Removable Secondary Glazing: 8 Things to Look For

by Clearview Secondary Glazing

17/06/2023

in secondary glazing

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Secondary glazing is a great option if you want to improve the performance of your existing windows. When a pane of glass is added to the existing single or double glazing, thermal efficiency and soundproofing are increased. But what if it would be helpful to remove the pane when you need to? That’s where the removable (or lift-out) secondary glazing comes into its own.

Let’s have a closer look at this type of secondary glazing and eight things to look for when comparing products.

What is removable secondary glazing?

Also known as lift-out, removable secondary glazing is ideal for windows that need occasional access. Perhaps a window is merely decorative and doesn’t open. Or maybe one of your windows is fitted only to provide light.

Attaching a second pane with its own frame to a primary window can increase security and insulation, as well as reduce any outside noise. The lift-out window is ideal for listed buildings where double glazing can’t be installed, with an easy and straightforward installation and removal process.

8 things to look for

So, you’ve decided your property will benefit from removable secondary glazing panels. Good call! But what do you need to look for to make sure you are getting the full benefit of this type of glazing?

Below are eight things to look out for when it comes to ‘lift out’ secondary glazing…

1. Easy to remove

The fact that these panels are called ‘lift out’ glazing shows that they are meant to be removable. It should be easy to lift them out of a window frame, allowing the space between the panels to be cleaned or for the panel to be removed in hotter weather.

At Clearview, our lift-out windows have an Easy Lift Fin which makes it safe and simple to remove units from a secured channel.

2. Glass pane size

With removable units, it’s important to make sure the glass pane isn’t too large and heavy. That’s simply because you’ll want to remove it, and it could be too difficult or dangerous if it’s very heavy. At Clearview, we recommend keeping the overall weight below 25kg, so it can be lifted out by a single person.

Standard windows usually have 4mm glass, which is ideal for keeping the weight low. This generally weighs around 10kg per square metre, compared to 15kg per square metre for 6mm glass.

If you want to enhance acoustic performance and make windows more robust, thicker glass may be available, such as 8-10mm thickness. However, it will increase the overall weight of the unit.

3. Panel options

It’s also important to make sure that removable secondary glazing panels are the right style and shape for your window. Without this, you may find gaps around certain parts of the window which impair performance.

Ideally, lift-out glazing should be available as portrait, landscape and arched panels. It’s also useful to look for additional features like panel locks, fly screens, wider finishing trim or options in timber bevelling to suit your style and functional needs.

4. DIY kits

Everyone wants the benefits of professional secondary glazing. But some people want to install it themselves. Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise on quality. If this sounds familiar, look for specially made DIY kit.

It’s important to settle on one that is excellent quality, straightforward to install and most importantly, fits your window frame. A good kit should:

Have clear, concise instructions.
Be fully assembled and pre-glazed.
Be easy to fit in a few hours.
Provide good value for money.

5. Thermal efficiency

Saving energy is the holy grail for homeowners. Everyone is looking for new ways to cut heating costs and decrease their energy consumption. Secondary glazing is a great way to do that as thermal efficiency is increased while it reduces heat escaping.

Plumping for a removable pane of secondary glazing is an extremely quick and easy way of keeping your house warm in cold weather. With this in mind, it’s worth checking for thermal efficiency figures when searching for removable secondary glazing.

6. Noise reduction

Outside noise is another issue that can be solved by removable secondary glazing. From barking dogs and noisy neighbours to trains, planes and automobiles – the extra pane of glass will absorb exterior sound, leaving you with a quiet, calm interior space.

That said, not all products are created equally. Look for figures on acoustic performance to find the best secondary glazing for noise reduction.

7. Increased security

Another thing to consider with removable secondary glazing is security. Quite simply, this is one of the key benefits of secondary glazing – but only if the panels are robust and well fitted. Being removable doesn’t have to mean the panel is weak or fragile.

Things to look for include:

Strong materials like aluminium.
Security locks and handles.
Optional toughened or laminated glass.

8. Condensation reduction

Last but not least is condensation reduction. Having a second pane of glass can reduce condensation by sealing off your existing windows. However, it needs to be a great fit to do so. If you’re concerned about condensation, the most important things to look for are size, shape and the quality of installation or kits.

Removable secondary glazing that ticks every box

Removable secondary glazing is ideal for windows that don’t need to be opened frequently. But as you can see above, there are several things you’ll need to look for to get the most out of your investment.

Clearview ticks every box with our high quality removable secondary glazing. Our lift-out panels are easy to remove, with a range of options to get the perfect fit for your windows. Once you’ve found the right panels, you can choose from professional installation within 50 miles of our Sheffield base or pre-assembled DIY kits.

Any questions? With over 20 years of experience supplying top-rate secondary glazing, we can help you configure the right secondary glazing for your needs. Contact our friendly, professional team by calling 0114 2945018 or filling in our online enquiry form.

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.