I would be very concerned with trapping moisture between the plastic insert and the original window as presented, otherwise it is a very good idea. Two options to either reduce or eliminate the potential for trapped moisture problems would be to either drill a small hole in two corners of the plastic sheet to allow equalization in the created airspace, or else mount the acrylic panel so that is can be removed from time to time for cleaning.
I'm very interested in what you said "mount the acrylic panel", what do you mean by that ? I want to add another double glazed window to my sauna to improve it's insulation, if you have tips I'm all ears :D
I had one single pane window in a closet that turen the closet into an icebox in the winter. I add a double wall polycarbonate on the outside. It's been fantastic. I started this because this window produced so much moisture from condesation there was a constant mold battle. This has completely stopped it. If it proves to hot in the summer, it is secured with wingnuts so can be easily removed.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us as there’s many people who I’d imagine are interested in this kind of project. What with the energy prices rising and most older homes in Australia were not built with any kind of double glazing. We live in a 1960s brick veneer with draughty timber windows and the cost of replacing the windows with Double glazed ones is huge.We are considering a retrofit DIY secondary glazing to existing windows.The glass on the existing windows is 2.8mm thick lol
Used opaque perspex sheets to block light coming through a window and reduce noise from outside. Worked quite well. Thought it might improve heat retention and it did so more than expected. Was inexpensive and fairly easy job with the added bonus of lowering my heating costs.
thanks for the video mate, real informative. I guess the only issue is opening/closing windows so if you windows like mine, which are sliding windows, you can only do sections, which may defeat the purpose.
I am going to use cable channelling which has a clip-on top. Then I can remove the sheeting if I need to. Also, the sealed channel will improve the insulation at the edges and improve the appearance.
That's not a bad idea, but I don't know how easy it will be to remove. Let us know how you get on. If it does not work, search for "Magnetic Tape & Steel Tape Secondary Glazing".
@@steveandtedssmallspacegard8587 I am pleased with the results! As the cable channel has a clip-on side, I can remove the perspex part to clean it. Which is good, as on one window I left some plastic sawdust inside. I also added two small 'L' shaped hooks to the top the bottom to take the weight of the perspex and ensure it could not fall off. Important as my windows are smaller meaning the perspex does not rest on the ground. For me adding hooks also makes it easier to mount the frame as it rests in the lower hooks. The cable channel comes with double-sided tape already fitted, so I did not need to use sealant. I bought what looks like the same tape you use for the visible side to fix the perspex to the cable channel. Used use 4mm perspex which is perfect as my windows are smaller. Grab a flight to the South of France and I will show you the finished result! Thanks for your idea in the first place. www.amazon.fr/dp/B07W4KWCH8
Quote to double glaze eight windows to reduce traffic noise at my house was $23000. Am thinking the cost of materials using 10 sheets of acrylic or polycarbonate is under $4000 if i cut them myself.. the 16mm air gap is ideal for best insulation I am told. Am investigating further but going to install before summer.
Instructions are poor but from what I gather, you installed it in such a way that you cant just take it off and put it on at will. You should use two part magnetic tape so that you can easily remove it in the mornings if you want to. Also, I wouldnt use the regular acrylic (assuming its just perspex). Go for the polycarbonate which is much more resilient and about 200 times stronger than acrylic and doesnt have a habit of cracking like perspex if it slipped out of your hands. A tad more expensive but much better and convenient if you did it this way
Very good video. I would be interested what the temp of the window would be if you added a low e film coating to the acrylic. In addition a before and after blower door test to measure ACH at 50 pascals would be great.
So what did you do with regards to the windows that open? These are the ones which could bring down the temperature after a hot afternoon using cross ventilation during the night.
You can cut a rebate into timber framed, double hung windows to fit a second pane but the added weight in some instances may cause a safety hazard. I'll be relying on heavy drapes with pelmets in Winter for windows that don't suit this method of secondary glazing.
Just buy your own new double glazed units and install yourself, it's easy. I paid 25% for a window compared to what a window installer wanted. As you do it all yourself you can buy 1 or 2 windows at the time when your budget allows, slowly completing the whole house. Buying acrylic sheets, etc. is all faff.
You say this like it's an option for most people, lol. Removing old windows and fitting new is a skilled job that requires a lot of equipment, especially if you are doing it above the first floor. It's not like doing some DIY decorating.
Thanks for your info. I see you used 4.5mm thick panel. I'm considering using 3mm for my windows. Is there a reason why you chose 4.5mm as opposed to 3mm? Thks
Hi Dave, the reason is surface tension. With large spans, you may get slight surface deformation with a thinner substrate. The thermal properties of 4.5mm acrylic are slightly better also.
I’m confused how this works Is the channel attached to the windows with double sided tape and then does the acrylic sit in the channel or just stuck to it with tape?
Absolutely no condensation to report on. Conditions have been +10 degrees of humid air inside with condensation on the single pane glass and no issues with the secondary glazed system. Air gap seal is key and I'll follow up with a performance review during Winter.
@@epheenergy I think it looks great & would perform well. Can you explain how you deal with the SLIDING DOOR that was to the right of the fixed window you "glazed"?
You can buy a tank of argon gas and drill two tiny holes at the bottom of the window (because argon rises compared to air) and feed the argon into one of the holes (while letting the air out the other hole); then plug both holes This is all theory to me; never tried it
And he didn't explain that acrylic scratches easy and only has a 10 year uv warranty 😂 cheap and nasty. Retro fitting ur old aluminum windows is approximately $500 a square mtr for a Glazier to do.
Depending on the state or territory, this method of achieving double glazing breaches building egress codes. I hate to be that guy, but the codes are there for a reason. In the event of a fire or aggreviated robbery/assault, you don't want to be clawing at that acrylic sheet you just nailed into place. Sure I had somebody once say to me "then I'll just die", but you're making that choice for your partner, your child, your parent and anybody who lives in that property after you. Just don't screw or nail it in.
LOL Double Glazing works not because of two panes of glass! It works because between the panes is a inert gas Argon which has very poor conductivity of heat! What you're doing would be next to useless! You might as well just burn your money.
I would be very concerned with trapping moisture between the plastic insert and the original window as presented, otherwise it is a very good idea.
Two options to either reduce or eliminate the potential for trapped moisture problems would be to either drill a small hole in two corners of the plastic sheet to allow equalization in the created airspace, or else mount the acrylic panel so that is can be removed from time to time for cleaning.
I'm very interested in what you said "mount the acrylic panel", what do you mean by that ?
I want to add another double glazed window to my sauna to improve it's insulation, if you have tips I'm all ears :D
@@captainnoyaux magnetic strips
@@booneyinc9515 Thanks for your reply I'll check that
I had one single pane window in a closet that turen the closet into an icebox in the winter. I add a double wall polycarbonate on the outside. It's been fantastic. I started this because this window produced so much moisture from condesation there was a constant mold battle. This has completely stopped it. If it proves to hot in the summer, it is secured with wingnuts so can be easily removed.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us as there’s many people who I’d imagine are interested in this kind of project. What with the energy prices rising and most older homes in Australia were not built with any kind of double glazing. We live in a 1960s brick veneer with draughty timber windows and the cost of replacing the windows with Double glazed ones is huge.We are considering a retrofit DIY secondary glazing to existing windows.The glass on the existing windows is 2.8mm thick lol
Used opaque perspex sheets to block light coming through a window and reduce noise from outside. Worked quite well. Thought it might improve heat retention and it did so more than expected. Was inexpensive and fairly easy job with the added bonus of lowering my heating costs.
This is exactly what I am thinking and your video provided enough proof of my idea. Thanks
thanks for the video mate, real informative. I guess the only issue is opening/closing windows so if you windows like mine, which are sliding windows, you can only do sections, which may defeat the purpose.
I am going to use cable channelling which has a clip-on top. Then I can remove the sheeting if I need to. Also, the sealed channel will improve the insulation at the edges and improve the appearance.
That's not a bad idea, but I don't know how easy it will be to remove. Let us know how you get on. If it does not work, search for "Magnetic Tape & Steel Tape Secondary Glazing".
How did the cable channel go???? I am planning to do this too
@@steveandtedssmallspacegard8587 I am pleased with the results! As the cable channel has a clip-on side, I can remove the perspex part to clean it. Which is good, as on one window I left some plastic sawdust inside. I also added two small 'L' shaped hooks to the top the bottom to take the weight of the perspex and ensure it could not fall off. Important as my windows are smaller meaning the perspex does not rest on the ground. For me adding hooks also makes it easier to mount the frame as it rests in the lower hooks. The cable channel comes with double-sided tape already fitted, so I did not need to use sealant. I bought what looks like the same tape you use for the visible side to fix the perspex to the cable channel. Used use 4mm perspex which is perfect as my windows are smaller. Grab a flight to the South of France and I will show you the finished result! Thanks for your idea in the first place.
www.amazon.fr/dp/B07W4KWCH8
You can even use this system for double glazing which i have done good results for noise condesation and heat retention
Quote to double glaze eight windows to reduce traffic noise at my house was $23000. Am thinking the cost of materials using 10 sheets of acrylic or polycarbonate is under $4000 if i cut them myself.. the 16mm air gap is ideal for best insulation I am told. Am investigating further but going to install before summer.
😁 just came to say I love the user name. Very clever!
@@sandis8436 I was a thumb and two fingers journalist for decades and when writing I said it a lot.
@@sandis8436 nice, took me a second
Instructions are poor but from what I gather, you installed it in such a way that you cant just take it off and put it on at will. You should use two part magnetic tape so that you can easily remove it in the mornings if you want to. Also, I wouldnt use the regular acrylic (assuming its just perspex). Go for the polycarbonate which is much more resilient and about 200 times stronger than acrylic and doesnt have a habit of cracking like perspex if it slipped out of your hands. A tad more expensive but much better and convenient if you did it this way
Also, acrylic will yellow with time if any UV gets through the glass. Polycarbonate will not.
Magnetic tape. Tried and tested. Allows you to remove the panels and store them behind a wardrobe when not in use.
@@Factory051 air tight ?
@@eurovisie2010 almost.
Good enough
I used magnetic tape so the panel is removeable, works great.
Very good video. I would be interested what the temp of the window would be if you added a low e film coating to the acrylic.
In addition a before and after blower door test to measure ACH at 50 pascals would be great.
Does this also help with noise reduction? Thanks
I did this to a window and it significantly reduced the noise from the street.
yes
Nice one Cal!
This is what Ive been looking for
You are a genius
So what did you do with regards to the windows that open? These are the ones which could bring down the temperature after a hot afternoon using cross ventilation during the night.
You can cut a rebate into timber framed, double hung windows to fit a second pane but the added weight in some instances may cause a safety hazard. I'll be relying on heavy drapes with pelmets in Winter for windows that don't suit this method of secondary glazing.
So there is 16 mm gap between existing window and the acrylic sheet? And can you tell me if this reduces outside noise?
How do you do this with a sliding window?
Just buy your own new double glazed units and install yourself, it's easy.
I paid 25% for a window compared to what a window installer wanted.
As you do it all yourself you can buy 1 or 2 windows at the time when your budget allows, slowly completing the whole house.
Buying acrylic sheets, etc. is all faff.
where did you buy it ? any material suggestions ? like aluminum or fiberglass ? , any trustable brand ?
You say this like it's an option for most people, lol. Removing old windows and fitting new is a skilled job that requires a lot of equipment, especially if you are doing it above the first floor. It's not like doing some DIY decorating.
awesome !
questions : sound proofness = zero?
scratch proofness too?
on the contrary, sound proofing is enhanced. Scratches cn be eased out with a heat gun but be careful to look at videos for the technique
Where to get custom cut plastic sheets in melbourne?
does bunnings do it?
What sealant/glue are you using to put the window in?
Thanks for your info.
I see you used 4.5mm thick panel. I'm considering using 3mm for my windows. Is there a reason why you chose 4.5mm as opposed to 3mm? Thks
Hi Dave, the reason is surface tension. With large spans, you may get slight surface deformation with a thinner substrate. The thermal properties of 4.5mm acrylic are slightly better also.
@@epheenergy Thanks for your prompt reply. 👍
I’m confused how this works
Is the channel attached to the windows with double sided tape and then does the acrylic sit in the channel or just stuck to it with tape?
same
What about old timber windows.how could you do this?
What about condensation vents!!!
Is laminated the same thing?
Does it help with noise reduction?
I did this to a window and it significantly reduced noise from the street.
How do you cope with condensation?
Absolutely no condensation to report on. Conditions have been +10 degrees of humid air inside with condensation on the single pane glass and no issues with the secondary glazed system. Air gap seal is key and I'll follow up with a performance review during Winter.
@@epheenergy Would it be better to install this when the air is drier e.g. summer to avoid moisture being trapped between the panes?
@@epheenergy Did you do the performance review?
How does the clarity of the acrylic compare to glass?
Hi Nicholas, clarity is excellent, unnoticeable when positioned next to glass and much easier to work with on a DIY level.
@@epheenergy thanks so much. Does condensation get caught in the cavity? I’m a a very cold climate in Tas
@@epheenergy I think it looks great & would perform well.
Can you explain how you deal with the SLIDING DOOR that was to the right of the fixed window you "glazed"?
Which "silicone" did you use?
Can you list the instructions for me please?
What about gas. Argon is the critical ingredient in double glazing.
Argon gas only increases performance by about 15%, it's certainly a worthwhile benefit, but not a deal-breaker.
You can buy a tank of argon gas and drill two tiny holes at the bottom of the window (because argon rises compared to air) and feed the argon into one of the holes (while letting the air out the other hole); then plug both holes
This is all theory to me; never tried it
Argon is heavier than air
Will this impede escape if there is a fire
no, the acrylic will melt to your body insulating you from the flames.
@@dinoz85 thanks man. Like a big walking candle!
And he didn't explain that acrylic scratches easy and only has a 10 year uv warranty 😂 cheap and nasty. Retro fitting ur old aluminum windows is approximately $500 a square mtr for a Glazier to do.
Depending on the state or territory, this method of achieving double glazing breaches building egress codes. I hate to be that guy, but the codes are there for a reason. In the event of a fire or aggreviated robbery/assault, you don't want to be clawing at that acrylic sheet you just nailed into place. Sure I had somebody once say to me "then I'll just die", but you're making that choice for your partner, your child, your parent and anybody who lives in that property after you. Just don't screw or nail it in.
That’s a lie 😂
LOL Double Glazing works not because of two panes of glass! It works because between the panes is a inert gas Argon which has very poor conductivity of heat! What you're doing would be next to useless! You might as well just burn your money.
The Argon makes it better, but any gap will produce noticeable insulative effect.