Calne · Wiltshire
Secondary Glazing in Calne
Our surveyors can measure windows across Calne for secondary glazing, checking reveal depth, opening style and fire escape needs before quoting.
- SN11
- Guide from £465
About secondary glazing in Calne
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.
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.
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.
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.
What you get
- Survey of each window, reveal depth and sightlines
- Made-to-measure slim aluminium frames and glass
- Fitting, sealing and checking every opening panel
- Removal of packaging and cleaning of new glass

Calne at a glance
- Postcodes covered
- SN11 and the surrounding area, including Chippenham, Devizes and Melksham
- Coast
- Calne is well inland, around 46 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Calne 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 Calne
| 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 L sets the minimum energy performance for replacement windows and doors in existing homes in England: a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K, or Window Energy Rating band B for windows; doors can instead meet a Door Set Energy Rating (band B, or band C for doors more than 60% glazed); rooflights need 2.2 W/m²K.
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.
Acoustic laminated glass
Laminated glass with a sound-dampening interlayer, combined with a generous cavity, for properties affected by traffic, rail or aircraft noise.
Lift-out panel
A lightweight panel that lifts out of its frame, for windows rarely opened, giving a slim and economical secondary unit.
Secondary Glazing in Calne: 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 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.
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 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 Calne for secondary glazing?
Yes. We can quote for secondary glazing across Calne and the surrounding Wiltshire area, including postcode districts SN11, and nearby Chippenham, Devizes and Melksham. 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 Calne
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.