If you are considering replacing your existing windows you should also look at keeping your existing windows and adding Secondary Glazing instead. Here are some of the questions you should explore:
Heat: Do I want warmer windows? An average double-glazed window should last around 20+ years. After that some hinges may get loose and modern glass will have improved from around a 2.7 to a 1.0 heat rating. This sounds great, but basically PVC windows have not really improved that much over the last 20+ years, so you will get some benefits from a better glass and less ‘leaky window’, but it is a very much an upgrade rather than a transformation. Often your existing windows will perform better with some fresh hinges and some basic maintenance. If your current windows are under 20 years old, the improvements are likely to be reduced.
Secondary Glazing is designed to improve heat retention and give you a warmer house and lower fuel bills. This is achieved by:
- Installing project specific glass. We will assess your home and offer glass options that will be best suited to your property. For a warmer window we often install 4 or 6mm toughened glass with a Hard Coat low E coating. This type of glass allows heat into your property and then reflects the heat back in as the coating acts as a heat loss barrier.
- Install close to the existing frames. When looking at heat gain, we will fit our secondary glazing close to the existing frame, either onto the existing frame, or fitted to the reveal (wall) next to the frame. This is like adding Scandinavian style triple glazing to your home. Current PVC triple glazed glass units are typically only 36-42mm in depth. This is really too narrow for any real heat advantage. As we fit our frame further out the creation of an insulating layer of air is as important as the deeper seals can be a reduction in heat loss by as much as 65 percent.
- Reduced draughts: Because our secondary Glazing is foamed, pinned and sealed into your home it will dramatically reduce draughts you may have from your existing windows. Your curtains will no longer move in a windy night, and as the new frame is sealed it will again help with heat retention and will reduce unwanted noise into your home.
Quieter Home:
In our increasingly busy world noise is becoming more of an unwanted issue. Secondary glazing is designed and proven to be a better noise insulator then standard double glazing. Having a quieter living space will help make bedrooms more peaceful, reduce stress levels, help improve concentration and is used when planning departments require a certain level of decibel drop.
When we fit Secondary Glazing to reduce noise, we want to install around 150mm from the existing window and to specify a laminate or acoustic laminate glass. Figures show that this configuration has a Db rating of over 40. This is higher than most double-glazed windows alone. When we use our acoustic system in conjunction wit your existing double glazing, the results are immediately noticeable. So, if you have a bedroom overlooking a busy road, or live in a noisy area, Secondary Glazing is a better choice than simply buying new double-glazed windows.
Security advantages: Safer home.
Our Secondary Glazing acts as an additional barrier to help prevent unwanted access to your home. Most of our systems have a lock on the inside, so any potential break-in is further thwarted by them having to break their way through an additional lock, or by having to smash glass. Additionally, our laminate glass is like a car windscreen – very hard to break. This additional pane will act as a further barrier to unwanted access to your home.
Discreet installation:
Our thin Aluminium frames fit discreetly into your existing window areas. Additionally, we design your frames to be in sympathy with your current windows, so sightlines are often unaffected, and you have easy access to your external window.
Summary:
So, although you may consider replacing your double-glazing with newer double glazing, it may not be the best option for your needs. Secondary Glazing is designed to be a warmer, quieter and safer system. We install into private homes, commercial buildings, heritage properties and hotel rooms for the reasons above. If you would like to explore Secondary Glazing, then please contact us for a design specification and installed price. Thank you.
