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Secondary Glazing: Improve Your Home’s Efficiency and Soundproofing

Secondary Glazing: What Is It?

If you can’t put double glazing in your home because of the noise outside, you should think about secondary glazing.
The procedure of secondary glazing entails replacing your old window units with slim line windows, leaving a gap between them that is typically between 24 and 28 mm wide.

Benefits of secondary glazing abound. It is a well-liked substitute for double-glazed windows because it effectively insulates heat and lowers noise pollution. Any kind of building, whether new or ancient, can have secondary glazing installed. It’s especially helpful if you live in a type I or II listed building because doing so prevents you from replacing your windows and doors with double-glazed ones.

Fill out the quick 1-minute form by clicking on the button to get up to 4 quotations from reputable suppliers and installers if you’re curious about secondary glazing installation and cost. No other costs or commitments are associated with our services.

What is the price of secondary glazing?

The price of secondary glazing is influenced by a wide range of variables. However, as secondary glazing panels would need to be custom fitted to your existing units, their size will have the most impact.

Sadly, there won’t be a lot of options available to you when it comes to framing, as the majority of firms only provide units with a thin metal or plastic frame.

The typical price for horizontal sliding windows and sash windows with secondary glazing is provided below. Because every home is unique, keep in mind that pricing will fluctuate and that you will need to factor in the VAT (Value-Added-Tax) rate. Whether you want to install the secondary glazing yourself or hire a fitter will also affect the cost.

Type of Window Noise Reduction Draft Reduction
Sash from £1000 from £900
Horizontal Sliding from £900 from £700

DIY kits for secondary glazing

More affordable than double glazing is secondary glazing. This is primarily due to the fact that secondary glazing is a DIY project.

Many businesses sell DIY secondary glazing kits, and numerous forums provide support. Companies sell kits that are created to order and come with instructions and a measuring chart. Magnetic secondary glazing is the best option if you wish to purchase the materials for your secondary glazing on your own.

Although it wouldn’t hurt to employ a professional to install your secondary glazing because the material might be fairly expensive. particularly if you decide to use more sophisticated solutions like sliding secondary glazing. After all, there are numerous businesses ready to assist and are willing to provide you their installation services at a low cost if you don’t feel comfortable installing the windows yourself.

Companies that do secondary glazing

You can choose from a variety of secondary glazing providers, including manufacturers, fitters, and corporation bodies, if you decide to put secondary glazing in your home. A handful of such are summarised below.

Secondary Glazing Producers & Installers

The most well-known secondary glazing manufacturers and installers in the UK are mentioned below

Selectaglaze

It was established in 1966 and is a secondary glazing maker and installer in the UK. Their framing is made of an aluminium alloy that comes in a range of hues and forms.

Duration Windows

Duration Secondary Glazing on Windows by Time One of the largest secondary glazing suppliers in the UK is Windows. Along with a variety of styles, they give advice and information for fitters.

Glass NRG

In North London, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, and Essex, the business specialises in the production and installation of secondary glazing. By calling them, you can obtain a free estimate.

Secondary Glazing in Granada

It offers secondary glazing made of premium aluminium. In addition to services for organising installations by one of their FENSA-certified partners, they provide DIY secondary glazing kits. Online quotes are available.

Everest

In 1965, the company first began making aluminium items. After a member of their team has examined your home, they provide you with an estimate and a guarantee on their products of ten years.

Company Bodies

By defending your rights, company bodies make sure that the installation of your double-glazed units goes successfully. The most well-liked government-approved programmes in the UK are Certass, DGCOS, and FENSA.

All three check businesses and installers to ensure that you get professional, high-quality service. As a result, while searching for an installer, look for certification from Certass, Fensa, or DGCOS.

Secondary Glazing Types

Regrettably, you won’t have much of a say in the framing material. Companies typically provide you secondary glazing made of aluminium or, in some circumstances, plastic. You will have the option to select from a variety of systems, though.
The most well-liked ones are given below.

secondary glazing with magnets

You can add a magnetic strip to the edges of both your new and old units to hold the secondary glazing panels in place. Due to its simplicity, magnetic secondary glazing is simple to remove and can be done by the homeowner.

secondary glazing that slides

Secondary glazing sliding units can be removed, making them simpler to clean than fixed pieces. Secondary glazing units that slide vertically are appropriate for windows and doors with vertical bars, while those that slide horizontally are best for windows with horizontal bars.

supplementary glazing that is fixed

One of the slimmest systems is one with fixed secondary units. These units have pre-drilled holes so you may detach them if necessary. However, they are more difficult to open than the other secondary glazing systems, rendering the original window unavailable.

secondary glazing with a lift

Lift-out units, as the name implies, can be lifted out, just like magnetic and sliding secondary glazed units. They are not advised for locations where frequent access is necessary.

What Benefits Come with Secondary Glazing?

Noise cancellation

Noise pollution can be considerably reduced by secondary glazing. If you’re located near a highway or airport, it may be very helpful because it has the potential to reduce 70–80% of outside noises.

Warmth Loss

Uninsulated windows can allow up to 10% of heat to escape. Due to the additional window acting as a barrier, secondary glazing can lessen the amount of heat that is lost via windows.

Reduce your energy costs.

You won’t need to use your heating system as much because secondary glazing retains heat inside. You can save up to £105 a year in this way.

Costs

Secondary glazing doesn’t need new units to be installed. It is significantly less expensive than double glazing. You might only have to pay for the material in some circumstances, just like with a DIY project.

Affords Older Homes

Secondary glazing is the ideal solution for older properties because the original window or door unit is still present. fit listed properties. Secondary glazing is for you if you reside in a class I or class II listed building. Secondary glazing will be your greatest option as double-glazing windows and doors won’t be an option for you to install.

What Are the Drawbacks of Secondary Glazing?

General Effectiveness

Secondary glazed windows can help you save money and energy, but they are not quite as effective as double glazing.

Condensation

The original window seals might not be fully repaired, especially in older properties. It is relatively simple for moisture to accumulate between the panes in this situation. Of course, you can rectify this by opening the window, but doing so also lets heat out.

Cleaning

More care and upkeep are required for secondary glazing than for double glazing. You’ll have to clean twice as much if you add another window or door because each unit needs to be cleaned separately.

Energy Efficiency of Secondary Glazing vs. Double Glazing

Double glazing is the winner in this situation. The space between the panes is substantially smaller and is securely sealed, which effectively traps heat more effectively than secondary glazing.

Cost

At first, secondary glazing is less expensive. However, as your energy bill decreases over time, secondary and double glazing often finish up paying for themselves.

noise abatement

While double glazing only reduces noise pollution by up to 60%, secondary glazing can reduce noise by as much as 80%. This makes secondary glazing the undisputed champion in this field.

Aesthetics

Tie in this case. For new residences, double glazing is usually preferable. Their uPVC or aluminium frames can offer dwellings a modern appearance. However, secondary glazing works better for older, more conventionally styled homes. The property’s original aesthetics are still present, along with the antique windows.

Find UK businesses that specialise in secondary glazing.

Do you want to add secondary glazing to your house but are unsure where to begin?
We want to make it much simpler for you to decide which secondary glazing to install and how to install it.

Fill out the form by clicking on the button bellow, if you’re interested in adding secondary glazing to your home to make it soundproof and heat insulating. You may get up to 4 quotations for free and without further commitments by filling out this quick form, which only takes a minute.

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