The strength of any window is predominantly in the design, construction and materials which go into the making of its frame. Existing windows of traditional building are often made to very high standards and when refurbishing a period property, it is generally the case that a relatively small investment in the existing window can preserve it for many generations to come. Often the original framing of a house’s windows dictates the whole character of the building. Removing these can significantly impact on the look of the building and in some cases the whole environment in which it sits.
Blends seemlessly into interior
Secondary glazing has evolved over the past six decades into the solution of choice for individuals and organisations wishing to preserve the original character of buildings whilst enjoying 21st century comfort. In addition to its thermal qualities, secondary glazing is the most effective measure to protect windows from noise ingress. This is becoming a particular concern in cities and towns due to the increase in noise pollution.
Initially secondary glazing was simply a pane of edged glass fixed to an existing window pane or frame. This solution served as an additional barrier which helped to reduce heat loss to some extent. However, the weakness of this method lies in the absence of a secondary frame.
In the case of secondary glazing for thermal retention, the frame seals the perimeter of the original window which stops air passing in or out of the building through small gaps and cracks. The additional pane of glass and air gap between the two windows, aids in reducing heat loss through radiation and convection.
Secondary glazing also provides a significant reduction in sound transmission, which is enhanced as the cavity increases between the primary and secondary glazing. The gap between the two windows decouples the panes, which in turn deadens sound transmission and leakage.
Therefore to get the optimal thermal enhancing and noise reduction benefits from secondary glazing, it is advisable to go for a system which comes with timber grounds and a fully sealing frame.
A successful secondary glazing project should be unobtrusive. However the necessary strength required of the frame should not be compromised. Check that your prospective supplier has a full range of frames with clearly specified size and weight tolerances. Experienced technical/sales advisors can create unobtrusive treatments irrespective of frame size. However some secondary glazing companies will compromise on frame strength to satisfy a customer’s desire for a light weight profile. If a frame is too weak to hold the weight of glass required for the project then the whole unit can start to bow. Over time the window’s function will become impaired as the frame is distorted out of alignment.
The company should have a full range of types and systems to be able to effectively treat the needs of a wide range of different primary window styles. A good technical/sales advisor will be able to determine a treatment where the type, style and function of the original window are all considered in the design. It should allow you to gain easy access to all surface areas of both the original and the secondary unit to facilitate maintenance and cleaning. Solutions that require large panes of glass or perspex to be removed will prove impractical for many individuals. Some secondary glazing providers only offer units with one sliding pane and one fixed pane, which makes cleaning and maintenance more difficult.
Another key component of a successful secondary glazing treatment is an optimal installation. It is wise to check whether the secondary glazing provider can manufacture bespoke units for every opening, rather than taking an average size and making it fit with packers and subsequent trims to hide any gaps between the frame and the wall. No two openings are exactly the same so to get an optimal fit the secondary glazing frame needs to be manufactured to fit the opening. Bespoke units can be fitted true to the opening with only a minimal need for additional packing. A close fit improves the sealing and reduces the risk of thermal and acoustic bridging ensuring best performance.
An expertly designed sympathetically specified secondary glazing treatment is often so well integrated into the room that they are simply not seen. A recent Selectaglaze project saw a Grade II Listed Georgian property treated with secondary glazing prior to going on the market. A prospective purchaser was so convinced that the house she had recently viewed had no secondary glazing she requested a second viewing.
In order to obtain optimal performance, operation maintenance and retain the overall aesthetics, your secondary glazing provider must assure you of the quality of both their product and service.
Blends seemlessly into interior
Secondary glazing has evolved over the past six decades into the solution of choice for individuals and organisations wishing to preserve the original character of buildings whilst enjoying 21st century comfort. In addition to its thermal qualities, secondary glazing is the most effective measure to protect windows from noise ingress. This is becoming a particular concern in cities and towns due to the increase in noise pollution.
Initially secondary glazing was simply a pane of edged glass fixed to an existing window pane or frame. This solution served as an additional barrier which helped to reduce heat loss to some extent. However, the weakness of this method lies in the absence of a secondary frame.
In the case of secondary glazing for thermal retention, the frame seals the perimeter of the original window which stops air passing in or out of the building through small gaps and cracks. The additional pane of glass and air gap between the two windows, aids in reducing heat loss through radiation and convection.
Secondary glazing also provides a significant reduction in sound transmission, which is enhanced as the cavity increases between the primary and secondary glazing. The gap between the two windows decouples the panes, which in turn deadens sound transmission and leakage.
Therefore to get the optimal thermal enhancing and noise reduction benefits from secondary glazing, it is advisable to go for a system which comes with timber grounds and a fully sealing frame.
A successful secondary glazing project should be unobtrusive. However the necessary strength required of the frame should not be compromised. Check that your prospective supplier has a full range of frames with clearly specified size and weight tolerances. Experienced technical/sales advisors can create unobtrusive treatments irrespective of frame size. However some secondary glazing companies will compromise on frame strength to satisfy a customer’s desire for a light weight profile. If a frame is too weak to hold the weight of glass required for the project then the whole unit can start to bow. Over time the window’s function will become impaired as the frame is distorted out of alignment.
The company should have a full range of types and systems to be able to effectively treat the needs of a wide range of different primary window styles. A good technical/sales advisor will be able to determine a treatment where the type, style and function of the original window are all considered in the design. It should allow you to gain easy access to all surface areas of both the original and the secondary unit to facilitate maintenance and cleaning. Solutions that require large panes of glass or perspex to be removed will prove impractical for many individuals. Some secondary glazing providers only offer units with one sliding pane and one fixed pane, which makes cleaning and maintenance more difficult.
Another key component of a successful secondary glazing treatment is an optimal installation. It is wise to check whether the secondary glazing provider can manufacture bespoke units for every opening, rather than taking an average size and making it fit with packers and subsequent trims to hide any gaps between the frame and the wall. No two openings are exactly the same so to get an optimal fit the secondary glazing frame needs to be manufactured to fit the opening. Bespoke units can be fitted true to the opening with only a minimal need for additional packing. A close fit improves the sealing and reduces the risk of thermal and acoustic bridging ensuring best performance.
An expertly designed sympathetically specified secondary glazing treatment is often so well integrated into the room that they are simply not seen. A recent Selectaglaze project saw a Grade II Listed Georgian property treated with secondary glazing prior to going on the market. A prospective purchaser was so convinced that the house she had recently viewed had no secondary glazing she requested a second viewing.
In order to obtain optimal performance, operation maintenance and retain the overall aesthetics, your secondary glazing provider must assure you of the quality of both their product and service.- Date
- Category
- Secondary Glazing in Practice