London is one of the least safe areas of the UK. The crime rate in the city is substantially higher than the national average and many northern towns.
According to Metropolitan Police Service data, there were 758,026 recorded crimes in the twelve months to March 2021 in the Greater London area, a slight fall from the previous year. The most common crimes were theft, handling stolen goods, burglary and violence against a person.
In addition, the Office of National Statistics reports that the overall crime rate in London was 94.9 per 1,000 population for the year ending March 2021, a slight fall over the previous year but still far higher than in many other areas of the country.
London’s crime has been a concern for many years, and property owners regularly worry that thieves will take their possessions. One major challenge is the lack of effective policing. The mayor and UK parliament dedicate most resources to fighting the 15,000 knife-related crimes recorded in the city annually, neglecting property crimes. Officers patrol high-risk areas but don’t have sufficient resources to monitor all private property around the clock.
Because of this, local people and businesses need to take precautions proactively. Individuals and company owners must invest in strategies to protect their properties and reduce the risk of being a victim of crime.
Installing secondary glazing is one of the best ways to reduce crime risk. It involves adding a layer of glazing made of acrylic or glass on the inside of a window frame, separated by a small gap or spacer.
Typically, people use secondary glazing to reduce heat loss and noise pollution. However, it is also a method for boosting home security.
This post discusses why people living and operating businesses in London should consider installing secondary glazing on their properties.
Reasons For Installing Secondary Glazing In London
Here are some main reasons why people install secondary glazing in London.
Increased Resistance To Break-Ins
First, adding an extra layer of glazing to existing windows makes it more difficult for burglars to break and enter. Secondary panes glazed with laminate glass mean it is harder to break than conventional glass.
For example, City Sound uses user laminate glass for 90 per cent of secondary glazing projects. It is a stronger glass type because it is made of multiple layers of glass and resin, bonded together under high heat and pressure.
Laminate manufacturers choose compounds for their strength, durability and ability to absorb impacts. Layers have various properties: some are flexible, while others are more rigid. The combination produces a material with more strength and flexibility ompared to other glass types.
Laminate also can distribute energy from an impact throughout the material instead of confining it to a single location. This property reduces the risk of shattering, making it a popular choice where security is a concern (such as in building windows).
Another reason to consider installing secondary glazing on your property is that it reinforces existing windows. Installers fix the secondary pane to the inside of the existing window frame, supporting the entire structure, offering additional protection against forced entry.
Greater Peace Of Mind
Lastly, London residents and businesses should choose secondary glazing because it offers enhanced peace of mind. Knowing windows are more secure helps you to relax, especially if you live in an area of London with a high crime rate.
Secondary glazing gives you peace of mind for several reasons. First, it increases security considerably more than single- or conventional double-glazed windows. As discussed above, it is made of stronger materials that resist break-ins.
Second, it offers additional benefits, besides security, such as noise reduction and thermal insulation. Property owners love how it blocks the sound of passing traffic and lowers their bills.
Finally, secondary glazing helps you feel protected. Our units are exceptionally strong and make you feel like the king or queen of your castle. Burglars take longer to get inside your home or may not be able to break in at all.
Types Of Secondary Glazing Available To Protect Your Property
Several types of secondary glazing are available to protect your property.
Fixed Secondary Glazing
Fixed secondary glazing is a permanent fixture attached to an existing window frame. People choose it because it’s cost-effective, affordable, and offers reasonable insulation. However, you can’t open it and you may require planning permission from the relevant local authority.
Hinged Secondary Glazing
Hinged secondary glazing is more flexible. Installers attach this fitting to an existing window frame and add hinges, allowing occupants to open it from the inside, like a regular window. Like fixed secondary glazing, it offers excellent noise and heat insulation but is more expensive.
Lift-Out Secondary Glazing
Lift-out secondary glazing is another option comprising a removable panel attached to the window frame with clips or magnets. It’s cost-effective and makes it easy to remove the pane for cleaning or maintenance.
Sliding Secondary Glazing
Some property owners opt for sliding secondary glazing. These products attach to a window frame and then run along tracks, sliding horizontally or vertically to open or close. They provide decent insulation and noise reduction, though they may be more expensive than fixed glazing.
The pros and cons of various types of secondary glazing
| Type of Secondary Glazing | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed | Cost-effective with good noise reduction and insulation | Cannot be opened for ventilation |
| Hinged | Openable for ventilation. Offers decent noise reduction | More expensive than fixed. Opens into the room so takes space up. Can also foul on window dressings |
| Lift-out | Affordable, and easily removed for cleaning and maintenance | Glass needed to be removed completely for access. |
| Sliding | Openable for ventilation. Good noise reduction and insulation | More expensive than fixed or lift-out |
| Sash | Openable for ventilation. Good noise reduction and insulation | More expensive than all other styles |
Installation Process
The installation process for secondary glazing involves several steps.
- Initial Contact: Either via phone, website enquiry form or email. We can give you rough ideas on costing and general information.
- Surveyor Visit: Our surveyors will visit your home or property and assess your needs. They will then recommend the best type of secondary glazing for your situation and take measurements.
- Customisation. We then customise your secondary glazing to fit your windows. Windows are manufactured within our factory in East London.
- Preparation (By client). The next step is to clean and repair the existing window to ensure the installation is successful. This part could include filling gaps or cracks in the frame or replacing worn-out seals.
- Installation. Team members install the secondary glazing onto the existing window frame or window recess using the appropriate fixings. Installation is effective but done sympathetically.
- Finishing touches. The last step is to add various finishing touches to complete the build. For instance, we may add silicone sealant around the edge of the new glazing to reduce draughts.
The installation process doesn’t take long and our installers minimise their impact on your daily routine. We perform any dusting and clear-up work after fitting the panes.
Conclusion
In summary, many people living in London could benefit from secondary glazing installations, given the capital’s high crime rate. After all, more than 40 per cent of all recorded crimes in the city are theft, meaning your property is at risk if you don’t protect it.
Fortunately, secondary glazing is cost-effective and offers excellent security, giving you peace of mind. Get in touch with our team today for a free consultation or no-obligation estimate.