Is there such a thing as unobtrusive secondary glazing?

[Gastineau Girl]

We have several windows that are set in stone mullions and have steel frames with lead cames holding small panes. The glass is the original wavy hand made kind. (It's an Arts & Crafts house.) We would like to improve the insulation but don't want to lose the original windows. I think there is a company that makes glazed shutters but I can't remember what it's called. I wonder if anyone knows about it. These two pictures show a bay window and a flat (?) window.

 

[a twig]

I think I know what you mean, searching for “hinged secondary glazing” on your search engine of choice might bring you more success than searching for glazed shutters.

 

[Gastineau Girl]

Thanks. That's a good idea. I'll see what I can find.

 

[Kearn]

Many options, if you go for full sized Perspex panels held with magnetic strips. From DIY to companies like Magnaglaze and Extraglaze

You need a smooth flat surface for these to attach to around the window face, and no furniture that will impact.

You can also go the Gecko route, which are perspex panes, but inside each light. They friction fit.

The first option is better all round, unless you have windows that you regularly open - thicker perspex, bigger air gap = more thermal and acoustic improvement. And cheaper.

They are both largely invisible, perform very will, and cost double/triple figures per window unlike the ugly fixed, sliding secondary glazing which obscure the windows.

 

[jamest]

I agree with Kearn about the magnetic strip stuff - it works really well, is relatively cheap and easy to install. However, although it's fine with white painted casements like I have, I'm not sure how it would look with yours. They do offer a brown strip but it looks a bit plasticky and might spoil the look of your v. nice windows. Another option I like for windows with unpainted hardwood or stone mullions is the stuff on show in this house: https://www.inigo.com/sales-list/st-andrews-chapel

Might be bronze surrounds like https://www.bronzecasements.com/ offer, very expensive in a reassuring way.

 

[Kearn]

I agree with Kearn about the magnetic strip stuff - it works really well, is relatively cheap and easy to install. However, although it's fine with white painted casements like I have, I'm not sure how it would look with yours. They do offer a brown strip but it looks a bit plasticky and might spoil the look of your v. nice windows. Another option I like for windows with unpainted hardwood or stone mullions is the stuff on show in this house: https://www.inigo.com/sales-list/st-andrews-chapel

Might be bronze surrounds like https://www.bronzecasements.com/ offer, very expensive in a reassuring way.

A few of the all in suppliers including the two I mentioned, offer varying colours. I’ve had a few samples, and they’re variable in quality as you may imagine.

I was trying to match to an oak surround, and it was passable, stone I could imagine being a bit more tricky. Still better aesthetically than the huge sliders which block the whole window I guess.

The bronze ones look nice, although that’s the other option I guess - mar them obvious rather than trying to make them disappear.

 

[mardinor]

Storm Bespoke Secondary Glazing – Specialising in the manufacture and installation of handcrafted bespoke secondary glazing for listed, classic and historic properties nationwide

Specialising in the manufacture and installation of handcrafted bespoke secondary glazing for listed, classic and historic properties nationwide

stormwindows.co.uk

Beautiful windows. This is the only company I’ve seen capable of dealing with important windows like that without ruining them.

 

[Gastineau Girl]

Thanks for the ideas and links everyone. I'll have a thorough look soon.

 

[jamest]

One last option that I should have mentioned, but it slipped my mind for some reason. On one of my windows, which was rather large, not a casement and slightly leaky, I found that the magnetic strip alone was insufficient to hold the pane reliably in place when windy, so I made a wooden surround that went in front of the pane around the edges and screwed into place (if you see what I mean) using quarter round soft wood (18mm). You could do the same in oak using a slim profile of your choice and stain it to match the existing frames. Very cheap compared to bronzecasements and Storm, but could look good, cover up the magnetic strip and stop the panes coming loose in the wind (if your windows aren't completely air tight). You do have to unscrew the frame to remove the pane though. Mine is a non-opening window so I don't bother unless there's significant condensation on the original window.

 

[Kearn]

One last option that I should have mentioned, but it slipped my mind for some reason. On one of my windows, which was rather large, not a casement and slightly leaky, I found that the magnetic strip alone was insufficient to hold the pane reliably in place when windy, so I made a wooden surround that went in front of the pane around the edges and screwed into place (if you see what I mean) using quarter round soft wood (18mm). You could do the same in oak using a slim profile of your choice and stain it to match the existing frames. Very cheap compared to bronzecasements and Storm, but could look good, cover up the magnetic strip and stop the panes coming loose in the wind (if your windows aren't completely air tight). You do have to unscrew the frame to remove the pane though. Mine is a non-opening window so I don't bother unless there's significant condensation on the original window.

Yes, I should have added that foam strips are essential to stop drafts through the opening existing windows!

 

[a twig]

At the risk of complete suggestion overload, the other option would be to find a good local joiner and explain what you are after and get something bespoke.

I’m sure doing it that way thy could take inspiration from traditional internal wooden shutters and you could end up with something that looks absolutely stunning. Think Bishop of Wells palace but glazed