We didn't plan to replace our windows. It was one of those situations where a small problem forced a bigger decision, and in hindsight it was the best thing that could have happened to our home. We'd been living in our mid-century brick home in Dapto for twelve years with the original aluminium single-glazed windows still in place. They were tired, but functional enough that we kept putting the replacement off. Then one winter morning we noticed the seal had failed on two of the bedroom windows and condensation was sitting between the panes. That was the nudge we needed. A quick search for double glazed windows in Wollongong led us to RJV Industries Windows, and within a short time, we had a whole new set of uPVC double glazed windows installed throughout the house.
Failed window seals are one of the most common issues with older double or single glazed units, and once a seal goes, the insulating properties of the unit are compromised. For homeowners in the Illawarra with ageing aluminium windows, seal failure is often the tipping point that leads to a full window replacement. uPVC double glazed windows typically have a significantly longer service life than aluminium equivalents, with frame lifespans commonly cited at 30 to 40 years.
The Problem in Detail
The two failed-seal windows were in the main bedroom and they made the problem impossible to ignore. But once we started looking more closely, it was clear the rest of the aluminium frames across the house were also well past their best. Several were difficult to operate, a couple had visible corrosion, and the thermal performance across the whole house was poor. The home had a brick construction that held heat and cold reasonably well, but the windows were the weak link in every season.
We'd had the house for over a decade and in that time the heating and cooling costs had crept up steadily. We hadn't connected it to the windows until we started researching what uPVC double glazing could actually deliver. The difference in thermal resistance between single glazed aluminium and uPVC double glazed units is substantial, and on an older home with no ceiling insulation upgrades planned, the windows were the most impactful place to invest.
How RJV Industries Windows Responded
When I contacted RJV Industries Windows I explained the urgency around the failed seals and they were accommodating and helpful from the first conversation. They came out promptly, assessed all the windows across the house, and gave us a thorough picture of what we were dealing with. They didn't just focus on the two problem windows; they looked at the whole house as a system.
They recommended replacing all windows with uPVC double glazed windows and also took the time to discuss the full uPVC window range so we could understand the different style and performance options available. The conversation about options was genuinely useful and not at all pressured. RJV Industries Windows clearly wanted us to make the right decision for our home rather than just close a sale quickly.
The quote was clear and competitive. Installation was scheduled within a couple of weeks of us confirming, which given the failed seals situation was reassuring.
The Solution and Outcome
RJV Industries Windows replaced every window in the house with uPVC double glazed windows in a four-day installation. The team worked methodically through each room, and the property was left clean and tidy at the end of each day. Custom measurements, quality frames, and a professional install from start to finish.
The improvement was immediate. The failed seals were resolved, obviously, but the thermal transformation was what really stood out. The house now holds a comfortable temperature overnight in winter without the heater running continuously, and in summer the rooms that previously overheated are now manageable without heavy air conditioning use. Our energy bills have dropped noticeably since the installation.
The uPVC frames also look far better than the tired aluminium they replaced. The fresh white frames have made the exterior of the brick home look ten years younger, which was an unexpected bonus.
What Janelle Would Tell Others
Don't wait for something to fail before you act. If your windows are original to an older home, they're probably already underperforming without you fully realising it. The improvement to thermal comfort and energy costs from uPVC double glazed windows is significant, and the quality of life difference is something you feel every day.
If you're a homeowner in Wollongong considering double glazed windows in Wollongong , have a read through what customers have said about working with RJV Industries Windows. When you're ready to move forward, get in touch with them and they will sort out a time to visit your property.






