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, either due to financial constraints or due to the fact that the building is listed and any modifications to the exterior are not permitted.
Secondary glazing is an excellent alternative to sash windows. It can be put in various ways.
It consists of an extra pane of glass within the window frame that stops cold air from getting into your home, while also providing insulation and noise reduction.
Fixed Inserts
If you're thinking about secondary glazing for your sash windows, there are several different styles you can pick from. Each has its own number of advantages, ranging from improved security to reduced condensation. Which is the best choice for you?
The principle behind secondary glazing is fitting an additional pane of glass within the window frame. This adds an additional layer of insulation and soundproofing, which can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your home.
It's not always feasible to add double-glazed windows, particularly if your house is classified as a historic property or you are bound by strict planning regulations dictating what can and can't be done to your exterior.
In these situations, secondary glazing is an excellent alternative that can be put in with ease. It's also a popular option for those looking to upgrade their home without having to tear down the original windows in sash and replace them with modern ones.
There are a number of different options available for secondary glazing sash windows, each of can be customized to fit the frame you have. Proprietary systems typically have painted aluminium frames that are designed to fit within the depth of a staff bead on an existing sash window restoration window which means that sills and shutters can be kept.
They can be equipped using a variety of methods for installation, including glazing clips or Velcro. They offer a more stylish solution than screw-fixed units, and are ideally suited to windows that don't need to be opened frequently. You can also opt for a fixed lift-out unit that can be easily lifted out and reinstalled to allow you to open your windows.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal sliders are the most well-known way to improve existing windows with sash. They are also discrete and suitable for older homes, conservation areas & listed properties. In the majority of cases, they are installed without external access because they are operated from the inside.
They can be operated with a hand and can be left open or partially opened to allow ventilation. They are effective in stopping draughts and also block harmful UV light. In the summer, they can be used with a flyscreen to keep out insects and mosquitoes.
Our Trackglaze horizontal sliding system offers all the advantages of modern double glazing to your traditional sash and case window repairs windows. It consists of PVC double sliding track on all four sides of cavity, a simple brush seal around each sheet of glass and finger pull angle handle to act as a hand, reducing bowing. It comes in kits of 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be stacked together to create larger spans.
The acoustic benefits of secondary glazing are extremely important and can enhance noise reduction from outside, especially railway, road and airport traffic. The addition of laminated glass or toughened glasses further enhances the acoustic performance. Standard secondary glazing can reduce outside noise to 52dB(Rw) and specialist glass like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can deliver even higher levels of acoustic performance.
It can increase the efficiency of your home by keeping it warmer longer. This will decrease your reliance on central heat. It is much cheaper than replacing your original sash windows, and can be installed almost everywhere without the need to remove the window or door frame.
Vertical Sliders
Secondary glazing is a cost-effective alternative that is usually more manageable than full window replacement. It's also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's a great way to improve the look of traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their character.
Vertical Sliders are specially designed for sash window restoration near me windows, where regular hinged panels aren't suitable. They have two secondary sashes that are secured with one over the other, within an outer frame. They are supported by robust spring balances to allow for easy movement. The system can be purchased as a 'face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the window) for improved thermal performance or a 'reveal-fixed version that has a glass to glass cavity, within the original window reveal, for optimum sound quality.
They can be equipped with a variety handles and stop strips to suit the homeowner's preferences, propping open either the bottom or top pane to let in air, or they can be fixed in an open position for additional security. They can be fitted with an insulation bristle to block drafts.
The 'Choices' Imagine vertical slider secondary glass comes with all the authentic wood detailing you'd expect in a period window treatment. It comes in a variety of colors that match your existing sash. It's almost impossible to tell apart from the original sash window with details like sash horns and traditional butt joints included in the design. It comes in a variety of sizes and can accept glass up to 6.8mm to add insulation to heat loss. A tilt-in option is available to allow the individual sashes of the frame to hinge into the safety stays for easier cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane hinged secondary glazing can be fitted to windows made of sash in any style including casement and traditional box sash. The hinged units we offer are made with a secure multi-point locking system and are available with keys and a handle for the lock. This combination ensures the glazed panel is locked securely in place and pulls tight to the outer frame, creating a seal to minimize heat loss. Hinged windows are available either top or side hung and are also available by double-glazing. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced performance in terms of acoustics and are available in 43dB (for 47dB), 51dB (for 51dB) or 47dB (for 49dB).
Unlike horizontal sash windows, which have movable sashes that slide horizontally within the frame casement windows are able to open outwards and let in breezes from a variety of angles. They can be opened both from the top and bottom for controlled airflow. For this reason, they can help improve airflow and are a viable alternative to traditional sash windows.
They are commonly used in modern homes due to their narrow "sightlines" that permit an unobstructed view. However, they can also be incorporated into listed properties because they don't require transoms and mullions. They're also a good choice for hard-to-reach areas because they can be opened with the turn of the handle.
This type of window can be a disadvantage because it could limit the use of certain window coverings. They can also be difficult to clean because they swing outward and could require regular maintenance and service.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be put in place using a variety methods. The cost of installation will vary according to the choice of materials, thickness, and kind of glass. uPVC frames are the least expensive, followed by aluminium and then wooden double glazed sash windows frames. Specialised glass can also increase the cost and also any extra features, such as sound reduction or security.
Another aspect that can affect the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complex the project is, the more time and labor-intensive it will be. This can also apply to historic properties with more intricate sash windows that require specialized knowledge and expertise.
A good place to start is by assessing the condition of your existing windows. The survey conducted by an experienced professional will give you an accurate estimate of what the price might be.
Generally speaking, secondary glazing will have minimal impact on the overall look of your home. This is due to the fact that modern FINEO double glazing is sleek and subtle frame lines, so you can get the most efficient thermal performance without compromising on aesthetics.
A very popular choice for secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which provides easy access to your existing sash windows for cleaning or ventilation. They also come with a tilt function, which can be activated by unlocking the catch and then lifting the secondary glazing panel vertically up to a certain point. This is a great option for windows that aren't used frequently and can be used to facilitate access for 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.