The 10 Scariest Things About Secondary Glazing Sash Windows
Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are not able to add double glazing to their house due to financial constraints or due to the fact that the building is listed and modifications to the exterior are not permitted.
Secondary glazing for windows made of sash is an excellent alternative and can be installed using a variety of methods.
It consists of an extra pane of glass within the window frame, which blocks cold air from getting into your home, while also providing insulation and noise reduction.
Fixed Inserts
There are many different types of secondary glazing for sash windows. Each style has distinct advantages including increased security and reduced condensation. Which is the best choice for you?
The basic idea behind secondary glazing is to fit an additional glass pane into your existing window frame. This provides an additional layer of insulation and noiseproofing your home, increasing its energy efficiency.
However it's not always feasible to add double-glazed windows to your property, especially if you live in a listed structure or are subject to strict regulations regarding planning that dictate what can and can't be done to your exterior.
Secondary glazing is a fantastic alternative in these situations. It can be put in quite easily. It's also a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their period property without having to take down the original sash windows and replace them with modern ones.
There are a number of different options available for secondary glazing sash windows (official Opensourcebridge blog), each one of which is configurable to suit your frame. The proprietary systems are typically made of painted aluminum frames that fit into the existing depth of the staff bead on windows with sash. This allows shutters and sills to be kept.
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 ideally suited to windows that do not need to be opened often. You can also opt for a fixed lift-out unit that can be easily lifted out and then reinstalled to open your windows.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal Sliders offer excellent thermal insulation and are the most well-known solution for improving existing windows made of sash. They are also very discreet and are ideal for historic structures, conservation areas and listed properties. They can be installed with the need for external access because they are operated from inside.
They can be operated with a hand and can be left open or partially opened to allow ventilation. They are very effective in getting rid of draughts, and offer the added benefit of removing harmful UV light. They can be used in conjunction with an insect screen to deter mosquitoes and other insects during summer months.
Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems provide all the advantages of double glazing for your original window sash. It consists of PVC double sliding tracks on all four sides of the cavity and an easy bristle seal around each glass sheet and finger pull angle handles that act as a handle and lessen bowing. It is available in kits of 1m or 2m track and angle that can be stacked together to create bigger spans.
Secondary glazing can have a significant impact on noise reduction, especially for road, rail and airport traffic. The addition of toughened or laminated glass further enhances acoustic performance. Standard secondary glazing can reduce outside noise to 52dB(Rw) and specialized glass like Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can achieve even higher levels of acoustic performance.
It can boost the energy efficiency of your home by keeping it warm for longer. This will decrease the use of central heating. It is less expensive than replacing the original sash window, and can be installed without having to remove the frame.
Vertical Sliders
Secondary glazing is an affordable option that is usually easier to manage than full window replacement. It's suitable for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas. It's a great option to modernize traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their character.
Vertical Sliders are specifically designed for windows with sash openings where standard hinged panels aren't appropriate. The system is comprised of two secondary sashes, which are secured one above the other inside an outer frame. They are supported by spring balances that allow for easy movement. The system can be purchased as a 'face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the window) to improve thermal performance, or a'reveal fixed' version which is fitted with a glass-to-glass cavity within the window's original reveal, for optimum sound quality.
You can pick from a variety of handles and stop-strips to meet your needs. They can be put in a closed position for additional security or propped open to allow ventilation on the top or bottom glass. They can be fitted with an insulation bristle to block draughts.
The 'Choices' vertical slider secondary glass features all the authentic wood detailing you'd expect to find in a period window treatment. It comes in a variety of colors that will match your existing mock sash upvc windows. It's nearly impossible to distinguish from the original sash windows, as details like sash horns and traditional butt joints are included in the design. It's available in a wide variety of sizes and can accept glass up to 6.8mm to provide additional insulation against loss of heat. The tilt-in option allows the sashes of each window to be hinged backwards on safety stays to facilitate cleaning.
Hinged Casement
Our single-pane secondary glazing can be positioned on sash windows of any style including traditional box sash and casement. Our hinged units are equipped with a keylock handle and are manufactured with multi-point locking. This will ensure that the glazed panel is locked in place and is pulled tightly to the outer frame, forming a seal to minimize loss of heat. Hinged windows can be top-hung or side-hung and can be double-glazed. Double-glazed windows are a great way to improve sound insulation and are available in 43dB, 47dB and 51dB.
In contrast to horizontal sash windows which have movable sashes that slide horizontally within the frame, casement windows can be opened outwards and catch breezes from a variety of angles. They can be opened both from the top and bottom to allow controlled airflow. They can therefore improve airflow, and offer a fantastic alternative to traditional sash windows.
They are used in modern homes due to their small "sightlines" which allow for unobstructed view, but they can also be put in listed homes since they do not require transoms or mullions. They're also a great option for areas that are difficult to access because they can be opened by the turn of a handle.
The primary drawback to this type of window is that they can block large openings and limit the use of certain window treatments. They are also difficult to clean because they swing outward, and may require regular maintenance and service.
Lift Out Windows
Secondary glazing can be installed with a variety of methods and the cost will vary according to the type, thickness and materials you choose for your panes and frame. uPVC windows are usually the most affordable followed by aluminium and then wooden sash windows cost window frames. Specialized glass may also increase the price and include 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 labour it will take. This is also applicable to older properties with more complex design of sash and case window repairs windows.
A good place to start is to evaluate the condition of your existing windows. You can get an accurate estimate of the cost by having them inspected by an expert.
In general secondary glazing has an insignificant impact on the appearance of your home. This is due to the fact that the modern FINEO double glazing is slim and discrete frames, meaning you can get the most efficient thermal performance without sacrificing aesthetics.
The horizontal sliding secondary glazing is popular due to its easy access to the existing sash window for cleaning or ventilation. They also come with a tilt function, which can be activated by unlocking the catch and raising the secondary glazing panel vertically up to a certain point. This is great for windows that don't open often and is a great way to facilitate access for air conditioning in bay windows. You can even make use of them to open the middle sash of the traditional sash bay windows to give a more symmetrical appearance.