Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are unable add new double glazing to their homes due to financial constraints or because they live in listed buildings that prohibit any modifications to the exterior.
Secondary glazing for sash windows is a good alternative and can be installed with a variety of ways.
It's an additional glass pane inside the window frame, which stops cold air from entering your home, while also offering insulation and noise reduction.
Fixed Inserts
If you're considering secondary glazing for your sash windows there are a variety of styles you can pick from. Each offers a unique set of benefits, from increased security to less condensation. Which one is the best option for you?
The principle behind secondary glazing is to incorporate an additional glass into your existing window frame. This creates an extra layer of soundproofing and insulation which can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your home.
It's not always feasible to add double-glazed windows, especially if your home is a listed property or you are governed by strict planning regulations that dictate what can and can't be done with your exterior.
In these situations secondary glazing is an excellent alternative that can be put in easily. It's a popular option for those who want to update their period home without having to replace the original sash window with a modern one.
There are a variety of different options available for secondary glazing sash windows, each of which is configurable to suit your existing frame. 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 are still able to be used.
They can be equipped with a variety of installation methods, including glazing clips and Velcro. These units are more attractive than screw-fixed ones and are ideally suited to windows that don't need to be opened frequently. You can also choose a fixed lift-out device that can be easily removed and then reinstalled to open your windows.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal Sliders offer excellent thermal insulation and are the most popular option for enhancing existing sash windows. They are also discreet and are ideal for historic homes, conservation areas & listed properties. In the majority of cases, they can be installed without having access to the outside since they operate from inside.
They are easy to operate with a hand and can be opened wide or left partially open for ventilation. They are effective at stopping draughts and also block harmful UV light. They can be used in conjunction with a flyscreen to keep out mosquitoes and other insects during the summer months.
Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems provide all the advantages of double glazing for your traditional sash window. It comprises of PVC double sliding tracks that run across all four sides of the cavity, an easy bristle seal around each glass sheet and finger pull angle handles to serve as handles and decrease bowing. It is available in kits comprising either 1m or 2m lengths of track and angle which can be joined to create larger spans.
The acoustic benefits of secondary glazing are significant and it can significantly enhance noise reduction from outside, especially road, rail & airport traffic. The addition of laminated or toughened glass can further improve acoustic performance. Secondary glazing that is standard reduces outside noise to 52dB (Rw) and special glass, like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can provide even higher levels of acoustic efficiency.
It can increase the efficiency of your home by keeping it warmer for longer and decreasing dependence on central heating. It is less expensive than replacing your sash windows and is installed without the need to remove the existing 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 also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's a great option to upgrade windows with sash in Suffolk & Essex with modern insulation benefits while retaining the charm of older homes.
Vertical Sliders were developed to be used in sash window applications where hinged panels of the regular kind are not suitable. They come with two secondary sashes that are secured to one sash above the other, within an outer frame and are supported by strong spring balances to allow for easy movement. The system can be installed on the inside of a window to provide more efficient thermal performance, or it can be fitted with an opening between the frame and the glass for optimum acoustic properties.
They can be equipped with a variety of stops and handles to meet the needs of the homeowner and can be used to prop open the top or bottom pane to allow for ventilation or placed in a closed position for added security. They can be equipped with an insulation bristle to block draughts.
'Choices' Imagine vertical slider secondary glazing comes with all the authentic timber detailing you'd expect from a vintage window treatment. It's also available in a variety of colors to match your existing sash. It's almost impossible to distinguish from the original sash window, with details like sash horns and traditional butt joints incorporated into the design. sash window replacement repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk comes in a 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 individual sashes of the window to be hinged upwards on safety stays for easier cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane secondary glazing is able to be positioned on sash windows of any design, including traditional box sash and casement. Our hinged units can be supplied with a keylock handle, and are made with multi-point locking. This will ensure that the glass panel is securely locked in place and pulls tightly against the frame, creating a seal to minimise heat loss. Hinged windows can be side-hung or top-hung and can be double-glazed. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced sound insulation and are available in 43dB (for 47dB) and 51dB (for 51dB) or 47dB (for 49dB).
Unlike horizontal sash windows, which have movable sashes, slide horizontally within the frame casement windows can be opened outward and capture breezes from a variety of angles. They can be opened both from the top and bottom for controlled ventilation. Because of this, they can increase airflow and provide an effective alternative to traditional sash windows.
They are often used in modern homes because they have small "sightlines" and unobstructed views. They can also be used in listed properties due to the fact that they don't require mullions or transoms. They can also be used in places that are difficult to reach since they are easily opened by turning a handle.
The main drawback of this type of window is that they can block large openings, and could limit the use of certain window treatments. They are also difficult to clean as they swing outward, and could require regular maintenance and service.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be put in place using a variety methods. The cost will vary according to your choice of materials, thickness, and kind of glass. UPVC frames are the cheapest expensive followed by aluminium, and wooden frames. Specialized glass can also add to the price and also any additional features like sound reduction or security.
Another factor that will influence the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complicated the project is, the more time and labor it will require. This also applies to older homes with more complex sash windows that require specialist knowledge and expertise.
A good place to start is by assessing the condition of your existing windows. You can get an accurate estimate of the cost by having them inspected by an expert.
In general, secondary glazing will have little impact on the overall appearance of your home. This is thanks to the fact that modern FINEO double-glazing has sleek and subtle frame lines, which means you can get the most efficient thermal performance without sacrificing aesthetics.
A very popular choice for secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which provides an easy access to your existing sash windows to clean or ventilation. It is also possible to get them with a tilt function which you can activate by releasing the catch on the secondary glazing panel and lifting it vertically to a preset point. This is ideal for windows that don't get opened often. It can also be used to permit air conditioning access in bay windows. They can be used to open the middle sash of a traditional Bay Window to create a symmetrical appearance.