Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows

Many homeowners are unable add double glazing to their home due to financial constraints or because the building is listed and exterior modifications are prohibited.

Secondary glazing for sash windows is a good alternative and can be installed in various ways.

It's an additional pane of glass inside the window frame that prevents cold air from getting into your home, while providing insulation and noise reduction.

Fixed Inserts

If you're thinking about secondary glazing for your sash window replacement windows, there are a variety of styles you can pick from. Each comes with its own number of advantages, ranging from increased security to lower condensation. Which one is best for you?

The fundamental idea behind secondary glazing is to incorporate an additional glass pane within the frame of your existing window. This adds a layer of insulation and noiseproofing your home, improving its energy efficiency.

However, it's not always possible to add double-glazed windows for your home particularly if you live in a listed structure or are subject to strict regulations regarding planning that define what can and cannot be done to your exterior.

Secondary glazing is a great alternative in these instances. It can be put in quite easily. It's also a popular option for people looking to update their old home without having to tear down the original sash windows and replace them with new ones.

There are a number of different options available for secondary glazing sash windows, each of which is configurable to suit your existing frame. Proprietary systems are usually constructed of painted aluminium frames that fit into the existing staff bead depth on windows with sash. This allows sills and shutters to be retained.

They can be fitted with a variety of installation methods that include glazing clips and Velcro. These are more appealing than screw-fixed ones and are ideal for windows that don't need to be opened often. You can also select a fixed lift-out device that can be easily removed and then reinstalled to open your windows.

Horizontal Sliders

Horizontal sliders are the most popular method of enhancing the appearance of a sash window. They are also quiet and are ideal for historic homes, conservation areas & listed properties. They can be fitted in most cases without the need for external access since they operate from inside.

They can be operated by hand, and they can be left open or partially opened for ventilation. They are very effective in getting rid of draughts, and have the added benefit of blocking harmful UV light. In the summer they can be paired with a flyscreen to keep insects out and mosquitoes.

Our Trackglaze horizontal sliding system provides all the advantages of modern double glazing for your classic windows made of sash. It consists of PVC double sliding track on all four sides of cavity and a simple brush seal around each glass sheet and finger pull angle handle to function as a hand and reduce 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 very significant and can dramatically improve noise reduction from outside, particularly railway, road and airport traffic. The use of laminated glass or toughened glasses further enhances the acoustic performance. Standard secondary glazing reduces outside noise to 52dB (Rw) and specialist glass, like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can deliver higher levels of acoustic performance.

It can increase the efficiency of your home by keeping your house warmer for longer and decreasing dependence on central heating. It is less expensive than replacing your sash windows and can be installed without the need to take out the window or door frame.

Vertical Sliders

Secondary glazing is a cost effective alternative that is usually more manageable than full window replacement. It's also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an ideal solution for upgrading traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex with modern insulation benefits while keeping the traditional look of older homes.

Vertical Sliders are specially designed for sash secondary glazing windows, where regular hinged panels aren't suitable. The system features two secondary sashes that are secured one over one within an outer frame. They are supported by spring balances to allow for effortless movement. The system can be installed on the inside of a window to provide more efficient thermal performance, or it can be fitted with a space between the frame and the glass to maximize 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 top or bottom pane to let in air, or they can be placed in a closed position for added security. They can be fitted with an insulation bristle to block drafts.

The 'Choices' Imagine vertical slider secondary glass comes with the same authentic wood details you'd expect to find in a window covering from the past. It comes in a variety of colors that match your existing sash. It is almost impossible to distinguish from original mock sash upvc windows windows as details such as sash horns and traditional joints are integrated into the design. It is available in various 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 into the safety stays to aid in cleaning.

Hinged Casement

Our single-pane secondary glazing can be fitted on sash windows in any style, including traditional box sash and casement. Our hinged units are constructed with secure multi-point locking and can be supplied with keys and a handle for the lock. This combination ensures the glass panel is secured securely in place, and it pulls tight to the outer frame, creating a seal to minimise heat loss. Hinged windows can be top-hung or side-hung, and they can also be double-glazed. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced sound insulation and are available in 43dB,47dB or 51dB.

Casement windows can open to the outside and catch breezes at various angles. This is unlike horizontal sash window, with movable sashes in the frame, which slide horizontally. They can also be opened from both the top and bottom to offer controlled airflow. They are therefore able to increase airflow and offer a fantastic alternative to traditional sash windows.

They are commonly used in modern homes because they have small "sightlines" and unobstructed views. They can also be fitted into listed homes because they do not require transoms or mullions. They can also be used in places that are difficult to reach since they can be opened by turning a handle.

The primary drawback to this type of window is that it can block large openings, and could limit the use of certain window treatments. They are also difficult to clean since they swing outward, and may require regular maintenance and servicing.

Lift Out Windows

Secondary glazing can be installed using a variety of ways. The cost will differ according to the preference of the materials such as thickness, thickness and kind of glass. upvc sash windows are typically the least expensive, followed by aluminium and finally wooden window frames. Specialized glass, in addition to any additional features like security or sound reduction may also raise prices.

The complexity of the installation will also affect the cost. The more complex the project, the more time and labour will be required. This is also applicable to older properties with more complex design of sash windows.

Assessing the condition of windows in use is a good way to begin. You can get a precise estimate of the cost by having them examined by an expert.

In general secondary glazing has little effect on the appearance of your home. This is due to the fact that the modern FINEO double glazing has slim and discrete frames, meaning you can attain thermal efficiency without compromising on aesthetics.

A very popular choice for secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which allows an easy access to your existing sash windows to clean or ventilation. These are also available with a tilt feature, that can be activated by unlocking the catch and lifting the secondary glazing panel vertically to a specified level. This is ideal for windows that aren't frequently opened. It can be used to provide air conditioning access to bay windows. It is also possible to use them to open the middle sash on the traditional sash bay windows to give a more symmetrical appearance.