For most people, double glazing is a great option to insulate their windows. Double glazed units give homeowners a number a benefits including cuts in their energy bills and reduced carbon emissions.

This is because the unit is designed to retain heat with two panes of glass separated by an energy efficient gas, such as Argon, Xenon or Krypton. And if the double glazing is framed in uPVC, the unit as a whole will be even more efficient.

But for some people double glazing is not an option. Homes in conservation areas and World Heritage Sites are limited in what can be installed to the original building. Most of the time renewable energy products such as solar panels and heat pumps aren’t allowed and conservatories are also heavily restricted.

And it’s the same for windows, with double glazing struggling to get a look in these types of properties. However, these stringent British laws can be manoeuvred with something known as secondary glazing.

Secondary glazing is based on the same principles as double glazing, but rather than completely changing the original frame, you simply fit another pane to the interior. This means the exterior of the building is not changed in the slightest, but you still benefit from a whole host of advantages.

Just like double glazing, a secondary pane will reduce heat loss meaning your bills will also be reduced. This is environmentally friendly as you’ll be using less energy to warm your home so carbon emissions will be cut.

A secondary pane will also provide noise reduction from outside and increase the security of your property.

Secondary panes can be fitted with the main three frame materials – uPVC, wood and aluminium. It’s a great insulator and you’ll see secondary glazing in many historic buildings such as hotels, churches, schools and government offices.

Remember if you’re keen to install secondary glazing yourself, the recommended air gap between the original and secondary pane should be a minimum of 100mm apart.

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