Heywood · Greater Manchester
Secondary Glazing in Heywood
We cover Heywood and Greater Manchester for secondary glazing in period homes, flats and listed buildings, with sightlines matched to the original windows.
- OL10
- Guide from £465
Internal secondary windows for homes and businesses in Heywood
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.
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.
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
- Written quote fixing the price for the specification
- Fitting, sealing and checking every opening panel
- Made-to-measure slim aluminium frames and glass
- Survey of each window, reveal depth and sightlines
About Heywood for this job
- Postcodes covered
- OL10 and the surrounding area, including Middleton, Rochdale and Bury
- Coast
- Heywood is well inland, around 45 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Heywood the midwinter sun reaches about 13° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.2 hours of daylight, rising to about 60° and 16.8 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 Heywood
| 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
Hinged casement
Panels open inwards like a door, giving full access to the original window, and can be chosen for escape windows.
Acoustic laminated glass
Laminated glass with a sound-dampening interlayer, combined with a generous cavity, for properties affected by traffic, rail or aircraft noise.
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 Heywood: 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.
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.
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.
Do you cover Heywood for secondary glazing?
Yes. We can quote for secondary glazing across Heywood and the surrounding Greater Manchester area, including postcode districts OL10, and nearby Middleton, Rochdale and Bury. 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 Heywood
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.