Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows

Many homeowners are unable to build new sash windows double-glazed windows to their homes, either because of financial limitations or because they live in listed buildings that prohibit any exterior modifications.

Secondary glazing for windows with sash is a great alternative and can be installed using a variety of methods.

This product is a double-paned glass that can be placed inside the frame of your window. It provides insulation and noise reduction, while stopping cold air from entering the home.

Fixed Inserts

If you're considering secondary glazing for your sash windows there are a variety of styles to pick from. Each comes with its own number of advantages, ranging from improved security to reduced condensation. Which is the best choice for you?

The basic idea behind secondary glazing is to fit an additional glass pane into your existing window frame. This provides an additional layer of soundproofing and insulation, which can dramatically improve your home's energy efficiency.

It's not always feasible to install double-glazed windows especially if your home is classified as a historic property or you are bound by strict planning regulations that dictate what can and can't be done to your exterior.

Secondary glazing is a fantastic alternative in these situations. It can be set up fairly easily. It's also a popular option for those who want to modernize their old home without the need to tear down the original windows in sash and replace them with contemporary ones.

There are many different options available for secondary glazing sash windows, each of can be customized to fit your existing frame. The proprietary systems are typically comprised of painted aluminum frames that fit into the existing staff bead depth on the sash window. This allows sills and shutters to be kept.

They can be installed with a variety of installation methods that include glazing clips and Velcro. They provide a more attractive solution to screw-fixed units and are ideally suited to windows that aren't required to be opened often. You can also choose an unfixed 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 popular solution to improve the performance of existing windows with sash. They are also very discreet and suitable for older structures, conservation areas and listed properties. In most cases, they can be installed without having access to the outside since they operate from the inside.

They are simple to operate with a hand and can be opened wide or left partially open for ventilation. They are effective at preventing draughts, and they also filter harmful UV light. In the summer they can be utilized together with a flyscreen to keep insects out and mosquitoes.

Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems give all the advantages of double glazing for your original window sash. It comprises of PVC double sliding tracks that run across all four sides of the cavity with a simple bristle seal around each glass sheet, and finger pull angle handles that act as a handle and lessen bowing. It is available in kits of 1m or 2m lengths of track and angle that can be butted together to make larger spans.

Secondary glazing can have a significant impact on noise reduction, especially for road, rail and airport traffic. The addition of toughened or laminated glass further enhances the acoustic quality. Standard secondary glazing reduces outside noise to 52dB (Rw) and specialist glass, like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can deliver even more impressive levels of acoustic efficiency.

It can increase the energy efficiency of your home by keeping it warmer for longer and reducing reliance on central heating. It is less expensive than replacing your original sash windows and can be installed almost everywhere without the need to take out the window or door frame.

Vertical Sliders

Secondary glazing is a cost-effective choice that is often more manageable than a complete window replacement. It is also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an excellent way to modernize traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their distinctive character.

Vertical Sliders are designed especially for windows with sash openings where standard hinged panels don't work. The system has two secondary sashes that are secured one above the other inside an outer frame. They are supported by spring balances that allow for easy movement. The system can be put on the inside of a window to provide more efficient thermal performance or fitted with an opening between the frame and the glass for optimum acoustic properties.

They can be equipped with a variety handles and stop strips to meet the needs of the homeowner and can be used to prop open the bottom or top pane for ventilation or secured in an open position for additional security. They can also be fitted with an insulation bristle to stop drafts.

Imagine a vertical slider with 'Choices' secondary glazing comes with all the authentic timber detailing you'd expect from an antique window treatment and comes in a variety of colors to match your existing sash. It's nearly impossible to distinguish from original sash windows as features like sash windows repair horns as well as traditional butt joints are included in the design. It's available in a wide selection of sizes and will accept glass up to 6.8mm to give additional insulation against loss of heat. The tilt-in feature allows the sashes of each window to be hinged inwards on safety stays to facilitate cleaning.

Hinged Casement

The single-pane hinged secondary glazing can be fitted to sash windows of any style such as casement and traditional box sash double glazing. Our hinged units can be equipped with a keylock handle and are manufactured with multi-point locking. This combination ensures that the glass panel is securely locked in place and is pulled tightly to the frame, forming a seal to minimise heat loss. Hinged windows are available either side or top hung and can also be made as double-glazed. Double-glazed windows are a great way to improve sound insulation and are available in 43dB,47dB or 51dB.

Casement windows are able to open to the outside and catch breezes from different angles. This is unlike the horizontal sash window locks with key window, which has movable sashes within the frame that slide horizontally. They can also be opened from the top and bottom to provide controlled airflow. For this reason, they can improve airflow and are a viable alternative to traditional sash windows.

They are commonly employed in modern homes since they have small "sightlines" and unobstructed views. They can also be incorporated into listed homes because they don't require transoms or mullions. They're also a great choice for hard-to-reach areas since they can be opened by the twist of the handle.

The primary drawback to this kind of window is that they can block off large openings and may restrict the use of certain window treatments. They are also difficult to clean since they open outwards, and may require regular maintenance and servicing.

Lift Out Windows

Secondary glazing can be set up in a variety of ways and the price will vary depending on the type, thickness, and materials you choose for your frame and panes. uPVC windows are usually the least expensive followed by aluminium, and finally wooden window frames. Specialised glass can also increase the price and also any additional features such as sound reduction or security.

Another factor that will influence the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complicated the installation, the longer and more labor-intensive it will be. This is also applicable to older properties that have more intricate design of sash windows.

The best way to start is by assessing 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 can have little effect on the appearance of your home. Modern FINEO double-glazing is thin and subtle frame lines. This lets you achieve thermal efficiency without compromising aesthetics.

A popular option for secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which gives easy access to windows that are already sash for cleaning or ventilation. They also come with a tilt feature, that can be activated by unlocking the catch and raising your secondary glazing panel vertically to a predetermined level. This is a great option for windows that aren't opened often. It can also be used to allow air conditioning access to bay windows. You can use them to open the middle sash of a traditional Bay Window to create a symmetrical appearance.