The 10 Scariest Things About Secondary Glazing Sash Windows
Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are unable to install new double glazing on their homes due to financial limitations or because they live in listed buildings which prohibit any exterior changes.
Secondary glazing is an excellent alternative for sash window and can be installed several ways.
It's an additional pane of glass within 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 style has each of its own benefits ranging from increased security to less condensation. Which one is best for you?
The basic premise of secondary glazing is to install an additional glass inside your existing window frame. This provides an additional layer of soundproofing and insulation which can dramatically improve your home's energy efficiency.
However it's not always possible to add new double-glazed windows for your home particularly if you reside in a listed building or are subject to strict planning regulations that define what can and cannot be done to your exterior.
In these instances, secondary glazing sash window [resources] glazing is a fantastic alternative that can be installed with ease. It's a popular option for those who wish to update their period home without the need to replace the original sash window with a modern one.
There are many different options for secondary glazing sash windows, all of which is configurable to suit the frame you have. Proprietary systems typically have painted aluminium frames that are designed to fit into the depth of a staff bead on an existing sash window, meaning that shutters and sills can be kept.
They can be equipped with different installation methods like glazing clips or Velcro. They provide a more attractive alternative to screw-fixed units and are ideally suited to windows that do not need to be opened regularly. You can also choose an unfixed lift-out unit that can be easily lifted out and reinstalled to allow you to open your windows.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal Sliders provide excellent thermal insulation and are the most sought-after solution to improve the performance of existing sash windows. They are also very discrete and suitable for older structures, conservation areas and listed properties. They can be installed with the need for access from outside as they are operated from inside.
They are easy to operate with a hand and can be open wide or left partially open to allow for ventilation. They are extremely effective in eliminating draughts and have the added 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 provide all the benefits of double glazing for your original window sash. It consists of pvc sash windows double sliding track that runs across all four sides of the cavity and a simple brush seal around each sheet of glass and a handle for a finger pull angle to function as a hand, reducing bowing. It comes in kits of 1m or 2m track and angle that can be stacked together to create larger spans.
The acoustic benefits of secondary glazing are significant and can dramatically improve noise reduction from outside especially the airport, rail and road traffic. The addition of laminated glass or toughened glasses further enhances the acoustic performances. Standard secondary glazing reduces outside noise to 52dB (Rw) and special glass, like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass, can achieve even more impressive levels of acoustic performance.
It can improve the energy efficiency of your home by keeping it warmer for longer. This will reduce the need for 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 less expensive than full window replacement. It's also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's the ideal option to replace window sashes windows with sash in Suffolk & Essex with modern insulation benefits while keeping the charm of older homes.
Vertical Sliders were designed to be used in sash window applications where regular hinged panels are not suitable. The system features two secondary sashes that are secured one above one within an outer frame. They are supported by spring balances that allow for easy movement. The system can be installed on the inside of a window to provide better thermal performance, or it can be fitted with a space between the glass and the frame for optimum acoustic properties.
They can be equipped with a variety handles and stop strips to accommodate the preferences of the homeowner and can be used to prop open the top or bottom pane to allow for ventilation or secured in a closed position for added security. They can also be equipped with an insulating bristle sealing device to prevent draughts.
'Choices’ Imagine vertical slider secondary glass features the same authentic wood details you'd expect in a window covering from the past. It comes in a variety of colors that match your existing sash. It's difficult to distinguish from the original sash window, with features like the sash's horns and traditional butt joints included in the design. It's available in an extensive range of sizes and accepts glass up to 6.8mm to provide additional insulation against loss of heat. A tilt-in option is also available to allow the individual sashes of the frame to hinge into the safety stays to aid in cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane hinged secondary glazing can be fitted to windows in sash of any design such as casement and traditional box sash. Our hinged units can be equipped with a keylock handle, and are made with multi-point locking. This ensures that the glazed panel is locked securely in place, and it pulls close to the frame, forming a seal to reduce heat loss. Hinged windows can be purchased as either top or side-hung and are also available with 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 are able open outwards and catch breezes from different angles. This is in contrast to a the horizontal sash window, which has movable sashes within the frame, which slide horizontally. They can be opened both from the top and bottom to allow controlled airflow. They can therefore improve airflow, and offer a fantastic alternative to traditional sash window.
They are often utilized in modern homes as they have small "sightlines" and unobstructed views, but can also be incorporated into listed homes because they do not require transoms or mullions. They're also a great option for those who live in areas that are difficult to reach since they can be opened by the flick of the handle.
This type of window can be a disadvantage because it could limit the use of certain window treatments. They can also be difficult to clean since they swing outward, and may require regular maintenance and servicing.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be installed in a variety of ways and the cost will differ depending on the type, thickness and materials you select for your frame and panes. UPVC windows are typically the least expensive, followed by aluminium and finally wooden window frames. Specialised glass, along with any extra features such as security or sound reduction may increase the cost of windows.
Another factor that will influence the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complex the project will take longer and require more 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 that are in use is a good place to start. You can get an accurate estimate of the cost by having them inspected by an expert.
In general secondary glazing can have little effect on the look of your home. Modern FINEO double-glazing features slim and distinct frame lines. This lets you improve thermal efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics.
A popular choice of secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which allows easy access to windows that are already sash windows repair for cleaning or ventilation. You can also get them with a tilt feature, which you can activate by releasing the catch on the secondary glass panel and lifting it vertically until you reach a predetermined point. This is a great option for windows that don't get 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 an old-fashioned sash bay window to give a more symmetrical appearance.