Kensington · Greater London
Secondary Glazing in Kensington
Secondary glazing in Kensington keeps your original windows in place while adding a slim inner window to cut noise, draughts and heat loss.
- SW3
- SW5
- SW7
- SW10
- W8
- W10
- Guide from £465
Acoustic secondary glazing in Kensington: what to know
Secondary glazing leaves the original window untouched and fits a second, independent window inside it. The air gap between the two works with the glass to reduce noise and heat loss. In most cases the installation can be taken out later without damaging the historic window or reveal.
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.
Opening styles include vertical sliders that line up with sash window meeting rails, horizontal sliders for wide openings, hinged casements, lift-out panels for windows that are rarely opened, and fixed panes. The choice depends on how you use the window, cleaning access and fire escape needs.
Glass for secondary glazing is heavy, so the frames need firm fixings into the reveal or a supporting sub-frame. The surveyor checks that plaster, timber linings and window boards are sound enough to carry the weight, and allows for any packing needed in uneven reveals.
What's included
- Made-to-measure slim aluminium frames and glass
- Removal of packaging and cleaning of new glass
- Fitting, sealing and checking every opening panel
- Survey of each window, reveal depth and sightlines
Local details for Kensington
- Postcodes covered
- SW3, SW5, SW7, SW10, W8, W10, W11 and the surrounding area, including Shepherds Bush, Hammersmith and Chelsea
- Coast
- Kensington is well inland, around 39 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Kensington the midwinter sun reaches about 15° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.6 hours of daylight, rising to about 62° and 16.4 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
- In city centres and busy streets, acoustic secondary glazing is a common response to traffic, rail and nightlife noise. Flats, listed buildings and conservation areas often limit external changes, which makes internal secondary glazing a practical option.
- 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 Kensington
| 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.
Options to choose between
Vertical sliding
Panels slide up and down, with meeting rails aligned to sash windows so the secondary unit is discreet from inside and outside.
Lift-out panel
A lightweight panel that lifts out of its frame, for windows rarely opened, giving a slim and economical secondary unit.
Acoustic laminated glass
Laminated glass with a sound-dampening interlayer, combined with a generous cavity, for properties affected by traffic, rail or aircraft noise.
Secondary Glazing in Kensington: questions
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.
Which opening style should I choose?
Choose based on how you use the window. Vertical sliders suit sash windows and keep meeting rails aligned. Horizontal sliders suit wide windows. Hinged panels give full access for cleaning and escape. Lift-out and fixed panels suit windows that are rarely or never opened, and give the tightest seal for noise.
Is secondary glazing as good as double glazing?
It depends on the goal. For noise, secondary glazing is often more effective, because the wider gap between the two windows reduces sound better than the narrow cavity of a sealed unit. For heat, a well-sealed secondary unit with low-E glass significantly improves a single-glazed window. It also keeps original windows, which matters in listed buildings.
Does secondary glazing need safety glass?
It does in critical locations. In England, glass within 800mm of the floor, glass in doors and glass near doors are critical locations under Approved Document K, and these apply to secondary glazing too. Low-level secondary panes should be toughened or laminated safety glass. The surveyor checks each window during the survey.
Do you cover Kensington for secondary glazing?
Yes. We can quote for secondary glazing across Kensington and the surrounding Greater London area, including postcode districts SW3, SW5, SW7, SW10 and W8, and nearby Shepherds Bush, Hammersmith and Chelsea. 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 Kensington
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.