Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are unable add double glazing to their house because of financial limitations or due to the fact that the building is listed and any modifications to the exterior are forbidden.
Secondary glazing for sash windows is a good alternative that can be put in in various ways.
This product is a double-paned, insulated glass that fits into the frame of your window. It offers insulation and noise reduction, as well as preventing cold air from entering your home.
Fixed Inserts
If you're thinking of secondary glazing for your sash windows there are a variety of styles to pick from. Each comes with its own set of benefits, from increased security to less condensation. Which is the best choice for you?
The basic premise of secondary glazing is fitting an additional glass pane inside your existing window frame. This adds an additional layer of insulation and noiseproofing to your home, increasing its energy efficiency.
However, it's not always possible to install new double-glazed windows to your property particularly if you reside in a listed structure or are subject to strict regulations regarding planning that dictate what can and can't be done to your exterior.
In these situations, secondary glazing is a fantastic alternative that can be installed easily. It's also a popular option for those who want to modernize their old home without having to tear down the original sash windows and replace them with contemporary ones.
There are many different options for secondary glazing sash windows, all of that can be adapted to fit the frame you have. The proprietary systems typically feature painted aluminium frames which are designed to fit into the depth of a staff bead an existing sash window meaning that shutters and sills can be kept.
They can be equipped with different installation methods like glazing clips or Velcro. These offer a more aesthetic solution than screw-fixed units, and are particularly suited to windows that aren't required to be opened often. Alternatively, you can opt for an adjustable lift-out unit that can be lifted and put back in place with relative ease to allow your windows to be opened.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal sliders are the most sought-after method of enhancing the appearance of a sash window. They are also very discrete and suitable for older buildings, conservation areas & listed properties. In most instances, they can be installed without having access to the outside since they operate from inside.
They can be operated manually, and they can be left open or partially opened to allow ventilation. They are extremely effective in stopping draughts and also offer the added benefit of filtering out harmful UV light. In summer they can be paired with a flyscreen in order to keep out insects and mosquitoes.
Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems provide all the benefits of double glazing for your traditional Sash window. It consists of PVC double sliding tracks on the four sides of the cavity, a simple bristle seal around each glass sheet and finger pull angle handles that act as a handle and reduce bowing. It is available in kits comprising either 1m or 2m lengths of track and angle that can be butted together to make larger spans.
The acoustic advantages of secondary glazing are very important and can enhance noise reduction from outside, especially railway, road and airport traffic. The addition of laminated glass or toughened glasses further enhances the acoustic performances. Secondary glazing is a standard feature that can reduce outside noise by 52dB(Rw) and specialized glass such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can provide even greater levels of acoustic performance.
It can improve the efficiency of your home by keeping it warmer for longer, and reducing dependence on central heating. It's much less expensive than replacing window sashes your old sash windows and can be installed almost everywhere without the need to remove the existing window or door frame.
Vertical Sliders
Secondary glazing is a cost effective option that is usually less expensive than full window replacement. It's also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an ideal solution to replace windows made of sash in Suffolk & Essex with modern insulation benefits while keeping the character of older homes.
Vertical Sliders are specially designed for sash windows, where regular hinged panels aren't appropriate. They come with two secondary sashes that are secured to one flush sash windows above the other, inside an outer frame. They are supported by robust spring balances for ease of movement. The system is available as a 'face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the existing window) for improved thermal performance, or a'reveal fixed' version which has a glass-to-glass cavity, within the original window reveal, for optimum audio-acoustic performance.
They can be equipped with a variety of handles and stop strips to suit the homeowner's preferences and can be used to prop open the top or bottom pane for ventilation, or they can be fixed in the closed position to provide security. They can also be fitted with an insulating bristle seal to prevent draughts.
The 'Choices' vertical slider secondary glass has the same authentic wood details you'd expect to see in a window covering from the past. It is available in a variety of colours that will match your existing sash. It's almost impossible to distinguish from the original sash windows repair windows, as features like sash horns and traditional joints are included in the design. It comes in a variety of sizes and can be fitted with glass up to 6.8mm to provide additional insulation against loss of heat. The tilt-in option permits the individual sashes of the window to be hinged upwards on safety stays to facilitate cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane secondary glass can be installed on sash windows in any style, including traditional box sash and casement. Our hinged units are constructed with a secure multi-point locking system and are available with keys lock handles. This combination ensures that the glass panel is securely locked in place and is pulled tightly against the frame, forming a sealing to minimize loss of heat. Hinged windows are available either side or top hung and can also be constructed with double-glazed. Our double-glazed Windows provide enhanced acoustic performances and are available in 43dB (for 47dB) or 51dB (for 51dB) or 47dB (for 49dB).
Contrary to horizontal sash windows with movable sashes that slide horizontally within the frame casement windows can be opened outwards and catch breezes from various angles. They can also be opened from the top and bottom for controlled ventilation. They are therefore able to improve airflow and offer a fantastic alternative to traditional sash window.
They are used in modern homes due to their small "sightlines" that permit unobstructed view, but they can also be installed into listed properties because they do not require transoms or mullions. They can also be used in areas that are difficult to access since they are easily opened by turning the handle.
The primary drawback to this type of window is that it can block large openings and limit the use of certain window treatments. They can be difficult to clean as they swing outward. They could also require regular maintenance and servicing.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be installed by a variety of methods. The cost will vary according to your choice of materials, thickness, and type of glass. UPVC frames are the cheapest expensive followed by aluminium, and wooden frames. Specialized glass, in addition to any extra features such as security or sound reduction could also raise prices.
Another aspect that can affect the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complex the project, the more time and labor will be required. This can also apply to heritage properties with more complex sash windows, which require specialist knowledge and expertise.
Examining the condition of your windows in use is a good place to start. You can get an accurate estimate of the cost by having them checked by an expert.
In general secondary glazing has little effect on the look of your home. Modern FINEO double-glazing has thin and subtle frame lines. This allows you to get the most efficient heat without compromising aesthetics.
A very popular choice for secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which allows easy access to your existing sash window replacement windows for cleaning or ventilation. These are also available with a tilt feature that can be activated by unlocking the catch and raising your secondary glazing panel vertically to a predetermined point. This is ideal for windows that aren't used often and can be used to make it easier to access air cooling in bay windows. You can even use them to open the middle sash of the traditional sash bay windows to give a more symmetrical appearance.