The 10 Most Scariest Things About Secondary Glazing Sash Windows
Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are unable add double glazing to their home due to financial constraints or because the building is listed and modifications to the exterior are forbidden.
Secondary glazing for sash windows is a good alternative and can be installed in various ways.
It consists of an extra glass pane inside the window frame, which stops cold air from entering your home, as well as offering insulation and noise reduction.
Fixed Inserts
There are many different types of secondary glazing available for sash windows. Each offers a unique number of advantages, ranging from increased security to lower condensation. Which is the best choice for you?
The principle behind secondary glazing is to incorporate an extra pane of glass within the frame of your existing window. This adds an additional layer of soundproofing and insulation, which can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of your home.
However it's not always possible to add new double-glazed windows for your home, especially if you live in a listed building or are subject to strict planning regulations that define what can and can't be done to your exterior.
In these situations secondary glazing is a fantastic alternative that can be set up with relative ease. It's also a popular choice for people looking to update their old home without having to tear down the original sash windows and replace them with contemporary ones.
There are a number of different options available for secondary glazing sash windows (pop over here), all of can be customized to fit your existing frame. The proprietary systems typically feature painted aluminium frames which are designed to fit into the depth of a staff bead on an existing sash window meaning that shutters and sills are still able to be used.
They can be installed with a variety of mounting methods, including glazing clips and Velcro. They offer a more stylish alternative to screw-fixed units and are especially suited for windows that don't need to be opened often. You can also opt for an adjustable lift-out unit that can be lifted and put back in its place with ease to allow windows to be opened.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal Sliders provide excellent thermal insulation and are the most sought-after solution for improving existing sash windows. They are also extremely discreet and suitable for older structures, conservation areas and listed properties. In the majority of cases, they can be installed without external access because they operate by the inside.
They are easy to operate with a hand and can be open wide or left partially open to allow for ventilation. They are very effective in stopping draughts and also they also have the benefit of filtering out harmful UV light. In the summer they can be utilized with a flyscreen to keep out insects and mosquitoes.
Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems give all the advantages of double glazing for your traditional sash window. It consists of PVC double sliding tracks on all four sides of the cavity with 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 of either 1m or 2m lengths of track and angle which can be joined to create larger spans.
Secondary glazing can have a significant effect on noise reduction, particularly for rail, road and airport traffic. The addition of laminated glass or toughened glasses enhances the acoustic performance. Secondary glazing is a standard feature that can reduce outside noise to 52dB(Rw) and specialist glass such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can deliver even higher levels of acoustic performance.
It can improve the energy efficiency of your home by keeping your house 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 window or door frame.
Vertical Sliders
Secondary glazing is an affordable option that is usually easier to manage than full window replacement. It is also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's a great way to upgrade traditional sash Windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their character.
Vertical Sliders are specially designed for mock sash upvc windows windows, where regular hinged panels don't work. The system is comprised of two secondary sashes that are secured one over the other inside an outer frame. They are supported by spring balances, allowing for easy movement. The system can be purchased as a 'face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the existing window) to improve thermal performance or a 'reveal-fixed' version which comes with an air cavity for glass within the window sash repairs's original reveal, for optimum acoustic performance.
They can be fitted with a variety of stops and handles to suit the homeowner's preferences, propping open either the top or bottom pane to allow for ventilation or fixed in an open position for additional security. They can also be fitted with an insulating seal bristle to prevent draughts.
The 'Choices' vertical slider secondary glass has the same authentic wood details you'd expect to find in a period window. It comes in a range of colors that will match your existing sash. It is almost impossible to distinguish from the original sash windows, as features like sash horns and traditional butt joints are incorporated into the design. It is available in many sizes and can be fitted with glass up to 6.8mm for additional insulation against heat loss. The tilt-in option permits the individual sashes of the window to be hinged upwards on safety stays to facilitate cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane hinged secondary glass can be fitted to windows made of sash in any style such as traditional and casement sash window cost. The hinged units we offer can be supplied with a keylock handle and are manufactured with multi-point locking. This combination ensures the glazed panel is locked securely in place and is pulled tight to the outer frame creating a seal designed to minimize heat loss. Hinged windows are available as either top or side-hung and can also be made with double-glazed. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced audio-acoustic performance. They are available in 43dB, 47dB and 51dB.
Unlike horizontal sash windows, with movable sashes that slide horizontally within the frame casement windows are able to open outwards and catch breezes from various angles. They can also be opened from the top and bottom for controlled ventilation. This is why they can increase airflow and offer an effective alternative to traditional sash windows.
They are used in modern homes due to their slim "sightlines" that allow for unobstructed view, but they can also be installed into listed properties because they don't require transoms or mullions. They're also a great choice for hard-to-reach areas because they can be opened with the turn of the handle.
This kind of window can be a problem as it could limit the use of certain window treatments. They are also difficult to clean as they swing outward and could require regular maintenance and servicing.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be put in using a variety ways and the cost will differ depending on the type, thickness and materials you select for your frame and panes. Upvc frames are the most expensive, followed by aluminium and wooden frames. Specialised glass, along with any other features such as security or sound reduction may increase the cost of windows.
Another factor that affects the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complicated the project, the longer and more labor-intensive it will be. This also applies to older homes with more complex sash windows that require specialist knowledge and expertise.
Examining the condition of your windows in use is a good way to start. You can get an accurate estimate of the cost by having them examined by professionals.
In general secondary glazing can have little effect on the appearance of your home. Modern FINEO double-glazing is slim and distinct frame lines. This lets you achieve thermal efficiency without compromising aesthetics.
A popular option for secondary glazing is horizontal sliding sash window locks, which provides an easy access to your windows that are already sash for cleaning or ventilation. These are also available with a tilt function, that can be activated by releasing the catch and lifting the secondary glazing panel vertically to a specified level. This is ideal for windows that aren't used often and is a great way to make it easier to access air cooling in bay windows. You can even use them to open up the middle sash on an old-fashioned sash bay window to create a more uniform look.