Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are not able to add double glazing to their house due to financial constraints or because the building is listed and any exterior modifications are prohibited.
Secondary glazing for windows made of sash is an excellent alternative that can be put in with a variety of ways.
This product is a double-paned window that fits into your existing window frame. It offers insulation and noise reduction, in addition to stopping cold air from entering your home.
Fixed Inserts
If you're thinking of secondary glazing for your sash windows there are many different styles to pick from. Each comes with its own number of advantages, ranging from improved security to reduced condensation. Which one is the best option for you?
The fundamental idea behind secondary glazing is to incorporate an extra pane of glass within the frame of your existing window. This creates an extra layer of soundproofing and insulation which can greatly improve your home's energy efficiency.
However, it's not always possible to add double-glazed windows to your property, especially if you live in a listed structure or are subject to strict regulations regarding planning which dictate what can and cannot be done to your exterior.
In these cases, secondary glazing is a great alternative that can be set up easily. It's also a popular option for those who want to modernize their old home without having to take down the original sash windows and replace them with contemporary ones.
There are sash windows repair repairmywindowsanddoors of different systems available for secondary glazing sash windows, each of which is configurable to suit the frame you have. Proprietary systems are generally constructed of painted aluminum frames that fit the existing bead depth on the sash window. This allows shutters and sills to be kept.
They can be equipped using a variety of methods for installation, like glazing clips or Velcro. These are more appealing than screw-fixed units and are best suited for windows that don't need to be opened frequently. You can also opt for a fixed lift-out unit, which can be lifted out and then put back in its 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 windows with sash. They are also discrete and suitable for older homes or conservation areas as well as listed properties. In most instances, they can be installed without having access to the outside since they are operated from inside.
They can be operated manually, and they can be left open or partially closed for ventilation. They are effective in stopping draughts and also filter harmful UV light. In summer they can be paired with a flyscreen in order to keep out insects and mosquitoes.
Our Trackglaze horizontal sliding system offers all the advantages of modern double glazing to your traditional Sash windows. It consists of PVC double sliding tracks on the four sides of the cavity, an easy bristle seal around each glass sheet, and finger pull angle handles that act as a handle and reduce bowing. It comes in kits of 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be stacked together to create larger spans.
Secondary glazing can have a significant effect on noise reduction, especially for rail, road and airport traffic. The addition of laminated or toughened glass further enhances the acoustic quality. Secondary glazing that is standard reduces outside noise to 52dB (Rw) and specialist glass, such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass, can achieve higher levels of acoustic performance.
It can improve the efficiency of your home by keeping your house warmer for longer and decreasing dependence on central heating. It's less expensive than replacing the original sash window and can be installed without the need to remove the existing frame.
Vertical Sliders
Secondary glazing is a cost-effective choice that is often more manageable than a complete window replacement. It is also suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's an excellent way to modernize traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their originality.
Vertical Sliders are specially designed for windows with sash openings where standard hinged panels aren't suitable. The system has two secondary sashes that are fixed one above the other within an outer frame. They are supported by spring balances, allowing for easy movement. The system can be placed on the inside of a window to provide greater thermal efficiency or equipped with a space between the glass and the frame to maximize acoustic properties.
They can be equipped with a variety stops and handles to suit the homeowner's preferences by allowing the bottom or top pane to let in air or secured in the closed position to provide security. They can be fitted with an insulation bristle to stop draughts.
Imagine vertical sliders in 'Choices' secondary glazing comes with the same authentic wood detailing you'd expect from a period window treatment. It's available in a variety of colors to match your existing sash. It's nearly 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 be fitted with glass up to 6.8mm to add insulation to heat loss. The tilt-in feature allows the individual sashes of the window to be hinged inwards on safety stays to facilitate cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane secondary glass can be positioned on sash windows of any design, including traditional box sash and casement. Our hinged units are constructed with a secure multi-point locking system and are available with keys and a handle for the lock. This will ensure that the glass panel is secured securely in place and pulls close to the frame creating a seal designed to minimize heat loss. Hinged windows can be top-hung or side-hung and can be double-glazed. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced sound insulation and are available in 43dB (for 47dB), 51dB (for 51dB) or 47dB (for 49dB).
Unlike horizontal sash windows, which have movable sashes, slide horizontally within the frame, casement windows are able to open outwards and catch breezes from different angles. They can be opened both from the top and bottom for controlled ventilation. This is why they can increase airflow and offer an effective alternative to traditional windows made of sash.
They are popular in modern homes due to their slim "sightlines" which allow for unobstructed view, but they can also be incorporated in listed homes since they don't require transoms or mullions. They can also be utilized in hard-to-reach places as 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 coverings. They can also be difficult to clean because they open outwards, and may require regular maintenance and service.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be put in using a variety ways and the price will vary depending on the type, thickness and materials you choose for your frames and panes. Upvc frames are the most expensive, followed by aluminium and wooden frames. Specialized glass, in addition to any extra features such as security or sound reduction can increase the cost of windows.
Another factor that affects the cost is the complexity of the installation. The more complex the project is, the more time and labor-intensive it will be. This is also true for heritage properties with more intricate sash window designs.
The best place to begin is by assessing the condition of your current windows. You can get a reliable estimate of the cost by having them checked by professionals.
Generally speaking, secondary glass will have a minimal impact on the overall look of your home. This is due to the fact that modern FINEO double glazing has slim and discrete frames, meaning you can get the most efficient thermal performance without sacrificing aesthetics.
The horizontal sliding secondary glazing option is popular because it allows easy access to the existing sash window to clean or for ventilation. You can also get them with a tilt feature, which is activated by unlocking the catch on your secondary glazing panel and lifting it vertically to a preset point. This is perfect for windows that aren't opened very often. It can also be used to allow air conditioning access to bay windows. You can also use them to open up the middle sash on an old-fashioned sash bay window to create a more uniform look.