Morden · Greater London
Secondary Glazing in Morden
Period homes in Morden can keep their character and gain comfort with discreet secondary glazing fitted inside the existing window reveals.
- SM4
- SW20
- SW19
- Guide from £465
Internal secondary windows in Morden: what to know
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.
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.
Low-level secondary glazing is still glazing, so the safety glazing rules for critical locations apply. In England, Approved Document K treats glass within 800mm of the floor as a critical location, so low-level secondary panes should be toughened or laminated safety glass.
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 a typical job includes
- Made-to-measure slim aluminium frames and glass
- Survey of each window, reveal depth and sightlines
- Removal of packaging and cleaning of new glass
- Advice on opening style, glass and fire escape
Working in Morden
- Postcodes covered
- SM4, SW20, SW19 and the surrounding area, including Mitcham, Wimbledon and Carshalton
- Coast
- Morden is well inland, around 40 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Morden 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
- 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 Morden
| 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
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.
Low-E glass
Coated glass that reflects heat back into the room, improving insulation when the original window is single glazed.
Secondary Glazing in Morden: questions
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 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 Morden for secondary glazing?
Yes. We can quote for secondary glazing across Morden and the surrounding Greater London area, including postcode districts SM4, SW20 and SW19, and nearby Mitcham, Wimbledon and Carshalton. 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 Morden
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.