renovate existing sash windows and add secondary glazing v replace

4 years ago

Should I renovate the original sash windows and add secondary double glazing or should I replace with new wooden windows incorporating double glazing? My priorities are heat preservation and sound insulation from the busy road.

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Milly Moo

4 years ago

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Comments (12)

Jonathan
4 years ago
Double glazing is not the only way to improve your windows.
I say if your road is now all UPVC you likely won’t devalue your property by replacing them. You should check with local agents if people will pay a premium for original style windows- on some roads plastic windows can kill its saleability. You should also check that you are not in a conservation area or if there is any other reason that would stop you going down the replacement route.
You can get replacement windows that look like originals but contain double glazing.
Secondary glazing is always unattractive and I can’t think of a reason why you would spend the money in it.
Renovated windows can have seals added to stop drafts and noise and this is my preferred route.
You can add window treatments that will keep the heat in- think interlined curtains and blinds.
You might also consider the cost of a new boiler- my new boiler was a lot less to buy than new windows but my house is warmer as the new boiler is powerful enough for the job and my gas bill has gone down by 30%.
AMB
4 years ago
As Jonathan says, secondary glazing will just devalue the property. You can have the original frames retrofitted with double glazing, new wooden windows or new uPVC windows that look like sash windows - Rehau are a good brand. However bear in mind that uPVC is an unsustainable product.
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You are right again, Pheobe! We sort of tricked them: we only put single glazing on the ground floor windows, the rest of the house (and back) are double glazed and all our windows have shutters (way better than secondary glaze!! :)) Our argument was that whoever is looking at the area would not notice that we have double glazed windows at first and second floor. Don't get me wrong - I love living in a conservation area and do my best to follow the rules - it all comes to respecting and enjoying the place you live in and I, as most of my neighbours, recognise this. However, I am aware that not everybody thinks the same and some would carelessly ignore its importance if rules weren't in place. What I find irritating is the lack of flexibility and the contrary, even hypocritical rules imposed by some county councils. There's always a happy medium, it's just that they seem to have missed that class. PS: Let's not forget the safety issue; it's harder to break the glass in a double glazed window than a single one.
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I love both but it depends on the property and the overall style of the house. I am about to embark on a renovation project of a 1970s house and I’m looking to completely transform the exterior with render and change the windows to sashes, I don’t know where to start so any advice by sash window experts is welcome!
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Your windows do look fine for now, so I agree with the other houzzers, leave them and replace them when they need doing. (Just from an eco-point of view, it's better to replace them when they need replacing, rather than before - though I guess you could sell the old ones for reuse?) I have a similar dilemma, where the original style windows in my home have been replaced with (fairly horrid) PVC numbers. However, they are still okay, don't leak or mist, so the plan is to leave them, save up and WHEN they need replacing, rip the lot out and splurge on the best bespoke timber replacements I can afford (which will be even better as I'll have a bigger pot saved up!).
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Thats a big enough challenge, If you need any assistance with lighting you can always give us a email and i will work with you to assist you with the best prices :) Hope all goes well! Tony
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Milly Moo
4 years ago
1. I'll post pictures tomorrow but the Edwardian terrace we bought has secondary glazing and it's something which really bugs me daily and one of the reasons we offered lower than asking price. We too are on a busy road and will remove these as soon as funds allow. I was talkng to the carpenter we have found to fit our skirting and he has said they can be renovated with better glass (not sure about dbl e glazing though) and tha t the weights on the side just need readjusting. Other than that we will go down the upvc dash route. I'm guessing as you already have sash Windows your house is of a period. Personally I would say don't go down the secondary glazing route however until I get mine renovated or replaced I can't comment on th e sound side of things. I'll post pictures tomorrow though of the secondary glazing so you can see what ours looks like.
Milly Moo
4 years ago
Secondary glazing
Milly Moo
4 years ago
Milly Moo
4 years ago

You can see the old sash behind and how grubby it is. Flys get trapped - cobwebs and it’s just built out far too
PRO
Williams-Holden Home Improvements
4 years ago
You can certainly keep the character with uPVC, they aren't all sparkling white modern don't worry! There are so many different options that you can choose from to ensure they are right for your home and neighbourhood!

Just an example..
PRO
The Sash Window Workshop
4 years ago
Depending on the condition of the windows, if they are timber you may be able to double glaze the existing windows as opposed to replacing them.

Secondary glazing is often preferred in listed buildings, where you may not be allowed to install double glazing.

Where double glazing is allowed, most people will opt for double glazing rather than secondary glazing.

Below are some links you may find useful:

Should I Replace Single Glazed Sash Windows with Double Glazed Sash Windows?

What are the benefits of sash window secondary glazing?

Repair or replace infographic

Regarding the later discussions on the thread about plastic vs. timber, I would definitely recommend choosing timber rather than plastic. Not only are timber windows more environmentally friendly than plastic windows (when using sustainable timber), but if you live in a period home, plastic windows will often devalue the property. We regularly have home buyers asking for budget prices to replace plastic windows with timber windows so they can ask for money off the asking price.

I'm not sure where you are based? If you are based in London or Southern England, and would like someone to have a look at your windows and advise you what would be possible, we would be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation quotation.

The Sash Window Workshop

01344 868 668

www.sashwindow.com
E D
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
We have secondary glazing in our bedroom’s Victorian bay window.

It’s Hardly noticeable from inside and virtually invisible from outside.

The fact that there is more space between the original window and the secondary one(s) means it has excellent sound insulation as well.

I actually feel it will enhance saleability of our property.

Certainly not devalue it.
PRO
Ventrolla
4 years ago
We hear this common dilemma a lot!

We'd love to chat through your window project with you. We offer a renovation service that includes draught-proofing your existing window, increasing the thermal efficiency. We can also help with slim double glazing or secondary glazing too. Secondary Glazing is certainly the best in terms of noise reduction, if that is your main concern.

We can provide a few different options/quotes and talk them through with you to determine the right way to go.

We have local teams up and down the country & offer a free survey - https://www.ventrolla.co.uk/ or call 0808 301 9655.
PRO
Chameleon Decorators & Windows Restoration
last year
You also have an option to refurbish and convert your original single-glazed windows to double-glazed ones by fitting new vacuum double glazing into existing sashes.

This gives you the energy efficiency of triple glazing but also preserves the original style of your property.

https://chameleon-decorators.co.uk/blog/sash-window-secondary-glazing/

Here are suggested retrofitting options vs secondary glazing:

Here is the difference between the new double-glazed sash window and the suggested option to fit VIG glass to existing sashes.

renovate existing sash windows and add secondary glazing v replace

Milly Moo

Comments (12)

Jonathan

AMB

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