Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are unable install new double glazing on their homes, either because of financial constraints or because they live in listed buildings that prohibit any exterior changes.
Secondary glazing is an excellent alternative to sash windows and can be put in various ways.
It consists of an extra pane of glass inside the existing window frame which stops cold air from getting into your home, while also providing insulation and noise reduction.
Fixed Inserts
There are many different styles of secondary glazing that are available for sash windows. Each comes with its own set of benefits, from improved security to reduced condensation. Which one is best for you?
The fundamental idea behind secondary glazing is to install an additional glass within the window frame. This creates an extra layer of soundproofing and insulation which can dramatically increase the efficiency of your home's energy use.
It's not always practical to add double-glazed windows, particularly if your house is classified as a historic property or you are governed by strict planning regulations that dictate what can and cannot be done to your exterior.
In these cases, secondary glazing is a great alternative that can be installed easily. It's also a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their period property without having to tear down the original sash windows and replace them with new ones.
There are a variety of different options for secondary glazing sash windows, all of which is configurable to suit the frame you have. The proprietary systems are typically constructed of painted aluminium frames that fit into the existing depth of the staff bead on a sash window. This allows sills and shutters to remain.
They can be fitted with a variety of mounting methods that include glazing clips and Velcro. They provide a more attractive solution than screw-fixed units, and are especially suited for windows that aren't required to be opened often. You can also opt for a fixed lift out unit, which can be lifted out and put back in place with relative ease, allowing your windows to be opened.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal Sliders provide excellent thermal insulation and are the most popular solution for improving existing sash windows. They are also discreet and ideal for historic properties or conservation areas as well as listed properties. In the majority of cases, they can be installed without having access to the outside since they operate from inside.
They are easy to operate by hand and can be open wide or left partially open to allow for ventilation. They are very effective at getting rid of draughts, and they also have the benefit of filtering out harmful UV light. In summer they can be paired together with a flyscreen to keep insects out and mosquitoes.
Our Trackglaze horizontal sliding system offers all the advantages of modern double glazing to your traditional Sash windows. It consists of pvc sash windows double sliding tracks that run across all four sides of the cavity and an easy bristle seal around each glass sheet, and finger pull angle handles that act as a handle and decrease bowing. It comes in kits with 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be put together to create larger spans.
The acoustic benefits of second glazing are very significant and it can significantly improve noise reduction from outside, especially the airport, rail and road traffic. The addition of toughened or laminated glass further enhances the acoustic quality. Secondary glazing is a standard feature that can reduce outside noise by 52dB(Rw) and specialist glass such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can achieve even higher levels of acoustic performances.
It can improve the efficiency of your home by keeping your house warmer for longer, and reducing dependence on central heating. It is less expensive than replacing your old sash windows and can be installed without the need to remove the existing window or door frame.
Vertical Sliders
Secondary Glazing Sash Window glazing is a cost effective alternative that is usually more manageable than a complete window replacement and is perfectly suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an excellent way to modernize traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their originality.
Vertical Sliders are designed especially for sash windows, where regular hinged panels aren't appropriate. They have two secondary sashes that are secured, one above the other, inside an outer frame. They are supported by robust spring balances that allow for effortless movement. The system can be purchased as a 'face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the window) to improve thermal performance or a 'reveal-fixed version that has a glass-to-glass cavity within the window's original reveal, for optimal sound quality.
They can be equipped with a variety of stops and handles to accommodate the preferences of the homeowner and can be used to prop open the top or bottom pane to let in air or secured in a closed position for added security. They can be equipped with an insulating seal bristle to prevent draughts.
Imagine vertical sliders in 'Choices' secondary glazing has all the timber-like details you'd expect from an antique window treatment. It's also available in an array of colours to match your existing sash. It is almost impossible to distinguish from original sash window restoration near me windows as features like sash horns and traditional butt joints are incorporated into the design. It's available in a wide variety of sizes and can accept glass up to 6.8mm to add insulation to prevent loss of heat. The tilt-in option allows the individual sashes of the window to be hinged backwards on safety stays for easier cleaning.
Hinged Casement
The single-pane hinged secondary glazing can be fitted to windows in sash of any design including traditional and casement sash. Our hinged units are manufactured with a secure multi-point locking system and are available with a key lock handle. This will ensure that the glass panel is secured securely in place and is pulled tight to the outer frame, forming a seal to minimise heat loss. Hinged windows can be top-hung or side-hung, and they can also be double-glazed. Double-glazed windows are a great way to improve acoustic performance and are available in 43dB, 47dB and 51dB.
Casement windows are able to open outwards and catch breezes at various angles. This is unlike the horizontal sash window, which has movable sashes within the frame that move horizontally. They can be opened from the top and bottom for controlled ventilation. Because of this, they can improve airflow and are a viable alternative to traditional windows made of sash.
They are popular in modern homes due to their small "sightlines" which allow for unobstructed view, but they can also be put in listed buildings since they do not require transoms and mullions. They can also be utilized in areas that are difficult to access since they are easily opened by turning the handle.
This kind of window could be a disadvantage because it could limit the use of certain window coverings. They are also difficult to clean because they swing outward and may require regular maintenance and service.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be put in with a variety of methods and the cost will differ depending on the thickness, type and materials you select for your frames and panes. uPVC frames are the least expensive followed by aluminium, and wooden frames. Specialised glass can also increase the price, as well as any additional features like security or sound reduction.
The complexity of the installation will also impact the cost. The more complicated the installation will take longer and require more labor-intensive it will be. This can also apply to older homes with more complex sash windows that require specialized knowledge and expertise.
Examining the condition of your existing windows is a good way to begin. You can get an accurate estimate of the cost by having them inspected by an expert.
In general, secondary glazing has a minimal effect on the appearance of your home. This is thanks to the fact that the modern FINEO double glazing is slim and discreet frames, meaning you can attain thermal efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics.
A popular option for secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which allows an easy access to your windows that are already sash for cleaning or ventilation. They can also be purchased with a tilt function which you can activate by releasing the catch on the secondary glass panel and lifting it vertically until you reach a predetermined point. This is ideal for windows that don't get opened often. It can also be used to allow air conditioning access in bay windows. You can use them to open the middle sash in a traditional sash Bay Window to create a more symmetrical appearance.