Secondary glazing costs

Explore the affordability of secondary glazing for your home. Eager to diminish your bills and enhance your home’s comfort? Consider the expenses associated with triple glazing as an alternative solution.

Both secondary and triple glazing can profoundly influence the performance of your home’s windows. However, before determining the best approach to enhance your windows, it’s crucial to grasp their role. Contemporary homes boast more windows than ever, contributing to a visually appealing environment flooded with natural light. Nevertheless, this abundance of windows poses challenges.

Unlike walls, windows lack insulation, resulting in heat loss and subsequently higher energy costs. A practical solution to counteract this issue is the installation of secondary glazing.

How much does secondary glazing cost?

Type of Glazing	Cost – Low (£)	Cost – High (£)
Secondary Glazing (1 window, including labour)	£300	£500
Replacement Triple Glazing (area pricing)	£400	£700
Installation Hourly Rate	£15	£20
Installation Day Rate	£120	£160

Note: The costs provided are approximate averages. For accurate quotes, it is recommended to consult with a local tradesperson.

When requesting a quotation for secondary glazing, bear in mind that the estimate will be tailored to the specific types and sizes of your windows, as well as the total number of windows in your home.

To obtain a rough estimate, it is essential to provide details on the quantity and dimensions of your windows, along with any additional specifications for the installation.

On average, the secondary glazing cost for a window measuring 1 metre x 1 metre hovers around £300 per square meter. Additionally, the labour cost for installing secondary glazing typically falls within the range of £15 to £20 per hour or £120 to £160 per day.

What are double glazing prices?

The typical cost for a white UPVC double-glazed casement window, measuring 1 metre x 1 metre, is approximately £300 per square meter. Various factors influence the pricing of double-glazed windows, encompassing the window size, quantity, style, frame material, chosen service provider, and geographical location within the country.

As the trend towards apartment living grows, the average expense for upgrading windows in a flat with the latest double glazing ranges from £1,550 to £2,750.

How much does triple glazing cost?

Triple glazed windows generally come with a price tag approximately 20% higher than their double-glazed counterparts. For the installation of a standard uPVC double-glazed window, the cost is estimated at around £300 per square meter. In contrast, opting for a triple-glazed window would incur a higher expense, typically around £400 per square meter.

How cold are your windows?

The heat loss of both windows and walls is quantified by U-values, where lower values indicate superior energy efficiency. A standard modern double-glazed unit typically achieves a U-value within the range of 1.6 to 2. In contrast, a single-glazed window tends to have a U-value around 5.

For perspective, a triple-glazed window aims for a U-value of about 0.7 to 0.8, effectively doubling the energy performance compared to a double-glazed window. A well-insulated cavity wall typically possesses a U-value of approximately 0.3, and advanced modern walls are constructed with U-values as low as 0.15. Essentially, a single-glazed window is approximately 10 times less thermally efficient than the adjacent wall.

What makes windows perform well?

Achieving optimal window performance is contingent on several key factors, each contributing to enhanced energy efficiency and overall effectiveness:

• Glass Quality and Coating:
  • The glass quality plays a pivotal role, with upgrades such as low-e coatings aiding in heat retention and cold air exclusion.
• Cavity Thickness:
  • The thickness of the cavity between two glass panes is critical, and a recommended 20mm gap ensures improved insulation.
• Gas Filling:
  • Introduction of gases like argon into the air gap further elevates performance, as argon insulates effectively and has lower moisture content, reducing the risk of condensation.
• Air Gap Maintenance:
  • Consistent maintenance of a 20mm gap for secondary glazing and 16mm for triple glazing is vital for sustaining optimum performance.
• Pane Thickness Variation:
  • Varying the thickness of the window panes themselves contributes to maximising the U-value, a key metric for energy efficiency.

Reducing condensation risk in windows

Effectively mitigating the risk of condensation in windows involves a combination of thoughtful design and quality materials. Several measures can be taken to minimise condensation and maintain a clear view through windows:

• Proper Ventilation:
  • Adequate ventilation is essential to regulate indoor humidity levels and prevent moisture buildup. Ensuring that rooms are well-ventilated reduces the likelihood of condensation.
• High-Quality Seals:
  • Well-fitted, high-quality seals around windows help to create a barrier against external moisture, reducing the potential for condensation to form on the interior surfaces.
• Thermal Breaks:
  • Incorporating thermal breaks in window frames helps to minimise temperature differences between the indoor and outdoor surfaces, reducing the likelihood of condensation forming on colder surfaces.
• Low-E Coatings:
  • Windows with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings are effective in reducing condensation risk by enhancing insulation and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures.
• Humidity Control:
  • Managing indoor humidity through the use of dehumidifiers or proper heating and cooling systems helps to create a balanced environment, preventing excessive moisture that can lead to condensation.

By addressing these aspects, one can significantly reduce the risk of condensation on windows, ensuring a comfortable and clear living environment.

How to add secondary glazing

Adding secondary glazing to your windows can be a practical and effective way to enhance energy efficiency and reduce noise. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add secondary glazing:

1. Measure and Assess:
   • Begin by measuring the dimensions of your existing windows to ensure accurate sizing for the secondary glazing units.
2. Select Secondary Glazing System:
   • Choose a secondary glazing system that suits your needs, considering factors such as frame material, glazing type, and opening mechanisms.
3. Prepare the Window Frame:
   • Clean and prepare the existing window frame, ensuring it is free from dust and debris. Check for any repairs needed, and make necessary fixes.
4. Install the Secondary Glazing Panels:
   • Install the secondary glazing panels according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves attaching the secondary glazing unit to the window frame using clips or a track system.
5. Seal Gaps:
   • Ensure a tight seal by using weather-stripping or sealant around the edges of the secondary glazing unit to prevent drafts and improve insulation.
6. Test and Adjust:
   • Test the functionality of the secondary glazing panels, ensuring they open and close smoothly. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a snug fit.
7. Finish and Trim:
   • Add finishing touches such as trim or edging to enhance the aesthetics of the secondary glazing and provide a polished look.

Adding secondary glazing is a DIY-friendly project that, when done correctly, can significantly improve the thermal and acoustic performance of your windows. If unsure, consulting with a professional can ensure proper installation and optimal results.

Does window performance reduce over time?

Yes, window performance can experience a gradual reduction over time due to various factors. Exposure to the elements, such as sunlight, rain, and fluctuating temperatures, can contribute to wear and tear. Common issues include:

• Seal Deterioration:
  • Window seals may degrade, allowing air and moisture to penetrate, leading to reduced insulation and potential energy efficiency loss.
• Glass Degradation:
  • The quality of glass may diminish over time, impacting its ability to retain heat and resist condensation.
• Frame Wear:
  • Window frames, especially in wooden frames, may be susceptible to rot or warping, affecting their structural integrity and insulation properties.
• Hardware Wear:
  • Moving parts, such as hinges and handles, can experience wear, potentially leading to operational issues and decreased performance.
• Insulation Settling:
  • Over time, insulation materials within the window may settle, reducing their effectiveness in preventing heat loss or gain.

Regular maintenance, including cleaning, resealing, and inspecting for signs of wear, can help extend the lifespan and maintain the performance of windows. In cases of significant degradation, upgrading or replacing windows may be necessary to ensure continued efficiency.

Who should I use to add extra glazing?

For all your window and door replacement needs, Chesterfield Window Centre is at your service – just dial 01246 912106. When it comes to replacing doors and windows, it’s crucial to adhere to building regulations, and that’s where FENSA steps in. Opting for window installers approved by FENSA ensures compliance, and they can issue a FENSA certificate as proof. It’s rare to find window installation companies that don’t provide this certification.

If you’re going the DIY route or using a non-FENSA registered installer, be prepared to independently seek building regulations approval. Most reputable window suppliers have their own skilled installers, either in-house or through approved freelancers.

Choosing a non-approved installer could jeopardise your warranty. Keep in mind that triple glazed systems often have unique fitting requirements, so it’s wise to enlist someone well-versed in the specific type of window you’ve chosen for a seamless installation experience.