What can you do to improve old metal windows? At Open Living, we provide a range of aluminium window solutions designed for the replacement of old metal windows.
How can you improve old metal windows?
Our Steel replacement windows are available with many of the original features of original steel windows. These include very slim lines, the replica glazing bars and even decorative handles if required.
There are however situations where planning and other constraints prevent the replacement of the original metal windows.
Some listed buildings, properties in conservation areas and other restrictions mean retaining the original windows. Even where restrictions don’t exist, you can devalue a character property by replacing the old windows.
Therefore, for any property with original period windows, secondary double glazing provides an excellent solution.
What is secondary double glazing?
Secondary double glazing is a very narrow aluminium window sitting behind the original window internally. The great thing about secondary double glazing is that it also works with any existing window. There is a secondary double glazed window no matter how your existing windows open.
Shapes, colours and special designs are also all available with secondary double glazing. Whether you have curved, gable or other feature windows, need a particular colour, everything is available.
Why consider secondary double glazing?
Secondary double glazing offers a host of benefits to existing steel windows in heritage, character and listed properties.
Secondary Glazing improves window security.
A quality secondary double glazed window comes with security locking and even laminated glass. Therefore, if your existing windows have original catches or handles and you wish to improve window security, secondary glazing is ideal.
Secondary double glazing helps reduce condensation.
One of the reasons for having new windows is to improve energy efficiency and heat loss through the home. Best of all, secondary glazing provides that additional barrier between the inside and the outside of your home. Because secondary double glazing sits far further back than a double glazed window, the insulation is great as a result.
The ventilation a secondary double glazing unit provides between the existing window and the new one ventilates the space and helps reduce condensation.
Secondary Double Glazing provides sound and noise insulation.
If your property is on the main road or suffers from excessive noise inside secondary glazing is proven to reduce it. Enhancements to secondary windows include acoustic glass, where the noise-reduction effect is even better. Where your existing windows are draughty, let in dust and are noisy, secondary glazing provides an excellent solution again.
Planners rarely refuse secondary double glazing.
For listed buildings, secondary double glazing is the best solution as most local authorities approve it. It is extremely rare for planners to refuse the use of secondary glazing.
Secondary double glazing costs far less than standard double glazing.
By far the great advantage of secondary glazing in how to improve old metal windows is that it costs substantially less than replacement windows. If you need to replace your windows but the cost of them is prohibitive, take a look at secondary glazing. You will be very surprised how much less it costs than brand new windows.
If you live in a character property and would like to discuss your window improvement options, please contact us. At Open Living we provide a complete solution for metal casements, old Crittall® windows and doors as well as similar new glazing solutions for inside the home.
Every one of our steel-replacement and steel-look products will not only improve old metal windows but is also perfect for general window replacements with a completely new look. Thermally efficient, secure, low-maintenance and long lasting.
