Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are unable build new double-glazed windows to their homes due to financial constraints or because they live in listed buildings that restrict any exterior changes.
Secondary glazing for sash windows is a good alternative and can be installed in various ways.
This product is a double-paned window that fits inside your existing window frame. It offers insulation and noise reduction, in addition to blocking cold air from entering the home.
Fixed Inserts
If you’re thinking of secondary glazing for your sash windows, there are many different styles you can pick from. Each comes with its own set of benefits, from increased security to lower condensation. Which one is best for you?
The principle behind secondary glazing is fitting an additional glass within the window frame. This adds an additional layer of insulation and soundproofing, which can dramatically increase the efficiency of your home’s energy use.
It’s not always feasible to install double-glazed windows especially if your home is an listed property or you are governed by strict planning regulations that dictate what can and can’t be done with your exterior.
In these cases secondary glazing is an excellent alternative that can be set up easily. It’s also a popular choice for those who want to modernize their old home without the need to tear down the original sash windows and replace them with modern ones.
There are a number of different options available for secondary glazing sash windows, each one of which is configurable to suit your frame. The proprietary systems are typically made of painted aluminum frames that fit into the existing bead depth on a sash window. This allows shutters and sills to remain.
They can be installed with a variety of installation methods such as glazing clips and Velcro. These offer a more aesthetic solution to screw-fixed units and are especially suited for windows that do not need to be opened regularly. You can also choose a fixed lift out unit, which 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 well-known way to improve existing windows. They are also quiet and suitable for older homes or conservation areas as well as listed property. They can be fitted with the need for access from outside as they are operated from inside.
They are simple to operate using a hand, and can be open wide or left partially open for ventilation. They are effective at preventing draughts, and they also filter harmful UV light. They can be used in conjunction with a flyscreen to keep out mosquitoes and other insects during summer months.
Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems offer all the benefits of double glazing for your traditional sash window. It consists of PVC double sliding tracks that run across all four sides of the cavity, an easy bristle seal around each glass sheet, and angle handles that can be pulled by fingers to act as a handle and reduce bowing. It is available in kits comprising either 1m or 2m lengths of track and angle which can be butted together to create larger spans.
The acoustic benefits of secondary glazing are extremely significant and can dramatically enhance noise reduction from outside, particularly the airport, rail and road traffic. The addition of laminated or toughened 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 even higher 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 is less expensive than replacing your old sash windows and is installed in most cases without the need to take out 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 is also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It’s the ideal option to upgrade windows with sash in Suffolk & Essex with modern insulation benefits, while maintaining the character of older homes.
Vertical Sliders were developed to be used in sash window applications where hinged panels of the regular kind aren’t suitable. They come with two secondary sashes which are secured, one over the other, within an outer frame. They are supported by strong spring balances for ease of movement. The system is available as a face-fixed’ (installed to the inside of the existing window) to improve thermal performance or a ‘reveal-fixed version, which comes with a glass to glass cavity inside the window reveal, to ensure optimal acoustic performance.
They can be equipped with a variety stops and handles to meet the needs of the homeowner, propping open either the bottom or top pane to let in air, or they can be fixed in an open position for additional security. They can be equipped with an insulation bristle to stop draughts.
Imagine vertical sliders in ‘Choices’ secondary glazing has all the authentic timber detailing you’d expect from a period window treatment. It’s available in an array of colours to match your existing flush sash windows. It’s almost impossible to distinguish from the original sash window, with details like sash horns & traditional butt joints being incorporated into the design. It is available in various sizes and can be fitted with glass up to 6.8mm to add insulation to loss of heat. The tilt-in option permits the sashes of each window to be hinged backwards to make it easier for cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane secondary glazing can be fitted on sash windows of any style including traditional box sash and casement. The hinged units we offer are made with secure multi-point locking and are available with a key lock handle. This will ensure that the glass panel is securely locked in place and is pulled tightly to the frame, forming a sealing to minimize heat loss. Hinged windows can be purchased as either top or side hung and can also be made with double-glazed. Double-glazed windows provide better sound insulation and are available in 43dB (for 47dB) and 51dB (for 51dB) or 47dB (for 49dB).
Casement windows are able to open to the outside and catch breezes at different angles. This is in contrast to a the horizontal sash window, with movable sashes in the frame, which slide horizontally. They can also be opened from both the top and bottom for controlled airflow. Because of this, they can help improve airflow and provide an effective alternative to traditional windows with sash.
They are popular in modern homes due to their slim “sightlines” that allow for unobstructed view, but they can also be incorporated in listed buildings since they do not require transoms or mullions. They’re also a great option for those who live in areas that are difficult to reach because they can be opened with the flick of a handle.
The primary disadvantage of 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 open outward. They could also require regular maintenance and care.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be put in place using a variety methods. The cost of installation will vary according to the selection of materials, thickness, and kind of glass. UPVC windows are generally the most affordable followed by aluminium, and then wooden double glazed sash windows window frames. Specialized glass may also increase the price and also any additional 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 will take longer and require more labor-intensive it will be. This is especially applicable to older properties with more complex design of sash window replacement windows.
A good place to start is to evaluate the condition of your current windows. A survey by a skilled professional will give you a precise idea of what the costs could be.
In general, secondary glazing will have little impact on the overall appearance of your home. This is due to the fact that modern FINEO double glazing is 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 a popular choice because it permits easy access to the existing sash window for cleaning or ventilation. These windows also come with a tilt function, which is activated by opening the catch and then lifting the secondary glazing panel vertically up to a certain point. This is perfect for windows that don’t get opened very often. It can also be used to permit air conditioning access to bay windows. You can even use them to open the middle sash on the traditional sash bay windows to create a more uniform look.