Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows

Many homeowners are not able to add new double glazing to their homes due to financial constraints or because they live in listed buildings that restrict any exterior modifications.

Secondary glazing for windows with sash is a great alternative that can be put in with a variety of ways.

It consists of an extra glass pane inside the window frame, which blocks cold air from entering your home, while also offering insulation and noise reduction.

Fixed Inserts

There are many different types of secondary glazing for Sash windows. Each style comes with distinct advantages ranging from increased security to less condensation. Which is the best option for you?

The principle behind secondary glazing is fitting an additional glass inside your existing window frame. This creates an extra layer of soundproofing and insulation which can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your home.

However it's not always feasible to install new double-glazed windows for your home, especially if you live in a listed building or are subject to strict planning regulations that dictate what can and cannot be done to your exterior.

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

There are many different systems available for secondary glazing sash windows, each one of can be customized to fit your frame. Proprietary systems usually have painted aluminium frames which are made to fit within the depth of a staff bead on an existing sash window, which means that sills and shutters can be kept.

They can be fitted with a variety of installation methods, including glazing clips and Velcro. These types of units look more attractive than screw-fixed units and are best suited for windows that don't need to be opened often. Alternately, you can opt for a fixed lift-out unit that can be lifted and put back in its place with ease to allow windows to be opened.

Horizontal Sliders

Horizontal Sliders offer excellent thermal insulation and are the most well-known option for enhancing existing windows made of sash. They are also discrete and ideal for historic properties, conservation areas & listed properties. In most instances, they can be installed without access from outside because they operate from the inside.

They can be operated with a hand, and they can be left open or partially opened to allow ventilation. They are very effective in eliminating draughts and they also have the benefit of filtering out harmful UV light. They can be combined with a flyscreen to ward off mosquitoes and other insects during summer months.

Our Trackglaze horizontal sliding system provides all the benefits of modern double glazing to your original Sash windows. It is comprised of PVC double sliding track on all four sides of the cavity and a simple brush seal around each glass sheet and a finger pull angle handle to function as a hand, reducing bowing. It comes in kits of 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be stacked together to create larger spans.

Secondary glazing can have a significant impact on noise reduction, particularly for road, rail and airport traffic. The use of laminated glass or toughened glasses further enhances the acoustic performances. Secondary glazing that is standard can reduce outside noise to 52dB(Rw) and specialized glass like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can deliver even higher levels of acoustic performances.

It can boost the energy efficiency of your home by keeping it warmer longer. This can reduce your reliance on central heat. It is much cheaper than replacing your sash windows and is installed almost everywhere without the need to take out the window or door frame.

Vertical Sliders

Secondary glazing is an affordable option that is often simpler to manage than a full window replacement. It's suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an ideal solution to upgrade windows made of sash in Suffolk & Essex with modern insulation benefits while retaining the character of older homes.

Vertical Sliders are designed especially for sash windows where regular hinged panels aren't suitable. They feature two secondary sashes which are secured to one sash above the other, within an outer frame. They are supported by strong spring balances to allow for easy movement. The system can be placed on the inside of an existing window for better thermal performance or equipped with a space between the frame and the glass for optimum acoustic properties.

They can be fitted with a variety of 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 secured in the closed position to provide security. They can be fitted with an insulation bristle to stop draughts.

Imagine vertical sliders in 'Choices' secondary glazing has the same authentic wood detailing you'd expect from a period window treatment. It's also available in an array of colours to match your existing sash. It's almost impossible to distinguish from original sash windows as details like sash horns and traditional joints are integrated into the design. It's available in an extensive variety of sizes and can accept glass up to 6.8mm to provide additional insulation against loss of heat. The tilt-in option allows the sashes of each window to be hinged inwards to make it easier for cleaning.

Hinged Casement

Our single-pane secondary glazing is able to be fitted on sash windows of any design, 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 will ensure that the glazed panel is locked securely in place and pulls close to the frame creating a seal designed to minimise heat loss. Hinged windows are available either top or side hung and can also be made as double-glazed. Our double-glazed windows provide enhanced acoustic performance and are available in 43dB,47dB or 51dB.

Casement windows can open outwards and catch breezes at various angles. This is unlike the horizontal sash window that has movable sashes inside the frame that move horizontally. They can be opened from the top and bottom to allow controlled ventilation. Because of this, they can improve airflow and offer an effective alternative to traditional windows with sash.

They are commonly utilized in modern homes as they have small "sightlines" and unobstructed views. However, they can also be fitted into listed properties due to the fact that they don't require transoms or mullions. They're also a good choice for hard-to-reach areas since they can be opened by the turn of a handle.

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

Lift Out Windows

Secondary glazing can be put in in a variety of ways and the cost will differ depending on the type, thickness, and materials you choose for your frame and panes. upvc sliding sash windows frames are the least expensive followed by aluminium, and then wooden frames. Specialised glass, along with any other features such as security or sound reduction can also raise prices.

Another aspect that can affect the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complex the project will take longer and require more labor it will require. This is especially the case for older homes that have more intricate design of sash windows.

Assessing the condition of existing windows is a good way to start. You can get a precise estimate of the cost by having them inspected by a professional.

In general secondary glazing can have little effect on the appearance of your home. This is thanks to the fact that modern FINEO double glazing has sleek and subtle frame lines, so 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 window replacement windows for cleaning or ventilation. It is also possible to get them with a tilt function which is activated by unlocking the catch on the secondary glazing sash window glazing panel and lifting it vertically to a preset point. This is ideal for windows that aren't opened often. It can be used to provide air conditioning access in bay windows. It is also possible to use them to open up the middle sash on the traditional sash bay windows to create a more uniform look.