Lewisham · Greater London
Secondary Glazing in Lewisham
Secondary glazing in Lewisham keeps your original windows in place while adding a slim inner window to cut noise, draughts and heat loss.
- SE4
- SE6
- SE8
- SE13
- SE14
- SE23
- Guide from £465
About acoustic secondary glazing in Lewisham
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.
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.
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.
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.
What's included
- Removal of packaging and cleaning of new glass
- Made-to-measure slim aluminium frames and glass
- Survey of each window, reveal depth and sightlines
- Advice on opening style, glass and fire escape
Local details for Lewisham
- Postcodes covered
- SE4, SE6, SE8, SE13, SE14, SE23, SE26 and the surrounding area, including Catford, Blackheath and Greenwich
- Coast
- Lewisham is well inland, around 27 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Lewisham 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 Lewisham
| 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 B covers escape windows. Where an existing window is an escape route, typically in first-floor bedrooms, its replacement should give at least the same escape opening as before.
Options to choose between
Low-E glass
Coated glass that reflects heat back into the room, improving insulation when the original window is single glazed.
Fixed panel
A non-opening unit for windows never opened, giving the most airtight seal for noise and draught reduction.
Vertical sliding
Panels slide up and down, with meeting rails aligned to sash windows so the secondary unit is discreet from inside and outside.
Secondary Glazing in Lewisham: 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.
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.
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.
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 Lewisham for secondary glazing?
Yes. We can quote for secondary glazing across Lewisham and the surrounding Greater London area, including postcode districts SE4, SE6, SE8, SE13 and SE14, and nearby Catford, Blackheath and Greenwich. 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 Lewisham
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.