Those responsible for religious buildings know how hard it is to keep them warm and welcoming. The same challenges apply to former places of worship now serving a new purpose: theatres, concert halls, sports centres and homes. Secondary glazing makes these buildings warmer, quieter and more energy-efficient, without altering the original windows.
Here’s what secondary glazing can do for your building.
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Lower energy costs and a warmer church
According to the Church of England, heating accounts for more than 80% of a church’s energy use and carbon footprint. With energy costs at a premium and sustainability rising up the agenda, secondary glazing offers a practical way to reduce heat loss without replacing original windows. By creating an insulating cavity, secondary glazing keeps heat in for longer, so your church feels warmer and costs less to heat. It also lets you keep your historic windows, preserving their craftsmanship and embodied carbon while improving energy efficiency. Every system is made to measure at our St Albans workshop, because a close fit is essential for maximum performance. Exact figures depend on your church, your windows and your project goals, but as a guide, our glass options cut heat loss through the window by:- Standard glass: up to 50%.
- Hard-coat Low-E glass: around 65%.
- High-performance sealed or vacuum units: up to 75% with an enhanced specification.
Ensure your stained glass shines on
Like us, you probably agree that stained glass sits at the heart of a church’s identity and deserves special care. But you might wonder whether your windows are too large, intricate or delicate for secondary glazing. Not so. Over six decades, our product range has grown through our work on church buildings. Our proprietary fixing methods let us accommodate almost any window, from Gothic arches to rose windows and beyond. We also create bespoke frames for every job. We’re passionate about stained glass, so we take care to ensure our secondary glazing sits discreetly alongside the originals, even enhancing their appearance. Whether it’s a Grade I building in a city centre or a humble church in a happy hamlet, we’re eager to help. See more of our case studies in religious buildings here.
Quieter worship and calmer surroundings
Nothing is worse than church services interrupted by traffic, sirens or roadworks next door. The cavity in secondary glazing can be optimised to reduce the transmission of noise, giving you calm for a funeral, a wedding or a quiet moment of prayer. But it also keeps your choir rehearsals, concerts and social clubs from becoming a nuisance to neighbours. While the level of noise reduction depends on several factors, including the condition of your existing windows and the size of the openings, we’re confident we can find a solution that meets your needs. When you get in touch, our technical sales team will give you an initial steer on the main challenges and what the job is likely to involve. We’ll then assess your project in more detail and provide a considered response. Find out more about noise insulation.
