Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are not able to add double glazing to their house, either due to financial constraints or because the building is listed and modifications to the exterior are forbidden.
Secondary glazing for windows with sash is a great alternative and can be installed using a variety of methods.
It is made up of an additional pane of glass within the window frame, which stops cold air from getting into your home, while also offering insulation and noise reduction.
Fixed Inserts
There are a variety of styles of secondary glazing for sash windows. Each style has each of its own benefits ranging from increased security to reduced condensation. Which is the most effective choice for you?
The fundamental idea behind secondary glazing is the installation of an additional pane of glass inside your existing window frame. This adds an additional layer of soundproofing and insulation, which can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your home.
However it's not always feasible to install new double-glazed windows to your property particularly if you live in a listed structure or are subject to strict regulations regarding planning that dictate what can and cannot be done to your exterior.
Secondary glazing is a fantastic alternative in these instances. It can be set up relatively easily. It's a popular choice for those who wish to modernize their home without the need to replace the original sash window an updated version.
There are a variety of different options available for secondary glazing sash windows, each of can be customized to fit your frame. 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.
These can be fitted using a variety of methods for installation, like glazing clips or Velcro. These types of units look more attractive than screw-fixed ones and are ideally suited to windows that do not require to be opened often. Alternately, you can opt for an adjustable lift-out unit, which can be lifted out and put back in its place with ease, allowing your windows to be opened.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal Sliders offer excellent thermal insulation and are the most popular solution for improving existing windows made of sash. They are also discrete and ideal for historic properties or conservation areas as well as listed property. In the majority of instances, they can be installed without external access because they are operated from the inside.
new sash windows can be operated with a hand and can be left open or partially closed for ventilation. They are effective in preventing draughts, and they also block harmful UV light. In the summer they can be utilized with a flyscreen to keep out insects and mosquitoes.
Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems offer all the advantages of double glazing for your traditional sash window. It consists of PVC double sliding track on all four sides of the cavity with a brush seal around each glass sheet and a handle for a finger pull angle to act as a hand and reduce bowing. It is available in kits of either 1m or 2m lengths of track and an angle, which can be butted together to create larger spans.
The acoustic benefits of second glazing are very significant and can dramatically enhance noise reduction from outside especially the airport, rail and road traffic. The addition of laminated glass or toughened glasses enhances the acoustic performances. Standard secondary glazing can reduce outside noise to 52dB(Rw) and specialized glass such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can deliver even higher levels of acoustic performances.
It can increase the efficiency of your house by keeping it warm for longer. This can reduce the need for central heating. It's much less expensive than replacing your original sash windows, and can be installed without the need to remove the existing window or door frame.
Vertical Sliders
Secondary glazing is a cost-effective choice that is usually easier to manage than full window replacement. It is also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an excellent way to upgrade traditional sash Windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their character.
Vertical Sliders were specifically designed for sash window applications where hinged panels of the regular kind would not be suitable. The system is comprised of two secondary sashes that are secured one above one within an outer frame. They are supported by spring balances, allowing for ease of movement. The system is available as a 'face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the existing window) for improved thermal efficiency or a'reveal-fixed version, which is fitted with a glass-to-glass cavity inside the window reveal, to ensure optimal sound quality.
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 for ventilation, or they can be secured in the closed position to provide security. They can also be fitted with an insulating bristle seal to stop drafts.
Imagine vertical sliders in 'Choices' secondary glazing has the same authentic wood detailing you'd expect from a vintage window treatment. It's available in an array of colours to match your existing sash. It's nearly impossible to differentiate from the original sash window, with details like sash horns & traditional butt joints incorporated into the design. It's available in a wide selection of sizes and will accept glass up to 6.8mm to give additional insulation against loss of heat. The tilt-in option allows the individual sashes of the window to be hinged inwards to make it easier for cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane hinged secondary glass can be incorporated into windows made of sash in any style such as casement and traditional box sash. The hinged units we offer are made with secure multi-point locking and are available with keys and a handle for the lock. This will ensure that the glazed panel is held securely in place and is pulled tightly against the frame creating a seal designed to minimize heat loss. Hinged windows can be top-hung or side-hung, and they can also be double-glazed. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced audio-acoustic performance. They are available in 43dB,47dB or 51dB.
Casement windows can open up and let in breezes at various angles. This is unlike the horizontal sash window, that has movable sashes inside the frame, which slide horizontally. They can also be opened from both the top and bottom for controlled airflow. For this reason, they can increase airflow and offer an effective alternative to traditional windows with sash.
They are popular in modern homes due to their small "sightlines" which allow for an unobstructed view. However, they can also be put in listed buildings since they don't require transoms or mullions. They are also a good option for those who live in areas that are difficult to reach as they can be opened with the flick of a handle.
The main drawback of this type of window is that they can block off large openings, and could limit the use of certain window treatments. They can also be difficult to clean as they open outwards, and could require regular maintenance and service.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be put in place using a variety of ways. The cost of installation will vary depending on your preference of the materials thickness, thickness, and the type of glass. Upvc frames are the most expensive followed by aluminium, and then wooden frames. Specialised glass can also increase the cost and include extra features, such as security or sound reduction.
The complexity of the installation will impact the cost. The more complicated the project, the more time and labor will be required. This is also applicable to older properties with more intricate designs for sash windows.
The best place to begin is to assess the condition of your existing windows. A survey by a skilled professional will give you a precise estimate of what the cost might be.
In general secondary glazing can have little effect on the look of your home. Modern FINEO double-glazing has thin and discrete frame lines. This allows you to achieve thermal efficiency without compromising aesthetics.
A popular option for secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which provides easy access to your existing sash windows to clean or ventilation. It is also possible to get them with a tilt function which is activated by unlocking the catch on the secondary glazing panel and then lifting it vertically until you reach a predetermined point. This is a great option for windows that aren't opened frequently and can be used to allow access to air cooling in bay windows. They can be used to open the middle sash of a traditional sash Bay Window to create a symmetrical appearance.