Frequently Asked Questions

Measuring your windows for secondary glazing is simpler than you might think, and while accuracy is important, it doesn’t need to be pinpoint precise.

The goal is to ensure that when fitting into a window reveal or within a frame border, the unit is slightly smaller than the tightest and narrowest points. To achieve this, we recommend deducting 10mm from the total measured width and height. This ensures the frame will fit snugly and allows some room for adjustment. These adjusted dimensions will be used to build the frame and provide you with an accurate quote. Any gaps or distortions around the frame will be neatly hidden and sealed using the Edging Trim. If you’re surface mounting the secondary glazing around a window reveal or onto an internal wall (face fixing), make sure the frame is wider than the recess to allow proper fixing into the frame or wall. Add the width of the frame to each of the four sides of the window to calculate the necessary dimensions. Detailed frame specifications can be found in our Product Brochures for reference.

For further help, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to guide you every step of the way!

Installing your secondary glazing units is straightforward and designed to be DIY-friendly. Our units are supplied fully assembled, pre-drilled, and glazed, making them ready for easy installation.

The units will lift easily into position and can be secured with just a few minor adjustments to ensure they are level. Once fixed, apply the supplied finishing trim to cover, seal, and hide any gaps or inaccuracies between the wall and frame for a clean, professional finish.

If DIY isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Consider asking friends, family, or neighbors for assistance—anyone who can use a screwdriver should be able to manage the process.

If you need professional help, we recommend using the Which Trusted Trader search service. Enter your postcode and search for local carpenters or joiners. While we can’t offer personal recommendations, these verified tradespeople will be more than capable of carrying out the installation for you.

We’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further guidance!

Yes, we provide a variety of glass types to suit the specific needs of your project.

Standard Glass
Our standard glass is 4mm toughened safety glass, meeting the minimum requirements for building regulations where health and safety considerations apply, such as in proximity to floors and doors. In some cases, depending on panel size, the glass may default to 6mm toughened. All our glass options conform to BS6206: 1981 and BS EN 12600 standards for impact resistance.

Specialty Glass Options
We also offer a range of specialty glass, including:

Laminated Glass: Features two layers of glass with a polymer sheet in between, providing enhanced impact resistance and security.
Acoustic Laminated Glass: Similar to laminated glass but uses a Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) layer to absorb and dissipate sound energy for superior noise reduction.
Thermal Low-E Glass: Coated with a low-emissivity layer to improve energy efficiency by reflecting interior heat back into the room.
Obscure Glass: Available upon request for privacy needs.
Vision Range Options:
The standard Vision range accommodates up to 6.8mm glass.
The Vision Ultra Panel fits standard frames but accommodates glass between 8.8mm and 10.8mm.
The Vision HD Hinged System supports up to 28mm sealed double-glazed units.
Performance and Benefits
Our secondary glazing panels are designed to combine functionality with discreet aesthetics. Standard panels (sliding, lift-out, hinged, and insert) are single-glazed to ensure manageable frame sizes and create an unobtrusive secondary window. When paired with primary windows, they deliver:

Superior soundproofing compared to traditional double glazing.
Thermal performance equivalent to many double-glazed products.
For detailed performance data, visit our Help Centre.

What Is Low-E Glass?
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass, such as Pilkington K Glass™, has an invisible coating that reduces heat transfer and reflects interior heat back into your room. This energy-efficient glass can improve the thermal performance of non-coated glass by 5-10%. In secondary glazing, the hard-coat application ensures durability but requires careful cleaning to avoid scratches.

What Is Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass consists of two layers of glass sandwiching a polymer sheet. For instance, 6.4mm laminate includes two 3mm glass layers with a 0.4mm plastic film. Laminated glass enhances impact resistance and safety.

Acoustic Laminated Glass uses the same structure but incorporates a PVB layer, offering superior soundproofing by absorbing and dissipating sound energy.

Obscure Glass
We also offer obscure glass for privacy, priced on application.

For more details on our full range of glass options, feel free to contact us.

It’s difficult to provide exact figures, as every property and individual experience noise differently. However, studies show that secondary glazing can reduce noise levels by up to 80% or over 50 decibels. To put that into perspective, a reduction of just 3 decibels halves the noise energy, making secondary glazing approximately five times more effective than double or triple glazing.

The actual noise reduction will depend on the final specification and installation. These details can be discussed and clarified during a consultation with one of our advisors.

Key Factors for Noise Reduction:
Air Gap: The larger the gap between the existing glass and the new secondary glazing, the better the soundproofing. An air gap of 100mm to 150mm, or even up to 200mm, provides optimal performance.
Glass Thickness: Where space is limited, using thicker glass can significantly improve noise reduction. We recommend starting with 6mm glass for effective soundproofing.
If noise pollution is a concern in your property, our team can help design the ideal secondary glazing solution to meet your needs. Contact us today to discuss your requirements!

Secondary Glazing Company can help significantly improve the thermal insulation of your windows, increasing their efficiency by up to 65%. This translates to a U-Value of approximately 1.868 W/m²K, a dramatic improvement compared to the typical U-Value of 5.8 W/m²K for single-glazed windows. (A lower U-Value means better heat retention and reduced heat loss.)

This performance can rival or even exceed that of modern double-glazed windows, with some secondary glazing solutions achieving results equivalent to A+ rated glazing. Research conducted by English Heritage and Historic Scotland, in partnership with Glasgow University, has shown that secondary glazing often outperforms double-glazed replacement windows, especially in period or listed properties.

Benefits at a Glance:
Enhanced Insulation: Retains more heat inside your home, creating a warmer and more comfortable environment.
Energy Savings: Improved efficiency can help reduce heating bills.
Ideal for Heritage Homes: Perfect for properties where maintaining original windows is essential.
The exact improvement depends on the final specifications and installation. Contact Secondary Glazing Company today to discuss how we can help make your property warmer and more energy-efficient.

The cost of secondary glazing depends on several factors, including the size of your windows, the type of glazing you select, and the complexity of the installation. On average, prices start from around £163.66 per window, making secondary glazing a budget-friendly alternative to double glazing.

Investing in secondary glazing offers excellent value, as it not only reduces energy bills but also improves your home's comfort, sound insulation, and security. Additionally, it can enhance the overall value of your property.

Secondary glazing is a cost-effective solution for creating a warmer, quieter, and more energy-efficient home. Get a quick and easy quote today to find out what it will cost for your property!