Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are not able to add double glazing to their house due to financial constraints or because the structure is listed and modifications to the exterior are forbidden.
Secondary glazing is an excellent alternative to sash windows. It can be installed in a variety of ways.
It is made up of an additional pane of glass within the existing window frame which stops cold air from entering 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 to pick from. Each style comes with its own set of benefits ranging from increased security to less condensation. Which is the best choice for you?
The principle behind secondary glazing is to install an additional glass pane within your window frame. This provides an additional layer of insulation and noiseproofing to your home, improving its energy efficiency.
However it's not always feasible to install new double-glazed windows to your home particularly if you live in a listed building or are subject to strict planning regulations that dictate what can and can't be done to your exterior.
Secondary glazing is a great alternative in these circumstances. It can be installed relatively easily. It's also a popular option for people looking to update their home without having to tear down the original windows in sash and replace them with new ones.
There are several different systems for secondary glazing on Sash windows. Each system can be adapted to fit your existing frame. Proprietary systems are generally made of painted aluminium frames that fit into the existing depth of the staff bead on the sash window. This allows sills and shutters to remain.
They can be fitted with a variety of installation methods that include glazing clips and Velcro. These offer a more aesthetic alternative to screw-fixed units and are particularly suited to windows that don't need to be opened frequently. You can also choose a fixed lift-out device that can be easily lifted out and reinstalled to open your windows.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal Sliders offer 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. In the majority of cases, they are installed without having access to the outside since they are operated from inside.
They are easy to operate with a hand and can be open wide or left partially open for ventilation. They are very effective in stopping draughts and also they also have the benefit of blocking harmful UV light. In the summer they can be utilized with a flyscreen in order to keep out insects and mosquitoes.
Our Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems offer all the advantages of modern double glazing to your original sash windows. It is comprised of PVC double sliding tracks on the four sides of the cavity with the simple bristle seal that is placed around each glass sheet and finger pull angle handles to act as a handle and reduce bowing. It is available in kits comprising either 1m or 2m lengths of track and angle that can be butted together to create larger spans.
The acoustic advantages of secondary glazing are very significant and can dramatically enhance noise reduction from outside, especially road, rail & airport traffic. The addition of laminated glass or toughened glasses further improves the acoustic performance. Secondary glazing that is standard reduces outside noise to 52dB (Rw) and specialist glass, like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can provide higher levels of acoustic performance.
It can improve the efficiency of your home by keeping it warmer for longer. This can reduce the need for central heating. It is much cheaper than replacing your 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 option which is often more manageable than a complete window replacement. It's also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an excellent way to modernize 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 aren't suitable. The system is comprised of two secondary sashes, which are fixed one above the other inside an outer frame. They are supported by spring balances that allow for ease of movement. The system can be put on the inside of an existing window to ensure more efficient thermal performance, or it can be fitted with a cavity between the frame and the glass to maximize acoustic properties.
They can be equipped with a variety handles and stop strips to accommodate the preferences of the homeowner by allowing the bottom or top pane to let in air, or they can be fixed in a closed position for added security. They can be fitted with an insulation bristle to stop draughts.
Imagine a vertical slider with 'Choices' secondary glazing comes with the same authentic wood detailing you'd expect from a period window treatment. sash window restoration repairmywindowsanddoors in a variety of colors to match your existing sash. It is almost impossible to differentiate from the original sash windows, as features like sash horns and traditional butt joints are included in the design. It is available in various sizes and can take glass up to 6.8mm for additional insulation against loss of heat. The tilt-in feature allows the sashes of each window to be hinged upwards on safety stays to facilitate cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane hinged secondary glass can be fitted to windows in sash of any design including casement and traditional box sash. Our hinged units can be equipped with a keylock handle, and are manufactured with multi-point locking. This ensures that the glazed panel is locked securely in place and pulls close to the frame, forming a seal to reduce heat loss. Hinged windows are available as either side or top hung and can also be constructed by double-glazing. Double-glazed windows are a great way to improve audio-acoustic performance. They are available in 43dB, 47dB and 51dB.
Casement windows can open to the outside and catch breezes from different angles. This is in contrast to a horizontal sash window, which has movable sashes within the frame that slide horizontally. They can also be opened from the top and bottom to offer controlled ventilation. Because of this, they can increase airflow and are a viable alternative to traditional windows made of sash.
They are often employed in modern homes since they offer small "sightlines" and unobstructed views, but can also be incorporated into listed properties because they don't require mullions or transoms. They can also be used in areas that are difficult to access since they can be opened by turning a handle.
This kind of window could be a disadvantage because it could limit the use of certain window treatments. They are difficult to clean as they can swing outwards. They may also require regular maintenance and care.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be installed by a variety of methods. The cost will differ according to your choice of materials such as thickness, thickness and type of glass. uPVC frames are the least expensive, followed by aluminium and wooden frames. Specialized glass may also increase the cost, as well as any additional features like security or sound reduction.
Another factor that will influence the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complicated the project, the longer and more labour it will take. This is also true for heritage properties that have more complex design of sash windows.
Analyzing the condition of windows in use is a good place to start. You can get a precise estimate of the cost by having them inspected by a professional.
In general, secondary glazing will have minimal impact on the overall look of your home. This is thanks to the fact that modern FINEO double glazing is slim and discrete frame lines, which means you can achieve thermal efficiency without compromising on aesthetics.
The horizontal sliding secondary glazing is popular due to its easy access to the existing sash window for cleaning or ventilation. These are also available with a tilt function, that can be activated by unlocking the catch and raising your secondary glazing panel vertically up to a certain degree. 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 Bay Window to create a more symmetrical appearance.