Installation Process Explained

    A step-by-step guide to how we install secondary glazing, from your first enquiry to enjoying a quieter home.

    8 min readLast updated: December 2024
    Day 1: Enquiry
    Week 1: Survey
    Week 2-4: Manufacturing
    Week 4-5: Installation
    1

    Initial Consultation

    Your journey begins with a simple phone call or online enquiry. Our team will discuss your noise or thermal insulation concerns, property type, and any specific requirements such as listed building status.

    What we'll discuss:

    • Your main concerns (noise, heat loss, security, or all three)
    • Number and types of windows
    • Property type and any planning restrictions
    • Preferred opening mechanisms
    • Budget considerations

    Duration: 15-20 minutes | Cost: Free

    2

    Professional Survey

    Our specialist surveyor visits your property to take precise measurements and assess your specific situation. This is crucial for achieving optimal results.

    Measurements taken:

    • • Window reveal dimensions
    • • Existing window frame depth
    • • Available installation space
    • • Handle and lock positions
    • • Reveal squareness check

    Assessments made:

    • • Current noise levels
    • • Ventilation requirements
    • • Optimal gap size
    • • Glass specification needed
    • • Opening mechanism suitability

    After the survey, you'll receive a detailed quotation within 24-48 hours, including specifications, pricing breakdown, and estimated installation date.

    Duration: 30-60 minutes | Cost: Free, no obligation

    3

    Custom Manufacturing

    Once you approve the quotation, manufacturing begins at our UK workshop. Each unit is made to your exact specifications - there are no "off the shelf" sizes.

    Manufacturing includes:

    • Precision cutting of aluminium frames to 0.5mm tolerance
    • Powder coating in your chosen colour (white, brown, black, or custom RAL)
    • Glass cutting and edge finishing
    • Fitting of seals, handles, and locking mechanisms
    • Quality control inspection

    Duration: 2-3 weeks typical lead time

    4

    Professional Installation

    Our trained installers arrive at the scheduled time with all materials. Installation is clean, efficient, and causes minimal disruption to your home.

    Preparation (15 mins per window)

    Dust sheets laid, window area prepared, existing window cleaned

    Frame Installation (30-45 mins)

    Sub-frame fixed to reveal, main frame secured, seals checked

    Glazing (30 mins)

    Glass panels fitted, hardware adjusted, operation tested

    Finishing (15 mins)

    Silicone sealing where needed, cleaning, debris removal

    What to expect on installation day:

    • • No structural work or building mess
    • • Each window takes approximately 2-4 hours
    • • Most homes completed in a single day
    • • We work room by room to minimize disruption
    5

    Quality Check & Handover

    Before we leave, our installer conducts a thorough quality check and provides a complete handover.

    Final handover includes:

    • Demonstration of all opening/closing mechanisms
    • Explanation of cleaning and maintenance
    • Written guarantee documentation
    • Contact details for future support
    • Your approval sign-off

    Related Resources

    Ready to Start Your Project?

    Book your free survey today and take the first step to a quieter home.

    Sources & References
    AI-verified

    Authoritative sources supporting the information in this article.

    1. British Standards Institution (BSI) (2016). Windows and doors. Code of practice for the survey and installation of windows and external doorsets. BS 8213-4:2016.Open source

      This is the primary British Standard code of practice for the installation of windows and doors, including secondary glazing, ensuring structural integrity and safety.

    2. HM Government (2021). Approved Document L, Volume 1: Dwellings (2021 edition incorporating 2023 amendments). The Building Regulations 2010.Open source

      Outlines the legal requirements for energy efficiency and thermal performance (U-values) when installing glazing systems in UK dwellings.

    3. Historic England (2016). Secondary Glazing: Historic England Guidance on Improving Energy Efficiency for Traditional Buildings. Historic England Advice Note.Open source

      Provides essential guidance on how secondary glazing must be installed in listed buildings and heritage sites to comply with planning laws while improving performance.

    4. BRE (Building Research Establishment) (1994). The Sound Insulation of Windows and Double Glazing (Information Paper). BRE Press IP 10/94.Open source

      Discusses the scientific requirements for the air gap between primary and secondary glazing to achieve maximum acoustic insulation and thermal efficiency.

    5. British Standards Institution (BSI) (2020). Acoustics. Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Airborne sound insulation. BS EN ISO 717-1:2020.Open source

      A fundamental standard for calculating the acoustic performance of buildings, critical for determining the specific air gap and glass thickness during secondary glazing installation.