A Guide To Different Types Of Secondary Glazing

Introduction

Looking at different types of secondary glazing for your home or workplace? Secondary glazing is an excellent way to reduce noise, improve thermal insulation, and gain other practical benefits. But which type of secondary glazing is best for your property? This guide provides an overview of the main options, helping you choose the right solution before contacting us to learn more about costs. Whether you want to match traditional sash windows with vertical sliders or prefer the convenience of lift-out panes for easy cleaning, there’s a secondary glazing style to suit every property and requirement.

A GUIDE TO SECONDARY GLAZING – EXPLORING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SECONDARY GLAZING

Aluminium Secondary Glazed Windows: Bespoke Solutions for Your Windows

Not all secondary glazing is the same — every installation is bespoke and tailored to suit your window’s shape and size. One of the most common and effective options is aluminium secondary glazing.

Manufactured from high-quality aluminium rather than wood or uPVC, aluminium secondary glazing is strong, durable, and long-lasting, providing a sleek, custom finish to match your requirements. Over time, it is also cost-effective, helping to reduce energy bills.

This solution is particularly ideal for single-glazed windows where double glazing isn’t feasible, such as listed buildings or heritage properties, as it typically does not require planning permission. In addition to improving insulation, secondary glazing helps to reduce external noise, creating a quieter and more comfortable indoor environment.

If you’re considering commercial secondary glazing, or domestic, secondary glazing is ideal for both your home or office, let’s explore the six main types of secondary glazing designs to find the perfect fit for your property.

1. VERTICAL SLIDERS

Vertical sliding secondary glazing is ideal for sash windows, as it can follow existing sight lines, mirroring the look of your current windows. This makes it an aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive solution.

vertical slider secondary glazing

2. HORIZONTAL SLIDERS

Horizontal sliding secondary glazing provides easy access for ventilation and cleaning, while also mirroring your existing window design. It’s a perfect solution for both residential and commercial properties.

horizontal slider secondary glazing

3. FIXED WINDOWS

Fixed secondary glazing is ideal for preserving existing windows, such as leaded church windows or high-value window designs in your property. It’s also an excellent option for uniquely shaped windows.

fixed secondary glazing

4. LIFT OUT WINDOWS

Lift-out secondary glazing is ideal for areas where frequent window access isn’t required, while still allowing easy removal for cleaning and maintenance.

lift out secondary glazing

5. HINGED SECONDARY GLAZING

Hinged secondary glazing provides easy access to your existing windows while significantly improving thermal and sound insulation, making it perfect for maintaining an unobstructed view.

hinged secondary glazing

6. SHAPED SECONDARY GLAZING

Tailored to suit the exact shape and size of your windows, shaped secondary glazing is a fully bespoke solution that mirrors your existing window design while offering all the added benefits of secondary glazing.

Shaped secondary glazing

Types of secondary glazing

THE BENEFITS OF SECONDARY GLAZING

There are many benefits when it comes to adding secondary glazing to your workspace or home. The most common benefits for all types of secondary glazing including:

  • Savings on your energy bills – Did you know up to 30% of energy used can escape through your windows? Secondary glazing is fitted infront of your existing window to create an insulating air pocket to help lock in heat.
  • Good for noisy areas – Secondary glazing can help reduce external noise so it is ideal for busy roads or pedestrianized properties. For added noise reduction it can also be fitted with acoustic laminated glass.
  • Enhances the performance of your window – without the need for costly window replacement, secondary glazing is a fraction of the cost of window replacement.
  • Ideal for listed buildings – Especially beneficial if you live in an older property where you have old single glazing that are not energy efficient. Read more here.
  • Avoids costly window replacement – It is not always possible to replace your current glazing, secondary glazing gives you instant fix without breaking the bank.
  • Modern finish – Slim profile design mirroring your existing glazing giving a modern unobtrusive finish, requiring little maintenance.
  • Protects your existing glazing – A good way to protect your original glazing while giving additional benefits to help with heat loss and noise reduction.
  • Increased security – Creates an additional obsticle to your current window for any potential intruders.
Secondary sliding windows

HOW AARAN GLASS CAN HELP YOU

Aaran Glass is a family-run business with over 35 years of experience in the glass and glazing industry. We supply and install high-quality, durable secondary glazing across London, Greater London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, Surrey, and the surrounding areas.

Secondary glazing is low-maintenance, preserves your original windows, and is simple to install. It helps to improve your home’s energy efficiency by reducing heat loss, minimises outside noise, and enhances security by adding an extra protective barrier.

Whether you’re a homeowner tired of draughty old windows, a landlord looking to keep tenants comfortable, or simply wanting to reduce energy loss, secondary glazing offers an affordable alternative to window replacement—without compromising on quality or appearance.

Secondary Glazing

Reduce your enery bills by adding secondary glazing to your home or office

FAQ about types of secondary glazing

Do you need planning permission for secondary glazing?

No, you do not require planning permission for secondary glazing which is why it is so popular with listed buildings, as it is a great way to elimate draughts and save energy without causing damage to your exitsing window. Secondary glazing can also be easily removed at a later date with minimal repairs needed.

How long does secondary glazing last?

Secondary glazing can last anywhere between 10 -25 years providing the correct aftercare is taken.

Can you open the windows with secondary glazing?

Yes you can, you can explore the different types of secondary glazing designs above explaining the different functions to suit your window style and your needs.

Is secondary glazing better than double glazing?

On average double glazing can reduce heat loss in your home by up to 55%, secondary glazing however can help to reduce heat loss by up to 63%. Secondary glazing is also cheaper than double glazing with no redecoration needed after installation, giving your home or workplace an instant fix.

Is secondary glazing hard to install?

Secondary glazing is generally easier to install and causes minimal disruption.

Secondary glazing is generally easier to install and causes minimal disruption.

The price of secondary glazing is based upon your window; size, frame type, glass type and style of secondary glazing required. Discount prices can be given if you require more than one secondary glazed window.

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Having worked for Aaran Glass for over 16 years, Kirsty is highly skilled in glazing. As a valued member of the family business, Kirsty brings you easy-to-read, informative blogs to help you with all your glazing needs.

– Kirsty, Aaran Glass