Hitchin · Hertfordshire
Secondary Glazing in Hitchin
Single-glazed sash windows in Hitchin can stay as they are, with vertical sliding secondary glazing fitted inside to reduce draughts and cold.
- SG6
- Guide from £465
Acoustic secondary glazing in Hitchin: what to know
A low-emissivity coating on the secondary glass reflects heat back into the room and improves the insulation of the combined window. It is a useful choice for single-glazed sash and casement windows where the originals must be kept for character or planning reasons.
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.
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.
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.
Included as standard
- Written quote fixing the price for the specification
- Survey of each window, reveal depth and sightlines
- Advice on opening style, glass and fire escape
- Fitting, sealing and checking every opening panel
About Hitchin for this job
- Postcodes covered
- SG6 and the surrounding area, including Letchworth Garden City, Stevenage and Luton
- Coast
- Hitchin is well inland, around 70 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Hitchin the midwinter sun reaches about 15° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.5 hours of daylight, rising to about 62° and 16.5 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 Hitchin
| 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.
What you can choose
Acoustic laminated glass
Laminated glass with a sound-dampening interlayer, combined with a generous cavity, for properties affected by traffic, rail or aircraft noise.
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 Hitchin: questions
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 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.
Do I need permission for secondary glazing on a listed building?
You should seek listed building consent from the council's planning department before installing secondary glazing on a listed building. Secondary glazing is often seen as a reversible, low-impact change, but consent requirements depend on the building. Carrying out works that need consent without it is a criminal offence. If your home is not listed but is in a conservation area, check with the council if you are unsure.
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.
Do you cover Hitchin for secondary glazing?
Yes. We can quote for secondary glazing across Hitchin and the surrounding Hertfordshire area, including postcode districts SG6, and nearby Letchworth Garden City, Stevenage and Luton. 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 Hitchin
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.