Secondary Glazing in Essex & Suffolk

Introductory paragraph:

Secondary glazing is a separate inner window installed on the room side of your existing window. Unlike replacement double glazing, it leaves the original window entirely in place. It is the standard solution for listed buildings where you cannot change the original windows, and a very effective option for noise reduction on busy road frontages. We supply and install secondary glazing from Granada, one of the UK’s leading secondary glazing manufacturers, across Essex and Suffolk.

 

SECTION: 2 — HOW SECONDARY GLAZING WORKS

 

How Secondary Glazing Works

Secondary glazing adds a second layer of glass on the inside of an existing window. The gap between the two panes acts as a thermal and acoustic buffer. The original window stays untouched. The inner unit is mounted in a slim aluminium frame fixed to the window reveal or the face of the wall.

Secondary glazing can be fixed, hinged, sliding or lift-out depending on the application. For windows that need to open, the inner unit can be designed to open in a corresponding direction or be easily removed when needed.

 

SECTION: 3 — WHEN IS SECONDARY GLAZING THE RIGHT CHOICE?

 

Is Secondary Glazing Right for You?

Secondary glazing is not the first choice for most homeowners. Replacement double glazing will generally give better performance at a lower cost. Secondary glazing is the right solution in specific circumstances.

 

Listed buildings If you own a listed building, you usually cannot replace the original windows. Secondary glazing adds a thermal and acoustic layer without touching the original frames. It is the accepted solution on the vast majority of listed building projects and does not require Listed Building Consent in most cases, though it is worth confirming with your conservation officer.

 

Noise reduction Secondary glazing is significantly more effective for noise reduction than replacing single glazing with standard double glazing. The key is the air gap: a wider gap between the two panes absorbs more sound energy. For properties on busy roads, near railway lines or under flight paths, secondary glazing can make a meaningful difference.

 

Rented properties and temporary solutions Because the original window is not altered, secondary glazing can be appropriate where a tenant wants improved comfort without making permanent changes to the property.

 

SECTION: 4 — THE GRANADA SYSTEM

 

Our Secondary Glazing Supplier: Granada

We supply secondary glazing from Granada, one of the UK’s most respected secondary glazing manufacturers. Granada units are made to measure in slim aluminium frames and are available in a range of configurations to suit any window type.

 

Fixed units

Non-opening. The most thermally efficient option. Best for windows that rarely need to be opened or where noise reduction is the primary goal. This is not suitable for use on windows which are used as a fire escape.

 

Hinged units

The inner pane opens on a hinge, allowing access to the original window when needed.

 

Sliding units

Two inner panes slide horizontally past each other. Suits wider window openings where both halves of the original window need to remain accessible.

 

Lift-out units

The inner pane is removed in full for access. A practical option for windows opened infrequently.

 

SECTION: 5 — PRICE GUIDANCE

 

ACTION FOR CLIENT: Please confirm these price ranges are accurate before this page is published.

 

What Does Secondary Glazing Cost?

Secondary glazing is generally less expensive than full window replacement. Prices vary depending on window size, opening type and the number of units.

 

Window	Typical range (supply & fit)	What affects price
Fixed secondary glazing (per window)	£250 – £600+	Non-opening. Best thermal performance.
Hinged or lift-out unit (per window)	£300 – £700+	Allows window to be opened when needed.
Sliding unit (per window)	£350 – £850+	Two panes slide horizontally. Good for wider windows.

 

All prices include VAT. A firm price requires a survey.

 

Button: Request a free quote →  (/contact-us/)

 

SECTION: 6 — TESTIMONIAL

 

★★★★★ “We had a great service from start to finish with Infil Double Glazing, all staff were courteous and friendly and went above and beyond what was expected. I would highly recommend them and the price was good too. Thank you Infil — definitely a five star rating.” Deborah Lyons Google Reviews, 2025

 

SECTION: 7 — FAQ

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Does secondary glazing need planning permission?

A: For most properties, no. Secondary glazing is generally considered permitted development because it does not alter the external appearance of the building. On listed buildings, secondary glazing usually does not require Listed Building Consent either, but it is worth checking with your local conservation officer before proceeding.

Q: Is secondary glazing as good as double glazing?

A: For noise reduction, secondary glazing with a wide air gap can outperform standard replacement double glazing. For thermal insulation, replacement double glazing with a modern sealed unit will generally perform better than secondary glazing on a single-glazed original window. However, on listed buildings where replacement is not permitted, secondary glazing is the practical option.

Q: Will secondary glazing look obvious from inside?

A: Modern secondary glazing units are finished in slim aluminium frames, typically in white or silver. They are visible on the room side but are not obtrusive. From outside the building, secondary glazing is not visible at all.

Q: Can secondary glazing be opened?

A: Yes. Hinged, sliding and lift-out options are available so you can still open the original window when you want to.

 

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