Article Written By: Martin Troughton
Providing elegant good looks and added insulation against outdoor noise and temperatures, secondary double glazing provides comfort and value for any home. Available in a variety of materials ranging from unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) to aluminum or hardwood, secondary double glazing units offer ease of installation and blend well with any home decor.
Because secondary double glazing fits over your existing windows, it is usually designed to match your windows as closely as possible. This allows it to mesh seamlessly with your current home design and provide extra insulation without changing the look of your home. Secondary double glazing can reduce the amount of traffic noise or other sounds from outside, offering you unmatched privacy and comfort. Additionally, the monthly cost of heating and cooling your home can be lowered, since these window treatments provide excellent insulation and stop draughts. Secondary double glazing comes in a number of different types, including fixed, hinged, lift-out and horizontal and vertical sliders.Vertical sliding secondary double glazing units are intended to fit over existing vertical sliding windows; they rely on friction to hold them up when they are opened. These two-part units are among the most complex types of secondary double glazing, and are often used in private homes.Horizontal sliding secondary double glazing units move along tracks, and slide from side to side to allow access and cleaning of the units and the underlying windows. Their versatility and ease of use make them popular in public buildings; they are mostly used for large-scale window improvements.Lift-out secondary double glazing units, as their name indicates, lift out for access and cleaning. They are not usually suitable for windows that are opened frequently, but offer convenient access and can be removed and replaced as necessary.For windows that do not open, fixed units are the most convenient and appropriate form of secondary double glazing. These include door panels, decorative windows, and certain skylights; these units are permanently affixed over the existing windows to reduce noise and provide insulation.Secondary double glazing provides a number of previously-mentioned benefits. It is less expensive than full window replacements, since it does not require removal of the existing windows; additionally, it can be installed without leaving your home open to the elements. Because it is usually transparent, secondary double glazing will not obscure decorated or stained-glass windows. This makes it perfect for use in churches, historic buildings, and older homes with custom windows. Double glazing is designed to fit any window shape and size, from the smallest attic portholes to the largest picture windows.Secondary double glazing can lower monthly utility bills by adding a second layer of insulation to windows and doors. This reduces the loss of heat and cold through windows, reducing energy costs. Additionally, double glazing fits into window sashes tightly, eliminating cracks and gaps which can allow air to travel through window areas. Installing secondary double glazing offers the advantages of replacement windows without the ensuing inconvenience and expense, making it the perfect remodeling project for any older home.Martin Troughton is an expert in all matters to do with home improvement. If you want more info about secondary double glazing or are looking for a reputable double glazing company please visit http://www.anglianhome.co.uk
This Article Has Been Published on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 and Read 159 Times