Secondary Glazing for Windows Costs: The Ultimate Guide in 2023
If you’re putting in upgrades to the windows in your home or building a property entirely from scratch, you will need to consider the types of windows you install as well as the glazing you want to go with. In the UK, the cold weather means that most people go for double or even triple glazing. However, there is a new alternative to multiple glazing options that make window installations a lot more cost-effective.
This is known as secondary glazing. In this cost guide, we’ll take you through some of the factors you need to look at when choosing secondary glazing and the variables that will impact the overall project cost. Let’s get going on talking about secondary glazing for the windows in your home.
How much can I expect to pay for secondary glazing?
On average, secondary glazing costs around £300 and £500 per window pane. Although this may seem like a heft upfront cost, it is much cheaper than a double-glazing option as it is easier to replace. Double glazing requires the windows to be built to accommodate two panes of glass. However, secondary glazing is an option used by contractors to add extra insulation to existing windows.
The overall cost of installing secondary glazing into your windows depends on whether or not you are replacing an existing pane of glass or installing brand-new windows. The table below will provide you with a more detailed price breakdown so that you know what to expect when installing secondary glazing into your windows.
| Type of installation | Ballpark Pricing Per Window, Including Labour |
| New window installation | £300 – £500 |
| Triple or double-glazing pane replacement | £400 – £700 |
| Removable magnetic screens | £150 – £200 |
| Temporary secondary glazing | £350 – £400 |
| Draft reduction glass | £700 – £900 |
| Soundproofing glass | £1000 |
These prices are just ballpark figures, and a professional window contractor will be able to provide you with more accurate quotes for your specific project. If you are considering having secondary glazing installed in your home, then you should get in touch with a professional to give you a complete pricing breakdown.
What are the benefits of having secondary glazing for my windows?
When you choose to go for the secondary glazing option, you can look forward to several cost-saving benefits. Not only are secondary glazing windows slightly cheaper than windows with double or triple glazing, but they also present solutions for reducing the cost of energy bills within your home.
Secondary glazing helps to insulate your home. Although this is difficult to achieve with glass, it can be effective when you have more than one layer. When a medium-sized home has secondary glazing installed, it is estimated that the household can save around £45 per month on their energy bills, given that they will not have to keep the heating on for as long during the colder months.
What’s the difference between secondary glazing and double glazing?
Secondary glazing is a more cost-effective way to implement insulation into your windows at home. Double glazing requires windows to be made to spec, meaning that the windows themselves have to be manufactured in order to accommodate double glazing. However, with secondary glazing, additional panes can be installed after the window is manufactured, making them ideal for anyone who wants to upgrade their home.
Secondary glazing also comes with removable options which makes them easier to maintain and replace if necessary. Secondary panes like the magnetic designs simply adhere to existing panes but provide the additional insulation you may be looking for. As for temporary secondary glazing, the principle is similar, allowing you to remove and install them when you see fit.
Older houses usually only have single glazing, and many people wish to maintain the traditional-looking aesthetic of these properties. Therefore, secondary glazing will offer a more practical solution to these kinds of projects. Those who choose to have double or triple glazing installed into older properties have to replace the entire window unit; however, with secondary glazing, it’s possible to simply add additional panes to the original window.
What are the factors that affect secondary glazing in windows?
When it comes to the cost of secondary glazing, there are several factors that can influence the price per secondary pane. Some window models and homes will mean higher costs for secondary window glazing installation. Overall, a contractor should take the following aspects into consideration when installing secondary glazing.
Window profile
The cost of secondary glazing depends on the type of window on which you wish to install secondary glazing. Naturally, larger window types, such as bay and sash windows, will require more glazing to cover a greater surface area. Standard windows, like casement windows and tilt-and-turn models, will typically be on the lower end of the pricing spectrum.
Size and weight
Different models require different sizes of windows, although there are some instances in which customised window designs will require larger panes of glass. The size of the pane increases the cost of secondary glazing directly. A contractor will also have to take the weight of the window into consideration. Some frames can only handle so much, however, if it is possible to install more window panes, the larger ones will be heavier. When a larger window pane needs to be installed, this is another factor that will push secondary glazing prices up.
Glass
As we’ve discussed, there are different types of glass that can be used for secondary glazing. The temporary fixtures are usually a lot cheaper than permanent ones but may be the right solution for your window installation or upgrading project. Magnetic and removable panes won’t set you back as much as glass with a technical purpose, such as draft reduction or soundproofing glass.
The number of windows
Getting a medium, three-bedroom house fully decked out with secondary glazing will usually cost around £5000, however, this price will increase significantly for larger projects as this will up the volume and number of materials required as well as the labour costs.
Frame materials
Whether you can install secondary glazing or not depends on the foundations in which the glass is set. Getting permanent secondary glazing installed into uPVC or aluminium framed windows is more work than installing it into wooden frames. The price will therefore go up for labour costs on materials where more modification is needed.
What do you need to know before getting new secondary-glazed windows installed?
A contractor will usually ask you a few simple questions before providing you with a quote for secondary glazing. Before you get in touch with a professional window installer to assist you with secondary glazing, you need to know the following points of the project.
- The number of windows that require secondary glazing.
- Where the project is taking place.
- The frame material of the window in which you want secondary glazing installed.
- The reason as to why you want secondary glazing installed.
- Your ideal project timeline.
Knowing these key deliverables before you get in touch with a contractor will provide you selected service provider with the information they need to give you an accurate quote. They will also be able to recommend specific materials for you to reduce costs and ensure that your window needs are met.
FAQs
Can I restore windows with secondary glazing?
Yes, you can. In fact, windows with secondary glazing are much easier to maintain because secondary glazing panes are easier to remove and modify. This makes the solution a lot more appealing to those who are looking to upgrade their home. It’s also a good solution for anyone wanting to replace damaged window panes.
Do windows with secondary glazing add value to the property?
When you add secondary glazing to your home, it adds a selling point to the property. Secondary glazing provides additional insulation to the home, which usually reduces the amount of energy you have to spend on heating. Secondary glazing can reduce energy costs by around £45 per month, thereby adding value to the property, especially with current rising energy bills.
Is secondary glazing or double glazing more expensive?
Secondary glazing is a lot cheaper than double glazing because it does not require the same amount of infrastructure in the window unit itself. You can also instal temporary solutions into your home, which do not cost as much as permanent double glazing or triple glazing solutions. Double glazing is more expensive and can also cost more to replace if damaged.