What is Secondary Glazing?
Welcome to the comprehensive guide to secondary glazing brought to you by the Kingfisher Windows team!
If you’re looking for enhanced heat and noise insulation, but are unable or unwilling to replace your existing single-glazed windows, secondary glazing could be the perfect solution for you.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about secondary glazing, helping you make a wise and informed decision for your home.
Let’s delve deeper and understand how secondary glazing works and how it can transform your living space. With our expert insights, you’ll be equipped to elevate the comfort and functionality of your home while maintaining its unique character.
What is Secondary Glazing?
Secondary glazing is a window enhancement technique where an additional pane of glass or acrylic is installed on the interior side of the existing windows, creating a secondary layer of insulation and protection.
Unlike double glazing, which involves replacing the entire window unit with a sealed unit containing two panes of glass separated by a space filled with insulating glass, secondary glazing is a solution that can be applied to your existing windows without altering their external appearance.
How does Secondary Glazing Work?
Additional Pane:
A secondary glazing panel, usually made of glass or acrylic is custom-built to fit within the existing window frame. This additional pane is installed on the interior side of the window, creating a gap between it and the original window.
Seal & Insulation:
The gap between the original window and secondary glazing panel is sealed to create an airtight space. This trapped air acts as an insulating barrier, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Enhanced Soundproofing:
Secondary glazing also provides an additional barrier against external noise, helping reduce noise transmission from outside sources such as traffic, construction or neighbours.
Double Glazing Vs Secondary Glazing
Installation:
Double Glazing: Installation of double glazing requires the complete replacement of the existing window unit with a new double-glazed unit.
This often involves removing the old frame and installing a new frame to accommodate the thicker double-glazed unit.
Secondary Glazing:
It is installed internally within the existing window frame, without the need to replace the original window. It involves adding a secondary pane of glass or acrylic to the interior side of the window, typically attached with framing or magnetic seals.
Insulation:
Double Glazing: Double glazing provides superior insulation compared to single glazing due to the presence of two panes of glass separated by a layer of insulating gas. This helps reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, leading to improved energy efficiency.
Secondary Glazing: While not as effective as double glazing, secondary glazing still offers significant improvements in insulation by creating an additional layer of air space between the existing window and the secondary glazing panel. This helps reduce heat loss and noise transmission.
Aesthetic Impact:
Double Glazing: Double glazing often involves replacing the entire window unit, which can alter the appearance of the building, especially if the original windows have historic or architectural significance.
Secondary Glazing: Secondary glazing is installed internally, preserving the external appearance of the original windows. This makes it a preferred option for historic or listed buildings where maintaining the architectural integrity is important.
Cost and Disruption:
Double Glazing: Double glazing installation can be more expensive and disruptive compared to secondary glazing, as it involves replacing the entire window unit and potentially modifying the window frame.
Secondary Glazing: Secondary glazing is generally more cost-effective and less disruptive, as it can be installed without removing or replacing the original window unit.
Secondary Glazing Prices
With the help of our cutting-edge quoting tool, you can get a free, immediate, and extremely competitive secondary glazing price. With the help of this system, your price can be precisely adjusted to fit your needs and budget.
You can also use our online contact form to get in touch with us and speak with a member of our team directly. We will be happy to address any inquiries you may have about our secondary glazing, costs, or other services.