What Need to Know about Double and Secondary Glazing?

Posted by stewertjohn5 on May 1st, 2014

Double-glazing uses two panes of glass with a space usually between 0.63 - 0.75 inches (16 and 19 mm) wide. A layer of air, which reduces heat loss, separates these glasses. Installing double glazing doors and windows enhances the appearance of your home. On the other hand, in case of secondary glazing, a supplementary glazing is installed on the inside of an existing single glazing and provides a solution to issues that may be raised by the option of double-glazing.

Double Vs Secondary Glazing

Cost

Double glazing Croydon requires a complete new installation with entirely new units fitted. The company will have to measure up and build doors and windows to shower double glazing benefits. You cannot simply fit a second sheet of glass to the first sheet, as in the case of secondary glazing. In secondary glazing, you can buy DIY kits and get installers to fit the supplementary glazing inside the existing frame. Therefore, double-glazing is considerably more expensive than secondary glazing.

Heat Loss

Both double and secondary glazing commendably helps to reduce the loss of heat and increase the energy efficiency of your home. However, double-glazing is twice as effective as secondary glazing in preventing heat from escaping your home, although secondary glazing eventually leads you there.

Installation

Installing double glazed units is not a DIY job like secondary glazing installation. You need to order double-glazing for your home and once they are built, the process becomes relatively quick. However, the process of secondary glazing is far simpler as there is no need to remove any existing unit to install this. 

Noise

Secondary glazing restricts noise entering your home much effectively. The two different pieces of glass sheets act as independent barriers to the transmission of noise. On the other hand, double-glazing is less effective in cutting out noise because of the panes being moderately closer.

Planning Permission and Secondary Glazing Concern

If your home is located in a conservation area, you will need planning permission for repairing, replacing or installing double glazing doors and windows. However, secondary glazing requires no planning permission even in the listed area.

However, secondary glazing has certain bugbears. Cleaning and maintaining secondary glazed doors and windows is not easy. It is not as simple as double-glazing especially if, it is flush sash windows or doors. In secondary glazing, you need to clean four sides of glass, unlike double-glazing where you simply need to clean the exterior and interior.

Conclusion

Both double and secondary glazing can make a difference to your heating bills. Double-glazing undoubtedly, helps you to reduce your energy bills and provides a variety of styles options. But, secondary glazing is an equally viable option. Therefore, you can select any of the two options depending upon your needs and budget.

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stewertjohn5
Joined: April 5th, 2014
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