Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are not able to install new double glazing on their homes, either because of financial limitations or because they reside in listed buildings which prohibit any exterior modifications.
Secondary glazing for windows with sash is a great alternative and can be installed with a variety of ways.
This is a double-paned glass that fits into your existing window frame. It offers insulation and noise reduction, while stopping cold air from entering your home.
Fixed Inserts
There are many different types of secondary glazing that are available for Sash windows. Each has its own set of advantages, from increased security to lower condensation. Which is the best choice for you?
The principle behind secondary glazing is to fit an additional glass inside the window frame. This creates an extra layer of insulation and soundproofing, which can greatly increase the efficiency of your home's energy use.
However it's not always feasible to install new double-glazed windows for your home particularly if you reside in a listed building or are subject to strict regulations regarding planning that define what can and can't be done to your exterior.
Secondary glazing is a great alternative in these circumstances. It can be put in quite easily. It's a popular option for those who want to renovate their old home without having to replace the original sash window with an updated version.
There are many different options available for secondary glazing sash windows, each of which is configurable to suit the frame you have. Proprietary systems typically have painted aluminium frames that are designed to fit within the depth of a staff bead an existing sash style double glazed windows window which means that sills and shutters can be kept.
These can be fitted with different installation methods like glazing clips or Velcro. These offer a more aesthetic solution to screw-fixed units and are particularly suited to windows that don't need to be opened often. Alternatively, you can opt for a fixed lift out unit, which can be lifted and put back in place with ease, allowing your windows to be opened.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal Sliders offer excellent thermal insulation and are the most popular solution for improving existing windows made of sash style double glazed windows. They are also extremely discreet and are ideal for historic structures, conservation areas and listed properties. They can be installed in most cases without the need for access from outside as they are operated from inside.
They can be operated by hand and can be left open or partially opened to allow ventilation. They are effective in keeping out draughts, and also block harmful UV light. They can be used in conjunction with a flyscreen to keep out mosquitoes and other insects during the summer months.
Our Trackglaze horizontal sliding system provides all the benefits of modern double glazing to your traditional Sash windows. It comprises of PVC double sliding tracks that run across all four sides of the cavity and the simple bristle seal that is placed around each glass sheet, and finger pull angle handles to act as a handle and decrease bowing. It is available in kits with 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be stacked together to create larger spans.
The acoustic benefits of secondary glazing are extremely important and can enhance noise reduction from outside, especially road, rail & airport traffic. The addition of laminated or toughened glass further enhances the acoustic quality. Standard secondary glazing can reduce outside noise to 52dB(Rw) and specialist glass such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can achieve even higher levels of acoustic performance.
It can boost the efficiency of your home by keeping it warmer for longer and decreasing dependence on central heating. It is less expensive than replacing your old sash windows and is installed in most cases without the need to remove the existing window or door frame.
Vertical Sliders
Secondary glazing is a cost-effective option that is typically simpler to manage than a full window replacement. It is also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's the ideal option to upgrade windows made of sash in Suffolk & Essex with modern insulation benefits while keeping the charm of older homes.
Vertical Sliders are designed especially for sash windows where regular hinged panels aren't suitable. They come with two secondary sashes which are secured to one sash above the other, within an outer frame. They are supported by strong spring balances for ease of movement. The system can be put on the inside of an existing window for better thermal performance or equipped with a cavity between the glass and the frame for optimum acoustic properties.
You can pick from a variety of stop-strips and handles that match your preferences. They can be positioned in the closed position to provide additional security or propped open for ventilation on the top or bottom glass. They can be equipped with an insulation bristle to block draughts.
Imagine a vertical slider with 'Choices' secondary glazing features all the timber-like details you'd expect from an antique window treatment and comes in an array of colours to match your existing sash. It's difficult to distinguish from the original sash window, with details such as the sash's horns and traditional butt joints included in the design. It is available in various sizes and can take glass up to 6.8mm for additional insulation against loss of heat. A tilt-in option is available allowing the sashes to be hinged towards the back of safety stays to aid in cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane hinged secondary glass can be fitted to sash windows of any style such as casement and traditional box sash. Our hinged units are manufactured with a secure multi-point locking system and are available with a key lock handle. This ensures that the glazed panel is securely locked in place and is pulled tightly against the frame, forming a seal to minimize heat loss. Hinged windows can be top-hung or side-hung and can be double-glazed. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced acoustic performance and are available in 43dB, 47dB and 51dB.
Casement windows can open outwards and catch breezes at different angles. This is different from a horizontal sash window, that has movable sashes inside the frame, which slide horizontally. They can also be opened from the top and bottom to offer controlled airflow. This is why they can help improve airflow and are a viable alternative to traditional sash windows.
They are popular in modern homes due to their narrow "sightlines" that permit clear views, however they can also be installed into listed properties because they do not require transoms or mullions. They are also a good choice for hard-to-reach areas as they can be opened with the turn of a handle.
The main drawback of this kind of window is that it can block off large openings, and could limit the use of certain window treatments. They can also be difficult to clean as they swing outward and could require regular maintenance and service.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be installed by a variety of methods. The cost will differ depending on your preference of the materials such as thickness, thickness and type of glass. uPVC frames are the least expensive, followed by aluminium and then wooden frames. Specialised glass, along with any additional features like security or sound reduction may also increase prices.
Another factor that will influence the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complex the project, the more time and labour will be required. This is also true for heritage properties with more complex sash windows that require specialized knowledge and expertise.
Analyzing the condition of windows that are in use is a good place to start. Having them surveyed by an experienced professional will give you a precise estimate of what the cost might be.
Generally speaking, secondary glazing will have a minimal impact on the overall look of your home. Modern FINEO double-glazing has thin and subtle frame lines. This lets you achieve thermal efficiency without compromising aesthetics.
A popular choice of secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which provides an easy access to your existing sash windows for cleaning or ventilation. These windows also come with a tilt feature which can be activated by unlocking the catch and raising the secondary glazing panel vertically up to a certain degree. This is a great option for windows that don't open often and is a great way to allow access to air cooling in bay windows. They can be used to open the middle sash lock door handles of a traditional sash Bay Window to create a more symmetrical appearance.