When it comes to enhancing comfort, efficiency, and quiet in period homes, secondary glazing continues to prove itself as a highly effective and sympathetic solution. For homeowners who want to retain their original sash windows without compromising on modern-day performance, secondary glazing offers the perfect balance of tradition and innovation.
Whether you live in a Georgian townhouse or a Victorian terrace, upgrading your property doesn’t always mean making drastic changes. In fact, when dealing with listed buildings or properties in conservation areas, your options can be extremely limited. That’s where secondary glazing shines – both literally and figuratively.
What Is Secondary Glazing?
Secondary glazing involves adding a slim, unobtrusive internal pane of glass inside your existing window. Unlike double glazing, which typically requires the removal of original sash units, secondary glazing preserves the historic fabric of the building.
The additional pane is installed within a bespoke aluminium frame that can be hinged, fixed, or sliding – depending on the style of your window and your individual preferences. The system creates an insulating layer of air between the existing window and the secondary unit, which greatly improves both thermal and acoustic insulation.
At PM Sash Windows, we design our secondary glazing systems to blend seamlessly with the character of your property. The frames can be colour-matched to your interior décor, and shaped units are available for arched or unusually shaped windows – ensuring a perfect fit every time.
Key Benefits of Secondary Glazing
1. Enhanced Thermal Insulation
One of the primary advantages of secondary glazing is its ability to reduce heat loss. The insulating air gap created between the original and secondary panes acts as a thermal buffer, trapping warm air inside during the winter and keeping hot air out during summer months.
This is particularly valuable in older homes, where solid brick walls and single-glazed windows make it harder to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. With secondary glazing in place, you’ll notice fewer draughts, less heat escaping through the windows, and a more comfortable living environment overall.
2. Superior Noise Reduction
If you live in a busy urban area – such as central London – noise pollution can be a persistent issue. Traditional sash windows, while beautiful, offer little defence against traffic, construction, or late-night activity outside.
Secondary glazing can reduce external noise by as much as 80%, creating a quieter and more peaceful interior. This is particularly beneficial for bedrooms, nurseries, or home offices where focus and tranquillity are important.
3. Preservation of Original Windows
One of the standout features of secondary glazing is that it allows you to retain and protect your original sash windows. Rather than replacing historic joinery – which can be costly, irreversible, or even prohibited in listed buildings – secondary glazing works with the existing structure.
This makes it an ideal choice for properties within conservation areas, or those with architectural features that are legally protected. It also ensures that the aesthetic value of the home is preserved for future generations.
4. Non-Invasive Installation
Installing secondary glazing is a straightforward and relatively mess-free process. In most cases, it doesn’t require planning permission, and there’s no need to alter the existing window or its surrounding frame.
The new glazing is installed on the inside of the window recess, and the work can often be completed in just a few hours per window. This means minimal disruption to your home life – no builders, no scaffolding, and no risk to the external façade of your property.
5. Affordable Alternative to Full Replacement
While the cost of full window replacement can be substantial – especially when dealing with bespoke sash windows – secondary glazing offers a much more budget-friendly alternative. It delivers many of the same benefits as double glazing, such as reduced energy bills and improved comfort, but at a fraction of the price.
This makes it particularly appealing for homeowners who want better performance without breaking the bank or compromising on style.
A Lifeline for Listed and Historic Buildings
Listed buildings often come with strict regulations, making it difficult to modernise or upgrade original features. In such cases, secondary glazing may be the only viable solution for improving energy efficiency and noise reduction.
What’s more, the system is fully reversible. If the secondary glazing is no longer needed or if future regulations change, it can be removed without damaging the original sash window in any way. This flexibility makes it a truly conservation-friendly option.
Customisable Designs to Suit Any Home
At PM Sash Windows, we take pride in offering bespoke secondary glazing solutions tailored to each individual property. Our slimline aluminium frames are powder-coated in a wide range of colours to match your interior or heritage palette.
We also offer shaped panels to accommodate arched windows, bay windows, or other non-standard configurations. Removable options are available too – making it easy to clean both the original sash and the secondary pane whenever necessary.
This high level of customisation ensures that your secondary glazing doesn’t just perform well – it also looks right at home in your period property.
Final Word: A Time-Tested Solution for Modern Living
Secondary glazing might not be a new concept, but its enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness. It offers a simple yet powerful way to improve the comfort and efficiency of your home, while honouring its architectural heritage.
At PM Windows, we specialise in providing high-quality, custom-built secondary glazing systems for period homes across London and beyond. Whether you’re dealing with draughts, noise, or planning restrictions, we can help you find a solution that works – without sacrificing the charm of your original sash windows.
Get in touch with PM Windows today to explore our bespoke secondary glazing options and arrange a free consultation.
