Secondary Glazing: Should You Select A Fixed Or Removable Solution?

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If you’re currently considering a secondary glazing installation for your home, you are not alone. However, several key questions must be answered before completing the project. The choice between removable secondary glazing and fixed secondary glazing is one of the most important decisions by far.

Adding an additional window inside your existing window frames is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to increase your home’s insulation, as well as its acoustic performance. City Sound Glazing can install a range of variants including fixed or removable secondary glazing this range consists of aluminium windows fitted to specific needs.

While there is no single right or wrong solution, the following advice should help you find the right solution for your home.

Removable Secondary Glazing V Fixed Secondary Glazing: What Are They?

Fixed secondary glazing is, as the name suggests, an additional window that is fixed in place and cannot be moved. They are primarily used for areas where access to the existing window is rarely required. Bay windows and fixed windows are two of the most common examples.

Removable secondary glazing, however, allows you to move the window panes. There are several styles to consider including;

• Vertical sliding secondary glazing for vertically opening sash windows.
• Horizontal sliding secondary glazing that uses 2-3 horizontal tracks for sash or casement windows.
• Hinged secondary glazing that opens inwards into the room for casement windows.

There is also a fixed lift-out unit that allows the glass pane to be lifted out of the master frame, which is an alternative to screw-fixed units. While each style has its unique properties, they all provide an extra layer of security, insulation, and sound protection.

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Removable Secondary Glazing V Fixed Secondary Glazing: The Costs

Before looking at the attributes of each solution, it’s important to consider the costs and how they align with your budget. This is especially true when you want to add secondary glazing throughout the home, which could easily mean installing 10 or more individual panes.

The good news, however, is that the contrasts in pricing aren’t overly significant. Fixed secondary glazing is a little cheaper than products like sliding secondary glazing because they do not need tracks. 

In truth, though, the contrasts in pricing are quite small, unless you need a heavy-duty solution. For standard frame options, though, you’ll pay roughly half of what it would cost to fit double glazing.

Fixed Secondary Glazing: Pros & Cons

If looking at fixed secondary glazing, the following benefits and downsides should be considered.

Pros

• Fixed secondary glazing is a little cheaper than removable options.
• There is no opening mechanism, giving you optimal security.
• They are a good option for listed buildings.
• You won’t have to worry about potentially breaking tracks.
• May be used on residential or commercial buildings.

Cons

• You can’t access the original window.
• Ventilation can be an issue in the room, particularly in summer.
• Does not provide the versatility of standard windows or removable glazing.
• They need to stay in place 24/7, 365 days per year.
• While you can choose different glass types, design flexibility is reduced.
• Can block your emergency exit escape route.
• Cannot clean between the windows which will result in a dust trap.

Removable Secondary Glazing: Pros & Cons

Removable secondary glazing can expect to see the following positives and potential drawbacks from their installation.

Pros

• Different styles (casement window, lift-out, horizontal or vertical sliding secondary glazing) can be used.
• They can be removed in the summer when extra insulation isn’t needed.
• You can remove the window for cleaning and gain access to the original window. 
• Heavy-duty solutions are available for commercial buildings.
• The ventilation remains or you can open the main window.
• Slim systems provide a tight seal for greater insulation and sound protection.

Cons

• Slightly more expensive and may take 1-2 hours longer to install.
• Heavy-duty options are the most expensive secondary glazing solution.
• They offer good security, but not as much as fixed solutions.
• Cleaning takes a little longer.
• More parts mean you have to take extra care with tracks and features.
• The option you want might not be suited to your window type.

Final Thoughts On Secondary Glazing

Secondary glazing is the perfect solution when double glazing isn’t an option or when you would prefer a more affordable way to improve insulation and sound protection. Both fixed and removable secondary glazing has pros and cons but if you want a versatile choice that provides the key attributes and looks fantastic, removable secondary glazing is the answer.

To discuss your options like sliding secondary glazing or lift-out windows, contact City Sound Glazing today.