Secondary Glazing Sash Windows or Replacement Windows?
Whether to replace your traditional timber sash windows or choose secondary glazing can often be a tricky decision. Naturally, questions will arise, such as: Is my building listed? Am I living in an area of conservation? Which aesthetic would best complement my property? How do the products perform?
Of course, with any purchase it’s important to consider all of your options before making that final decision. So, Rose Collection has put together this helpful guide to help you decide between secondary glazing sash windows and replacement windows.
What Are uPVC Replacement Sash Windows?
uPVC sash windows are double glazed as standard. Using the latest sealed unit technology, your property’s security level is immediately improved. Two panes of toughened or laminated glass are separated by a spacer and sealed. The sealed unit is then glazed tightly into the window by the authentic looking beading. The sealed units themselves come pre-filled with Argon gas for improved thermal performance. The gas works by slowing the transfer of heat through the window, thus boosting your property’s energy efficiency.
There are many stylish options available on our replacement windows that mirror the key features of those original timber sash windows. Run through sash horns to vintage looking handles, finger pulls and locks are all made possible to help you retain that period look with Rose Collection replacement windows.
There are also many colours and durable foil finishes available to coat your replacement windows. When you choose Rose Collection, standard white doesn’t have to be your only option, and you’ll never have to paint your windows again! Combined with our decades of experience, 3 different replacement window models, award winning styles, 10 year product guarantee and more, there is no reason to not choose Rose Collection replacement windows.
What Are Secondary Glazing Sash Windows?
Secondary glazing is a discrete method of bringing improved thermal and notably acoustic performance to a building, predominantly where the original windows have to be retained. Secondary glazing units are comprised of a slim-line aluminium framework holding single glass panels. They are best spaced 100-150mm away from the primary window and fixed in position correctly to achieve their optimum results.
The acoustic improvements made by installing secondary glazing at this depth are truly second to none. However, if space on the window cill is tight, there are many different secondary glazing frameworks available to accommodate each and every bespoke situation.
Secondary glazing is also as traditional as it is versatile. It is often found in both domestic and commercial renovation projects. As such, its aesthetics have developed accordingly to keep up with modern trends and fashions. When installed correctly, secondary glazing is almost invisible at a short distance when inside the room and does not intrude on external views of the property either.
At the Rose Collection, we can direct you towards the right secondary glazing sash windows through our sister company, Incarnation Window Systems. Working from a dedicated factory unit with a close-knit team, the Classic and Optimum Collections cover every style of secondary glazing for every type of project.
Sash Windows For Listed Areas
If you live in a listed building or a conservation area it is imperative that you seek planning permission before undertaking any renovation works on your home. A request for planning permission can often be declined when replacing traditional windows with alternatives. Fortunately, the Rose Collection windows Ultimate and Heritage are approved in many conservation areas as more than suitable replacements for your period property.
Over the last 40 years, we have built excellent relationships with many local planning departments. Our installers can even liaise on your behalf to gain any necessary planning permission for your replacement uPVC sash, making the decision to replace your windows even more attractive.
In some cases planning permission for replacement windows may be denied. The building you live in may be Grade II listed, and ripping out the windows may be deemed a risk to the property’s heritage. In this case, secondary glazing, with its subtlety and versatility, is a product well approved by councils. Planning officers appreciate that whilst having to retain the period appearance of a property, there is also the importance of creating a peaceful and energy efficient home in which to live – and are therefore sympathetic to the use of secondary.
Incarnation Window Systems has seen many of its Classic Collection units installed in beautiful listed homes and has also supplied its Optimum Collection products to commercial renovation projects in universities, hospitals, and offices.
Deciding Between Secondary Glazing vs Replacement Windows
The Rose Collection replacement windows are the perfect addition to your home if you want improved security, energy efficiency, and acoustic ratings while retaining the key features of your original sash windows.
Secondary glazing is more of an option for you where budget restrictions are a consideration or, more likely, where it must be used. Either way, the results are also considered extremely satisfying. The acoustic performance generated by creating a cavity between two panes of glass has dramatic effects on noise pollution. Thermal improvements are also noticeable after well installed secondary glazing.
One thing for certain is that as the need for high performance windows grows with homeowners’ demands, Rose Collection and Incarnation Window Systems have you covered.
If you would like to find out more information, please call 01234 712 657 or send us a message online. Alternatively, visit our websites to learn more about Rose Collection replacement windows or Incarnation Window Systems.
Categories: uPVC Sash Windows
