Doors & Windows Replacement
Lumeta replaces ageing aluminium and timber windows and doors with multi-chamber UPVC double glazing, engineered for Melbourne’s temperature swings, road noise, and salt or bushfire-prone conditions depending on your suburb. Every installation is measured, fitted, and sealed by trained local installers not subcontracted out to the lowest bidder.
Should I Replace My Windows And Doors With Upvc?
UPVC window and door replacement is worth it for most Melbourne homes with aluminium or timber frames older than 15 to 20 years. UPVC’s multi-chamber profile and double glazing reduce heat transfer, cut external noise, and remove the condensation and maintenance problems common to older aluminium and timber frames, while typically costing less than equivalent timber double glazing.
Windows and Doors Available for Replacement
Lumeta replaces existing aluminium and timber windows and doors with the following UPVC configurations, matched to the opening, ventilation needs, and architectural style of your home.
Casement windows
side-hinged, opening outward for full ventilation; a common direct replacement for ageing aluminium casements
Tilt and turn windows
open inward at the top for secure ventilation, or fully inward for cleaning; popular in European-style UPVC replacement
Sliding windows
horizontal opening with a low profile, suited to spaces where outward opening is impractical
Fixed windows
non-opening glazing for light and views where ventilation is handled elsewhere
Door Types
French doors
twin-paned hinged doors, often replacing older timber French doors prone to swelling
Sliding doors
space-efficient opening for outdoor access, replacing tired aluminium sliders with smoother, better-sealed UPVC tracks
Bi-fold doors
multiple folding panels for a wide, fully-openable connection to outdoor areas
Lift and slide doors
heavier, larger-format sliding doors that lift slightly to glide on multi-point hardware, suited to wide openings
Introduction
Most replacement enquiries Lumeta receives in Melbourne start with one of three problems: condensation pooling on aluminium frames every winter morning, timber sashes that have swollen, warped, or rotted at the sill, or a power bill that keeps climbing despite no change in usage. All three point to the same underlying issue single glazing and thermally conductive frames are no longer doing the job a window or door is meant to do.
Melbourne’s climate is part of the problem. The city’s four-seasons-in-a-day reputation is not just a saying; daily temperature swings, cold southerly fronts, and humid summer nights all put real demands on a window’s thermal performance. Aluminium frames conduct heat and cold directly through the metal, which is why they feel cold to touch and collect condensation. Older timber frames expand and contract with humidity, which is why they stick in summer and let draughts through in winter.
Replacing existing aluminium or timber windows and doors with UPVC double glazing addresses the frame and the glass together. UPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) does not conduct heat the way aluminium does, and a multi-chamber profile traps air within the frame itself, adding an extra layer of insulation before the glazing is even considered. Paired with a double glazed unit (DGU), the combination reduces heat loss, dampens external noise, and removes the cold-frame condensation that plagues older aluminium installations.
This page covers what UPVC replacement involves, what it costs to consider, how it compares to aluminium and single glazing, and what to expect from consultation through to final inspection so you can make an informed decision before requesting a quote.
Benefits of Replacing with UPVC Windows and Doors
Replacing aluminium or timber windows and doors with UPVC delivers measurable improvements across thermal performance, noise control, security, and ongoing maintenance:
Why Choose Lumeta for Your Replacement Project
Local Melbourne expertise
Lumeta’s team understands the specific demands of Melbourne’s climate zones, from bayside salt exposure to outer-suburb bushfire overlay requirements
Installation standards
frames are fitted, packed, and sealed to manage thermal bridging at the reveal, not just dropped into the existing opening
Quality control
every installation is checked against the original measurement and specification before sign-off
Tailored consultation
recommendations are based on your home’s orientation, existing frame condition, and noise or thermal priorities, not a one-size-fits-all package
Direct accountability
Lumeta manages the project from measurement through to final inspection, so there is a single point of contact throughout
The Replacement Process
Replacing existing windows or doors with UPVC follows a structured sequence designed to minimise disruption and ensure a weathertight result:
Consultation
Measurement
Quote
Installation
Final inspection
Comparison: Making an Informed Replacement Decision
UPVC vs aluminium windows
| Factor | UPVC | Aluminium |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity | Low — multi-chamber profile insulates | High — conducts heat and cold readily |
| Condensation | Reduced, due to warmer frame surface | Common on uninsulated frames |
| Maintenance | Low — no rust, no repainting | Low corrosion but can pit near coastal air |
| Acoustic performance | Good, especially with double glazing | Moderate — frame itself offers little dampening |
| Typical lifespan | Multiple decades with minimal upkeep | Long-lasting frame, performance depends on glazing |
| Relative cost | Competitive, often below equivalent timber | Generally lower upfront than UPVC |
Double glazed vs single glazed
| Factor | Double Glazed | Single Glazed |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Air or argon-filled cavity reduces heat transfer | Minimal insulation — direct heat transfer |
| Noise reduction | Noticeably reduces external noise transmission | Limited noise dampening |
| Condensation | Reduced internal condensation | Common, especially in cooler months |
| Energy impact | Lower heating and cooling demand | Higher reliance on heating and cooling systems |
| Upfront cost | Higher than single glazing | Lower upfront cost |
Australian Accreditation & Registration
Kömmerling Window and Door Systems
ICP Accreditation
Frequently asked questions
How much do UPVC double glazed windows cost in Melbourne?+
Cost depends on the size, number of openings, glazing specification, and hardware chosen. Lumeta provides a measured, itemised quote after an on-site assessment rather than a fixed price, since every replacement project differs.
How long do UPVC windows and doors last?+
UPVC windows and doors are designed for multiple decades of use with minimal maintenance. Unlike timber, UPVC does not rot, warp, or require repainting, and unlike aluminium, it does not conduct heat or cold through the frame.
Is UPVC better than aluminium for Melbourne homes?+
UPVC generally outperforms aluminium on thermal insulation and condensation reduction because it does not conduct heat the way metal does. Aluminium remains a durable, lower-cost option, but typically requires added thermal breaks to match UPVC’s insulation performance.
Do I need to replace the whole frame, or just the glass?+
Replacing the full frame and glazing together, rather than just the glass, ensures the seals, hardware, and thermal performance of the unit are consistent and properly integrated, which is the standard approach for ageing aluminium or timber frames.
How much maintenance do UPVC windows and doors need?+
UPVC requires minimal maintenance periodic cleaning and occasional hardware lubrication are generally sufficient. This contrasts with timber, which needs regular sanding, sealing, and repainting to stay weatherproof.
Will double glazing actually reduce my energy bills?+
Double glazing reduces heat transfer through the window or door compared to single glazing, which lowers the heating and cooling load on your home. The scale of any bill reduction depends on your home’s overall insulation, orientation, and existing glazing condition.
How long does window and door replacement installation take?+
Installation timeframes depend on the number of openings, frame condition, and site access. A consultation and measurement visit will give a specific timeframe for your project.
Are UPVC windows and doors secure?+
Modern UPVC windows and doors are fitted with multi-point locking hardware as standard, which distributes locking points along the frame rather than relying on a single latch, offering a meaningful security upgrade over older single-point aluminium locks.
What warranty applies to UPVC window and door replacement?+
Warranty terms depend on the specific product range and installation scope. Lumeta outlines applicable warranty coverage for both product and installation as part of every quote.
Can UPVC windows be used in bushfire-prone areas of Melbourne?+
UPVC frames can be specified with appropriate glazing and hardware to suit bushfire-prone area requirements, depending on the relevant Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating for your property. A site-specific assessment determines the correct specification.
Specify high-performance windows and doors for your Melbourne new build
Contact us today to arrange a free consultation. We'll review your project and provide a detailed written quote.