With energy prices on the rise, it is understandable why property owners are keen to explore modifications that will make their homes and buildings more efficient.
One of the property upgrades that will have a significant impact on energy usage is secondary glazing.
Secondary glazing refers to adding a “secondary” or extra, second internal window on the inside of an existing window opening or recess. The new secondary window is completely separate from the original window pane and is barely noticeable as an addition to the property. It can provide a thermal barrier that keeps hot air inside the home and cold air out.
How Much Does Secondary Glazing Cost? (Price Correct as of Summer 2022)
Homeowners can expect the average cost of secondary glazing to be between £700 – £900. Based on this figure, if you are upgrading a three-bedroom home with secondary glazing, you should expect to pay in the region of £5,000 – £7,000. However, the cost can be as much as £10,000+ The cost can vary based on the:
- Number of windows that are being upgraded
- Style of window installed and glass used for glazing.
- Type of installation process
- Choice of contractor
Secondary glazing may be completed as a DIY project in some cases. However, to ensure a quality seal and design, it is recommended that you use a specialist fitting team. A higher cost will usually mean a higher standard of work including the best quality metal frames compared to cheaper DIY systems and setups.
The Cost Of Different Systems
There are different types of secondary glazing systems that can be explored when upgrading your home. For instance, secondary glazing can be a temporary solution that can be unclipped and clipped behind a window depending on the weather conditions.
Alternatively, you can also explore secondary glazing that is designed to be a permanent addition to rooms on your property. This is often going to be more expensive but will typically provide greater energy savings overall.
Is Secondary Glazy A More Cost-Effective Solution Compared To Double Glazing?
Secondary glazing is typically more cost-effective compared to adding double glazing to your property. To install double glazing, the entire window must be replaced during the installation process. During the fitting of secondary glazing, this is not necessary. As such, the installation of secondary glazing takes considerably less time and is, therefore, more cost-effective.
Will Secondary Glazing Provide Long-Term Cost Benefits?
High-quality secondary glazing systems should provide long-term cost benefits and a significant reduction in your energy bills. According to resources such as Greenmatch, the right installation could save you £45 on the energy bills per month.
Secondary glazing provides other advantages too. It can be an effective way to ensure that windows in an older home are more secure while also improving acoustics. If your home is in a built-up area, secondary glazing could reduce issues with noise pollution. This may lead to a significant increase in the value of your property if you decide to sell.
What Are The Secondary Glazing Maintenance Costs?
The cost of maintaining secondary glazing installations will typically depend on the type of frame that you choose. For instance, you might decide on wooden frames. These will need to be repainted and varnished over time.
On the other hand, if you invest in UPVC or aluminium frames, then you can expect a far lower level of maintenance. Typically, these frames will only need to be cleaned at regular intervals throughout the year.
The level of maintenance will always depend on the quality of the installation. A low-quality installation will result in higher costs, even over a short period.
Cost Of Different Common Secondary Glazing Systems
As mentioned, the cost of secondary glazing will depend on the type of system installed. For instance, magnetic secondary glazing will cost between £1500 – £2000 to completely upgrade a medium-sized house.
Permanent secondary glazing systems will cost as much as £10,000+ for a three-bedroom property, depending on the contractor that you choose. This type of system will require the least amount of maintenance.
If you are interested in exploring secondary glazing that reduces exterior noise levels, expect to pay in the region of £900 per frame.
Is Secondary Glazing The Right Choice?
Ultimately, secondary glazing can be a cost-effective choice for your home. It will save you money in the long term and there are various different systems to consider when selecting an option to match your renovation budget.