If your property still has only single glazed windows, you might be keen to enhance your understanding of what the environmental benefits of secondary glazing actually are.
It is useful to understand precisely what this is first before looking at advantages and disadvantages because it often gets mixed up with the more commonly found double glazing. This is actually a cheaper alternative to double glazing which can be particularly useful when planning restrictions prevent double glazing from being fitted.
Secondary glazed windows can be achieved either by adding an additional pane of glass to an existing window, or by fixing a plastic sheet to the existing window. It is best to have an expert install any additional panes to get the most out of the improvements, but the plastic sheeting can easily be installed by any amateur DIY enthusiast.
There are numerous benefits to be gained from upgrading your windows, and an improved thermal performance is one of the main ones. The effectiveness of a window can be enhanced by up to 60% with a well fitted upgrade, and light breezes can be eradicated completely. Most heat lost from the home escapes through the windows and from an environmental viewpoint, an improved thermal insulation system considerably lowers carbon emissions.
The impact of noise pollution on health is often ignored, but the stress caused by this can in fact have a severe negative impact. Whether it is noise from cars on the road, the stereo system of the neighbors or just the general loudness of society, these disturbances can be minimized by a new window as improved acoustic insulation is another key benefit.
Security is obviously important to everybody, and the increased protection afforded by just one extra window layer is surprising. A secondary layer can make forced entry from burglars much more difficult, and can also protect against bomb blasts, fire, or gunshots.
For all the practical and environmental benefits, the financial gain cannot be overlooked either. It is estimated that secondary insulation can reduce heating bills by a third, and these savings must be considered when weighing up the cost of installation.
In order to avoid bias, it should also be noted that there is one common complaint about secondary glazed windows. If the installation is not carried out to a sufficiently high standard there is a real risk of condensation. It is essential that if condensation builds up, you try to allow enough air circulation to prevent the problem worsening as this can cause the windows to rot from the inside.
By looking at the environmental benefits of secondary glazing, and indeed the minor disadvantages, an informed choice can be made in determining whether this particular glazing solution is suitable for your particular situation.
The environmental benefits of secondary glazing are just plain endless. Get the inside scoop on the best sash window company now in our exclusive online secondary glazing London overview.
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