Polycarbonate Secondary Glazing
~ unit cost £60 + Installation £60 = £120
Successfully draught proofing a home by preventing uncontrolled air ingress/egress is essential to improving comfort, reducing energy costs and managing moisture… damp.
We’ll look at common windows types, questioning their objectives and whether they are achieved. We’ll ask if they are functioning correctly and being operated appropriately before considering what practical affordable improvements are possible.
On this page
Projects
Related on another page…
Aims – Draught-proofing is perceived as easy and affordable, something a homeowner might tackle themselves following a visit to a hardware store to purchase a few low-cost products. [Ref – DECC] Improving the performance of doors and windows is of obvious concern, however, our existing homes have become perforated with a history of inappropriate and often hidden holes that go undetected. The current approach to draught-proofing fails to deliver successful results.
Objectives – Air moving through a building takes the path of least resistance. When air ingress/ egress is restricted at one point in the fabric the air pressure will increase the rate of air passing through at other locations.
Hypothesis – When blindly installing draught-proofing product the results are more often disappointing. Is it possible to achieve better results with a more thought-through methodology? Start with larger to expose the small. Success comes from being universal.
The purpose of windows has somewhat been forgotten.
Audit
Does it work and is it used appropriately?
- Don’t beware the temporary measure
- Start with the large
- Expose the small
- Be universal
- Managing moisture
Checklist
- Operable and functional
- Hardware – locks and latches
- Seals – airtightness
- Glazing – insulation
Operable
Summary…
Understanding the why of windows – for the health and wellbeing of both the building and its occupants. Operating strategies
Fresh air and air move movement; cross-ventilation, stratification and convection. Sunshine and daylight; contrast, uniformity, size and orientation and efficiency.
Why – Health and well being
How – Identification
What – Materials and equipment
Notes: Efficiency calculation for open-source second glassing. Daylight uniformity and available sky calculation.
Links
Functional
Open and closeable.
Security – Locks and latches.
Common problems
Generally
Sliding sash
- Painted shut
- Broken cords
- Locked and lost keys
Casement
- Latches
uPVC
- Cockspurs
- Hinges
- Rubber gaskets
Casement
uPVC
Projects
The following projects are intended as a means of developing transferable skills, understanding the objectives and applying the principles required to achieve successful results. They are not intended as a comprehensive how-to instruction manual.
Polycarbonate Secondary Glazing
Secured in place with magnetic tape the panels are demountable, preventing air ingress/egress as well as reducing noise transfer. Fitted at a low cost, not only does this give draughty old sash windows a new lease of life it also protects the window from the damage caused by condensation.
Read more...
Why – Insulation doesn’t work unless it’s airtight
Secondary glazing is often considered a poor substitute for double glazed windows. In truth, it has many advantages and can be easily installed at a low cost.
Retrofitting double glazing units to existing windows is an extensive project, causing irreversible damage to heritage frames and the results are often disappointing because the window is still draughty
Modern double glazed replacement windows are both airtight and better insulated. However, good quality units are costly and often don’t fit especially when replacing heritage windows such as sash windows.
How – Insulation doesn’t work unless it’s airtight
What – Materials and equipment
3mm UV resistant Polycarbonate
Cut to size and at a unit cost per square meter
£36/m2 inc VAT
Brissco Plastics
Block 9 – 25 Cater Road, Bishopsworth, Bristol, BS13 7TX
https://www.brissco-online.com/
3mm UV resistant Polycarbonate – Brissco Plastics
https://www.brissco-online.com/products/3mm-clear-uv-stable-polycarbonate-sheet-cut-to-size
Self-adhesive magnetic tape – Indigo Supplies
12.5mm – type ‘A’ and type ‘B’ required
By the 30m role – A & B total £51.54
12.5mm foam-backed magnetic tape 30m – type A
http://www.indigoplc.com/Item/flexible-magnetic-tape-foam-adhesive
12.5mm foam-backed magnetic tape 30m – type B
http://www.indigoplc.com/Item/magnetic-tape-foam-adhesive-white
Brass square cup hooks
In high winds with a draughty window, the panel can be dislodged. A pair of little hook can ensure the panel doesn’t fall away from the window.
We are looking for something smaller than these which need cutting down and reshaping. Let us know if you find a better solution.
Sliding sash
Secured in place with magnetic tape the panels are demountable, preventing air ingress/egress as well as reducing noise transfer. Fitted at a low cost, not only does this give draughty old sash windows a new lease of life it also protects the window from the damage caused by condensation.
Read more...
Cords
Latches
Polycarbonate secondary glazing
Suppliers
Bishopston Hardware & DIY Store
211 Gloucester Rd
Bristol
BS7 8NN
0117 9245935
https://www.bishopstonhardware.co.uk/about-us/
Measuring is simple… right? Installing polycarbonate secondary glazing
Measuring is simple… right? Installing polycarbonate secondary glazing – Suzanne Elson
https://www.neighbourhoodconstruction.org/2017/03/29/measuring-is-simple-right-installing-polycarbonate-secondary-glazing
Blog category – windows
https://www.neighbourhoodconstruction.org/category/windows/
Conclusion…
Workshops
Advice and support