Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows

Many homeowners are unable add double glazing to their house because of financial limitations or because the structure is listed and exterior modifications are prohibited.

Secondary glazing is an excellent alternative for sash window and can be installed in a variety of ways.

It consists of an extra glass pane inside the window frame that stops cold air from getting into your home, as well as offering insulation and noise reduction.

Fixed Inserts

There are a variety of styles of secondary glazing available for Sash windows. Each has its own number of advantages, ranging from increased security to lower condensation. Which is the best choice for you?

The basic idea behind secondary glazing is to fit an additional glass pane within the frame of your existing window. This adds an additional layer of soundproofing and insulation which can dramatically increase the efficiency of your home's energy use.

It's not always practical to install double-glazed windows especially if your home is a listed property or you are governed by strict planning regulations dictating what can and cannot be done to your exterior.

In these situations secondary glazing is a great alternative that can be installed easily. It's also a popular option for those who want to modernize their home without having to take down the original windows with sash window refurbishment and replace them with new ones.

There are a variety of different systems available for secondary glazing sash windows, each of which is configurable to suit your frame. Proprietary systems are usually comprised of painted aluminum frames that fit the existing bead depth on a sash window. This lets shutters and sills remain.

They can be installed with a variety of installation methods that include glazing clips and Velcro. These types of units look more attractive than screw-fixed ones and are best suited for windows that don't need to be opened frequently. You can also opt for a fixed lift-out unit that can be easily removed and then reinstalled to open your windows.

Horizontal Sliders

Horizontal Sliders provide excellent thermal insulation and are the most well-known solution for improving existing sash windows. They are also discrete and ideal for historic properties, conservation areas & listed properties. In most cases, they are installed without external access because they are operated from the inside.

They can be operated manually and can be left open or partially opened for ventilation. They are very effective in eliminating draughts and have the added benefit of removing harmful UV light. They can be combined with a flyscreen to ward off mosquitoes and other insects during the summer months.

Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems offer all the advantages of double glazing for your traditional Sash window. It is comprised of PVC double sliding track that runs across all four sides of the cavity and a simple brush seal around each glass sheet and a handle for a finger pull angle to act as a hand, reducing bowing. It comes in kits with 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be stacked together to create bigger spans.

The acoustic benefits of secondary glazing are extremely significant and can dramatically reduce noise from outside, especially road, rail & airport traffic. The addition of toughened or laminated glass further enhances the acoustic quality. Secondary glazing that is standard reduces outside noise to 52dB (Rw) and specialist glass, such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can provide higher levels of acoustic performance.

It can improve the energy efficiency of your house by keeping it warm for longer. This will reduce your reliance on central heat. It is less expensive than replacing your old sash windows and can be installed without the need to remove the window or door frame.

Vertical Sliders

Secondary glazing is a cost-effective option that is usually simpler to manage than a full window replacement. It is also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's a great way to modernize traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their distinctive character.

Vertical Sliders were developed to be used in sash window applications in which hinged panels from the standard range are not suitable. The system features two secondary sashes, which are fixed one above one within an outer frame. They are supported by spring balances, allowing for effortless movement. The system is available as a face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the window) for improved thermal efficiency or a'reveal-fixed version, which is fitted with an air cavity for glass within the window's original reveal, for optimum acoustic performance.

You can pick from a range of stop-strips and handles that suit your preferences. They can be fixed in the closed position to provide extra security or propped open to allow ventilation on the glass's top or bottom. They can also be equipped with an insulating bristle seal that can stop draughts.

'Choices' Imagine vertical slider secondary glazing features all the authentic timber detailing you'd expect from an antique window treatment. It's available in a variety of colors to match your existing sash window repair. It's nearly impossible to distinguish from the original sash window with details such as sash horns & traditional butt joints included in the design. It comes in a variety of sizes and can be fitted with glass up to 6.8mm for additional insulation against heat loss. A tilt-in option is available allowing the individual sashes to hinge towards the back of safety stays to aid in cleaning.

Hinged Casement

Our single-pane secondary double glazing for sash windows glass can be positioned on sash windows of any design, including traditional box sash window restoration near me and casement. Our hinged units are equipped with a keylock handle and are constructed with multi-point locking. This combination ensures that the glazed panel is securely locked in place and is pulled tightly to the frame, forming a sealing to minimise loss of heat. Hinged windows are available as either top or side-hung and can also be made as double-glazed. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced acoustic performance and are available in 43dB, 47dB and 51dB.

In contrast to horizontal sash windows which have movable sashes, slide horizontally within the frame, casement windows are able to open outwards and catch breezes from a variety of angles. They can be opened both from the top and bottom for controlled airflow. Because of this, they can help improve airflow and offer an effective alternative to traditional windows with sash.

They are popular in modern homes due to their narrow "sightlines" that permit clear views, however they can also be incorporated into listed properties because they do not require transoms and mullions. They can also be utilized in hard-to-reach places as they are easily opened by turning the handle.

This type of window can be a disadvantage because it can restrict the use of certain window treatments. They can be difficult to clean, as they swing outward. They could also require regular maintenance and service.

Lift Out Windows

Secondary glazing can be set up in a variety of ways and the price will vary depending on the thickness, type and materials you choose for your frame and panes. uPVC frames are the least expensive followed by aluminium, and wooden frames. Specialized glass can also add to the cost, as well as any extra features, such as security or sound reduction.

Another aspect that can affect the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complicated the installation is, the more time and labor-intensive it will be. This also applies to heritage properties with more intricate sash windows that require specialist knowledge and expertise.

A good place to start is to assess the condition of your current windows. You can get an accurate estimate of the cost by having them inspected by an expert.

In general, secondary glazing will have a minimal impact on the overall appearance of your home. This is thanks to the fact that the modern FINEO double-glazing has slim and discrete frame lines, which means you can get the most efficient thermal performance without compromising on aesthetics.

The horizontal sliding secondary glazing is popular due to its easy access to the existing sash window for cleaning or ventilation. You can also get them with a tilt feature, 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 perfect for windows that don't get opened very often. It can also be used to allow air conditioning access in bay windows. You can even use them to open up the middle sash on a traditional sash bay window to give a more symmetrical appearance.