The 10 Most Scariest Things About Secondary Glazing Sash Windows

Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows

Many homeowners are unable to add new double glazed timber sash windows glazing to their homes due to financial limitations or because they live in listed buildings that prohibit any modifications to the exterior.

Secondary glazing is a fantastic alternative for sash window and can be installed in a variety of ways.

It's an additional pane of glass within the existing window frame which prevents cold air from entering your home, while offering insulation and noise reduction.

Fixed Inserts

There are many different types of secondary glazing that are available for sash windows. Each comes with its own set of benefits, from increased security to less condensation. But which is the best choice for you?

The fundamental idea behind secondary glazing is fitting an additional glass pane within your window frame. This adds an additional layer of soundproofing and insulation, which can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency.

It's not always practical to install double-glazed windows especially if your home is a listed property or if you are bound by strict planning regulations that dictate what can and can't be done with your exterior.

In these cases, secondary glazing is a fantastic alternative that can be put in with relative ease. It's also a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their period property without the need to tear down the original windows in sash and replace them with contemporary ones.

There are a number of different systems available for secondary glazing sash windows, all of can be customized to fit your existing frame. Proprietary systems are generally made of painted aluminium frames that fit into the existing staff bead depth on windows with sash. This allows shutters and sills to remain.

They can be equipped with a variety of installation methods that include glazing clips and Velcro. These offer a more aesthetic alternative to screw-fixed units and are especially suited for windows that aren't required to be opened regularly. Alternatively, you can opt for a fixed lift-out unit, which can be lifted out and then put back in place with ease to allow windows to be opened.

Horizontal Sliders

Horizontal Sliders offer excellent thermal insulation and are the most popular solution for improving existing sash windows. They are also extremely discreet and suitable for older buildings, conservation areas, and listed properties. In the majority of cases, they can be installed without having access to the outside since they are operated from inside.

They are easy to operate by hand and can be opened wide or left partially open to allow for ventilation. They are very effective in getting rid of draughts, and they also have the benefit of blocking harmful UV light. They can be combined with a flyscreen to keep out mosquitoes and other insects during the summer months.

Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems give all the advantages of double glazing for your traditional window sash. It consists of PVC double sliding track on all four sides of cavity, a simple brush seal around each sheet of glass and a handle for a finger pull angle to function as a hand and reduce 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 impact on noise reduction, particularly for road, rail and airport traffic. The inclusion of laminated glass or toughened glasses further improves the acoustic performance. Standard secondary glazing can reduce outside noise by 52dB(Rw), and specialist glass such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can provide even greater levels of acoustic performance.

It can improve the energy efficiency of your home by keeping it warmer for longer and reducing reliance on central heating. It is cheaper than replacing the original sash window and can be installed without removing the frame.

Vertical Sliders

Secondary glazing is a cost-effective choice that is usually more manageable than a complete window replacement. It's also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an excellent way to improve the look of traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their distinctive character.

Vertical Sliders were specifically designed to be used in sash window applications in which hinged panels from the standard range would not be suitable. They have two secondary sashes that are secured to one sash over the other, within an outer frame. They are supported by strong spring balances for ease of movement. The system can be purchased as a 'face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the window) for increased thermal efficiency or a'reveal-fixed version, which has a glass-to-glass cavity within the window sash repairs's original reveal, for optimal sound quality.

They can be equipped with a variety handles and stop strips to accommodate the preferences of the homeowner by allowing the top or bottom pane to let in air or placed in a closed position for added security. They can also be fitted with an insulating bristle seal that can keep out drafts.

Imagine vertical sliders in 'Choices' secondary glazing has all the timber-like details you'd expect from an antique window treatment. It's also available in a variety of colors to match your existing sash. It's almost impossible to distinguish from the original sash window with details like sash horns & traditional butt joints included in the design. It comes in a variety of sizes and can take glass up to 6.8mm for additional insulation against heat loss. A tilt-in option is also available allowing the individual sashes of the frame to hinge inward on safety stays to aid in cleaning.

Hinged Casement

The single-pane hinged secondary glazing can be fitted to windows in sash of any design, including casement and traditional box sash windows sash. Our hinged units are manufactured with secure multi-point locking and are available with a key lock handle. This ensures that the glass panel is securely locked in place and is pulled tightly against the frame, forming a sealing to minimise loss of heat. Hinged windows can be top-hung or side-hung, and they can also be double-glazed. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced acoustic performance and are available in 43dB, 47dB and 51dB.

Casement windows can open to the outside and catch breezes from different angles. This is unlike horizontal sash window, that has movable sashes inside the frame, which slide horizontally. They can be opened both from the top and bottom for controlled airflow. They also increase airflow and offer a fantastic alternative to traditional sash windows.

They are used in modern homes due to their narrow "sightlines" that permit unobstructed view, but they can also be incorporated in listed homes since they do not require transoms or mullions. They are also a good choice for hard-to-reach areas since they can be opened by the turn of the handle.

The main drawback of this kind of window is that they can block large openings and may restrict the use of certain window treatments. They are difficult to clean, as they swing outwards. They may also require regular maintenance and care.

Lift Out Windows

Secondary glazing can be installed in a variety of ways and the price will vary depending on the thickness, type and the materials you select for your frame and panes. uPVC windows are usually the most affordable followed by aluminium and then wooden window frames. Specialised glass, along with any extra features such as security or sound reduction can also increase prices.

The complexity of the installation will also influence the cost. The more complex the project is, the more time and labour it will take. 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 place to start. You can get an accurate estimate of the cost by having them inspected by a professional.

In general secondary glazing has a minimal effect on the look of your home. This is thanks to the fact that the modern FINEO double glazing is slim and discrete frame lines, so you can get the most efficient thermal performance without sacrificing aesthetics.

The horizontal sliding secondary glazing option is a popular choice because it permits easy access to the sash window for cleaning or ventilation. These windows also come with a tilt feature, that can be activated by opening the catch and lifting your secondary glazing panel vertically to a specified point. This is a great option for windows that aren't opened often and is a great way to allow access to air conditioning in bay windows. You can also make use of them to open the middle sash window restoration of an old-fashioned sash bay window to give a more symmetrical appearance.