Secondary glazing fitting in Exeter
Professional secondary glazing fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£210
Typical Duration
1.5-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Secondary glazing fitted inside your existing windows - adds insulation layer, cuts noise, keeps original features. Perfect for listed buildings and period properties.
Keep Your Original Windows, Lose the Cold
Got beautiful original windows that you can't or won't replace? Secondary glazing gives you modern comfort with period charm. Fit a second pane on the inside, create an insulating air gap, keep your original windows exactly as they are.
💡 Pro tip: For listed buildings and conservation areas, secondary glazing is usually the ONLY option for improving window insulation. Much better than fighting for double glazing permission you'll never get.
Why Professional Fitting Matters
Getting accurate measurements and neat fitting makes the difference between "looks good" and "obvious add-on."
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Measured precisely to window reveal | Gaps around edges, draughty and ugly |
| Neat frame, looks almost original | Clunky obvious modern addition |
| Opens/removes easily for cleaning | Sealed shut, can't access outer window |
| Proper seal against condensation | Condensation trapped between panes |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Survey | Measure reveals, discuss opening options |
| Order | Source secondary glazing units to spec |
| Fitting | Install frames securely, fit glazing units |
| Testing | Operation check, seal test, cleaning access |
📦 Options Available
- Fixed - most insulation, lowest cost
- Hinged - opens for ventilation and cleaning
- Sliding - good for sash windows
- Lift-out - remove completely in summer
Pricing Guide
| Window Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small window (fixed) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Standard window (opening) | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
| Large/bay window | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
Based on £60 minimum + £50/hr. Final price depends on size, type, and complexity. Glazing units are extra - I'll quote those separately based on measurements.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Listed building - can't replace original windows by law
✅ Period features - want to keep beautiful original sashes
✅ Noise problem - road noise, neighbours, flight path
✅ Cold rooms - single glazing loses too much heat
✅ Condensation issues - mould on window reveals from cold glass
Why Choose Us for Secondary glazing fitting in Exeter?
Warmer rooms without replacing original windows
Cuts noise from busy roads or neighbours
Works for listed buildings and conservation areas
Removable for summer or cleaning
What to Expect
Step 1: Survey & Options
I measure your window reveals and discuss what type of secondary glazing works best. Fixed is cheapest and most effective for insulation. Opening/removable costs more but gives ventilation and easier cleaning. We'll find the right balance for your needs and budget.
Step 2: Order Units
Secondary glazing is made to measure - typically 2-3 week lead time. I'll give you exact quote including materials before ordering.
Step 3: Installation
Fit the frame system to your window reveal. Install the glazing units. Test operation if it's opening type. Check seal all around. Show you how to operate/remove if applicable. Clean both sides of glass.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is borderline for DIY - possible but needs precision:
🔧 What you'll need
- Secondary glazing kit (made-to-measure)
- Drill and appropriate drill bits
- Spirit level
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape (accurate to 1mm)
- Patience and precision
📏 Critical measurements
- Width of reveal (narrowest point)
- Height of reveal (shortest point)
- Depth of reveal (need minimum clearance)
- Note any obstructions (handles, locks, stays)
- Measure in multiple places - reveals are rarely perfectly square
🔧 Installation challenges
- Reveals rarely square or level (especially old houses)
- Need to pack frame to level even if reveal isn't
- Drilling into reveal can hit unexpected obstacles
- Getting glass panels into frame without scratching
- Achieving even seal all around
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Measuring wrong - secondary glazing is made-to-measure, can't be adjusted much
- Not accounting for handles/stays on inner face of original window
- Frame not level = panels don't slide/seal properly
- Overtightening fixings (can crack plaster or frame)
- Breaking glass panels during installation
💡 Pro advice: If you're going DIY, buy from a specialist supplier who'll guide you through measuring. Better to pay a bit more for proper guidance than measure wrong and have expensive glass units that don't fit. Alternatively, get someone to fit professionally - it's the measuring and fitting that makes or breaks the job, not the units themselves.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏛️ Listed building? Secondary glazing is usually approved because it's reversible and doesn't alter the original windows. Still worth checking with conservation officer first, but I've never had one rejected. Much easier than trying to get double glazing permission.
Condensation between panes: Small amount is normal when there's big temperature difference. Good secondary glazing has trickle ventilation to manage this. If you get heavy condensation, the seal isn't right or there's too much moisture in the room generally.
Can you paint the frames? Usually yes if they're timber. UPVC frames come white but can be painted. Good idea to match your existing window colour for most authentic look.
Multiple windows? Definitely do whole room together, ideally whole house. Bulk ordering saves on unit cost and my time is more efficient doing several at once.
Removable for summer: If you go for lift-out or hinged options, you can remove or open them in summer for full ventilation. Store the panels flat somewhere safe. Refit in autumn. Best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is secondary glazing?
It's a second window fitted on the inside of your existing window. Creates an insulating air gap between the two panes. Much cheaper than replacing original windows with double glazing, and keeps your original features intact. Perfect for listed buildings where you can't change the windows.
Will it make much difference to warmth?
Yes - creates a similar insulation effect to double glazing. The air gap between old window and new inner pane reduces heat loss significantly. Customers notice rooms feel warmer and heating bills drop. Also massively reduces condensation on the inside.
Can I still open my windows for ventilation?
Depends which type you go for. Some secondary glazing is fixed (for maximum insulation), some slides or lifts out completely. I can fit hinged or sliding versions that open easily. We'll discuss what works best for your needs - ventilation vs insulation vs budget.
Will it reduce traffic noise?
That's actually one of the best benefits. Secondary glazing is brilliant for noise reduction - often better than double glazing because of the bigger air gap. If you've got road noise or noisy neighbours, this makes a huge difference. Quieter rooms, better sleep.
Does it work on sash windows in my old Exeter house?
Perfect for sash windows - that's a really common application. I fit the secondary glazing to the window reveal so your original sashes can still operate behind it. You can even get lift-out secondary glazing that you remove completely in summer. Keeps all the original character while adding modern comfort.
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