We all know about replacement windows; double-glazed units with either aluminium or uPVC frames, which are ideal when the timber frames are in bad shape and replacing the windows would certainly boost the value of the property. Yet some homes do not have rotten timber window frames, yet they do have a noise problem, and the perfect solution is secondary glazing.
What is secondary glazing?
This involves adding a secondary pane of glass behind the existing windows, which means adding a subframe in the window reveal to create a gap between the existing windows and the new layer. This provides an excellent sound barrier, greatly reducing noise levels. If you would like to learn more about retrofit double glazing, talk to a leading Australian supplier about a custom fit to give you great sound insulation.
Thermal insulation
While Australia does not experience sub-zero temperatures, it can get cold in the winter, and both replacement windows and secondary glazing provide excellent thermal insulation. If thermal insulation is your goal, you can achieve it with secondary glazing, which is obviously much cheaper than replacing the windows.
Sound insulation
If you live near an airport, railway line or main road and you are bothered by a high level of noise, secondary glazing is a better option because you can have a wider gap between the two layers of glass, which increases the sound insulation. The gap of a sealed double-glazed unit is a mere 25mm, whereas secondary windows can give you a gap of 100mm, and that cuts out more exterior noise. You could even go wider than that if the window reveals are bigger. If you are planning to tile your kitchen, click here.
Decaying timber window frames
If your home has softwood window frames and they have seen better days, then you are better off replacing the windows with aluminium or uPVC double-glazed units, which bring many benefits, including:
- Thermal insulation
- Sound insulation
- Better home security
- Improved aesthetics
These windows are custom-made; a surveyor would visit your home and take precise measurements for manufacture, and each unit would fit like a glove. The windows would have a 10-year guarantee, and they come in a wide range of styles, with various openings. They are fitted by a team of professionals, and the frames are affixed first, then the glazed units are installed with neoprene gaskets.
The benefits of secondary glazing
The cost is a lot less than replacement windows, and if your home is a period property, you don’t want to alter the look, so secondary glazing is the best option.
Benefits include:
- Easier to install
- Lower cost
- Better sound insulation
- Do not alter the look of the property
The glass panes of secondary glazing can be completely removed, which is ideal in the summer, when you wish to open the windows on a daily basis.
So, there you have it, a comparison of replacement windows and secondary glazing in Australia. We hope this helps you to make an informed decision.