Warmer Winters, Cooler Summers for Tassie Brick Homes
Older brick homes in Tasmania are tough and full of charm, but they can feel icy the moment the temperature drops. Many owners are used to pulling on extra layers inside, shutting off cold rooms and watching the power bill climb. Good walls and a solid roof help, but if the windows are old, a lot of comfort is still leaking out.
Retrofitting low E windows in Tasmania is one of the most effective ways to change how these homes feel. Low E glass helps keep warmth in during winter and limits unwanted heat in summer, which is especially helpful as temperatures swing in late spring and early summer. When that glass is paired with German-engineered uPVC frames, made locally for Tasmanian conditions, the whole window system works harder for your home.
Low E means low emissivity. In simple terms, it is glass with an almost invisible coating that controls how heat moves through the window. It reflects heat back to where you want it, while still letting in natural light. Combined with modern double or triple glazing and quality frames, it can turn a cold, draughty brick house into a much more comfortable place to live.
Why Older Brick Homes Lose so Much Heat
A lot of Tasmanian brick homes were built with single glazed windows and basic aluminium or timber frames. At the time, that was normal. Now we know those windows are usually the weak point in the building envelope.
Heat is lost in a few main ways:
Through thin single glass that gets very cold
Around loose window seals and warped frames
Through metal frames that conduct heat out of the room
Via gaps where frames meet old brick or plaster
From the inside, the house might look solid, but you can often feel the chill. Common signs in these homes include:
Condensation running down cold glass on winter mornings
Mould or staining on sills, frames and nearby plaster
Cold spots that you avoid sitting near, especially by big windows
Street noise or neighbour noise carrying straight into living areas
All of this affects comfort. Many Tasmanian households start heating early in the season and keep it running for long evenings. When the glass and frames keep bleeding warmth, heaters have to work harder for longer. That usually means higher energy use just to feel reasonably warm.
How Low E Windows in Tasmania Transform Performance
Low E coatings are very thin layers on the glass that you cannot easily see. They are designed to change how heat moves through the window. In winter, the coating reflects warmth from inside your home back into the room, so the glass surface stays less icy and the room feels more stable. In summer, it helps push unwanted external heat away before it can build up inside.
Compared with standard double glazing, low E double or triple glazing can:
Reduce heat loss through the glass
Help lower draughts when paired with quality seals
Cut down on condensation, especially on chilly mornings
Keep more consistent temperatures from one side of the room to the other
The frame around the glass matters just as much. uPVC frames do not conduct heat the way metal frames do, which helps keep the inside edge of the frame warmer in winter and cooler in summer. When you combine uPVC frames, proper gaskets and seals, and low E glazing, the whole window system works together.
This brings a few clear benefits:
Less outside noise coming through closed windows
Fewer cold downdrafts falling off the glass
More stable indoor comfort with fewer temperature swings
A drier, healthier environment with less moisture building up around windows
Retrofitting Low E Windows in Older Brick Walls
Retrofitting low E windows into older brick homes is not just a case of swapping glass. It needs careful assessment and planning so the new windows sit correctly in the brickwork and perform as they should.
A professional assessment will usually look at:
Condition of the existing frames and surrounds
Exact opening sizes and squareness in the brickwork
Structural support above the window, such as lintels
Access for safe removal and installation
From there, there are two main approaches:
Full frame replacement, where the old frame and sashes are removed and a new uPVC frame is fitted into the brick opening
Insert-style replacement in some situations, where part of the old frame may stay in place and the new unit is carefully fitted within it
For older brick walls, we generally focus on protecting the brickwork, plaster and existing finishes as much as possible. That means controlled removal of the old windows, using the right fixings, and fitting appropriate flashing and sill details. Getting the details right is very important, such as:
Accurate measuring so frames fit snugly without forcing the brick
Correct flashing so water is directed out, not into the wall
High-quality sealing around the perimeter to block draughts and moisture
Careful finishing to avoid cracking where plaster, trim and new frames meet
When these steps are done properly, the new low E windows look like they belong in the home and perform well for years.
Planning Your Upgrade Before Tassie’s Next Cold Snap
Many people start thinking about new windows in the middle of winter when they are feeling the cold. A better time to plan can be late spring or early summer when the weather is milder and it is easier to work around open window openings for a short time.
When planning low E windows in Tasmania, it can help to:
Walk through your home and note the coldest rooms
Identify windows that face the worst weather or strongest sun
Decide whether you want to stage the upgrade or do it in one go
Think about future renovations that might affect window choices
Some owners choose to start with living areas and bedrooms where they spend the most time. Others focus first on the windiest side of the house. A staged approach over a few seasons is common, especially in larger brick homes.
A typical retrofit involves measuring, fabrication time and then on-site installation. During installation, you can expect some noise and dust while the old windows come out and the new ones go in. Professional installers aim to keep the house secure and weather tight, so openings are usually replaced and sealed the same day where possible.
Maximising Efficiency and Comfort After Installation
Once your new low E windows are in, a few small habit changes can help you get the most out of them. Because the home holds heat better, you may not need to run heaters as high or as long. It can be worth experimenting with lower thermostat settings and shorter heating cycles.
Improved airtightness also changes how air moves through the house. You might notice that the home feels less draughty, which is great, but you still need fresh air. Good practices include:
Using controlled window openings for short, sharp bursts of fresh air
Making use of trickle vents if your window system includes them
Keeping bathroom and kitchen extraction fans in good working order
Opening windows during mild weather to flush out stale indoor air
Curtains and blinds still help, but you may not need to rely on heavy coverings just to block cold. With low E glazing and uPVC frames, the glass and frame are already working to keep warmth where you want it to be.
Over time, most homeowners notice:
Lower power use for the same or better level of comfort
Fewer cold draughts, especially around window edges
Much less condensation on glass and frames
A more pleasant, liveable home through Tasmania’s long cool seasons
For older brick homes, retrofitting low E windows is a practical way to keep the character you love while greatly improving how the home feels day to day.
Get Started With Your Project Today
If you are ready to improve comfort and energy efficiency at home, we can help you choose the right low E windows in Tasmania for your space and budget. At Lomond Windows and Doors Tasmania, we take the time to understand your goals and guide you through the options. Talk with our local team about design, performance and installation so your new windows work seamlessly in the Tasmanian climate. To book a consultation or request a quote, simply contact us today.