How and Why Secondary Glazing Works

Secondary glazing on windows is becoming one of the most sought after features in city households. 

This is because these window solutions offer various benefits such as the following;

Noise Isolation

In large building complexes, you just don’t want everyone to hear what you are saying.  It can also be hard to get enough sleep when lots of traffic and street noises are keeping you up until late at night.  Secondary glazing is superb for keeping sounds from coming into or going out of your building and as such can enhance privacy or enable you to get much better quality sleep.

Temperature Insolation

Secondary glazing also has temperature isolation properties.  Buildings with this feature are considered energy efficient because the secondary glazing windows prevent cool air from escaping your building and hot air from entering your building in the summer and vice versa in winter. 

This greatly reduces your need for artificial heat or cooling and can help you save a fortune on the energy you normally use while running the air conditioner or heater.

How Does Secondary Glazing Work?

Wondering how something as simple as a second layer of glass can do all of this?  Well, in truth, it isn’t quite as simple as that.

Secondary glazing is when an additional Secondary Window is installed inside of  your primary glass. 

There is usually a space in the middle between these layers of glass that is called a gap or tight air pocket. 

For optimum noise reduction, the gap needs to be 70 – 100mm wide.  

The Science behind Temperature Isolation

When heat is transferred from warm to cold areas it is called convection.  For convection to be successful, a good conductor is required. 

Air that is trapped in the gap cannot circulate with warm air inside a building or warm air outside the building. 

This air layer thus becomes a poor conductor and the rate of heat loss is reduced.  

The Science behind Noise Isolation

The space between the glass panels creates a phenomenon that is referred to as sympathetic resonance. 

When two glass panels with the same thickness are installed, sound levels can easily pass through them.  In secondary glazing, the thickness of the glass panels differs.  This disrupts the sound waves passing through your windows.  When this happens, less sound gets through the windows.

How Effective Is Secondary Glazing?

Secondary glazing is tremendously effective for both noise and temperature isolation.  Here is a quick look at the results you can expect by getting these panels installed;

Temperature Isolation

Heat loss from your home through your windows can be reduced by up to 63% by simply installing secondary glazing.  Your home will stay warm twice as long as it did when you only had a normal window installed.  One important factor to keep in mind when you get secondary glazing for energy efficiency is that a professional installation is crucial.  Professionals usually use aluminium frames to prevent air leaks from forming in the gap or panel.  If there is an air leak, your secondary glazing won’t be as effective for isolating your home.

Noise Isolation

Secondary glazing reduces noise pollution by 50 to 75%. This means that all the sounds you hear in your home right now will be 50% quieter.  The conversations you have in your home will also be much more private and you can enjoy louder music inside your building without disturbing your neighbours.

Secondary double glazing is a wonderful solution to enhance home privacy and comfort.  If your neighbours are driving you insane then it is time to give Stop Noise a call so you can get a quote on this revolutionary home upgrade.