Sliding Secondary Glazing: Everything You Need to Know

by Clearview Secondary Glazing

15/07/2022

in secondary glazing

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Cost-effective, easy to use and full of advantages, sliding secondary glazing is a very popular choice for insulating windows across the country. As well as keeping your rooms toasty through the winter, letting in cool air during the summer months is as simple as sliding your secondary-glazed windows open.

If you’re wondering if sliding secondary glazing is right for your home, read on to learn everything you need to know – from the types of sliders to the benefits and costs.

Types of sliding secondary glazing

There are two key types of sliding secondary glazing – horizontal and vertical. It’s important to consider the two options carefully, as one may be more suitable for your windows than the other.

Horizontal sliders

Horizontal sliders are the most popular type of sliding secondary glazing. That’s because of their adaptability, the myriad of benefits they offer and their suitability for use in all types of buildings, from modern residential homes to listed buildings. As the name suggests, this type of glazing slides either to the left or right.

These sliders are available in a range of sizes, which can be split equally between the panels or offset so that they match the original window style. Within our Vision range, horizontal sliders can include two, three, four or five panels, as required. You’ll also be able to choose the direction that the panels will slide in as they’re opened, including the centre panel.

Vertical sliders

If your traditional sash windows are letting in the cold or outdoor noise, then installing vertical sliding secondary glazing is a good option. Vertical sliders are designed to operate in conjunction with sash windows, enabling the glazing to slide up and down and lock into place at any position along the track.

These sliders are perfect for period properties and listed buildings. There are three options available in our Vision collection.

Vision Balanced Vertical Slider – This model works like a traditional sash window, with the ability to move the self-supporting panels up and down. One factor to consider is that the glass cannot be removed, which can affect the cleaning process, as the sashes cannot allow full access to the inner surface of the glass.
Vision Balanced Vertical Slider Glide – With this option, the panels can slide fully past one another, enabling full access to the back of the glass. This option may not be suitable for windows with a notable offset in panel sizes.
Vision Tilt-in Balanced Vertical Slider – This modern, stylish sash system features sashes that can be moved up and down, but also tilted from the frame with self-supporting hinged stays. However, if a panel size is less than 400mm tall, it will require manual support for tilting.

Sliding secondary glazing – installation and costs

When it comes to installation, sliding secondary glazing is hassle-free. There are several options available to suit your needs. Clearview offers our own professional fitting service for domestic customers within a 50-mile radius of our Sheffield headquarters. And, if you have a large secondary glazing project in mind, including for commercial projects, you can always get in touch with the details.

If you’re outside of that area or want to save on the price, we offer premium-quality DIY secondary glazing kits so you can install your bespoke glazing with ease. There’s also the option to bring in a local tradesperson to help with your installation. The choice is yours!

The costs of sliding secondary glazing can vary based on a variety of factors, including the size of the window panels, and whether you choose professional or DIY installation. Optional extras, such as the Tilt-In or Glide variations of the vertical sliders, can also add to the price.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that cheaper doesn’t always mean less expensive in the long run. High-quality sliding secondary glazing stands the test of time, eliminating the need for costly repairs or replacements.

What are the benefits of sliding secondary glazing?

So, what difference will sliding secondary glazing make to your home? There are a few key benefits that can make a big impact…

Thermal insulation

As energy prices continue to rise, improving the thermal insulation of your property is more important than ever. Poorly insulated windows can often be a weak spot for letting out heat. Installing secondary glazing can improve thermal insulation of your windows by over 60%.

Condensation prevention

Another core benefit of installing sliding secondary glazing is that it can reduce, and even potentially eliminate, condensation at your property. Secondary glazing creates a robust barrier between the warm air and cold surface of the glass, preventing moisture from being drawn out of the air and turned into condensation on the surface.

Soundproofing

For many homes, especially those with the original single glazing, noise pollution can become a big issue. Sounds of traffic, noises from the street outside or even airplanes overhead can all distract you from homeworking, hobbies or precious family time. With the right specification, secondary glazing can reduce incoming noise by nearly 80%.

How to maintain your sliding secondary glazing

Whilst no specialist maintenance is required for your sliding secondary glazing, periodic cleaning is necessary. To clean the glass:

Use warm water with a non-alkaline detergent and a cloth or sponge to wash down the glass and aluminium surfaces.
Use a soft brush or nylon pad to remove more stubborn marks.
Once this is complete, rinse the surfaces with clean water, then wipe dry.

Generally speaking, you should avoid any abrasive cleaners, strong acids or alkalis, or steel wool when cleaning secondary glazing. For further advice, read our detailed guide on the operation and maintenance of secondary glazing.

Clearview offers a 10-year guarantee as standard with our Vision range. Along with that, we can also provide a full maintenance service, as well as preventative maintenance on request. That means you can rest assured that your glazing will stay in great condition for many years to come.

Improve your home with Clearview secondary glazing

Whether you’re looking to keep your home warmer through the winter or block out unwanted outside noise, sliding secondary glazing is a fantastic solution for your windows. No matter the size of your original windows or the style of your property, we have secondary glazing to suit every home.

Get an online quote today or contact our experienced team to discuss your sliding secondary glazing requirements.

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.