for creating a truly comfortable and energy-efficient home in our region.

Triple glazing

Triple glazing

Maximum Thermal Performance: The ultimate barrier against heat loss.
Lowest Energy Bills: Your heating system works less, saving you more.
Superior Condensation Control: Keeps windows dry, even on the coldest mornings. Unbeatable Noise Reduction: Creates a peaceful sanctuary inside your home.

Zone 2 - mild climates

For the variable climate of Zone 2, High-performance double glazing with Low-E & Argon gas provides the perfect balance of performance and value. It offers a massive improvement over old windows, effectively retaining heat during cool winters and preventing overheating in summer. It’s the ideal all-rounder for keeping your home comfortable and efficient throughout the year.

High-performance double glazing

Excellent Insulation: Keeps your home warm and cosy.
Year-Round Comfort: Helps regulate temperature in summer and winter.
Greatly Reduces Condensation: Protects your home from moisture damage.
Effective Noise Reduction: Quieter living in busy neighbourhoods.

Major Hornbrook Project

Zone 1 - warmer climates

In New Zealand’s warmest and most humid region, the focus is on controlling heat, glare, and moisture. High-Performance Double Glazing with Low-E & Argon Gas is the ideal solution. It prevents your home from overheating during hot summer days and provides essential insulation for the cooler winter months, all while managing humidity and eliminating condensation.

High-performance double glazing

Manages Solar Heat Gain: Keeps your home cooler in summer.
Controls Condensation & Humidity: Creates a drier, healthier indoor environment.
Excellent Year-Round Efficiency: Saves on both heating and cooling costs.
Reduces UV Damage: Protects your floors and furniture from fading.

Triple glazing vs double glazing

Understanding the main differences between triple glazing and double glazing will help you make a confident choice. While both are a significant upgrade, performance varies based on construction.

Features Double Glazing Triple Glazing
Glass layers
2
3
Insulation (U-value)
~1.1-1.8 W/m²·K
~0.7-1.0 W/m²·K
Noise reduction
Moderate
High
Energy efficiency
Up to 60% better than single glazing
Up to 80% better than single glazing
Condensation control
Improved
Excellent
Cost
$
$$
Best for
Most New Zealand homes
Cold zones, noisy areas, passive homes
*Energy performance varies depending on frame material, glass type, gas fill, and coatings. Figures based on standard uPVC frames with argon gas and Low-E coatings.

SEE & FEEL THE DIFFERENCE

Expert advice and installation

Reading about performance is one thing; seeing the quality for yourself is another. We invite you to visit our local showroom to view our double and triple glazed windows and doors in person. Our friendly team is on hand to demonstrate the technology, answer your questions, and discuss your project with no obligation.

Frequently asked questions

Double, and triple glazing are the main options. Each has different thermal and acoustic benefits.

Double glazing uses two panes of glass with a gas or air-filled gap in between for better insulation.

Triple glazing includes three panes of glass and two insulating gaps. It’s best for colder regions.

Common options include Low-E, laminated, toughened, tinted and obscure glass, each offering specific benefits.

Consider your climate, budget, and home orientation. Double glazing suits most homes, while triple glazing is best for colder regions.

High-quality window glazing, like the uPVC double or triple glazing offered by NK Windows, can last 20–30 years or more with proper maintenance. The lifespan depends on the glass type, frame quality, and exposure to harsh weather conditions.

Low-E (Low Emissivity) glass has a microscopic coating that reflects infrared heat while allowing visible light to pass through. This keeps your home warmer in winter by trapping heat inside and cooler in summer by reflecting external heat, improving energy efficiency.

Yes, certain glass types, like Low-E and tinted glass, block a significant portion of UV rays, protecting furniture, flooring, and interiors from fading. This is especially useful for north-facing windows with high sun exposure.

Ready to create a warmer home?

Get a personalised plan and quote for your project

Every home is different. For a detailed consultation and a no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs and budget, contact our team today. Let’s make your home the comfortable sanctuary it deserves to be.

Options and accessories

Colours

Extensive range of colours and finishes

Glazing options

Balancing energy efficiency and aesthetics

Warranties

Protection against defects or malfunctions

Hardware

Our functional, durable, and elegant range