15 Tips Your Boss Wishes You'd Known About Secondary Glazing Sash Windows

15 Tips Your Boss Wishes You'd Known About Secondary Glazing Sash Windows

Secondary Glazing For Sash Windows

Many homeowners are not able to add double glazing to their homes, either 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 sash windows is a good alternative and can be installed in various ways.

It consists of an extra pane of glass inside the window frame, which blocks cold air from entering your home, while offering insulation and noise reduction.

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 its own set of benefits ranging from increased security to less condensation. Which one is best for you?

The principle behind secondary glazing is to install an additional glass within the frame of your existing window. This adds an additional layer of insulation and soundproofing, which can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home.

It's not always practical to install double-glazed windows especially if your home is classified as a historic property or if you are bound by strict planning regulations that dictate what can and cannot be done to your exterior.

In these situations secondary glazing is an excellent alternative that can be installed with relative ease. It's also a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their home without having to tear down the original windows with sash and replace them with modern ones.

There are many different options for secondary glazing on Sash windows. Each can be configured to fit the frame you already have. Proprietary systems typically 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 can still be retained.

They can be fitted using a variety of installation methods such as glazing clips and Velcro. These are more appealing than screw-fixed ones and are ideally suited to windows that do not require to be opened often. You can also select a fixed lift-out device that can be easily removed and reinstalled to open your windows.

Horizontal Sliders

Horizontal sliders are the most well-known way to improve existing sash window. They are also discrete and are ideal for historic homes, conservation areas & 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 they can be left open or partially closed for ventilation. They are very effective at getting rid of draughts, and have the added benefit of filtering out harmful UV light. They can be combined with an insect screen to deter mosquitoes and other insects during summer months.

Our Trackglaze horizontal sliding system offers all the advantages of modern double glazing to your traditional Sash windows. It is comprised of PVC double sliding track that runs across all four sides of cavity with a brush seal around each glass sheet and a finger pull angle handle to function as a hand and decrease bowing. It comes in kits with 1m or 2m of track and angle that can be stacked together to create larger spans.

The acoustic advantages of secondary glazing are important and can enhance noise reduction from outside especially the airport, rail and road traffic. The addition of laminated glass or toughened glasses enhances the acoustic performance. Secondary glazing that is standard reduces outside noise to 52dB (Rw) and specialist glass, such as Stadip Silence Laminated Acoustic Glass, can achieve even higher levels of acoustic performance.

It can improve the energy efficiency of your home by keeping it warm for longer. This will decrease the need for central heating. It is less expensive than replacing the original sash window, and can be installed without having to remove the existing frame.

Vertical Sliders

Secondary glazing is a cost-effective option which is often less expensive than full 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 character.

Vertical Sliders were specifically designed to be used in sash window applications in which hinged panels from the standard range would not be suitable. They feature two secondary sashes which are secured with one above the other, inside an outer frame and are supported by strong spring balances for ease of movement. The system is available as a face-fixed' (installed to the inside of the existing window) for increased thermal efficiency or a'reveal-fixed version, which is fitted with a glass to glass cavity within the window's original reveal, for optimum audio-acoustic performance.

They can be fitted with a variety of stops and handles to meet the needs of the homeowner by allowing the bottom or top pane to let in air or placed in a closed position for added security. They can also be fitted with an insulating bristle seal that can stop drafts.

'Choices’ Imagine vertical slider secondary glass comes with the same authentic wood details you'd expect to see in a period window treatment.  sash window renovation  is available in a variety of colors that will match your existing sash. It's nearly impossible to distinguish from the original sash window with details like sash horns and traditional butt joints being incorporated into the design. It comes in a variety of sizes and can be fitted with glass up to 6.8mm to provide additional insulation against heat loss. A tilt-in option is also available that allows the individual sashes to hinge inward on safety stays to help with cleaning.

Hinged Casement

Our single-pane secondary glass can be fitted on sash windows of any style including traditional box sash and casement. Our hinged units are constructed with secure multi-point locking and are available with keys lock handles. This ensures that the glazed panel is locked securely in place and pulls tight to the outer frame creating a seal designed to reduce heat loss. Hinged windows can be purchased as either top or side-hung and are also available by double-glazing. Double-glazed windows offer enhanced audio-acoustic performance. They are available in 43dB, 47dB or 51dB.

In contrast to horizontal sash windows which have movable sashes, slide horizontally within the frame casement windows can open outwards and let in breezes from a variety of angles. They can also be opened from both the top and bottom for controlled ventilation. They can therefore improve airflow, and are a great alternative to traditional sash windows.

They are commonly utilized in modern homes as they offer small "sightlines" and unobstructed views. They can also be used in listed properties because they don't require mullions or transoms. They are also a good option for those who live in areas that are difficult to reach since they can be opened by the twist of a handle.

This kind of window could be a problem as it may limit the use of certain window coverings. They are difficult to clean as they can swing outwards. They could also require regular maintenance and servicing.

Lift Out Windows

Secondary glazing can be put in place by a variety of methods. The cost will differ according to your selection of materials such as thickness, thickness and kind of glass. UPVC frames are the cheapest expensive, followed by aluminium and then wooden frames. Specialized glass can also add to the cost and also any additional features such as sound reduction or security.

The complexity of the installation will also influence the cost. The more complicated the installation, the longer and more labor-intensive it will be. This is also true for heritage properties that have more intricate sash window designs.

A good place to start is by assessing the condition of your existing windows. You can get an accurate estimate of the cost by having them inspected by a professional.

In general secondary glazing can have little effect on the look of your home. This is due to the fact that the modern FINEO double glazing is sleek and subtle frames, meaning you can attain thermal efficiency without compromising on aesthetics.

A very popular choice for secondary glazing is horizontal sliding, which provides easy access to your existing sash windows for cleaning or ventilation. These windows also come with a tilt function, which is activated by opening the catch and then lifting the secondary glazing panel vertically up to a certain level. This is ideal for windows that aren't opened often. It can be used to provide air conditioning access to bay windows. They can be used to open the middle sash of a traditional sash Bay Window to create a symmetrical appearance.