Installing Secondary glazing is a great way to improve your home’s insulation levels without having to commit to the more expensive double glazed windows. Not only can it be far more economical, but in some cases, it may be the only option available depending on your local regulations. By adding an extra layer of glass and an air gap behind an existing window, you are able to improve the insulation of your home and reduce common issues such as draughts.
So, if you want your home to be better insulated without spending as much money as you would for double glazing, read on to find out how much does secondary glazing costs and the different types of secondary glazing.
How Much Does Secondary Glazing Cost?
£300
LOW COST
£500
HIGH COST
£400
AVG COST
Next Step: Find out exactly how much your project will cost.
£300
LOW COST
£500
HIGH COST
£400
AVG COST
Secondary Glazing Cost For Your Home
Secondary glazing and even triple glazing are effective solutions for improving the performance of our home’s windows. The modern style of homes often has many windows compared to their predecessors, which makes the home more aesthetically pleasing with the abundance of natural light that passes through. However, in terms of performance, these windows can be a major source of heat loss due to their lack of insulation.
By installing secondary glazing or triple glazing, the performance of these windows is improved significantly. This added layer of protection reduces the amount of heat that can be lost through the window which helps keep the home interiors warmer, reducing energy bills in turn. This type of glazing not only makes your home more tranquil, it also improves sound insulation. However, you might be wondering how much secondary double glazing costs. You can find that answer in the table below.
Glazing Cost | 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
|
Installing Secondary Glazing Labour Costs
When requesting a quote for secondary glazing, remember that the prices will be tailored to your specific windows – this includes the type, size, and quantity of windows.
On average, secondary Glazing will cost approximately £300 per m2 for a standard-sized window. If you need a more specific estimate, take into account the number and size of your windows as well as any other installation requirements.
Labour for Secondary glazing installation typically costs around £15-£20 per hour or £120-160 for an entire day’s work.
Secondary glazing allows you to have an additional window pane fitted over your existing windows, keeping your home warm without spoiling the exterior (or interior) look of your home. Frames can be fitted into either timber or metal surrounds, often in a range of coated colours too.
Secondary Glazing, Double Glazing, and Triple glazing Cost Comparison
If you want to save money and have some room to spare, secondary glazing is most likely your best option. Installing double glazing normally costs more and takes longer than secondary glazing.
A white UPVC double glazed casement window that measures 1 meter by 1 meter typically costs around £300 per square meter. Meanwhile, triple glazed windows cost approximately 20% more than their double glazing counterparts. Installing standard uPVC double glazed windows could amount to £300 per square meter while installing a triple glazed one would be nearly £400 per square meter.
Types of secondary glazing and what they cost for an entire house
Secondary glazing might sound like a lot of extra hassle for windows you already have, but this extra pane (not always ‘fixed’ to the window) can save you up to £65 a year on energy bills too – so it is worth investing in! There are several types of secondary glazing available in the United Kingdom. Let’s find out more about them.
Removable Magnetic Secondary Glazing Cost
Removable magnetic secondary glazing is an innovative and cost-effective solution for improving the energy efficiency of your home. The system utilizes powerful magnets to attach the secondary pane directly to the primary window, creating a secure airtight seal that helps reduce air leakage. Removable Magnetic Secondary Glazing can be more cost-effective than other forms of insulation, costing around £300 per m2 or between £1,500 and £2,000 for a whole medium-sized house.
The removable secondary glazing panels are easy to install and can be fitted in just a few hours. The magnetic strips mean that the panels can easily be removed when needed and they don’t cause any disruption to your home’s aesthetics. The panels are available in a range of different textures, designs, and sizes so you can find something that perfectly matches the existing look of your home.
Removable magnetic secondary glazing is an excellent way to improve your home’s energy efficiency while still saving money. With the right installation and maintenance, these systems can provide long-term savings and comfort for years to come.
Temporary Secondary Glazing (lift-out) Cost
Temporary secondary glazing is a great way to improve the efficiency of your home. The installation process can be done quickly and easily, with no disruption to your existing windows. It involves adding a single pane of glass or plastic, which sits on top of your primary window. This extra layer enhances the insulation of your home. Plus, this type of secondary glazing is easy to lift out and clean when needed.
Overall, a temporary secondary glazing installation for an entire medium-sized house will cost between £3,500 and £4,000. Installation costs may vary depending on the size of your windows, the type of glazing you choose, and the contractor you hire. Be sure to shop around for competitive pricing and read customer reviews before making a decision.
In addition to installation costs, be aware that you may need to invest in extra materials such as window frames, weather stripping, and tools. If you decide to install the secondary glazing yourself, be sure you have all of the necessary supplies before starting. This will help ensure your installation goes smoothly and efficiently.
Permanent secondary glazing Cost
Permanent secondary glazing is an increasingly popular solution for homeowners looking to enhance their energy efficiency and soundproofing. These systems can be side hung (over a vertical pane or a sash window) or sliding (vertical or horizontal), with the latter being the most expensive option in terms of cost. For an entire medium-sized house, you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of £5,000+ for a sliding system. This figure rises if you opt for premium framing materials such as wood or aluminum (or other types of metal).
When it comes to installation costs, ‘For a professionally installed system, we’d recommend budgeting between £5,000 and £10,000 to install permanent secondary glazing in a three-bed house,’ according to Andrew Smith, owner, and director of City Sound Glazing. And whilst this may seem like an expensive investment upfront, investing in higher-quality materials will mean your system will offer a longer service life.
Overall, permanent secondary glazing is an effective way to improve the thermal efficiency, soundproofing, and security of a home. It’s important to consider factors such as cost, longevity, and aesthetics when choosing a solution – but with careful consideration, you can find the right system for your needs.
How to add secondary glazing
Secondary glazing involves an extra pane of glass that is placed on the inside of your existing window (usually with a gap of around 100mm). A new frame is then installed around the window, and the glass can be slid open to allow ventilation.
Secondary glazing can be the perfect solution for homes with single glazing and in certain situations where double glazing is not desired. It consists of an independent window that is installed on the inside of the existing window, typically at a distance of around 100mm from the original frame. This gives it a discreet appearance, allowing it to blend into the existing window and not look out of place.
Secondary glazing has a very good thermal efficiency rating, making it ideal for keeping the heat in during winter and keeping hot air out during summer. It also helps reduce noise from outside, as the added layer of glass acts as an effective barrier against sound entering your home. Secondary glazing also significantly improves the security of your home, as it adds an extra layer of protection against forced entry.
Overall, secondary glazing can be a great option for homes with single glazing. It is discreet, cost-effective, and offers great thermal efficiency and security benefits. Furthermore, if you are looking to maintain the character of your home, secondary glazing is likely to be your best option.
What Affects the Cost of Secondary Glazing?
The cost of secondary glazing is quite high, but there are ways to lower the price. Let’s take a look at some of the main contributing factors.
The Type of Secondary Glazing
Prices for secondary windows increase as the style becomes more complex, with horizontal and vertical sliders being the cheapest. The various types and sizes of secondary glazing windows offered in the UK market cater to all sorts of needs, for example:
- Horizontal sliders
- Vertical sliders
- Top hung windows
- Side hung windows
- Double-side hung windows
- Lift out panels
- Removable door panels
The Number of Windows
Costs will be higher the larger your property is. For example, a single-story home with four to five windows has a supply cost of between £800 to £1,500, while a detached home with 11 to 14 windows comes in at £5,000+.
Listed Building Costs
A significant advantage to having secondary glazing is that it conserves the external appearance of your windows, which is especially crucial for historically listed buildings where double glazing might not be allowed. It’s worth noting that you might have to do extra work to maintain the look of your original windows since you’ll most likely be restricted by limiting covenants.
If you’re unsure, consult with your local planning council so you are aware of what changes can and cannot be made to your listed property.
Your Location
One unalterable factor is your location – you cannot switch it, and price variation exists based on geography. Those in busier areas such as London may pay 5% to 10% more for the same work than those living in rural locations where rates are usually cheaper.
What are the benefits of secondary glazing?
Secondary glass adds to your home at a comparatively minimal cost and provides insulation and sound reduction as well as improved security. Check this list:
Can be used on listed buildings
Unlike double-glazed houses, secondary glazing has been allowed in listed houses. Generally homeowners are not allowed to change windows and if they are allowed, they will need to seek planning permission. It is good to have secondary glazing without having the frame removed. It’s not noticeable at all. You can retain a lot more character in your home.
Thermal benefits
Similar to double glazing, a double glazing window has extra glazing for added insulation. The air gap between secondary windows serves as secondary insulation. Depending on glass types, thermal efficiency can vary. Typically low-e glass reduces incoming UV light by removing all light sources from your house while also minimizing energy consumption.
Easy to install
Secondary glazing offers an extremely easy to use installation – easy to use for anyone to do it. You simply follow this guideline and have the right equipment. It is also advisable to hire a professional for installation. When considering secondary glazing, the following is an important consideration.
Reduces energy bills
Secondary glazing helps keep your cash secure. A warm and cozy home can reduce your need for the thermostat and reduce the costs of your home. It has been claimed that adding secondary glazing can help reduce your electricity bill.
Extra security
Two glass panes will be harder to break. Although this may seem fairly obvious, secondary glass can protect you. Having a secondary window is nearly impossible for a homeowner.
Conclusion: Secondary Glazing Price Summary
Secondary glazing involves adding windows to the inside of your home, behind your existing windows. They’re a cost-effective solution for insulating and sound-proofing your home, with the secondary windows being lightweight, easy to fit, and low maintenance. Acting as reinforcement against cold weather and external noise without having to replace your existing windows, secondary glazing can be a great choice for homeowners bound by period property guidelines.
The average cost for secondary glazing per pane falls between £300 and £500. This price range fluctuates based on the number of windows being upgraded, as well as the kind of system chosen to be installed. In addition, some systems can be installed without professional help, while others will need a team of specialists which then needs to become part of your estimated spending plan.
FAQs on Secondary Glazing
Is secondary glazing cheaper than double glazing?
Secondary glazing provides superior acoustic insulation properties as well as a lower cost than the double-glazed window.
How much energy can you preserve with secondary glazing?
A well insulated house improves comfort as well as saving money. On average, an average building will have about £150 yearly energy bills. However, windows can retain heat while buildings lose over 30% in energy costs. It is possible to improve comfort without compromising energy consumption by cleaning windows, sealing leaky air, and improving the insulation. Putting secondary glazing on windows can boost energy performance and comfort for about 25-30 percent of the price of replacing the entire window.
Can condensation affect secondary glazing?
Although secondary glazing cannot abolish condensation, it will lessen the amount of moisture that windows allow in. If you replace single-glazed windows with those that have this upgrade, you’ll see a considerable drop in how much water they let through because more insulation will act as a wall between frigid air and the inside of your home. According to some reports, heat loss prevention by way of secondary glazing can reach up to 40% or 50%.
Where to get the sharpest quotes for secondary glazing?
By visiting our website, you’re taking the first step to reducing noise and improving insulation in your home through secondary glazing. We only work with experienced suppliers and installers so that we can offer you the best quotes possible.
Get free and non-binding quotes on the best secondary glazing options for your home or business by clicking the button below.
Who should I use to add secondary glazing?
Most window installations are now covered by building regulations, also known as FENSA. If your installer is registered with FENSA, they will be able to provide you with a certificate proving that your installation complies with the regulations. With so many compliance companies out there, it would be difficult to find an installation company that does not offer this certification. However, if you’re installing the windows yourself or using a non-registered installer, you will have to apply for approval independently through building regulation channels.
Many window suppliers have their in-house or freelance installers that are approved. If you use a non-approved installer, it could reduce your warranty or make it invalid. It is also important to use someone familiar with the type of window you chose, as triple-glazed systems often have fitting peculiarities.
