10 Year Guarantee
5 Star Customer Reviews
Secondary Glazing SpecialistsMagnetic Secondary Glazing vs DIY Kits: Which is Best?
Secondary glazing is designed to make your home warmer, drier and quieter. Not to mention providing extra security. It is an excellent solution to draughty, noisy rooms and doesn’t have to be an expensive option. But when you start to look for secondary glazing to suit you, how do you know which is best?
Will magnetic secondary glazing suit you better? Or would you like to try your hand at a DIY kit? Each option has pros and cons. Let’s have a look at both.
Magnetic secondary glazing
Magnetic secondary glazing is a quick and cheap method of insulating your windows. Placed over an existing primary window, it is a removable panel that is held in place by magnets – as the name suggests. Whether in a domestic or commercial property, it is simple to install and varied in materials and cosmetic finishes.
Magnetic secondary glazing pros:
- Easy installation – No need for a huge tidy-up once the fitter has finished, or you’ve completed the installation yourself.
- Reduction in heat loss – It’s an easy way to insulate your property a little bit more.
- Eliminating condensation – The extra glazed panel will protect to some extent against mould developing.
- Cheaper than double glazing and permanent secondary glazing – Magnetic secondary glazing is around half the cost of double glazing.
- Lightweight – Magnetic panels will attach to the primary window easily.
- Readily cut to size – They can be made bespoke to your requirements.
But it also has its drawbacks. When considering this method of glazing, it’s important to be aware of the downsides before making your decision.
Magnetic secondary glazing cons:
- Appearance – Panes are often flimsy and can look cheap.
- Sizing – Using magnets means you are limited to smaller size windows.
- Longevity – Panes will weaken after a period of time. Strong winds can make them fall off or cause a break in the magnetic seals if the primary window is left open.
- Damage – Magnetic secondary glazing can be easily damaged when removed for cleaning and ventilation.
At this point, you’re probably wondering whether secondary glazing is the better option. Read on for the positives and negatives of this option.
DIY secondary glazing kits
If you want to fit your secondary glazing yourself, you can use a DIY kit. There are a wide range of options to choose from, but you need to be aware that not all DIY kits are of the same standard. It pays to do your research before buying one as you could end up with a kit that is poor quality, too difficult to install or doesn’t actually fit your window frame.
Insulating film is often seen as a type of DIY secondary glazing kit. It’s definitely cheap and easy to fit for even the least practical of people. You fit a sticky, transparent film over an existing primary window, which then increases insulation slightly and adds a little protection against condensation.
In theory, it should keep heat trapped inside, which would make it a good option. But as a thin layer of film, it’s far from the most effective option. Additionally, it isn’t completely transparent and can give a cloudy appearance to your windows. Not to mention it doesn’t block much sound and wouldn’t add anything to window security – you might conclude that this type of kit isn’t worth it.
Let’s compare this to Clearview’s much more effective DIY kit.
Clearview’s DIY secondary glazing kit
A Clearview secondary glazing kit will consist of a bespoke window frame, fully assembled and pre-glazed. It will be ready to install and come with a comprehensive step-by-step measuring and installation guide.
Able to fit in a few hours, there is no need to prepare the primary window and once fitted, you won’t find any re-decoration is needed afterward. The benefits of choosing Clearview’s DIY kits include:
- High-performance sound insulation – Good protection against traffic noise and excellent for sound proofing for recording studios, pubs and clubs.
- Improved thermal insulation – Secondary glazing seals in a tight gap, helping you to save energy and in turn, reduce costs.
- Value for money – Using high-quality materials, you can save on installation costs with a DIY kit without compromising on the results.
- Effective condensation removal – Excellent insulative properties that eliminate condensation.
- Enhanced window security – Giving peace of mind as window security is strengthened.
- Excellent quality materials – Only using the highest standard of materials, Clearview ensures you have the best glazing possible.
- Comprehensive installation instructions – Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for even the most novice DIY enthusiast.
- Approved for use in listed buildings and conservation areas – Clearview supply to the National Trust.
Some of the drawbacks to using a DIY secondary glazing kit include:
- Poor quality DIY secondary glazing doesn’t look as pleasing to the eye – though this isn’t a concern with Clearview.
- There are some minor extra costs to installation as you might have to invest in the right tools.
- There is the possibility of breaking a panel or installing it incorrectly, but this is pretty much eliminated with our clear instructions and installation guides.
Of course, if you really want to make sure you get a perfect finish, it’s worth getting a professional team for installation.
Expert-fitted secondary glazing with Clearview
If you’re weighing up magnetic secondary glazing versus DIY kits for your home or commercial property, why not consider what Clearview offers? We will custom-make your secondary glazing panels, fully assembled and pre-drilled as requested. When you order with Clearview, we will add the finishing trims, so you don’t need to do any touching up or decorating afterwards.
And for those confident DIYers, you can install your secondary glazing yourself with our DIY kit. Complete with easy-to-assemble installation instructions, you will find it simple and quick to fit. If however, you have any questions, contact our help centre for any assistance.
We aim is to deliver all orders within 2 weeks, with free delivery to most of the UK. Contact Clearview today to find out more or get a fast quote online.
Clearview Secondary Glazing
Clearview secondary glazing - the solution to significantly improved acoustic and heat insulation to your property, making your home or offices more comfortable, secure, greener and cost efficient to run. Achieved without the disruption of replacement windows, and without damaging the character of your building.
Recommended Posts
How can I stop condensation?
06/02/2024
