The 10 Most Scariest Things About Secondary Glazing Sash Windows

Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows

Many homeowners are unable add double glazing to their homes, either due to financial constraints or due to the fact that the building is listed and any modifications to the exterior are not permitted.

Secondary glazing is an excellent alternative to sash windows and can be installed several ways.

It is made up of an additional pane of glass within the existing window frame which blocks 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 many different styles to pick from. Each style comes with distinct advantages that range from increased security to less condensation. Which is the most effective option for you?

The principle behind secondary glazing is fitting an additional pane of glass within the window frame. This provides an additional layer of insulation and noiseproofing your home, improving its energy efficiency.

It's not always practical to install double-glazed windows particularly if you live in a listed property or if you are bound by strict planning regulations that dictate what can and cannot be done to your exterior.

In these situations, secondary glazing is a great alternative that can be set up with relative ease. It's also a popular option for people looking to update their old home without having to tear down the original windows in sash and replace them with contemporary ones.

There are a number of different options for secondary glazing sash windows (check out this one from historydb.date), each one of can be customized to fit the frame you have. Proprietary systems are generally constructed of painted aluminium frames that fit into the existing depth of the staff bead on a sash window. This allows sills and shutters to remain.

They can be equipped using a variety of methods for installation, like glazing clips or Velcro. They provide a more attractive solution to screw-fixed units and are particularly suited to windows that do not need to be opened often. You can also opt for an unfixed lift-out unit that can be easily lifted out and reinstalled to open your windows.

Horizontal Sliders

Horizontal sliders are the most well-known method of enhancing the appearance of a windows with sash. They are also very discrete and ideal for historic buildings, conservation areas & listed properties. They can be installed in most cases without the need for access from outside since they operate from inside.

They can be operated with a hand and can be left open or partially opened for ventilation. They are effective in stopping draughts and also block harmful UV light. In summer, they can be used with a flyscreen to keep out insects and mosquitoes.

Our Trackglaze horizontal sliding system provides all the advantages of modern double glazing to your traditional sash windows. It comprises of PVC double sliding tracks on all four sides of the cavity, an easy bristle seal around each glass sheet, and finger pull angle handles that act as a handle and lessen 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 extremely significant and can dramatically improve noise reduction from outside especially road, rail & airport traffic. The addition of laminated or toughened glass can further improve acoustic performance. Standard secondary glazing reduces outside noise to 52dB (Rw) and specialist glass, like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass, can achieve higher levels of acoustic efficiency.

It can increase the energy efficiency of your home by keeping your house warmer for longer and decreasing dependence on central heating. It is cheaper than replacing the original sash window, and can be installed without having to remove the existing frame.

Vertical Sliders

Secondary glazing is a cost effective option which is often less expensive than full window replacement. It is also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an excellent way to improve the look of traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their originality.

Vertical Sliders are specially designed for windows with sash openings where standard hinged panels don't work. The system is comprised of two secondary sashes, which are fixed one above the other inside an outer frame. They are supported by spring balances, allowing for effortless movement. The system can be placed on the inside of an existing window for more efficient thermal performance, or it can be equipped with a space between the frame and the glass to ensure the best acoustic performance.

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 let in air, or they can be secured in an open position for additional security. They can also be equipped with an insulating bristle seal to prevent drafts.

The 'Choices' vertical slider secondary glass features the same authentic wood details you'd expect to see in a window sash replacement covering from the past. It comes in a range of colors that will match your existing sash. It's almost impossible to distinguish from the original sash windows as details like sash horns and traditional joints are incorporated into the design. It's available in an extensive selection of sizes and will accept glass up to 6.8mm to provide additional insulation against loss of heat. The tilt-in option permits the sashes of each window to be hinged inwards on safety stays for easier cleaning.

Hinged Casement

Our single-pane secondary glass can be fitted on sash windows in any style, including traditional box sash and casement. Our hinged units can be supplied with a keylock handle and are made with multi-point locking. This ensures that the glazed panel is locked securely in place and pulls tight to the outer frame creating a seal designed to minimise heat loss. Hinged windows can be side-hung or top-hung and can be double-glazed. Double-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 up and let in breezes at different angles. This is different from a the horizontal sash window which has movable sashes within the frame, which slide horizontally. They can also be opened from both the top and bottom to offer controlled ventilation. For this reason, they can help improve airflow and are a viable alternative to traditional windows made of sash.

They are used in modern homes due to their slim "sightlines" that permit clear views, however they can also be incorporated into listed properties because they don't require mullions and transoms. They're also a great option for areas that are difficult to access as they can be opened by the twist of the handle.

The primary drawback to this type of window is that it can block large openings and may restrict 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 installed by a variety of methods. The cost will differ depending on your preference of the materials, thickness, and kind of glass. upvc sash windows frames are the least expensive followed by aluminium, and wooden frames. Specialised glass, along with any other features such as security or sound reduction may also increase prices.

The complexity of the installation will also influence the cost. The more complicated the project is, the more time and labor it will require. This is especially true for heritage properties with more complex design of sash window repairs windows.

The best way to start is to assess the condition of your current windows. Having them surveyed by a skilled professional will give you an accurate idea of what the costs might be.

In general secondary glazing can have a minimal effect on the look of your home. Modern FINEO double-glazing has thin and discrete frame lines. This lets you get the most efficient heat without compromising aesthetics.

The horizontal sliding secondary glazing option is a popular choice because it permits easy access to the sash window to clean or for ventilation. They also come with a tilt feature which can be activated by releasing the catch and then lifting your secondary glazing panel vertically up to a certain degree. This is a great option for windows that aren't opened often. It can be used to provide air conditioning access in bay windows. You can also use them to open the middle sash of a traditional sash Bay Window to create a symmetrical appearance.