A Productive Rant About Secondary Glazing Sash Windows

Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows

Many homeowners are not able to add double glazing to their house, either because of financial limitations or due to the fact that the building is listed and modifications to the exterior are not permitted.

Secondary glazing is a fantastic alternative to sash windows. It can be installed in a variety of ways.

It is made up of an additional glass pane inside the existing window frame which prevents cold air from entering your home, while providing insulation and noise reduction.

Fixed Inserts

There are many different types of secondary glazing for Sash windows. Each style has its own set of benefits ranging from increased security to reduced condensation. But which is the best choice for you?

The fundamental idea behind secondary glazing is to fit an additional glass into your existing window frame. This adds an additional layer of soundproofing and insulation which can dramatically increase the efficiency of your home's energy use.

It's not always practical to add double-glazed windows, particularly if you live in a listed property or you are bound by strict planning regulations that dictate what can and cannot be done to your exterior.

Secondary glazing is a great alternative in these circumstances. It can be set up relatively easily. It's also a popular choice for those who want to modernize their home without having to take down the original sash windows and replace them with new ones.

There are several different systems for secondary glazing on windows made of sash. Each one can be adapted to fit the frame you already have. The proprietary systems are typically constructed of painted aluminum frames that fit into the existing staff bead depth on a sash window. This allows shutters and sills to be retained.

They can be equipped with a variety of installation methods such as glazing clips and Velcro. They offer a more stylish alternative to screw-fixed units and are especially suited for windows that aren't required to be opened regularly. You can also choose a fixed lift-out unit that can be easily removed and reinstalled to allow you to open your windows.

Horizontal Sliders

Horizontal Sliders offer excellent thermal insulation and are the most popular solution to improve the performance of existing windows made of sash. They are also extremely discreet and are ideal for historic buildings, conservation areas, and listed properties. They can be fitted with the need for access from outside as they are operated from inside.

They are simple to operate by hand and can be open wide or left partially open for ventilation. They are very effective at getting rid of draughts, and they also have the benefit of removing harmful UV light. In the summer they can be paired with a flyscreen in order to keep insects out and mosquitoes.

Our Trackglaze horizontal sliding system provides all the benefits of modern double glazing for your classic sash windows. It is comprised of PVC double sliding track that runs across all four sides of the cavity with a brush seal around each glass sheet and a finger pull angle handle to act as a hand and decrease bowing. It is available in kits with 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be stacked together to create bigger spans.

The acoustic benefits of second glazing are extremely significant and it can significantly reduce noise from outside, particularly the airport, rail and road traffic. The addition of toughened or laminated glass further enhances acoustic performance. Secondary glazing that is standard can reduce outside noise to 52dB(Rw), and specialist glass such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can deliver even higher levels of acoustic performance.

It can increase the energy efficiency of your house by keeping it warmer longer. This will decrease your reliance on central heat. It is less expensive 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 choice that is usually easier to manage than full window replacement. It's also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's the ideal option to replace windows with sash in Suffolk & Essex with modern insulation benefits while retaining the traditional look of older homes.

Vertical Sliders are designed especially for windows with sash openings where standard hinged panels aren't appropriate. They feature two secondary sashes which are secured to one sash over the other, within an outer frame and are supported by strong spring balances to allow for easy movement. The system is available as a face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the existing window) to improve thermal performance, or a'reveal fixed' version which comes with a glass-to-glass cavity, within the original window reveal, for optimal audio-acoustic performance.

You can choose from a variety of handles and stop-strips to match your preferences. They can be put in the closed position for extra security or propped open for ventilation on the glass's top or bottom. They can also be equipped with an insulating bristle sealing device to prevent drafts.

'Choices’ Imagine vertical slider secondary glass features all the authentic wood detailing you'd expect to see in a period window. It comes in a range of colors that will match your existing sash. It's difficult to differentiate from the original sash window, with details such as the sash's horns and traditional butt joints included in 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. A tilt-in option is available to allow the sashes to be hinged inward on safety stays for easier cleaning.

Hinged Casement

Our single-pane hinged secondary glass can be fitted to windows made of sash in any style including casement and traditional box sash. Our hinged units can be supplied with a keylock handle, and are manufactured with multi-point locking. This combination ensures that the glazed panel is locked in place and pulls tightly against the frame, forming a seal to minimize loss of heat. Hinged windows can be top-hung or side-hung, and they can also be double-glazed. Our double-glazed windows provide enhanced sound insulation and are available in 43dB, 47dB or 51dB.

Casement windows are able open outwards and catch breezes at different angles. This is in contrast to a the horizontal sash window which has movable sashes within the frame, which slide horizontally. They can also be opened from the top and bottom for controlled ventilation. They also improve airflow, and are a great alternative to traditional sash window.

They are often used in modern homes because they have small "sightlines" and unobstructed views. They can also be fitted into listed homes because they don't require transoms or mullions. They're also a good option for areas that are difficult to access as they can be opened with the flick of the handle.

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

Lift Out sash double glazing www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk glazing can be installed in a variety of ways and the cost will differ depending on the thickness, type and the materials you select for your panes and frame. Upvc frames are the most expensive followed by aluminium, and wooden frames. Specialised glass, along with any additional features like security or sound reduction could also raise prices.

Another aspect that can affect the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complex the project will take longer and more labour will be required. This also applies to heritage properties with more complex sash windows that require specialized knowledge and expertise.

Assessing the condition of existing windows is a good way to start. You can get a precise estimate of the cost by having them examined by a professional.

In general secondary glazing has an insignificant impact on the appearance of your home. Modern FINEO double-glazing features thin and discrete frame lines. This lets you improve thermal efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics.

The horizontal sliding secondary glazing is popular because it allows easy access to the sash window for cleaning or ventilation. You can also get them with a tilt feature, which you can activate by unlocking the catch on the secondary glass panel and then lifting it vertically until you reach a predetermined point. This is ideal for windows that don't get opened very often. It can also be used to allow air conditioning access in bay windows. You can also use them to open up the middle sash of a traditional sash bay window to create a more symmetrical look.