Exmouth · Devon
Secondary Glazing in Exmouth
Period homes in Exmouth can keep their character and gain comfort with discreet secondary glazing fitted inside the existing window reveals.
- EX8
- Guide from £465
Exmouth: secondary glazing
If an existing window is relied on for escape in a fire, the secondary glazing in front of it must open easily and give enough clear opening. The surveyor checks which windows are escape windows, so the opening style and catches do not block a way out.
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.
Owners of listed buildings should seek listed building consent before installing secondary glazing, as the requirements depend on the building and the council. Secondary glazing is often seen as a minimal, reversible change, but carrying out works that need consent without it is a criminal offence.
Condensation in the gap between the two windows is reduced by making the secondary unit the more airtight of the two. The original window should not be fully sealed, so any moisture that gets into the cavity can escape outside rather than being trapped against the glass.
What you get
- Fitting, sealing and checking every opening panel
- Advice on opening style, glass and fire escape
- Removal of packaging and cleaning of new glass
- Written quote fixing the price for the specification
About Exmouth for this job
- Postcodes covered
- EX8 and the surrounding area, including Exeter, Newton Abbot and Torquay
- Coast
- Exmouth is about 1 km from the coast or a tidal estuary, so salt air and wind-driven rain are worth planning for. Coastal properties often have older windows exposed to wind-driven rain and draughts. Secondary glazing adds a sealed inner layer that reduces draughts and cold, while the original window keeps out the weather and its condition is protected from inside.
- Daylight and sun
- In Exmouth 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 Exmouth
| 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
Approved Document L sets the minimum energy performance for replacement windows and doors in existing homes in England: a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K, or Window Energy Rating band B for windows; doors can instead meet a Door Set Energy Rating (band B, or band C for doors more than 60% glazed); rooflights need 2.2 W/m²K.
What you can choose
Lift-out panel
A lightweight panel that lifts out of its frame, for windows rarely opened, giving a slim and economical secondary unit.
Hinged casement
Panels open inwards like a door, giving full access to the original window, and can be chosen for escape windows.
Fixed panel
A non-opening unit for windows never opened, giving the most airtight seal for noise and draught reduction.
Secondary Glazing in Exmouth: questions
How much noise does secondary glazing block?
Results depend on the size of the gap between the windows, the glass type and thickness, the seals and the original window. A larger cavity and acoustic laminated glass give the strongest improvement. The survey checks reveal depth and noise sources, so the specification can be tailored to the noise you are dealing with.
How much does secondary glazing cost?
The cost depends on the size and number of windows, the opening style, the type of glass, any arched or shaped heads, reveal depth and access. Acoustic and low-E glass cost more than standard clear glass, and shaped frames need more work. See the guide prices for typical windows, then get a written quote after the survey.
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.
Can I still open my original windows?
Yes, as long as the secondary glazing has an opening panel in front of the part you need to open. Sliding and hinged panels give access to the original window for ventilation and cleaning. Lift-out and fixed panels suit windows you rarely or never open.
Do you cover Exmouth for secondary glazing?
Yes. We can quote for secondary glazing across Exmouth and the surrounding Devon area, including postcode districts EX8, and nearby Exeter, Newton Abbot and Torquay. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Get a written quote in Exmouth
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.