Posted on: April 1, 2023

A Beginner’s Guide To Secondary Glazing

If you’re looking to upgrade your house, installing double glazing is a great way to do it. Double glazed windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency and security, and the modern designs are very attractive indeed. However, there are occasions when it’s not possible to get them. Listed buildings and heritage homes may struggle to get the necessary planning permission, so what do you do if you aren’t allowed new windows? One popular alternative is secondary glazing. Let’s take a closer look at what it can do for you.

What’s The Difference?

At this point, we should probably explain what secondary glazing is. There’s a misconception that double glazing and secondary glazing are the same things, and we’ve had a few confusing situations where our customers have used the two phrases interchangeably. This isn’t accurate. 

The difference is that double glazing consists of two panes of glass within a single frame, whereas secondary glazing is more like having a whole new window fitted on top of another. Imagine opening a window and finding another window behind it and you’ll get a general idea.

The Advantages Of Secondary Glazing

The big advantage of secondary glazing is that it doesn’t alter the structure of the building itself. This will be very good news for anyone that lives in a heritage home and has strict instructions not to make any structural changes. A lot of older houses have single glazed windows and fitting secondary glazing can have a major impact on their performance. 

Like double glazing, secondary glazing is designed to trap heat and make it easier to manage internal temperatures. This means that you won’t need to use your central heating or air conditioning systems as much to get a comfortable living space. You’ll stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer but at a fraction of the cost. It can also help reduce problems with condensation and the risk of your home getting water damage from the moisture. 

Secondary glazing is also comparatively easy to install. Because there’s no need to remove the existing window, there’s less work involved and an experienced workman will be able to fit it without much trouble. There’s far less paperwork to complete too. 

Admittedly, secondary glazing isn’t as energy efficient or secure as regular double glazing, but it is a big step up from single glazed windows. If you’re living somewhere that doesn’t allow double glazing, or you’re working with a very tight budget, secondary glazing could be the answer. Contrary to popular belief, it’s also possible to get some very stylish designs so it’s not exclusively reserved for old-fashioned windows. 

If you would like to know more, call Panoramic Windows today on 01179 560 321 and speak to a member of our friendly team. You could also visit our Bristol Showroom and have a look at our comprehensive range of secondary glazing. Alternatively, you could request a free online quote and start designing your own windows today. 

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