The 10 Scariest Things About Secondary Glazing Sash Windows

Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows

Many homeowners are unable add double glazed sash window glazing to their homes, either because of financial limitations or because the building is listed and any exterior modifications are prohibited.

secondary double glazing for sash windows glazing is an excellent alternative for sash window and can be put in various ways.

It consists of an extra pane of glass inside the window frame, which prevents cold air from getting into your home, while providing insulation and noise reduction.

Fixed Inserts

There are a variety of styles of secondary glazing for sash windows. Each style comes with each of its own benefits ranging from increased security to reduced condensation. Which is the best choice for you?

The principle behind secondary glazing is fitting an additional glass pane within your window frame. This provides an additional layer of soundproofing and insulation, which can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your home.

However, it's not always possible to add double-glazed windows to your home particularly if you reside in a listed structure or are subject to strict regulations regarding planning that dictate what can and can't be done to your exterior.

In these cases, secondary glazing is an excellent alternative that can be set up easily. It's also a popular option for people looking to update their period property without having to tear down the original windows in sash and replace them with new ones.

There are a variety of different systems available for secondary glazing sash windows (you can look here), each one of that can be adapted to fit your frame. Proprietary systems are usually made of painted aluminum frames that fit into the existing staff bead depth on the sash window. This allows shutters and sills to remain.

They can be equipped using a variety of installation methods that include glazing clips and Velcro. These units are more attractive than screw-fixed units and are ideal for windows that do not need to be opened often. Alternatively, you can opt for a fixed lift out unit that can be lifted out and put back in place with relative ease to allow windows to be opened.

Horizontal Sliders

Horizontal sliders are the most well-known method of enhancing the appearance of a sash window. They are also quiet and suitable for older homes, conservation areas & listed properties. In most cases, they can be installed without access from outside because they are operated from the inside.

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

Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems give all the benefits of double glazing for your traditional Sash window. It is comprised of PVC double sliding tracks on all four sides of the cavity, a simple bristle seal around each glass sheet and finger pull angle handles that act as a handle and decrease bowing. It is available in kits of 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be put together to create bigger spans.

The acoustic benefits of secondary glazing are extremely significant and can dramatically improve noise reduction from outside, especially road, rail & airport traffic. The use of laminated glass or toughened glasses further enhances the acoustic performances. Standard secondary glazing reduces outside noise to 52dB (Rw) and specialist glass, like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can provide even more impressive levels of acoustic performance.

It can boost the energy efficiency of your home by keeping it warmer longer. This can reduce the use of central heating. It is less expensive than replacing sash cords the original sash window, and can be installed without the need to remove the existing frame.

Vertical Sliders

Secondary glazing is an affordable option that is usually easier to manage than full window replacement. It's also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's a great option to improve the look of traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their originality.

Vertical Sliders were developed to be used in sash window applications where regular hinged panels aren't suitable. They feature two secondary sashes that are secured, one over the other, within an outer frame and are supported by sturdy spring balances that allow for effortless movement. The system is available as a 'face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the existing window) to improve thermal performance, or a'reveal fixed version that is fitted with an air cavity for glass, within the original window reveal, for optimum acoustic performance.

You can choose from a variety of handles and stop-strips to meet your needs. They can be positioned in the closed position to provide extra security or propped open to allow ventilation on the top or bottom glass. They can be fitted with an insulation bristle to block draughts.

Imagine vertical sliders in 'Choices' secondary glazing has all the authentic timber detailing you'd expect from a period window treatment. It's available in an array of colours 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 included in the design. It's available in a wide selection of sizes and will accept glass up to 6.8mm to provide additional insulation against heat loss. The tilt-in option permits the sashes of each window to be hinged backwards on safety stays to facilitate cleaning.

Hinged Casement

The single-pane hinged secondary glazing can be fitted to sash windows of any style such as traditional and casement sash. Our hinged units can be supplied with a keylock handle and are constructed with multi-point locking. This will ensure that the glass panel is securely locked in place and is pulled tightly to the outer frame, forming a sealing 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), 51dB (for 51dB) or 47dB (for 49dB).

Casement windows can open up and let in breezes from different angles. This is in contrast to a the horizontal sash window which has movable sashes within the frame that move horizontally. They can also be opened from both the top and bottom to provide controlled airflow. They are therefore able to improve airflow and offer a fantastic alternative to traditional sash window repairs windows.

They are used in modern homes due to their slim "sightlines" that allow for clear views, however they can also be installed into listed properties because they do not require transoms or mullions. They are also a good option for areas that are difficult to access because they can be opened by the turn of a handle.

The primary disadvantage of 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 open outwards, and may require regular maintenance and service.

Lift Out Windows

Secondary glazing can be installed using a variety methods. The cost will vary according to the choice of materials, thickness, and type of glass. UPVC frames are the cheapest expensive followed by aluminium, and then wooden frames. Specialised glass can also increase the price, as well as any extra features, such as sound reduction or security.

The complexity of the installation will affect the cost. The more complicated the project is, the more time and labour it will take. This is especially true for heritage properties with more complex sash window designs.

The best way to start is to evaluate the condition of your existing windows. You can get a reliable estimate of the cost by having them inspected by an expert.

Generally speaking, secondary glass will have minimal impact on the overall appearance of your home. Modern FINEO double-glazing has thin and discrete frame lines. This lets you get the most efficient heat without compromising aesthetics.

A popular option for secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which gives easy access to existing sash windows to clean or ventilation. They also come with a tilt feature which is activated by unlocking the catch and raising the secondary glazing panel vertically to a specified point. This is ideal for windows that aren't opened often and can be used to make it easier to access air conditioning in bay windows. They can be used to open the middle sash in a traditional sash Bay Window to create a symmetrical appearance.