10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds About Secondary Glazing Sash Windows Secondary Glazing Sash Windows
Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows
Many homeowners are unable add double glazing to their house, either due to financial constraints or because the structure is listed and modifications to the exterior are forbidden.
Secondary glazing is a fantastic alternative to sash windows. It can be installed several ways.
This product is a double-paned glass that fits into your existing window frame. It offers insulation and noise reduction, in addition to stopping cold air from entering the home.
Fixed Inserts
If you're thinking of secondary glazing for your sash windows, there are a variety of styles you can pick from. Each style offers distinct advantages that range from increased security to reduced condensation. Which is the best option for you?
The principle behind secondary glazing is to incorporate an extra pane of glass inside the window frame. This provides an additional layer of soundproofing and insulation which can significantly increase the efficiency of your home's energy use.
However it's not always possible to add 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.
In these situations secondary glazing is a great alternative that can be installed easily. It's also a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their home without having to take down the original windows with sash and replace them with modern ones.
There are a variety of different options available for secondary glazing sash windows, each one of that can be adapted to fit the frame you have. Proprietary systems usually have painted aluminium frames which are designed to fit into the depth of a staff bead on an existing sash window so that shutters and sills are still able to be used.
They can be fitted with a variety of installation methods such as glazing clips and Velcro. These offer a more aesthetic solution to screw-fixed units and are particularly suited to windows that don't need to be opened regularly. Alternately, you can opt for a fixed lift out unit, which can be lifted out and then put back in place with relative ease to allow your windows to be opened.
Horizontal Sliders
Horizontal sliders are the most popular method to enhance the appearance of your sash window. They are also very discrete and are ideal for historic buildings, conservation areas & listed properties. In most cases, they can be installed without external access because they are operated from the inside.
They are easy to operate using a hand, and can be open wide or left partially open to allow for ventilation. They are very effective in getting rid of draughts, and have the added benefit of filtering out harmful UV light. In summer they can be paired together with a flyscreen to keep insects out and mosquitoes.
Trackglaze horizontal sliding systems offer all the advantages of double glazing for your traditional Sash window. It is comprised of PVC double sliding tracks on all four sides of the cavity with the simple bristle seal that is placed around each glass sheet, and angle handles that can be pulled by fingers to act as a handle and lessen bowing. It comes in kits of 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be stacked together to create bigger spans.
The acoustic advantages of secondary glazing are very significant and it can significantly reduce noise from outside, particularly the airport, rail and road traffic. The use of laminated glass or toughened glasses further enhances the acoustic performance. Standard secondary glazing can reduce outside noise to 52dB(Rw) and specialized glass such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass can achieve even higher levels of acoustic performance.
It can boost the energy efficiency of your home by keeping your house warmer for longer, and reducing dependence on central heating. It is less expensive than replacing your original sash windows and can be installed without the need to remove the window or door 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 a great option to improve the look of traditional sash windows in Suffolk & Essex while retaining their distinctive character.
Vertical Sliders were developed to be used in sash window applications where regular hinged panels aren't suitable. They have two secondary sashes which are secured, one above the other, inside an outer frame and are supported by strong spring balances that allow for effortless 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 has a glass to glass cavity inside the window reveal, to ensure optimal sound quality.
They can be fitted with a variety of stops and handles to accommodate the preferences of the homeowner, propping open either the top or bottom pane to allow for ventilation, or they can be fixed in the closed position to provide security. They can be fitted with an insulation bristle to stop drafts.
The 'Choices' Imagine vertical slider secondary glass has the same authentic wood details you'd expect in a period window. It is available in a variety of colors that are compatible with your sash. It is almost impossible to differentiate from the original sash windows, as details like sash horns and traditional butt joints are incorporated into the design. It's available in a wide variety of sizes and can accept glass up to 6.8mm to give additional insulation against heat loss. A tilt-in option is also available allowing the individual sashes of the frame to hinge into the safety stays for easier cleaning.
Hinged Casement
The single-pane hinged secondary glazing can be fitted to windows made of sash in any style such as traditional and casement sash. Our hinged units are equipped with a keylock handle, and are manufactured with multi-point locking. This will ensure that the glazed panel is securely locked in place and pulls tightly against the frame, creating a seal to reduce heat loss. Hinged windows are available either top or side-hung and can also be made with double-glazed. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced acoustic performance and are available in 43dB, 47dB and 51dB.
Casement windows can open outwards and catch breezes at different angles. This is unlike the horizontal sash window, which has movable sashes within the frame that move horizontally. They can be opened both from the top and bottom for controlled ventilation. This is why they can help improve airflow and offer an effective alternative to traditional sash windows.
They are typically utilized in modern homes as they offer small "sightlines" and unobstructed views. However, they can also be used in listed homes because they don't require mullions or transoms. They can also be utilized in places that are difficult to reach since they can be opened simply by turning the handle.
This kind of window could be a disadvantage because it can restrict the use of certain window treatments. They can also be difficult to clean as 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 differ depending on the type, thickness and materials you select for your frame and panes. UPVC windows are typically the least expensive, followed by aluminium and then wooden window frames. Specialised glass, along with any extra features such as security or sound reduction may also increase prices.
The complexity of the installation will influence the cost. The more complex the project is, the more time and labor-intensive it will be. This is especially true for heritage properties with more intricate designs for sash windows.
Assessing the condition of existing windows is a good way to start. You can get a precise estimate of the cost by having them checked by an expert.
In general secondary glazing has a minimal effect on the appearance of your home. This is due to the fact that modern FINEO double glazing is slim and discreet frame lines, which means you can attain thermal efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics.
A popular choice of secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which provides an easy access to your existing sash windows for cleaning or ventilation.
sash windows near me come with a tilt feature which can be activated by opening the catch and lifting your secondary glazing panel vertically up to a certain point. This is a great option for windows that aren't opened often and can be used to make it easier to access air cooling in bay windows. You can also use them to open the middle sash of the traditional sash bay windows to give a more symmetrical appearance.