Double Or Secondary Glazing – Which One Is Right For My Home?
Are draughty sash windows making your home cold? Or is outside noise bothering you? Do you worry that your windows compromise the security of your property? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, upgrading the glazing in your timber windows could be the perfect solution. But with double and secondary glazing to choose from, how do you know which one is best? Let’s take a look at your options.
Double Glazing
How does it work?
Double glazing is made up of two panes of glass, separated by a spacer bar and seals to create a hermetically-sealed environment and typically filled with an inert gas to form an insulating barrier. You may think that double glazing is synonymous with new homes and uPVC, but innovations in technology and manufacturing mean that options have opened up for period property owners looking to upgrade their homes. Companies like Ventrolla make double glazing possible for timber sash and casement windows.
What are my options?
You have two types of double glazing options to choose from. New slim double glazed sashes can be made and installed into your existing sash box, or new double glazed sash windows, including a new sash box, can be crafted to perfectly mirror the architectural style of your original windows.
When is double glazing the right choice?
Double glazing is your best bet if you’re looking to cut energy consumption and warm up your home – it’s around twice as effective as secondary glazing. But where altering or replacing your timber windows isn’t an option – for properties that are Listed or in a conservation area – secondary glazing could be for you.
Find out more about double glazing for sash and casement windows here.
Secondary Glazing
What are the benefits?
Secondary glazing offers many of the benefits of double glazing, without any changes having to be made to your original windows. It can offer you enhanced security and greater energy efficiency than single glazed windows – as well as being an excellent choice for cutting down noise from outside. Well-fitted secondary glazing outperforms double glazing in this way – and acoustic glass provides maximum sound insulation.
How does it work?
Secondary glazing involves installing additional glazing on the inside of your single glazed window – as a permanent or temporary fix. It’s a more cost efficient alternative to double glazing, and done by specialists, can be a discreet and sympathetic addition to your home. You can opt for lift-out units if you need occasional full access to your window, hinged units to match casement windows, or vertical or horizontal sliding units to complement the style of your sash windows.
I’m not allowed to change my windows – so can I have secondary glazing?
If listed building or conservation regulations mean you aren’t allowed to alter your windows, secondary glazing is a great way to upgrade your home. Specialists, like Ventrolla, provide secondary glazing in different period styles to blend in with the your property. From a slim and discreet traditional style to a slightly more ‘heavy duty’ heritage look. All designed to add another layer of security to your home.
If you’d like to ask us a question about your window project, you can speak to a member of our team by making an enquiry today.
