The Secondary Glazing
& Flyscreen Experts
Secondary Glazing of Apartment on Arran Quay Dublin
Yet another exciting window Sound Proofing and Secondary Glazing project completed on windows in an apartment on Arran Quay, Dublin. Old buildings like the one mentioned, are sustainable, their very existence demonstrates this, but they can often benefit from sensitive, informed, energy efficiency measures such as our Secondary Glazing. Secondary Glazing combines many of the benefits of replacement windows - draught proofing, heat retention and sound proofing in a choice of colours to match existing decor, without having to remove existing quality windows.
Our client has traditional sliding-sash windows; which were in a sound state with great longevity expected. This is due to the quality of the wood used; Scots pine imported from the Baltic region. This quality of wood is not obtainable today! While recent tests show that measures such as repairs and draught-proofing of those single- glazed windows will improve and retain heat within the room; Secondary Glazing of windows can match thermal performances of double glazed windows or indeed out-perform.
Our client's windows are in perfect condition, but were far from being 'airtight'. Rather than attempt to re build them, it seemed much simpler, less expensive to fit our Secondary Glazing System internally with no mess, minimal inconvenience and no clean-up afterwards.
The frames were made from slim profile, powder-coated aluminium, in a matching colour so as not to detract from the existing decor and internal paint schemes. Secondary Glazing was carried out using 6mm toughened glass - the existing glass was 4mm, so we used a different glass thickness on the inner Secondary Glazing to acquire the required Sound Proofing benefits.
To further enhance the acoustic value we used a 'packer frame' / tile at 150mm (air gap) between the Secondary Glazing and the outer window. This has a double benefit - it is critical to prevent thermal bridging (cold spots) or condensation forming. An expanding foam seal was affixed between the 'packer frame' / 'tile' and the Secondary Glazing to keep them draught-proof - even after seasonal movement.
The Secondary Glazing units were fitted with 'spiral balances' - like the existing window: they slide up & down, with matching horizontal bar to effectively replicate the existing style.
From an aesthetic point of view the Secondary Glazing is not visible from outside and windows all resumed normal duty on day of completion.
The result is that our client now has a warm home, with improved energy efficiency and cost savings, all without having to remove his beautiful hardwood windows!!
We have just undertaken two more similar projects in Listed Buildings in Rathmines, Dublin, Julianstown, Co. Meath, Dunganstown and Enniscorthy Co. Wexford. We will report on this work in our next issue!!
We are also carrying out further Secondary Glazing work in The Merrion Hotel Dublin, for energy savings, on Jury's Inn Hotel Christchurch, Dublin for Sound Proofing benefits.
We have also recently carried out Secondary Glazing work on windows to acquire Sound-Proofing benefits on private homes in busy thoroughfares in Dublin: - Ranelagh, Rathmines, Aylesbury Rd, Stillorgan, Stocking Lane, Rathfarnham, Eden Quay, Castleforbes Sqare, Burgh Quay, Custom House Square, O Connell St, Swords, Ballinteer, Airton Rd, Rathfarnham, Griffith Avenue, Forest rd Swords together with private homes on Douglas Rd Cork, at Listowel Co. Kerry and Oranmore Co Galway who are similarly pleased with the acoustic benefits of the Wind-Do Seal Secondary Glazing Systems.
