Retrofit Windows Without Full Window Replacement
Upgrade your existing windows with custom retrofit window inserts designed for Canadian homes, condos, offices, and heritage buildings
THE MAGNETITE ADVANTAGE
Magnetite Canada provides custom interior window inserts that add a secondary glazing layer to your current windows. That means you can reduce outside noise, improve insulation, control condensation, and increase comfort without removing your existing frames.
Get the comfort of upgraded windows without the cost, mess, or disruption of full replacement.
Reduce outside noise by up to 70%
Save up to 30% on heating and cooling energy bills
Costs 40–60% less than full window replacement
Custom measured and professionally installed
Made in Canada
Retrofit Windows
Retrofit windows upgrade the performance of your existing windows without removing the full frame or rebuilding the opening.
In Magnetite’s system, retrofit windows are custom interior window inserts that are measured, manufactured, and installed to fit your current windows. The inserts create a second glazing layer on the inside of the window, forming an insulating air space between the original glass and the new panel.
Homes with drafty or noisy windows
Condos facing traffic, construction, rail, or city noise
Older homes where original windows should be preserved
Commercial offices that need quieter, with more comfortable interiors
Heritage properties where exterior changes are limited
Buildings where full window replacement is too costly or disruptive
HOW IT WORKS
The Magnetite Process
Achieve better comfort without replacing your windows. Magnetite works by adding a precisely fitted acrylic or glass insert to your existing window frame, creating an airtight seal that dramatically improves insulation and noise reduction, with no construction required.
Custom Measurement
Every window is measured to match the exact size and shape of the existing opening. This gives the insert a clean fit and supports stronger performance once installed.
Secondary Glazing Layer
Acrylic or glass is added as a new interior panel. This creates a double glazing retrofit effect without replacing the original window.
Insulating Air Space
The space between the original glass and the Magnetite insert acts as a thermal and acoustic buffer. This reduces heat loss in winter, heat gain in summer, and sound vibration from outside.
Magnetic Seal System
The insert attaches through a low-profile magnetic sealing system. This creates a tight perimeter seal that reduces drafts, air leakage, dust, pollen, and noise pathways.
Proven Energy Savings
Outside Noise
Traffic, neighbours, construction, trains, aircraft, and street activity can travel through thin glass and weak seals. Magnetite retrofit windows add a secondary barrier that reduces sound transfer and creates a quieter indoor space
Drafts and Heat Loss
Older windows often lose heat through glass, frames, seals, and air gaps. Magnetite inserts create a tighter interior seal and insulating air space to improve comfort.
Condensation
Cold glass, humid indoor air, and weak insulation can lead to fogging, dripping, mould risk, and frame damage. Magnetite retrofit windows help reduce condensation by improving the interior glass temperature and blocking cold air movement.
UV Damage and Privacy
Window inserts can support UV protection and privacy treatments, protecting flooring, furniture, artwork, and interiors from fading while maintaining natural light.
Thickness options
| Comparison Point | Magnetite Retrofit Windows | Full Frame Window Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Existing frame | Stays in place | Removed and replaced |
| Installation disruption | Low | Higher |
| Cost | Typically lower | Typically higher |
| Exterior appearance | Preserved | May change |
| Best for | Sound frames, condos, heritage homes, comfort upgrades | Rotting frames, damaged structures, major renovations |
| Noise reduction | Strong improvement with insert system | Depends on glass, frame, and installation |
| Energy performance | Improved through added glazing and air seal | Can be strong with new high-performance units |
| Condensation control | Improves window surface temperature and sealing | Depends on new window type and indoor humidity |
| Timeline | Faster and less invasive | Longer and more construction-heavy |
Material options overview
Acrylic Material
Acrylic window inserts are a lightweight and cost-effective option for custom window inserts, making it easy to install, remove, and retrofit. When paired with a proper air gap and airtight seal, acrylic provides effective sound reduction, improved energy efficiency, and UV protection, helping create a quieter and more comfortable indoor space.
Acrylic inserts are well suited for budget-conscious projects where weight, removability, and overall value matter most. While laminated glass offers higher sound control in demanding environments, acrylic remains a practical and proven solution for many homes and buildings.
- Lightweight and removable
- Cost-Effective Solution
Acrylic
Laminated Glass
Tempered Glass
Acrylic
Acrylic window inserts are a lightweight and cost-effective option for custom window inserts, making it easy to install, remove, and retrofit. When paired with a proper air gap and airtight seal, acrylic provides effective sound reduction, improved energy efficiency, and UV protection, helping create a quieter and more comfortable indoor space.
Acrylic inserts are well suited for budget-conscious projects where weight, removability, and overall value matter most. While laminated glass offers higher sound control in demanding environments, acrylic remains a practical and proven solution for many homes and buildings.
Lightweight and removable
Cost-Effective Solution
High
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass provides the highest level of sound control for custom window inserts. Made from two layers of glass bonded with a clear interlayer, laminated glass absorbs vibration rather than transmitting it, which significantly reduces both high-frequency and low-frequency noise.
In addition to superior sound reduction, laminated glass offers strong UV protection, improved security, and long-term durability. This makes it the preferred option for homes and buildings where maximum performance and comfort are required.
Superior Durability
Superior Soundproofing & UV Protection
High
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is a strong, durable option for custom window inserts and is commonly selected for safety, clarity, and building code compliance. The heat-treated glass offers excellent impact resistance and long-term durability, making it a reliable choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Tempered glass provides moderate sound reduction and performs well in everyday noise conditions. While it does not offer the same level of acoustic damping as laminated glass, it remains an effective solution when strength, safety, and structural performance are the primary considerations.
Safe & Durable
Code Compliant Material
High
Thickness options
Window Insert Thickness Options
for All Materials
All insert materials are available in two thickness options, each offering different performance and weight characteristics.
| Thickness | Best For | Performance Direction |
|---|---|---|
| 3mm | Light to moderate noise and general insulation | Lighter, practical, lower profile |
| 6mm | Louder environments and stronger sound reduction needs | Heavier, stronger performance |
Retrofit Windows
Magnetite Canada specializes in custom retrofit window inserts for Canadian homes and buildings. Our systems are designed to improve existing windows without full replacement, making them a strong choice for comfort, sound control, energy performance, and preservation.
Made in Canada
Multiple Material Options
Custom Fit
5-Year Warranty
Lower-Cost Alternative to Replacement
Residential and Commercial Experience
Proven Magnetic
Our Customers Frequently Asked Us
FAQs
What is a retrofit window?
A retrofit window upgrades an existing window without removing the full frame. With Magnetite, this means adding a custom interior insert that creates a secondary glazing layer for better comfort, sound control, and insulation.
Are retrofit windows good?
Yes! Retrofit windows are a strong option when your existing window frames are still in usable condition. They can reduce drafts, lower outside noise, improve comfort, and avoid the higher cost and disruption of full replacement.
What is retrofit double glazing?
Retrofit double glazing adds a second glazing layer to an existing window. Magnetite does this with custom interior inserts that create an insulating air space between the original window and the new panel.
How much do retrofit windows cost?
Retrofit windows cost depends on the size, number of windows, material, thickness, and installation needs. Magnetite custom quotes each project so you receive pricing based on your actual windows rather than a generic estimate.
Are retrofit windows cheaper than replacement windows?
In many cases, yes! Magnetite retrofit windows are designed to cost 40–60% less than full window replacement while improving comfort, noise reduction, insulation, and condensation control.
What is the difference between full frame and retrofit windows?
Full frame replacement removes the entire window unit and frame. Retrofit windows upgrade the existing window system while keeping the current frame in place, making the process faster, cleaner, and less disruptive when the frame is still in good condition.
Can retrofit windows reduce noise?
Yes! Magnetite retrofit window inserts can reduce outside noise by up to 70%, depending on the existing window, insert material, air space, and installation conditions.
Can retrofit windows stop condensation?
Retrofit windows can reduce condensation by improving insulation and keeping interior glass surfaces warmer. Ventilation and moisture control may also be needed if indoor humidity is too high.
Where can I buy retrofit windows in Canada?
You can request custom retrofit windows directly from Magnetite Canada. Our team measures, manufactures, and installs custom window inserts for residential, commercial, condo, and heritage applications.
