Double Glazing Vs Secondary Glazing

What is Double glazing

Double glazing of windows is where two sheets of glass with a gap in between are used to create an insulation barrier. This gap can either be filled with an inert gas which is heavy such as Argon or it can just be a vacuum. Either way, it will be able to give a slow movement of heat from outside of the window to the inside.

Double glazing is expensive as compared to secondary glazing

When you compare double glazing to secondary glazing, double glazing tends to be expensive with the main reason being that, when you decide to do double glazing, you will need to have new units fitted. There is no way you can just retrofit an extra sheet on a single glazing window.

For the double glazing to be thermal barriers that are effective, the gap which is between the glass should be airtight and filled with inert gas or be left with a vacuum. And thus, for each window, where you want to do double glazing, a professional has to come to your house and take some measurements and then go and produce windows for your specific needs.

When it comes to secondary glazing, it tends to be cheaper due to the fact that, you can buy your DIY kits or get professionals from a reputed company such as VidroGroup to come and fit the supplementary glazing on the inside of the window frame which is already existing.

What is Secondary Glazing

When you talk about secondary glazing, it is something which involves installing supplementary glaze on the inside of a single glazed window which already exists. You can make it permanent but in most instances, secondary glazing is added as a measure which is temporary.

Secondary glazing can be a DIY job while double glazing you must use professionals

As mentioned earlier, the double glazing units have to be made specifically for your windows and thus, measurements have to be taken and the professionals come up with windows that will fit your specific house. This means that it might take a longer time for you to get them designed and installed in your home. There is no way you can do this on your own and thus, you have to involve a professional.

On the other hand, when it comes to secondary glazing, it can be a DIY job or you can involve a professional. This means that you have options to choose from, unlike the double glazing where the option is just one – using a professional. In comparison due to the fact that you don’t have to remove the window which is already in place, the process is simple.

Which method minimizes heat loss: double glazing or secondary glazing

The main reason why you are replacing your window with double or secondary glazing is due to the fact that you want to increase energy efficiency in your home. This, in the process, will help in reducing your energy bills. It will be good news to learn that, both secondary and double glazing is in a position to do an admirable job.

Between the two, double glazing tends to do a much better job as compared to secondary glazing when it comes to stopping heat from escaping from your home. If you swap all your single glazed windows in your house, you will be able to save a reasonable amount of money in terms of heating every year with double glazing saving you double the amount that secondary glazing will save you.

Acoustic insulation provided by secondary glazing

When you place a double glaze or a secondary glaze on your windows, it will be able to reduce the noise that penetrates to your house. But between the two, secondary glazing tends to work better in preventing noise pollution as compared to double glazing.

Unlike the sealed units of double glazing, the two different types in the secondary glazing tend to act independently as barriers to noise transmissions. The greater the cavity between the two panes, the better will be the effect of dampening which will be there. This means that double glazing which has closer panes is less good at cutting out the noise.

Permission for planning and double glazing issues

When fitting, repairing or replacing double glazed windows, planning permission is not required unless your building is listed or is an area which is considered to be conservative. This will mean that you will find yourself in serious problems and thus, a need to speak to your planning authority at the local level before you do any installation.

Which is better: Secondary glazing or double glazing?

They both tend to work perfectly well and they will both make a positive impact on your heating bills. Your house will be soundproof and the uPVC windows will tie up what was there previously. If you live in a listed property, you might be forced to install the secondary glazing. Both of them do a great job and thus, it will depend on your preference and other factors.

When you decide on the secondary glazing, you should remember that you might have it tough when it comes to cleaning, unlike the double glazing windows where you will just clean outside and inside. Opening the secondary glazed windows might seem a pain as compared to opening the double glazing. So choose what you think will work well for you.

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