Retrofit glazing
Also known as ‘secondary glazing’, ‘retrofit glazing’ is where you add an extra layer of glazing to your existing single-glazed widows. It’s cheaper than double glazing and it’s suitable for older buildings with heritage or period windows.
As with double glazing, retrofit glazing improves the thermal performance of your windows, which helps to reduce your heating and cooling bills. Along with these thermal benefits, secondary glazing can also insulate against outside noise. Although not as good performance-wise as double glazing, retrofit glazing can make a very big difference to the energy efficiency of your windows.
Secondary glazing manufacturers have rated their products through WERS. Check out these ratings when choosing your retrofit glazing. Also make sure the installer has a strong track record and good references.
DoSomething, NSW
After relocating from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, DoSomething found that their rented office was extremely cold in winter. To resolve this problem, DoSomething:
- installed Magnetite secondary glazing on their existing office windows
- placed a chimney balloon in the unused chimney (this prevented heat loss).
Magnetite is a retrofit double glazing system that adds a secondary glazing layer to an existing window. This technology allows you to receive all the benefits of double glazing without replacing your windows.
Secondary glazing is cheaper than double glazing and can be added to any existing windows, doors, skylights and glass areas. You don’t have to replace whole windows as you do with double glazing and it’s an ideal option for heritage buildings where window frames cannot be changed. The secondary glazing can also reduce noise by up to 70%, which can help to improve productivity.
For those renting cold office space, why not ask your landlord to install secondary glazing? It’s a relatively low-cost measure that will also add value to the landlord’s property.