Launceston · Cornwall
Secondary Glazing in Launceston
Period homes in Launceston can keep their character and gain comfort with discreet secondary glazing fitted inside the existing window reveals.
- PL15
- Guide from £465
About acoustic secondary glazing in Launceston
Secondary glazing can also add security, because an intruder would have to break through two separate windows. Laminated glass and locking catches on the secondary unit add further resistance, which is useful for ground-floor and basement windows in period properties.
A low-emissivity coating on the secondary glass reflects heat back into the room and improves the insulation of the combined window. It is a useful choice for single-glazed sash and casement windows where the originals must be kept for character or planning reasons.
The price of secondary glazing depends on the size and number of windows, the opening style, the glass specification, any shaped or arched heads, reveal depth and condition, and access. Acoustic laminated glass and shaped frames cost more than standard clear glass in rectangular frames.
For noise reduction, the size of the air gap between the original window and the secondary unit matters a great deal, and a wider cavity generally performs better. Acoustic laminated glass and well-sealed frames improve results further, especially against traffic, rail and aircraft noise.
Included as standard
- Survey of each window, reveal depth and sightlines
- Removal of packaging and cleaning of new glass
- Fitting, sealing and checking every opening panel
- Made-to-measure slim aluminium frames and glass
Launceston at a glance
- Postcodes covered
- PL15 and the surrounding area, including Liskeard, Saltash and Bodmin
- Coast
- Launceston is well inland, around 23 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Launceston the midwinter sun reaches about 16° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.7 hours of daylight, rising to about 63° and 16.3 hours in midsummer. Secondary glazing adds an extra layer of glass, which slightly reduces daylight. Low-iron or clear low-E glass keeps light loss to a minimum, while on sunny elevations solar control glass can help reduce overheating in rooms with large windows.
- Access and setting
- Rural cottages and period homes often have single-glazed timber windows that cannot easily be replaced. Secondary glazing reduces draughts and heat loss in exposed locations, and the surveyor allows for uneven reveals and older plaster when fixing frames.
- Rules in England
- Approved Document K requires safety glass in critical locations in England: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door, up to 1500 mm above floor level, and any glazing in walls or partitions up to 800 mm above floor level.
Guide prices in Launceston
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Slider, 900 × 1200 mm | £465 – £595 |
| Slider, 1200 × 1600 mm | £665 – £845 |
| Acoustic glass, 1000 × 1400 mm | £675 – £865 |
Get a guide price for your size
Listed buildings in England need listed building consent for most changes to historic windows or glass, and conservation areas can restrict changes visible from the street. Speak to the council's conservation officer before ordering.
Specification choices
Vertical sliding
Panels slide up and down, with meeting rails aligned to sash windows so the secondary unit is discreet from inside and outside.
Low-E glass
Coated glass that reflects heat back into the room, improving insulation when the original window is single glazed.
Horizontal sliding
Panels slide sideways, suiting wide casement windows and openings where you need regular access for cleaning or ventilation.
Secondary Glazing in Launceston: questions
How do I clean and look after secondary glazing?
Open or remove the panels as designed, then clean the glass with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Wipe the aluminium frames and runners, and keep tracks free of dust so panels slide smoothly. Check seals and catches occasionally. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can scratch coated glass.
Will secondary glazing cause condensation?
It can, if the original window is sealed tighter than the secondary unit, because warm, moist room air then gets trapped in the cavity. The secondary unit should be the more airtight of the two, and the original window should not be fully sealed. Opening the secondary panel lets room air into the cavity, so close it again afterwards.
Do I need permission for secondary glazing on a listed building?
You should seek listed building consent from the council's planning department before installing secondary glazing on a listed building. Secondary glazing is often seen as a reversible, low-impact change, but consent requirements depend on the building. Carrying out works that need consent without it is a criminal offence. If your home is not listed but is in a conservation area, check with the council if you are unsure.
Is secondary glazing suitable for rented homes and flats?
Yes. Secondary glazing is fitted inside, so it often avoids the external changes that leases, freeholders or planning rules restrict. It can be removed later with limited making good. Leaseholders should still check their lease for any rules on internal alterations, and landlords should check escape routes are not affected.
Do you cover Launceston for secondary glazing?
Yes. We can quote for secondary glazing across Launceston and the surrounding Cornwall area, including postcode districts PL15, and nearby Liskeard, Saltash and Bodmin. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
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