New sash windows or secondary glazing?

Whether you should replace your traditional timber sash windows or not can often be a tricky decision. Naturally, questions will arise such as is my building listed? Am I living in an area of conservation? Which aesthetic would best compliment my property? How do the products perform?

Of course with any purchase it’s important to consider all of your options before making that final decision. So to help you decide, this month we’re talking about the virtues of both sash and secondary.

What are Upvc sash windows?

Replacing your old timber windows with new uPVC windows could understandably be a hard decision. You are worried about losing the charm of how the original timber looks maybe? -but are you thinking of the whole picture? uPVC sash windows offer a multitude of advantages once installed in your property; both aesthetic and practical.

uPVC sash windows are double glazed as standard. Using the latest sealed unit technology, the security level of your property is immediately improved. Two panes of toughened or laminated glass are separated by a spacer and sealed. The sealed unit is then glazed tightly into the window by the authentic looking beading. The sealed units themselves come pre-filled with Argon gas for that improved thermal performance. The gas works by slowing the transfer of heat through the window thus boosting your properties energy efficiency.

There are many stylish options available on uPVC sash windows that mirror the key features of those original timber windows. Fully run through horns and vintage looking handles, finger pulls and locks are all made possible to help you retain that period look.

With many colours and clever foils available to coat the uPVC in, standard white doesn’t have to be your only option -and just think you’ll never have to paint your windows again!

With over 40 years experience in this area all this detail and more is covered within the Rose Collection. Charisma, Heritage and Ultimate are fully accredited windows, which are quality manufactured and come with a full 10 year product guarantee.

What is secondary glazing?

Secondary glazing is a discrete method of bringing improved thermal and notably acoustic performance to a building, pre-dominantly where the original windows have to be retained. Secondary glazing units are comprised of slim-line aluminium framework holding single glass panels. They are best spaced 100-150mm away from the primary window and fixed in position correctly to achieve their optimum results. The acoustic improvements made by installing secondary glazing at this depth are truly second to none. However if space on the window cill is tight, there are many different secondary glazing frameworks available to accommodate each and every bespoke situation.

As traditional as it is versatile, secondary glazing is often found in both domestic and commercial renovation projects. As such its aesthetics have developed accordingly to keep up with modern trends and fashions. When surveyed and installed correctly secondary glazing is almost invisible at a short distance when inside the room and does not intrude on external views of the property either.

At the Rose Collection HQ we can direct you towards secondary glazing through our sister company set up known as Incarnation Window Systems. Working from a dedicated factory unit with a close knit team, the Classic and Optimum Collections cover every style of secondary glazing for every type of project.

I may live in a building that is listed or at least in an area of designated conservation – what are my options?

If you live in a listed building or a conservation area it is imperative that you seek planning permission before undertaking any renovation works on your home. A request for planning permission can often be declined when replacing traditional windows with alternatives. Fortunately, the Rose Collection windows Ultimate and Heritage are approved in many conservation areas as more than suitable replacements for your period property.

Over the last 40 years, we have built excellent relationships with many local planning departments. We even liaise on your behalf to gain any necessary planning permission for your replacement uPVC sash, perhaps making the decision to replace your windows even more attractive.

The Rose Collection windows are very well regarded within the UK fenestration industry for their authentic aesthetics which are designed to be in tune with the character of your area.

In some cases planning permission to replace windows may be denied. The building you live in may be Grade II listed and ripping out the windows may be deemed a risk to the properties heritage. Secondary glazing with its subtlety and versatility is a product well approved by councils. Planning officers appreciate that whilst having to retain the period appearance of a property there is also the importance of creating a peaceful and energy efficient home in which to live- and are therefore sympathetic to the use of secondary.

Incarnation Window Systems has seen many of its Classic Collection units installed into beautiful listed homes and has also supplied its Optimum Collection products to commercial renovation projects that have been undertaken in places such as universities, hospitals and offices.

What is the best option for my home and how will I be investing in the future?

For improved levels of security as well as in thermal and acoustic ratings, whilst retaining the key features of your original sash windows, the Rose Collection windows are the perfect addition to your home. As building regulations become increasingly more stringent, The Rose Collection has the initiative to create new products that enhance standards of living. uPVC sash windows are evolving quicker than ever using new technology to replicate the traditional timber they are associated with. The Rose Collection provides a luxury touch to the home whilst offering the modern day benefits of maintenance free commitment.

Installation of Rose Collection windows should be considered a specialist task and the fitting of our windows is often undertaken by experts from our approved installers’ network.

Perhaps secondary glazing is more of an option for you where budget restrictions are a consideration or more likely where it must be used. Either way the results are also considered extremely satisfying. The acoustic performance generated by creating a cavity between two panes of glass has dramatic effects on noise pollution. Areas of dense population, airline flight paths and high speed rail links have all been made calmer places with the addition of secondary glazing. Thermal improvements are also noticeable after well installed secondary glazing which should ideally be fitted by professionals where possible but may also be fitted by the home owner under the guidelines of the manufacturers’ product information.

One thing for certain is that as the need for high performance windows grows with the demands of tomorrow, Rose Collection and Incarnation Window Systems have you covered.
For more information on our services please call 01234 712 657 or send us a message online.

Categories: uPVC Sash Windows