How To Double Glaze Old Sash Windows In Reading

If you own an old property, then it's likely that some or all of your windows are sash windows. These traditional windows are iconic and charming, but often not very energy efficient. In fact, single pane sash windows are notorious for their poor insulation and draughtiness. This is where double glazing comes in. By adding another glazing pane to your sash windows, you can significantly increase the thermal efficiency of your home, and enjoy lower energy bills and a warmer, more comfortable living space. In this article, we'll discuss how to double glaze old sash windows in Reading, and why this is a worthwhile investment for any property owner in Berkshire and the South East of England.

Who we are and what we do

Sash Windows Berkshire is a double glazed sash windows company based in Reading, Berkshire. We specialize in fitting double glazing to traditional sash windows, providing homeowners with a more efficient and secure solution to their insulation needs. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we are the go-to experts for anyone looking to upgrade their old sash windows in Berkshire or the surrounding areas. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, quality workmanship and personalized service. At Sash Windows Berkshire, we take care of every aspect of the double glazing process, from measuring the windows and selecting the right glazing units to fitting and finishing. We make sure that every project is completed to the highest standards, with minimal disruption and maximum customer satisfaction.

Why double glazing is important for sash windows

As we mentioned earlier, traditional sash windows often suffer from poor insulation due to their single pane glazing. This makes them a weak spot in the thermal envelope of your home, allowing heat to escape in winter and enter in summer. This can make your heating bills higher than they need to be, and cause discomfort and cold spots in your rooms. By adding a second pane of glass to your sash windows, you create an air gap that acts as an insulator, trapping warm air inside and preventing cold air from coming in. This makes your home more energy efficient, and your rooms more comfortable to live in. Double glazing also reduces outside noise, improves security and increases the value of your property. It's a smart investment that pays off in the long run.

How to double glaze old sash windows

Now that we've established the benefits of double glazing for sash windows, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the process itself. Double glazing an old sash window requires some skill, patience and knowledge of the anatomy of the window. Here are the steps involved:

Step 1: Assess the condition of the wooden frame

Before you begin double glazing your sash windows, it's important to check the condition of the wooden frame. If the frame is rotting or has any significant damage, it's best to repair or replace it before adding the extra weight of the double glazing. The weight of the window is an important factor in ensuring that it operates smoothly, so it's crucial to make sure that the frame is in good condition before proceeding.

Step 2: Access the window and remove the old glazing

Once you've assessed the condition of the frame, you need to access the window from outside to remove the old glazing. This involves removing the staff bead, which is the strip of wood that holds the lower sash in place, and the parting bead, which separates the two sashes. You will also need to remove any glazing points that hold the single pane of glass in place. This can be a delicate process, as the old glazing may be brittle or fragile after years of exposure to the elements.

Step 3: Measure the window and order the double glazing unit

After removing the old glazing, you need to measure the window opening to order the right size of double glazing unit. This involves measuring the height, width and depth of the aperture, and allowing for the air gap that will be created by the spacer bar. Sash Windows Berkshire can help you with this step, as we have extensive experience in measuring sash windows and ordering bespoke double glazing units that fit perfectly.

Step 4: Install the double glazing unit

Once you have the double glazing unit, you need to carefully fit it into the frame, making sure that it's level and straight. This involves sealing the edges of the unit with silicone or putty to create a vacuum seal that prevents condensation and enhances insulation. You also need to fit a spacer bar between the two panes of glass, which keeps them apart and creates the air gap that acts as an insulator. This is a crucial step that requires precision and attention to detail.

Step 5: Reinstall the staff and parting beads

After installing the double glazing unit, you need to reinstall the staff and parting beads, making sure that they fit snugly and securely. You may need to adjust the tension of the cords or springs that hold the sashes in place, to compensate for the extra weight of the double glazing. This requires some expertise, as you need to ensure that the sashes move up and down smoothly and without sticking.

Step 6: Add secondary glazing if needed

If you live in a noisy area or want extra insulation, you can also add a secondary glazing panel to your sash windows. This involves fitting a thin glazing panel to the inside of the window, creating another air gap that enhances insulation and reduces noise. Secondary glazing is a cost-effective and easy way to improve the thermal efficiency of your sash windows, and Sash Windows Berkshire can help you with this step as well.

Challenges involved in double glazing old sash windows

Double glazing old sash windows is not without its challenges, and it's important to be aware of the potential issues before embarking on the process. These include:

• Access to the window: sash windows are often located on upper floors or in hard-to-reach places, which can make accessing them for double glazing a challenge.
• Condition of the wooden frame: as we mentioned earlier, the condition of the wooden frame is a crucial factor in ensuring that the double glazing is installed correctly and operates smoothly. If the frame is in poor condition, it may need to be repaired or replaced before double glazing.
• Weight of the double glazing unit: adding another pane of glass and a spacer bar to a sash window increases its weight, which can affect the way it operates. The tension of the cords or springs that hold the sashes in place may need to be adjusted to compensate for the extra weight.
• Thickness of the glazing: traditional sash windows were designed to accommodate single pane glazing, so adding double glazing may affect the aesthetics of the window. Thicker glazing may require a deeper rebate or reveal, which can alter the appearance of the frame.
• Cost: double glazing old sash windows can be more expensive than double glazing modern windows, due to the bespoke nature of the process and the extra care required to preserve the original features of the window.

Can you double glaze old sash windows?

If you're wondering whether you can double glaze your old sash windows, the answer is yes. Double glazing is a viable and effective solution for sash windows, and can significantly improve the thermal efficiency and comfort of your home. However, it's important to choose a reputable and experienced company to carry out the double glazing process, as it requires skill, expertise and attention to detail. Sash Windows Berkshire is the leading double glazed sash windows company in Reading and the South East of England, and we can provide you with a bespoke and high-quality double glazing service that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Contact us for a free quote

If you're interested in double glazing your old sash windows in Reading or the Berkshire area, contact Sash Windows Berkshire today for a free quote. You can reach us by phone on 0118 449 2798 or by email at [email protected]. Alternatively, visit our website at sashwindows-berkshire.co.uk to learn more about our services and to see examples of our previous work. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you upgrade your sash windows to the highest standards.