Scorecard Forum

Hi all,
Client has steel framed windows that cannot be touched (heritage apartment in metro melb), but quite a deep window reveal. A neighboring apartment has added a second single window pane about 15cm behind the window (internally) which might help reduce noise but the gap is too wide for thermal efficiency gain. Has anyone ever heard of anyone adding an entire new double glazed window unit inside the original window (assuming the reveal is deep enough)? The client would need to be able to open the new DG unit so they can also open the original window for ventilation.
Image shows the window - it has a lock, plus a handle that you pull to lock the window in as well, and needs to remain functional.
Any tips apreciated! Lucinda

The householder can add a fixed frame of sheet polycarbonate on the inside which fits snug all-round. The minimum air-gap will depend on the window fittings.

This is much cheaper than glass and lighter but with similar thermal properties. They can be DIY using standard flyscreen frames from the hardware store (pre-coloured).

The polycarbonate sheet doesn't need to be very thick as the air-film is most of the R-value. Just watch it isn't too thin as it may be easily damaged. Thin polyester film (like food wrap) is too fragile.

When they need to open the window, just move the secondary "glazing" away from the opening.

One supplier is MagicSeal who provide a magnetic attachment of secondary windows, designed for heritage windows.
https://www.magicseal.com/resources/ima ... 2-page.pdf

Try Magnetite.com.au

I reckon Stop Noise (that 2nd full window) even with a big gap between that and the older window will provide significant thermal benefit in the Vic climate (*). And air sealing benefit too likely.
(*) I mean, Melbourne isn't Pittsburgh and even in Pittsburgh we had something like the StopNoise (we called them storm windows) and we sure would not have wanted to go through a winter without them!