The primary benefits of secondary glazing

â€ŔSound Proofing” or More Accurately, Noise Reduction
Traffic noise can genuinely affect the quality of any living or working environment. A cost effective way to reduce noise is to fit secondary glazing, which can reduce external noise by around 75%, up to even 90% if the right type of glazing is opted for (i.e. laminated, which also improve thermal performance).

Good sound proofing is achieved where there is a decent sized gap between the existing windows and secondary glazing. It is a combination of glass type, as well as the size of the gap that will deliver the best results in terms of sound reduction. Likewise with replacement double glazing, the wider the gap between the two panes of glass (i.e. say a 20mm gap), the better the sound proofing, although for optimal thermal performance, opt for a 16mm gap between the two panes of glass, specifying one of them with thicker laminated glass. Consequently it is best to use a different thickness of glass in secondary glazing than in existing windows if noise pollution an issue, plus adding acoustic tiles in the air gap will help you achieve maximum sound insulation.

2) Reduce Heat Loss And Energy Bills
Windows can account for up to 30% of the heat lost from a property. It is now a given we all need to reduce energy consumption in buildings. Single glazed windows are poor insulators and heat loss is exacerbated if the window does not have effective seals. With heating costs rising all the time, the sooner secondary glazing is installed, the sooner one benefits. When it comes to saving energy, windows and lofts are the prime areas in which heat loss can easily and cost effectively be prevented. Energy Performance Certificates determine a building’s Energy Rating and your property’s thermal efficiency is a significant factor in the valuation of your property.

Secondary glazing can reduce heat lost via windows by up to 50%. You can specify ordinary Float or Toughened glass, or for even better thermal performance specify – Pilkington ‘K’ low E glass. By adding the extra pane of glass in addition to your existing windows – heat loss is dramatically reduced. Double glazed secondary glazing units provide the best thermal insulation, but whilst more efficient, obviously cost a lot more to have it fitted, as have thicker frames and twice as much glass.

3) Draft Proofing Windows
Old single glazed windows provide insufficient insulation, poor and sometimes ineffective seals and may not even close properly (due to swelling of old wooden frames). Related problems in old windows and/or badly fitted new windows can lead to cold draughts that are hazardous to your health and damaging to your pocket (high energy bills). Standard draft proofing bought from a DIY shop are not 100% effective. For listed properties, conservation areas or rented accommodation where you cannot afford or are not permitted to replace the old windows, having secondary glazing in stalled is often the most ideal solution possible. Most secondary glazing systems have twin brush seals ensuring a highly effective quality seal. Secondary glazing will help prevent the draft from primary windows entering your property.

4) Listed Buildings
Listed properties or those in conservation areas can sometimes have the original old single glazed windows, which provide very poor sound and heat insulation. Listed Building Consent is usually required to make any changes to the property, or amazingly even if you wish to make improvements to your Listed Building, as normally UK property owners are normally be permitted to replace any existing windows and doors unless like for like. However fitting secondary glazing on the inside of your windows is a popular and cost effective solution for Listed Buildings homeowners, especially since it is recommended by both the Heritage Foundation and the Listed Property Owners Club. This is because having secondary glazing fitted is considered a reversible alteration that is unobtrusive to your windows and will conserve the exterior character of any period property.

Secondary glazing is available in styles to “match” existing windows for aesthetics, ease of opening and closing the external primary windows. UK homeowners can choose between single and double glazing horizontal/vertical secondary glazing, plus single glazed side hung, top hung, fixed lift in and lift out secondary glazing. White is a standard finish, although aluminium secondary glazing frames are available in any RAL colour to match in with existing decoration.
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