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E134. Windows and glazing for new homes (part 1)
Most homeowners will spend weeks agonising over kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, but only about ten minutes thinking about their windows. That's a costly oversight, because windows are the single weakest thermal point in your entire home, and getting them wrong can mean sweltering summers, icy winters, and heating bills that blow out for decades.
In this episode, Frank and Amelia unpack what actually separates a smart window decision from an expensive regret. He explains why "double glazed" doesn't mean what most people think, and how two windows carrying the exact same label can perform in completely different ways. You'll get the real difference between U-value and SHGC, and which of these numbers actually matters most in Tasmania's climate.
Frank also reveals why European-style windows can cost four times more to install than standard Australian ones, and whether that premium is ever worth paying. Along the way, he runs through the trade-offs between aluminium, timber, UPVC and steel frames, and how orientation, eave design, and glass-to-floor ratios can turn your living area into free winter heating, or a summer fishbowl. He also shares the costly mistakes he sees again and again, from sizing windows without checking furniture placement to choosing purely on looks and ordering too late in the build.
Whether you're planning a new build or just want to understand why your current windows feel like ice blocks in winter, this episode will change the way you think about glass.
Subscribe to the Building Design Prime Time Podcast so you never miss an episode, with fresh building and design insights every week from the people love helping you make informed decsions about your building project!
About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at [email protected]
Disclaimer
The 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.
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By Frank Geskus & Amelia RoachMost homeowners will spend weeks agonising over kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, but only about ten minutes thinking about their windows. That's a costly oversight, because windows are the single weakest thermal point in your entire home, and getting them wrong can mean sweltering summers, icy winters, and heating bills that blow out for decades.
In this episode, Frank and Amelia unpack what actually separates a smart window decision from an expensive regret. He explains why "double glazed" doesn't mean what most people think, and how two windows carrying the exact same label can perform in completely different ways. You'll get the real difference between U-value and SHGC, and which of these numbers actually matters most in Tasmania's climate.
Frank also reveals why European-style windows can cost four times more to install than standard Australian ones, and whether that premium is ever worth paying. Along the way, he runs through the trade-offs between aluminium, timber, UPVC and steel frames, and how orientation, eave design, and glass-to-floor ratios can turn your living area into free winter heating, or a summer fishbowl. He also shares the costly mistakes he sees again and again, from sizing windows without checking furniture placement to choosing purely on looks and ordering too late in the build.
Whether you're planning a new build or just want to understand why your current windows feel like ice blocks in winter, this episode will change the way you think about glass.
Subscribe to the Building Design Prime Time Podcast so you never miss an episode, with fresh building and design insights every week from the people love helping you make informed decsions about your building project!
About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at [email protected]
Disclaimer
The 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.