Installing Granada Glazing's secondary glazing system has delivered a significant saving in energy costs for a North Derbyshire welfare centre by reducing heating needs by two thirds, as well as eliminating external noise intrusion.

All the windows at the Muslim Welfare Association's Grade II listed building in Chesterfield are original and single glazed, which provided little thermal insulation for users of the facility and allowed noise from a neighbouring factory to enter the rooms.

The building's owner contacted Bakewell-based Brocklehurst Property Maintenance Ltd, one of Granada Glazing’s trade partners to discuss options, suitable treatments and fit a total of 59 units.

A combination of horizontal sliding units and arched units were installed. All have Low-E glass with a special coating that reflects heat back into the rooms as the main aim was to make the building warmer. Some windows feature an arched unit stacked over a horizontal sliding unit, while others were treated with two horizontal sliding units one above the other.

Superior thermal insulation provided by quality secondary glazing reduces heat loss by up to 70%. Far less expensive than full window replacement, secondary glazing is often the only option to improve thermal efficiency in historic or listed properties.

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Duncan Brocklehurst, Managing Director of conservation and renovation specialists Brocklehurst Property Maintenance explained: "We were approached initially by the property owner to help keep the building warm in the face of rising energy bills. The building is listed and its old, steel windows were simply not performing either thermally or acoustically. In addition to the issues around heat retention, the customer was also experiencing excessive levels of external noise from a nearby factory, which proved particularly challenging during prayer sessions.

"The products that Granada supplied have ultimately helped to rectify both issues. The factory noise is now not noticeable at all, and the customer is able to run their heating for just one third the amount of time they were previously. It's been a massive financial saving."

Ellen Dawson, Trade Sales Office Manager at Granada Secondary Glazing commented: "Given the requirements from a thermal perspective, we opted for a 4mm toughened Low E glazing solution that would drastically improve the building's heat retentive properties.

"Where possible, we specified bespoke, arched units to match the primary windows exactly. Where this wasn't possible, we instead stacked horizontal units on top of one another. Our entire suite of products offers incredible thermal and acoustic performance; it’s fantastic to hear that the customer has been reaping the benefits of the install so quickly."

Suitable for all property types, Granada's slimline aluminium secondary glazing frames can be powder coated in over 200 RAL colours. Virtually invisible, they blend in with any interior décor. The Granada Glazing product range encompasses hinged, sliding, vertical sliders, including tilt back, and lift-out options. Full training and marketing support is available to installers across the UK.

For more information about adding the Granada Secondary Glazing range to your business, please call 01909 499899, visit www.gsecg.com or email [email protected].