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There may be many reasons not to replace your current windows with double glazing
windows. They may still be in excellent condition, or your house may be
listed - in which case, making those changes must be approved. It may
simply be that you like the look of your current windows and have no
desire to trade them for generically produced and mass marketed sealed unit double glazed windows.
Even
if your reason is the expense of replacing all your windows with new,
bland energy efficient models, it's hard to deny the appeal of saving
money on your energy bills, or living in a warmer, more comfortable
house. Secondary glazing is an alternative to wholesale replacement of
your existing windows with new sealed unit double glazing windows. Rather
than removing and replacing your existing windows, secondary glazing
fits a second 'window' inside your old one. They can be as simple as a
heavy sheet of polyplastic that's meant for one season's use, but in
most cases, secondary glazing refers to a complete window, glass,
frame, locks and all, that's built to fit inside your current windows.
While the energy efficiency and heat conductivity aren't quite as
effective as replacing the window entirely, the addition of secondary
glazing can reduce your heating costs substantially - and make your
house warmer and more comfortable. The optimal air space between
panes in standard double glazing is approximately 16mm. Obviously a
secondary window fitted inside your house against your existing ones
won't have a space so fine. While that actually reduces the heat
conservation effect, it has a different effect on sound. Secondary
glazing is an extremely efficient and effective way of reducing noise
transference from outside. Some of the other advantages of secondary
glazing are: It won't affect the aesthetic of your home's exterior. This
is a major consideration for many, particularly those living in
historic homes or who are attempting a period restoration. The interior
windows will be invisible from the street, and if they are fitted
properly, will not detract from the appearance inside. In fact,
well-done secondary glazing with attractive window frames can be a distinct style addition in a room. Superior sound insulation. It's
not just the double layer of glass that muffles the noise from outside
- or for that matter, protects your privacy by keeping indoor noise in.
The buffer of air between the windows also reduces the sound waves that
get through to disturb your peace. Secondary glazing is considerably less expensive than replacing the original windows. Even
if you choose high quality interior windows, you'll be saving the
labour of removing the existing windows. You also reduce the chance of
causing unexpected structural damage to the house when you remove old
windows. While rare, it's not unheard of. Secondary windows can be removed when they're not wanted. Secondary
glazing is fitted into frames that can be opened, slid aside or removed
entirely. If you decide at a later date that you don't want the
interior windows, they can be easily removed. If you replace your old
windows with new ones, you can't change your mind. The only way to undo
it is to have new windows made.
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