Insert windows
Why choose insert windows.
An insert window replaces the moving parts of your existing timber joinery, the sashes and the glass, while leaving the original timber frame and architraves in place. There's no cutting back linings, no re-scrim, no re-plaster and no repaint, so it's the least disruptive way to bring an older Christchurch home up to a modern standard of warmth and comfort.
Keeps your home's character
The original timber frames, sills and interior trims stay exactly as they are, so the proportions of the house are unchanged inside and out.
Minimal disruption
No gib removal, no re-plastering, no repainting of interior linings. Most homes are weather-tight again the same day.
Warmer, drier rooms
Swapping single glazing for Low-E double glazing in a thermally broken sash cuts heat loss and the surface condensation that comes with it.
Quieter inside
Double glazing noticeably dampens road and neighbourhood noise, a real difference on busier streets.
The affordable route to double glazing
Because the frame and linings stay put, an insert is typically the most cost-effective way to double glaze a timber-windowed home.
Thermal and acoustic gains depend on the existing frame, the glass configuration and install quality. We'll talk through realistic expectations for your home at quote stage.
How it works
Insert windows, step by step.
01
Measure the existing openings
Each timber frame is measured precisely so the new sashes fit the existing rebate.
02
Build the insert sashes
New thermally broken aluminium sashes with Low-E units are made to your measurements and powder-coat colour.
03
Swap and seal
The old sashes come out, the new ones go in and are weather-sealed against the existing frame, with no make-good to your interior.
Real transformations
Drag to see the difference.
Genuine Christchurch jobs, with old single-glazed joinery replaced by thermally broken aluminium. Drag the handle to reveal the before and after.
Full window replacementTired single-glazed windows swapped for thermally broken aluminium.
Is it right for you?
A good fit when…
Timber-framed villas, bungalows and character homes
Existing frames that are still sound and square
Owners who want to keep the original look
Projects where minimising mess and downtime matters
If the existing timber frames are rotten, badly out of square, or you're changing the size of the openings, a full replacement is usually the better long-term option.
The other two ways
Full replacement
Full replacement
Completely replace tired single-glazed windows and doors with new thermally broken aluminium joinery. The old units come out back to the framing, the new ones go in and get weather-sealed, and the old joinery is taken away.
Explore →New build
New-build joinery
Full aluminium window-and-door packages for new homes, engineered to your plans and delivered to the build programme. We work direct with architects, builders and homeowners, from shop drawings through to delivery on site, ready for your build team to install.
Explore →The process
Five steps. No surprises.
From the first phone call to the final sign-off, you'll deal with one Lume team. No project-manager middlemen, no being passed around.
01
Get in touch
Reply in 2 working days
A friendly chat about your needs, style and budget, then we book a free, no-obligation site visit. Prefer to start remotely? Send drawings or a few photos.
Free, no-obligation enquiry
We talk through style and budget
Book a site visit, or send plans and photos
02
On-site measure
1–2 hours on site
Free site visit anywhere in greater Christchurch. We measure twice, talk through hardware and finishes.
Free on-site consultation
Precise measure of every opening
Glazing, hardware and colour options
03
Fixed quote
1–3 business days
Itemised by opening. No surprises. Includes glazing, hardware, install and dispose-of-old.
Detailed written quote
A clear price per opening
No hidden costs
04
Fabricate
3–6 weeks
Made in Christchurch from aluminium sourced locally, right here in NZ. Powder-coat in the colour you specified.
Custom-built to your measurements
Powder-coat in your chosen finish
Quality-checked before dispatch
05
Install + sign-off
1–3 days on site
Our team installs and weather-seals. We don't leave until you've inspected and signed off.
Careful removal and dispose-of-old
Precise fitting and weather-sealing
You inspect and sign off
Warranty and ongoing support
Our suites
Two systems. Specced for your job.
Both share the same frame profile and hardware family: pick by thermal performance and opening size. We'll spec the right one during quote.
300 Series
Standard residential
Our everyday suite for homes and apartments. Solid performance without the premium price tag.
Energy-efficient double glazing
A range of colours and finishes
Low-maintenance aluminium frames
Tested to meet or exceed NZS4211 for Very High Wind Zones
800 Series Thermal
Thermally broken
Aluminium with a polyamide thermal break. Cuts frame heat loss by up to 60%, eliminating cold spots and reducing condensation, and future-proofed for tighter H1 requirements.
Thermal break reduces heat loss
Warmer rooms and lower power bills
Eliminates cold spots and reduces condensation risk
Future-proofs your home for tighter H1 rules
Let's price your insert windows.
Send drawings or a few photos and we'll come back inside three working days with a starting range. Free, no obligation.
