Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows

Many homeowners are unable to install new double glazing on their homes, either because of financial limitations or because they live in listed buildings which prohibit any exterior changes.

Secondary glazing is a fantastic alternative for sash window and can be installed several ways.

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

Fixed Inserts

There are many different styles of secondary glazing for sash windows. Each offers a unique set of advantages, from increased security to lower condensation. Which is the best choice for you?

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

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

In these cases secondary glazing is a great alternative that can be put in easily. It's also a popular choice for people looking to update their period property without having to tear down the original sash windows 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 the frame you have. The proprietary systems are typically made of painted aluminum frames that fit into the existing staff bead depth on a sash window. This allows shutters and sills to remain.

They can be equipped with different installation methods including glazing clips or Velcro. These are more appealing than screw-fixed ones and are ideally suited to windows that do not require to be opened frequently. Alternatively, you can choose a fixed lift-out unit, which can be lifted and put back in place with ease, allowing your windows to be opened.

Horizontal Sliders

Horizontal Sliders offer excellent thermal insulation and are the most popular solution for improving existing sash windows. They are also very discreet and ideal for historic buildings, conservation areas & listed properties. They can be fitted in the majority of cases without the need for external access because they are operated from inside.

They can be operated by hand, and they can be left open or partially closed for ventilation. They are extremely effective in getting rid of 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 for your classic Sash windows. It consists of PVC double sliding track on all four sides of cavity with a brush seal around each glass sheet and finger pull angle handle to function as a hand and decrease bowing. It is available in kits of either 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 laminated or toughened glass further enhances the acoustic quality. Secondary glazing that is standard can reduce outside noise by 52dB(Rw), and specialist glass like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can deliver even higher levels of acoustic performance.

It can improve the efficiency of your home by keeping it warm for longer. This will decrease the use of central heating. It is less expensive than replacing the original sash window and can be installed without the need to remove the existing frame.

Vertical Sliders

Secondary glazing is a cost-effective choice that is usually easier to manage than full window replacement. It's also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's a great way to modernize traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their originality.

Vertical Sliders are designed especially for windows with sash openings where standard hinged panels aren't suitable. The system is comprised of two secondary sashes, which are fixed one above the other within an outer frame. They are supported by spring balances that allow for effortless movement. The system is available as a face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the window) for increased thermal performance, or a'reveal fixed version that has an air cavity for glass, within the original window reveal, to ensure optimal acoustic performance.

You can choose from a variety of handles and stop-strips to meet your needs. They can be fixed in the closed position for additional security or propped open for ventilation on the top or bottom glass. They can be equipped with an insulation bristle to stop drafts.

The 'Choices' Imagine vertical slider secondary glass features the same authentic wood details you'd expect in a period window treatment. It is available in a range of colors that match your existing sash. It's almost impossible to distinguish from the original sash windows as features like sash horns and traditional butt joints are integrated into the design. It's available in a wide variety of sizes and can accept glass up to 6.8mm to give additional insulation against heat loss. A tilt-in option is also available that allows the sashes to be hinged towards the back of safety stays to aid in cleaning.

Hinged Casement

Our single-pane hinged secondary glass can be fitted to sash windows of any style such as casement and traditional box sash double glazing. Our hinged units are manufactured with secure multi-point locking and can be supplied with keys lock handles. This will ensure that the glass panel is securely secured and is pulled tightly to the outer frame, forming a sealing to minimize loss of heat. Hinged windows can be top-hung or side-hung and can be double-glazed. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced performance in terms of acoustics and are available in 43dB (for 47dB), 51dB (for 51dB) or 47dB (for 49dB).

In contrast to horizontal sash windows which have movable sashes, slide horizontally within the frame casement windows can open outward and capture breezes from various angles. They can be opened both from the top and bottom to allow controlled ventilation. For this reason, they can help improve airflow and offer an effective alternative to traditional sash windows.

They are commonly employed in modern homes since they offer small "sightlines" and unobstructed views. They can also be incorporated into listed properties due to the fact that they don't require mullions or transoms. They can also be utilized in areas that are difficult to access since they can be opened by turning the handle.

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

Lift Out Windows

Secondary glazing can be put in in a variety of ways and the price will vary depending on the type, thickness, and materials you choose for your frames and panes. UPVC windows are generally the least expensive followed by aluminium, and finally wooden sash window window sash replacement frames. Specialized glass may also increase the cost and also any extra features, such as security or sound reduction.

The complexity of the installation will also affect the cost. The more complicated the project, the longer and more labor it will require. This is also true for heritage properties that have more intricate designs for sash windows.

The best place to begin is by assessing the condition of your current windows. You can get a precise estimate of the cost by having them inspected by an expert.

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

A very popular choice for secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which gives easy access to existing sash windows to clean or ventilation. They also come with a tilt function, that can be activated by unlocking the catch and raising your secondary glazing panel vertically to a specified point. This is ideal for windows that don't open often and can be used to allow access to air cooling in bay windows. You can also use them to open the middle sash of the traditional sash bay windows to give a more symmetrical appearance.