White sliding sash window with secondary glazing

Secondary Glazing

Secondary glazing helps to retain warmth, reduce draughts and block outside noise from getting into your home. Perfect for listed buildings and period properties, secondary glazing fits behind your existing windows to provide extra insulation.

Fitted behind existing windows, they are a less costly and disruptive option than full window replacement. Match your existing window style with a choice of sliding or hinged opening. Increase privacy or add protection from the sun with a variety of obscure glass options.

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What is Secondary Glazing?

Secondary glazing is a window fitted behind an existing one. This adds insulation and helps reduce outside noise without the cost and mess of completely replacing a window. Secondary glazing is a good solution for listed properties where window replacement is not an option.

  • Made with aluminium frames
  • Secondary glazing is easy to install and easy to remove
  • Often more affordable than complete window replacement
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  • Secondary glazed horizontal sliding unit in open position
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  • Secondary glazed horizontal sliding unit on staircase
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Explore Secondary Glazing Window Types

Secondary glazing comes in a range of styles to suit different properties and window types. They can be opened by sliding or by hinges, ideal for period properties with sash windows or for traditional casement windows, seamlessly adding energy efficiency to a home.

    Close up of white secondary glazed window from the Anglian secondary glazing range

    Horizontal Sliding Secondary Glazing

    Designed to match your existing windows, horizontal frames slide smoothly open and closed on aluminium runners, helping keep heat in and draughts out.

    Conservation property secondary glazing in white from the Anglian secondary glazing range

    Hinged Secondary Glazing

    This option is ideal for traditional casement windows, as the secondary glazing swings open on a small hinge, in line with the mechanism of the window behind it.

    Close up of secondary glazing on a sash window in white from the Anglian secondary glazing range

    Vertical Sliding Secondary Glazing

    Perfect for box sash windows, the panels in these vertical sliding frames move easily up, down and can tilt inwards to provide easy cleaning access to the original window.

Reasons to Choose Secondary Glazing

  1. Reduce Outside Noise

    Secondary glazing adds a layer of sound insulation which helps reduce outside noise. This is particularly useful if your home has single glazed windows or has rooms facing onto a busy road.

  2. Easy to Maintain

    A more discreet alternative to replacing your windows, secondary glazing needs little upkeep, requiring the occasional clean and lubrication. The glass panels can even be removed to make for easy cleaning when required.

  3. Tough and Secure

    Made from strong aluminium, Secondary glazing frames provide a strong barrier behind your existing windows. Having a window fitted behind an existing window ultimately improves overall security.

  4. Cost–Effective Solution

    With a faster installation process and fewer materials, secondary glazing can be more affordable than replacing all your windows. This can make it a good temporary or permanent solution for improving the energy efficiency of your home without the expense of new double glazing.

  5. Adds an Insulating Layer

    Installing secondary glazing adds another barrier that helps prevent draughts and cold air coming through your windows. This helps to lower the energy consumption of your home and reduce energy bills in the colder months.

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Close up of secondary glazing seal from the Anglian secondary glazing range
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Secondary Glazing Explained

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How Does Secondary Glazing Work?

Secondary Glazing sits behind existing single or double glazed windows. The gap between the windows adds a layer of insulation, helping stop warm air leaving your room and cold air getting in. This space also reduces the amount of sound that can travel through your windows from the outside into your room.

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Do You Need Planning Permission for Secondary Glazing?

Secondary glazing is ideal for period properties that are either listed or in a protected area because it does not tend to need planning consent. So long as the secondary glazing is reversible and installing it would not damage the fabric of the building, frames of the existing windows or other protected features, then it should not need planning permission.

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How Much Does Secondary Glazing Cost?

Because no one home is the same, the cost of secondary glazing is unique to each customer and their needs. How much secondary glazing costs is determined by the size of the window opening the requirements for installation. To get the perfect fit and benefit from as much thermal and sound insulation as possible bespoke secondary is the best option.

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Guarantees

10-year Guarantee

A 10-year parts and labour guarantee is included in your Anglian double glazing price.

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Made in Britain

Our products are made from start to finish in a British factory by skilled craftspeople.

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If you find cheaper like for like uPVC windows elsewhere, we'll match the price.

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Secondary Glazing vs Double Glazing

Is secondary glazing or double glazing the right option for your home? Both options come with their own advantages, but can be more suitable for different properties.

Wood sliding sash window with secondary glazing after

Secondary Glazing

Secondary glazing is an extra pane of glass behind the inside of an existing window. A great way to stop draughts, reduce heat loss and lower outside noise, secondary glazing is often a cheaper and less disruptive solution compared to double glazing. It is also a good solution for homes in conservation areas and listed buildings where replacement is impossible or cost prohibitive.

Golden oak uPVC sliding sash window and matching front door

Double Glazing

Double glazing is a window with two panes of glass, separated by a gas-filled cavity. It is a direct replacement for existing windows to improve security, energy efficiency and aesthetics. While double glazing has been a mainstay in homes across the country since the 60s, constant evolution means it is available across a range of window styles with a huge amount of customisation available.

Secondary Glazing for Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

Window replacement options can be limited for listed buildings or those in conservation areas. Preserving original features means replacements need to be like for like and some windows can't be replaced at all. These like for like replacements can be very expensive, with some options only available via specialists.

Secondary glazing provides a more affordable option, sitting behind existing windows without harming the building structure. They add much needed insulation, helping homes feel warmer and also reducing outside noise.

anthracite grey casement windows and front door secondary glazing whole house

Working with the Best Industry Bodies to Install the Best Secondary Glazing

Take a look at our industry accreditations and partnerships to see how we build quality into everything we design and manufacture. From the best in customer service to sustainable materials, we always aim for the highest standards.

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    FENSA

    The Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) ensures replacement window and door installations comply with building regulations for England and Wales. You receive a FENSA certificate to keep as proof of compliance.

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    GGF

    Anglian is a leading member of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). The GGF is the most influential Trade Federation in the industry, recognised by government for their in-house technical expertise, which helps influence key legislation within our sector.

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    Made in Britain

    The ‘Made in Britain’ marque on all our products means they are made from start to finish in a British factory by British craftspeople.

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    Recovinyl Plus

    Recovinyl is an initiative advancing the sustainable development of the European PVC industry by improving production processes, minimise emissions, develop recycling technology and boost the collection and recycling of waste.

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    TrustMark

    TrustMark is a not-for-profit organisation operating a quality mark framework in the repair, maintenance and improvement sector. Registration with Trustmark demonstrates commitment to customer service, high standards and continual improvement.

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Decide if Secondary Glazing is right for your home

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How do double and triple glazed windows work?

Find out more about the different types of glazing and how they keep your home warmer and more secure.

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Energy efficiency by type

Learn more about the energy efficiency of different glazing types and the options to help your home retain heat in Winter.

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Double glazed timber casement window finished in white with cottage bars from the Anglian timber window range

Made to measure windows

Discover how we help you create bespoke windows that are just right for your space, and you home.

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Request a Brochure

Browse the full range of styles, colours and glass options in our free windows brochure.

  • Explore our range of window materials and styles
  • Discover window bar and decorative glass options
  • Choose your perfect window colour, handles and more
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Secondary Glazing FAQs

Your questions about Secondary Glazing, answered by us.

Does secondary glazing reduce condensation?

Secondary glazing can help reduce the chance of condensation forming your windows. Condensation is formed when warm moist air meets a cold surface. Secondary glazing sits behind windows that are exposed to colder temperatures, creating a barrier between them and the rest of your home. This minimises the chances of condensation forming and keeps the warm air inside.

How much heat does secondary glazing save?

It is not possible to say how much heat secondary glazing would save for your home, because that varies depending on the window it sits behind. What is undoubtedly true is that secondary glazing provides a noticeable difference to heat retention in a room. The extra layer of air and glass reduces the amount of heat that can transfer through to the window and outside, helping to keep your home warmer.

Does Secondary glazing increase property value?

Secondary glazing can be a cost-effective investment for the long-term value of your home. The increased energy efficiency, noise reduction, and security can add value to your property, making it more appealing for potential buyers.

Is secondary glazing worth it?

Secondary glazing can be an effective solution for many properties, particularly period homes that can’t be fitted with modern double glazing. The extra layer of glass and the air space behind it will make a big difference in reducing heat loss and outside noise, making them very much worth it for many properties. They represent a cost-effective option for any home where you can’t or don’t want to replace the original windows with modern double glazing.

What is the lifespan of secondary glazing?

Secondary glazing can last for at least a decade to beyond 20 years, so long as they are properly maintained. Our bespoke secondary glazing is made from durable materials and professionally fitted for perfect and reliable use for many years.

What is the difference between temporary and permanent secondary glazing?

Temporary secondary glazing is designed to be easily removable, often using panels attached by magnets or adhesive. Permanent secondary glazing is professionally fitted with durable frames, designed to stay in place for as long as needed, providing lasting insulation and noise reduction to the property. Despite the term permanent, this type of secondary glazing can be installed and removed without damage to the fabric of the building.

How Do You Clean Secondary Glazing?

To clean the inside of side-hinged secondary windows, open them fully and clean them as you would the outside. Secondary windows on vertical sliders can be tilted open to allow for easy cleaning. With horizontal sliders, take them out of the sliders and clean the panels individually.

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Our Accreditations and Licenses

  • British Board of Agrement accreditation for uPVC windows from Anglian Home Improvements
    The British Board of Agrement provides certification on the quality of our products.
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    Anglian’s PVC-U Casement and Tilt & Turn windows have enhanced security performance.
  • BFRC logo
    The British Fenestration Ratings Council is the UK’s national system for rating energy efficient windows.
  • FENSA logo
    The Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme ensures window installers comply with buildings regulations in England & Wales.
  • FSC standalone logo TIF green
    Look for our FSC® certified wooden window and door products on our website.
  • Glass and Glazing Federation logo
    Anglian is a leading member of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF).
  • Recovinyl Plus logo
    PVC Industry initiative to improve manufacturing, minimise emissions and develop recycling practices
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    TrustMark is a government endorsed not-for-profit organisation that operates through more than 30 scheme operators.