Secondary panes - The real benefits of installation

To understand the true benefits of secondary glass, we must first understand what it is. Double glazed windows provide an energy efficient home. It saves homeowners money on their cooling and heating bills. They also reduce CO2 emissions by up to 740 kg per year. Secondary window usually involves installing another window in the interior next to the existing window. This helps to approximate double glazing in principle and helps reduce your CO2 emissions by up to half a ton a year.

The second panel creates a quiet air space between itself and the existing window, which significantly reduces the transfer of heat from the outside to the inside in summer or inside to outside in winter. The second window is usually made to match the look of the existing window while the original window remains untouched. They are designed to be modest, can be opened or fixed and can be installed quickly without the need for remodeling.

There are several common methods for secondary glass. Usually, a glass panel that is encased in a frame reveals to the inside of the window unit or a frame added to the window. Sometimes an acrylic panel is used instead of glass to make it easier. There is also a method of using heat shrink plastic or cellophane attached by double-sided tape. This method cannot be removed for cleaning without destroying the components and usually lasts no more than one season.

It has the advantages of being more cost-effective than double-window replacement while providing similar performance, and construction disruption is also avoided. It is the ideal solution for listed buildings in conservation areas where replacing existing windows is not a practical option or in high rises with strict corporate governance. Internal secondary glazing can be a cost effective solution if the main window is essentially healthy and in good condition and there is a desire to improve thermal and / or noise insulation.

There are many other benefits to having secondary windows. If the distance between the secondary glazing and the original window pane is at least 40 mm, the quiet air space between the two panes provides good insulation from outside temperatures, reducing noise as well as condensation. Special glass is especially effective against road, airplane, railway noise or any kind of noise. Using a 6.38mm laminated glass will give you a 94% UV block while allowing natural light into the room without fading rugs and furniture. Since secondary glass can only be opened from the inside, it significantly adds to the security of the home. Using tempered or laminated glass and additional locks will further enhance the window and door security.

There is very little air movement within the cavity between the two window panes, virtually eliminating the ingress of dust and cutting out any junk in the primary window as well as the draft. Secondary glass maintenance is also minimal.

If double glazing is out of the question for some reason, secondary glazing is the next best practice. You will still enjoy the true benefits of secondary glass, and while it may not be as effective as double glazing, it is certainly much cheaper and a hundred times better than using plastic bags.