Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are not able to add double glazing to their house due to financial constraints or due to the fact that the building is listed and modifications to the exterior are forbidden.
Secondary glazing for sash windows is a good alternative that can be put in using a variety of methods.
It consists of an extra pane of glass within the existing window frame which prevents cold air from entering your home, while offering insulation and noise reduction.
Fixed Inserts
There are a variety of styles of secondary glazing that are available for Sash windows. Each style has its own set of benefits that range from increased security to less condensation. But which is the best choice for you?
The principle behind secondary glazing is to install an additional glass pane within the window frame. This adds an additional layer of insulation and soundproofing, which can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your home.
However, it's not always possible to add new double-glazed windows for your home, especially if you live in a listed structure or are subject to strict planning regulations that dictate what can and cannot be done to your exterior.
In these cases secondary glazing is a great alternative that can be set up with ease. It's also a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their old home without having to take down the original sash windows and replace them with contemporary ones.
There are a variety of different options available for secondary glazing sash windows, each one of which is configurable to suit the frame you have. Proprietary systems usually have painted aluminium frames that are designed to fit into the depth of a staff bead an existing sash window so that shutters and sills can be kept.
They can be equipped with a variety of mounting methods that include glazing clips and Velcro. They offer a more stylish alternative to screw-fixed units and are especially suited for windows that do not need to be opened often. You can also opt for a fixed lift-out device that can be easily removed and reinstalled to open your windows.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal sliders are the most well-known way to improve existing windows. They are also very discrete and suitable for older structures, conservation areas and listed properties. In the majority of cases, they can be installed without having access to the outside since they are operated from the inside.
They can be operated by hand, and they can be left open or partially closed for ventilation. They are effective in stopping draughts and also filter harmful UV light. In the summer they can be paired with a flyscreen to keep out insects and mosquitoes.
Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems provide all the advantages of double glazing for your original sash window. It consists of PVC double sliding track that runs across all four sides of the cavity with a brush seal around each glass sheet and a handle for a finger pull angle to function as a hand and reduce bowing. It is available in kits of 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be put together to create larger spans.
The acoustic benefits of secondary glazing are very significant and can dramatically enhance noise reduction from outside especially the airport, rail and road traffic. The addition of laminated glass or toughened glasses enhances the acoustic performance. Secondary glazing is a standard feature that can reduce outside noise to 52dB(Rw), and specialist glass like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can provide even greater levels of acoustic performance.
It can boost the efficiency of your home by keeping it warm for longer. This will decrease your reliance on central heat. It is much cheaper than replacing your original sash windows, and can be installed almost everywhere without the need to remove the window or door frame.
Vertical Sliders
Secondary glazing is a cost-effective option that is often easier to manage than full window replacement. It is also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an ideal solution to replace sash windows in Suffolk & Essex with modern insulation benefits, while maintaining the traditional look of older homes.
Vertical Sliders were developed for use in sash windows in which hinged panels from the standard range are not suitable. They feature two secondary sashes that are secured, one over the other, within an outer frame and are supported by robust spring balances to allow for easy movement. The system can be placed on the inside of a window to provide greater thermal efficiency, or it can be fitted with an opening between the glass and the frame for optimum acoustic properties.
They can be equipped with a variety of stops and handles to meet the needs of the homeowner, propping open either the top or bottom pane to allow for ventilation or secured in an open position for additional security. They can also be fitted with an insulating bristle seal that can keep out drafts.
'Choices’ Imagine vertical slider secondary glass features all the authentic wood detailing you'd expect to see in a period window treatment. It is available in a variety of colours that match your existing sash. It's difficult to tell apart from the original sash window with details like sash horns & traditional butt joints included in the design. It's available in an extensive selection of sizes and will accept glass up to 6.8mm to give additional insulation against loss of heat. The tilt-in option permits the individual sashes of the window to be hinged backwards on safety stays to facilitate cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane hinged secondary glass can be fitted to windows in sash of any design such as traditional and casement sash. Our hinged units can be supplied with a keylock handle, and are manufactured with multi-point locking. This combination ensures the glazed panel is held securely in place, and it pulls tight to the outer frame creating a seal designed to minimize heat loss. Hinged windows are available either side or top hung and are also available as double-glazed. box sash windows repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk -glazed windows provide better performance in terms of acoustics and are available in 43dB (for 47dB) and 51dB (for 51dB) or 47dB (for 49dB).
Casement windows are able open to the outside and catch breezes at various angles. This is unlike the horizontal sash window which has movable sashes within the frame that move horizontally. They can be opened both from the top and bottom for controlled ventilation. Because of this, they can help improve airflow and are a viable alternative to traditional windows with sash.
They are typically utilized in modern homes as they offer a few "sightlines" and unobstructed views. However, they can also be incorporated into listed homes because they do not require transoms or mullions. They can also be used in areas that are difficult to access since they can be opened by turning the handle.
The primary disadvantage of this type of window is that they can block off large openings, and could limit the use of certain window treatments. They can be difficult to clean, as they swing outward. They may also require regular maintenance and service.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be set up with a variety of methods and the cost will vary according to the thickness, type and materials you choose for your frame and panes. UPVC frames are the cheapest expensive, followed by aluminium and wooden frames. Specialised glass, as well any additional features like security or sound reduction can increase the cost of windows.
Another factor that affects the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complicated the installation, the longer and more labour it will take. This is also true for heritage properties with more complex sash window designs.
Assessing the condition of existing windows is a good place to start. Having them surveyed by an experienced professional will give you a precise estimate of what the price might be.
In general, secondary glazing has little effect on the appearance of your home. This is thanks to the fact that the modern FINEO double glazing has slim and discrete frame lines, which means you can achieve thermal efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics.
A popular choice of secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which provides easy access to your existing sash windows for cleaning or ventilation. You can also get them with a tilt function, which you can activate by releasing the catch on the secondary glazing panel and lifting it vertically until you reach a predetermined point. This is a great option for windows that don't get opened often. It can also be used to allow air conditioning access to bay windows. You can even use them to open the middle sash of the traditional sash bay windows to create a more uniform look.