double glazed units in wooden sash windows

[herefordshirediy]

Hi

All our wooden sash windows (installed about 6 years) are single glazed. Would it be possible (easy/difficult/waste of time?) to replace the glazing with double glazed sealed units. Or would it be better to just replace the sash parts?

Thanks for your help.

 

[masona]

Can I ask why you're thinking about the double glazed unit? Is it to make it warmer or quieter etc?

 

[herefordshirediy]

Both really. But warmer would be the main reason. In the middle of the countryside, oil fired central heating, high ceilings and so very expensive to heat!

 

[masona]

Just done one in London NW8, 12' high sash window The rebate wasn't deep enough for D/G unit so ended up having secondary glazing which is removeable for the summer. Although you can now buy heat saving reflection glass which is known as Low-E glass.

 

[herefordshirediy]

Thanks for the tip about low e glass. Would that make much of a difference do you think? I just wonder how difficult/expensive a job it is to have brand new sashes made (not the whole window) to carry sealed units.

Thanks again.

 

[SASHWIZARD]

Double glazed sashes would cost you around £500 a pair i should think you have to allow for the joinery-glass and lead weights to counter balance.
Have you thought about draught-proofing its much more cost effective and to double glaze without draught-proofing would be a wasted effort in my opinion.

 

[JohnD]

Depends how much you dislike secondary glazing, but if you have nets it isn't very noticeable. Will give better sound and heat insulation.

 

[SASHWIZARD]

Im not a fan of secondary glazing its a chore every time you want to open a window and extra glass to clean, worst of all it detracts from the appearance of what are features of a house if you are lucky enough to have them box sash windows.
Draught proofing is discreet and effective and when combined with double glazed sashes gives you a fantastic window that will add value to any period home.
Just my opinion of course

 

[herefordshirediy]

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[eilz]

Just done one in London NW8, 12' high sash window The rebate wasn't deep enough for D/G unit so ended up having secondary glazing which is removeable for the summer. Although you can now buy heat saving reflection glass which is known as Low-E glass.

Can I ask what Low-E glass sizes are, are they the same size as double glazed glass or are they as thin as normal window glass.