Improving social housing projects with Selectaglaze secondary glazing

Where primary windows cannot be replaced in social housing developments, or if they are to be retained for other purposes, well-sealed secondary glazing will enhance the performance, preserve a more even temperature, raise EPC ratings, reduce heating costs and provide help with meeting the Decent Homes Standard. Furthermore, retrofitted acoustic secondary glazing can lessen noise penetrating into rooms, as well as keeping sounds contained within, thus making it a comfortable environment for residents. There is a range of security secondary glazing ranging from SBD accredited to systems matching the resistance of bars and grills, helping avoid the home feeling like a fortress.

Selectaglaze has worked with numerous social housing projects in the past. SAHA (Salvation Army Housing Association) was set up in the 1950s to manage the administration of housing newly retired officers. Since then, the charity has evolved and is dedicated to “Transforming Lives” of the community, a main part of that being to help house the multitude of people in need.

The Old School in Ashford, Kent, is a Grade II Listed property that provides housing through the SAHA. The buildings required upgrading as the thin cavity double glazed windows were draughty and unable to retain the heat efficiently. Providing a suitable solution for this required some consideration, as the primary windows could not be replaced. However, an answer was found with Selectaglaze secondary glazing which is fitted to the room side of the window, is a reversible adaptation and approved by most Heritage bodies for use on Listed buildings.

Many of the windows were shaped with gothic style curves and trefoil, which presented Selectaglaze with an interesting challenge. The use of a 3D digital measuring device allowed the openings to be modelled with precision which enabled the best possible fit for the bespoke designed units. This together with high performance seals helped to virtually eliminate unwanted draughts and provide a more comfortable living space for the tenants.

An added benefit of secondary glazing is the reduction of outside noise. When there is a 100mm cavity between the primary and secondary windows a sound reduction of about 45dB is achievable.

Over 100 secondary units were installed using five different Selectaglaze products, all in the slimline range which are ideal for heritage projects. They introduce minimal sightlines and are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Selectaglaze also helped create and enhance a computer suite at London homelessness charity, Caritas Anchor House as part of their on-going relationship with the CRASH charity. Caritas Anchor House is based in Newham. They work with vulnerable groups including those affected by homelessness, unemployment, mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse, and offending. Last year, they provided a home and support to 202 people, supported 43 into employment and 48 into independent living.

CRASH, the construction industry charity assists homelessness charities and hospices with their construction projects. They recently supported Caritas Anchor House, developing a series of projects to renovate the dilapidated centre.  As part of the works, they are converting some office space into a computer suite. To comply with Health and Safety regulations the area needed to have fire insulated walls. As opposed to an enclosed area, it was agreed that three fire resistant internal windows should be fitted creating internal vision panels to provide a bright and airy area where people could see in and out. This ensured that users felt secure but with suitable acoustic insulation to help concentration, as well as fire resistance for duty of care.

CRASH Chief Executive, Francesca Roberts contacted Selectaglaze asking if they would be willing to donate secondary glazing for the computer suite at Caritas Anchor House. Selectaglaze has supported the CRASH ‘No Christmas Card’ appeal for a number of years and were happy to contribute towards this particular charity project. Pilkington donated the Pyrodur fire resistant glass to support the secondary glazing installation. 

Selectaglaze installed three Series 40 units with 10mm Pyrodur fire rated glass. The secondary glazing units were framed in fire rated timber grounds. An additional benefit was the improvement to acoustic insulation. 

Selectaglaze is the leading specialist in secondary glazing, established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004.

For further details, visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk, T: 01727837271, E: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk