The 10 Most Scariest Things About Secondary Glazing Sash Windows
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 not permitted.
Secondary glazing for windows made of sash is an excellent alternative and can be installed in various ways.
It is made up of an additional glass pane inside the window frame, which stops cold air from entering your home, while providing insulation and noise reduction.
Fixed Inserts
There are many different types of secondary glazing that are available for sash windows. Each has its own set of advantages, from increased security to lower condensation. But which is the best choice for you?
The fundamental idea behind secondary glazing is to incorporate an additional glass pane into your existing window frame. This creates an extra layer of insulation and soundproofing, which can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency.
However it's not always possible to add new double-glazed windows to your home particularly if you live in a listed building or are subject to strict planning regulations that dictate what can and cannot be done to your exterior.
Secondary glazing is an excellent alternative in these situations. It can be set up relatively easily. It's also a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their home without the need to tear down the original sash windows and replace them with contemporary ones.
There are many different systems available for secondary glazing sash windows, all of which is configurable to suit your existing frame. Proprietary systems typically have painted aluminium frames which are made to fit within the depth of a staff bead on an existing sash window which means that sills and shutters can be kept.
They can be installed with a variety of installation methods, including glazing clips and Velcro. They provide a more attractive alternative to screw-fixed units and are ideally suited to windows that aren't required to be opened regularly. You can also select a fixed lift-out unit that can be easily removed and then reinstalled to open your windows.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal Sliders provide excellent thermal insulation and are the most well-known solution for improving existing windows made of sash. They are also extremely discreet and ideal for historic buildings, conservation areas & listed properties. They can be fitted in most cases without the need for external access as they are operated from inside.
They can be operated by hand and can be left open or partially opened to allow ventilation. They are very effective in eliminating draughts and offer the added benefit of removing harmful UV light. In the summer, they can be used with a flyscreen in order to keep insects out and mosquitoes.
Our Trackglaze horizontal sliding sash window system offers all the advantages of modern double glazing to your traditional sash windows. It is comprised of PVC double sliding track that runs across all four sides of cavity and a simple brush seal around each glass sheet and a finger pull angle handle to function as a hand and decrease bowing. It comes in kits with 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be stacked together to create larger spans.
Secondary glazing can have a significant effect on noise reduction, particularly for road, rail and airport traffic. The inclusion of laminated glass or toughened glasses further enhances the acoustic performance. Secondary glazing is a standard feature that can reduce outside noise by 52dB(Rw), and specialist glass such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can deliver even higher levels of acoustic performance.
It can increase the energy efficiency of your home by keeping it warmer for longer, and reducing dependence on central heating. It's less expensive than replacing the original sash window, and can be installed without removing the frame.
Vertical Sliders
Secondary glazing is a cost-effective option which is often more manageable than full window replacement and is perfectly suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an ideal solution to replace windows made of sash in Suffolk & Essex with modern insulation benefits while retaining the traditional look of older homes.
Vertical Sliders are designed especially for windows with sash window refurbishment openings where standard hinged panels aren't suitable. They have two secondary sashes which are secured with one above the other, within an outer frame. They are supported by strong spring balances that allow for effortless movement. The system can be put on the inside of an existing window to ensure greater thermal efficiency or fitted with a cavity between the frame and the glass to maximize acoustic properties.
They can be equipped with a variety handles and stop strips to suit the homeowner's preferences by allowing the top or bottom pane for ventilation or placed in a closed position for added security. They can also be fitted with an insulation bristle to block draughts.
'Choices’ Imagine vertical slider secondary glass features the same authentic wood details you'd expect to see in a period window. It comes in a variety of colors that match your existing sash window restoration. It's difficult to tell apart from the original sash window, with details such as sash horns and traditional butt joints being incorporated into the design. It comes in a variety of sizes and can take glass up to 6.8mm to add insulation to heat loss. The tilt-in option allows the individual sashes of the window to be hinged backwards on safety stays for easier cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane secondary glazing can be fitted on sash windows of any style, including traditional box sash and casement. Our hinged units are manufactured with secure multi-point locking and are available with a key lock handle. This combination ensures that the glass panel is securely locked in place and is pulled tightly to the frame, forming a sealing to minimize heat loss. Hinged windows can be top-hung or side-hung and can be double-glazed. Double-glazed windows are a great way to improve sound insulation and are available in 43dB, 47dB and 51dB.
Casement windows are able to open to the outside and catch breezes at various angles. This is in contrast to a the horizontal sash window, which has movable sashes within the frame that slide horizontally. They can be opened from the top and bottom for controlled airflow. For this reason, they can help improve airflow and offer an effective alternative to traditional windows made of sash.
They are popular in modern homes due to their small "sightlines" that permit an unobstructed view. However, they can also be incorporated in listed homes since they do not require mullions and transoms. They are also a good option for those who live in areas that are difficult to reach since they can be opened by the turn of the handle.
The main drawback of this kind of window is that they can block off large openings and may restrict the use of certain window treatments. They are difficult to clean as they open outwards. They may also require regular maintenance and service.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be set up using a variety ways and the price will vary depending on the type, thickness, and the materials you select for your frame and panes. Upvc frames are the most expensive, followed by aluminium and then wooden frames. Specialised glass can also increase the price and also any additional features such as security or sound reduction.
The complexity of the installation will impact the cost. The more complex the project is, the more time and labor-intensive it will be. This also applies to older homes with more complex sash windows that require specialized knowledge and expertise.
Analyzing the condition of windows in use is a good way to begin. You can get a reliable estimate of the cost by having them inspected by an expert.
In general secondary glazing can have little effect on the appearance of your home. Modern FINEO double-glazing has thin and subtle frame lines. This lets you achieve thermal efficiency without compromising aesthetics.
The horizontal sliding secondary glazing is a popular choice because it permits easy access to the existing sash window to clean or for ventilation. These are also available with a tilt function, which can be activated by unlocking the catch and raising your secondary glazing panel vertically to a specified degree. This is great for windows that don't open often and can be used to make it easier to access air cooling in bay windows. They can be used to open the middle sash windows refurbishment of a traditional Bay Window to create a symmetrical appearance.