Existing Windows Need a Boost? Choose Secondary Glazing!

If your existing windows are not up to the job, secondary glazing offers a cost-effective, thermally and acoustically efficient way to solve issues with heat loss, external noise, condensation and security.

Amid the current cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy bills, more and more homeowners are considering further insulation measures in their properties and exploring ways to lose less heat through their existing windows.

So, when’s the right time to choose secondary glazing? The answer hinges largely on your type of property and why you would opt for secondary glazing over full window replacement. Here, the expert team at Granada Secondary Glazing offers some key points to consider:

Listed buildings

Altering a listed building can be complicated and often requires planning permission and listed building consent for works to bring them up to 21^st century standards, such as installing double glazing. Many listed homes have single-glazed windows which account for 20% to 30% of the overall heat loss from a home.

For owners of period and listed properties with single glazed (and often draughty) windows, improving the thermal efficiency of their existing windows can present a challenge.

Planning restrictions on properties that are Grade I and Grade II listed or situated within a conservation area invariably prevent the replacement of the original windows. Additionally, many homeowners enjoy the visual appearance, charm and character that traditional windows bring to the building and want to keep them.

Secondary glazing, where a separate pane of glass sits on the internal side of the original single-glazed window, is an option – and often the preferred solution – to create a second barrier to the elements that eliminates draughts and reduces heat loss by up to 65%. Secondary glazing is advised by Historic England as there is no loss of historic fabric and in most cases, the installation is easily reversible.

As well as being less expensive and far less disruptive than full window replacement, secondary glazing is protected from the weather and will last many decades.

Period homes and conservation areas

Traditional properties that are not listed or are located in conservation areas can also be subject to strict limitations on alterations and improvements. As with their listed counterparts, secondary glazing is an excellent choice for improving thermal and/or acoustic efficiency when window replacement is not permitted under planning rules.

The cost-effectiveness of secondary glazing versus full window replacement of replica timber sashes makes it an obvious choice for homeowners on a budget. The savings in cash terms can add up to thousands of pounds by installing quality and unobtrusive secondary glazing units versus replacing all the windows in a period home, for example.

Desire to keep existing windows for aesthetic reasons/costs

For homeowners who love the look of their original, often single-glazed windows, full replacement is not an option if they wish to retain and preserve details of historical and architectural interest.

Secondary glazing with its discreet slimline frames blends into the interior décor while providing that all-important extra insulation to create a warmer, quieter and more comfortable environment.

The insulating air gap between the primary window and the secondary glazing panel is also effective at curing issues with condensation and black mould.

Reduce external noise intrusion

Fitted in addition to an existing single, double or triple glazed window, secondary glazing is a most effective way of cutting out external noise. When correctly installed, sealed and set the optimum distance from the internal face of the primary window, it can reduce noise levels by up to 80% or the equivalent of 54dB.

For some people with greater sensitivity to external noise, even triple-glazed windows may not be enough to create a suitably quiet environment. In the case of one Nottingham homeowner, the installation of Granada’s secondary glazing provided that additional noise reduction solution for a better night’s sleep.

If you’re asking yourself ‘when’s the right time to choose secondary glazing’ and you’re having problems with any of the issues outlined above, then maybe the time is right now. For further advice, why not call our helpful team at Granada Secondary Glazing on 01909 499899.