Secondary Is Glazing Taking First Place

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Secondary glazing is on the rise, according to Colin’s Sash Windows, as it becomes a popular choice for people who want warmer, quieter homes without losing the charm of their original windows.

Secondary glazing involves adding a slim, internal windowpane to existing windows. It improves insulation and significantly reduces noise without needing to remove or replace original windows.

“In the last couple of years, interest in secondary glazing has really taken off,” says Colin, founder of Colin’s Sash Windows, which supplies secondary glazing and timber sash windows across the UK. “It’s discreet, it’s effective and it’s often half the cost of full window replacements.”

Loads of single glazed

80 million windows across the UK still don’t meet modern energy standards (GGF/British Glass, 2023), with one in ten still having single glazing (English Housing Survey). Homes with single-glazed windows can lose up to 20% of heat through the glass (Energy Saving Trust).

 Secondary glazing can reduce outside noise by up to 80%, making it ideal for homes near roads, railways or airports (Colin's Sash Windows). In noisy urban areas and homes under flight paths, secondary glazing is being installed to block traffic and aircraft noise, often supported by local authority or airport schemes.

For landlords

 “We often hear from landlords who are losing tenants because flats are too cold or too noisy,” Colin says. “Secondary glazing is a cost-effective way to fix both problems, protect rental income and improving a property’s EPC rating.”

With tougher energy efficiency regulations on the horizon for rental properties, insulating windows is becoming a priority.

Preservation

In London, homeowners are turning to secondary glazing in record numbers, especially in conservation areas where homeowners with traditional windows are pressured to preserve them.

Historic cities such as York, Bath and Edinburgh are seeing strong demand as property owners seek discreet ways to improve comfort without fighting planning rules.

Colin adds: “Secondary glazing used to be niche, yet now it’s becoming mainstream. People want warmer, quieter homes and this is a smart, affordable way to get there.”

Picture: Around 1 in 10 UK homes still have single glazing – that’s nearly 3 million properties, many of them character homes. Colin’s Sash Windows supplies and installs secondary glazing, sash windows, and heritage glazing solutions across the UK.

www.colinssashwindows.co.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
15th July 2025

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