Your windows are so much more than just a source of light for your home. With the right panes installed, you can fully transform a room not just in terms of aesthetics, but also in the role it plays in your household.

But what sort of windows should you go for? The two commonly compared variations are double glazing and secondary glazing. Whether you’re curious as to what secondary glazing is, or are keen to compare the advantages of secondary glazing versus double glazing, there are plenty of pros associated with either choice.

What is secondary glazing?

While they may appear similar at first, there are some key differences between secondary glazing and double glazing that are worth keeping in mind.

Secondary glazing is a flexible solution whereby a second pane is introduced to an existing window, using frames made from wood, uPVC or aluminium. The space between the panes in secondary glazing is larger than it would be in double glazing, and the glass on the new pane is also thermally treated.

This all works together to help create better insulation, security and noise reduction for homes.

Secondary glazing pros

Secondary glazing is quite versatile and, even as a modern solution, it has the option of being used in listed properties, thanks to its unobtrusive nature. It’s also a removable solution, which is why it’s often favoured in those kinds of historic premises.

Secondary glazing also benefits from having a strong means of reducing heat loss in the home. The size of the space between the panes ensures that warmth is kept inside, and in many cases the glass in secondary glazing is specially thermally treated. This translates to substantial savings when it comes to energy bills year on year. For the same reason, secondary glazing is excellent in terms of noise reduction from outside sounds, preventing 12 decibels or more from encroaching in the home. Secondary glazing can also be partnered with existing double glazing or triple glazing windows.

And while it’s a home investment and should be approached with that in mind, secondary glazing costs tend to be lower than those of double glazing. A professional service is the best way to ensure you get precise measurements and a flawless finish that naturally and seamlessly blends into your home and its existing windows.

Secondary glazing cons

Altogether, secondary glazing companies tend not to be as well known as double glazing companies, but you’ll find that many windows specialists offer both options nowadays.

Secondary glazing also requires a touch more upkeep than double glazing. This isn’t anything too strenuous, but mostly is involved with the fact that the secondary pane is added on the inner portion of the windowsill. In other words, homeowners have to open that inner window and reach inside to clean up the space within, as well as the window panes. Because double glazing is created as one integrated unit, with a vacuum between the panes, this kind of upkeep is less common.

What is double glazing?

Double glazing is a type of window that almost everyone is familiar with, using frames that contain two panes with a slim gap between that’s either kept in a state of vacuum or sometimes filled with gases such as Argon. Frames are usually made from uPVC or aluminium, and are made to measure for installation in the home.

Pros of double glazing

The way that double glazing is designed leads to an insulating effect that retains heat in the home and and muffles noise from outside by up to 60%.

You’ll also reduce your energy usage, since there’s less need for heating systems once double glazing is installed. Additionally, the closeness of the window panes adds to the security of your home, being harder to break into. Double glazed windows also feature secure locks, latches and hinges that all ensure that security is a top priority.

Cons of double glazing

Put plainly, double glazing is simply a larger upfront cost in terms of installation. While it promises to help reduce energy bills and bolster home security longer term, this is a more premium home product that makes a permanent change to your home.

Furthermore, because it is a more permanent form of home alteration than secondary glazing, double glazing is not permitted in listed buildings and other protected properties. There is also a risk that sealant surrounding double glazing panes could come free and allow moisture between the panes, although this seldom occurs when using professionally fitted windows.

Summary

Secondary glazing is less well known by most homeowners than double glazing, but both window renovation and fitting options have plenty to offer in terms of added security, aesthetic appeal, warmth, comfort and style. Naturally, the value of your property is likely to rise through the installation of windows such as these.

Whichever option is chosen, these windows are best installed by a professional and are often more cost-effective long term if you do so.

The advantages of double glazing include increased insulation for your home, translating into more affordable energy costs, as well as better protection from noise that could otherwise disrupt your daily indoor life.

Meanwhile, secondary glazing is a viable and affordable solution for properties that are listed or otherwise protected from more major renovations; and because secondary glazing can be installed as a temporary fixture, it also means you have further flexibility in a few years if you decide to make any other changes to your home.

However you intend to move forward, both double glazing and secondary glazing benefit from flexibility in design. Both side sash and horizontal sash options are available, as well as hinged openings. Frames in aluminium are a robust and popular choice, but other options are open to you too, as well as white or brown frames to match the existing aesthetics of your property.

All in all, it’s a good idea to approach the subject with an open mind, as your product is likely to be tailor made to your needs and you can engage in a dialogue with your supplier when making it work for you.

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