Northampton · Northamptonshire
Secondary Glazing in Northampton
Period homes in Northampton can keep their character and gain comfort with discreet secondary glazing fitted inside the existing window reveals.
- NN1
- NN2
- NN3
- NN4
- NN7
- Guide from £465
About secondary glazing listed buildings in Northampton
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.
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.
If an existing window is relied on for escape in a fire, the secondary glazing in front of it must open easily and give enough clear opening. The surveyor checks which windows are escape windows, so the opening style and catches do not block a way out.
Slim aluminium frames are designed to sit within the window reveal and line up with the original glazing bars or meeting rails. Matching sightlines keeps the secondary unit discreet from outside and inside, which matters for period homes and conservation areas.
What's included
- Removal of packaging and cleaning of new glass
- Survey of each window, reveal depth and sightlines
- Advice on opening style, glass and fire escape
- Written quote fixing the price for the specification
Northampton at a glance
- Postcodes covered
- NN1, NN2, NN3, NN4, NN7 and the surrounding area, including Wellingborough, Daventry and Rushden
- Coast
- Northampton is well inland, around 96 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Northampton the midwinter sun reaches about 14° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.5 hours of daylight, rising to about 61° 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
- 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 Northampton
| 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.
What you can choose
Hinged casement
Panels open inwards like a door, giving full access to the original window, and can be chosen for escape windows.
Vertical sliding
Panels slide up and down, with meeting rails aligned to sash windows so the secondary unit is discreet from inside and outside.
Horizontal sliding
Panels slide sideways, suiting wide casement windows and openings where you need regular access for cleaning or ventilation.
Secondary Glazing in Northampton: 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.
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.
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.
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 Northampton for secondary glazing?
Yes. We can quote for secondary glazing across Northampton and the surrounding Northamptonshire area, including postcode districts NN1, NN2, NN3, NN4 and NN7, and nearby Wellingborough, Daventry and Rushden. 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 Northampton
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.