WindowSkins magnetic secondary glazing is a modern, attractive alternative to costly double glazing and (somewhat outmoded) traditional secondary glazing.
Well suited for period French windows and doors, they significantly reduce problems related to Cold, Draught, Condensation and Noise.
Approved for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas, WindowSkins can reduce heating costs and improve comfort.
Not just effective, the near-invisible design offers an unrivalled elegance and discreet aesthetic.
We offer a comprehensive measure, supply & professional fit service.
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Build Specification
Our magnetic WindowSkins are typically built using 3mm Acrylic XT panels, paired with premium 13mm magnetic tapes.
Every WindowSkin is carefully crafted with exacting mitre joins in each corner, adhered with a premium foam backed TESA adhesive for long lasting use.
Precision laser measuring using our proprietary software solution ensures a perfect fit every time, even for irregular shaped doors.
The magnetic system creates an airtight seal, and is easily removed for venting and storage.
This significantly reduces the problems of Cold, Draught, Condensation and Noise.
Where noise is of primary concern, we can increase the panel thickness to 4mm.
For French Windows & Doors, There Is One Standard Mounting Point
Inner Placement
This is where magnetic tapes are adhered to the front surface of the door, nearest the glass.
This is the most discreet option, as the overall size of panel is minimised.
It remains possible to open the door without requiring removal of the WindowSkin, thereby retaining utility.
Existing locks and hardware are usually compatible, with obstruction workarounds and alternatives readily available.
The addition of an insulating WindowSkin will immediately reduce problems related to cold, condensation and noise.
However, with doors, it is also important to ensure that they are adequately draught proofed.
Whilst we do not offer draught proofing services, we are always happy to suggest suitable products to inexpensively fit.
Click here to view ‘Inner Placement’ image examples
In Limited Situations, We Also Offer a Bespoke Placement
Bespoke Placement
The bespoke placement is loosely based on the ‘Outer‘ or ‘Subframe‘ placement.
Bespoke placements offer the benefit of blocking all draught coming through the door, thereby removing the need to separately draught proof. Noise reduction is also improved
However, significant utility is lost as the WindowSkin must be removed in order to use the door. For this reason, they are better suited to garden or balcony doors which are unused through the winter.
A further complication are often caused by door handles, which can protrude past the front face of the door frame.
Remediation of such can be tricky, and usually involves shortening the handle or deepening the door frame to an agreed specification.
It should be noted that due to the large size, the magnetism to surface area ratio is impaired, thereby requiring mechanical fastening of both panel and magnet.
For this reason, bespoke door placements are generally avoided. They also tend to be more expensive due to the additional planning, fitting and snagging requirements.
Kindly note that bespoke placements must explicitly be requested at quotation stage (step 1).
Garden French doors with bespoke ‘Outer’ placement, vertically split WindowSkins
(Click image to enlarge)
Obstructions
Regardless of obstruction, our specialist expertise provides for a myriad of often simple solutions to seemingly difficult problems.
Typical obstructions are outlined below;
- Narrow/Uneven Surfaces: where part or all of the door frame is narrow or uneven.
- Flaky Paintwork: which will likely cause the magnetic tapes adhesive to fail over time.
- Blinds: generally compatible by repositioning or remounting the blind brackets on spacers
- Ironmongery & Locks: usually bypassed, remounted or replaced with a suitable alternative.
- Low Voltage Cables: we usually embed or reposition low voltage cables and junction boxes.
- Alarm Sensors: if obstructing, they may need repositioning by a qualified technician.
Please note that all workarounds are on a best efforts basis so compatibility is not always guaranteed.
Storage
Magnetic secondary glazing is designed to be easily removed and stored during the summer months.
However, for the standard ‘Inner’ placement fitting on French Windows & Doors, this is not necessary as the panels do not obstruct opening and closing.
Weighing around 4-5kg for a large French Door WindowSkin, when required, they are light and small enough to be handled and stored easily.
They can be wrapped in bubble wrap or a soft cotton sheet, and stored flat under a double bed.
Alternatively, we can provide felt lined storage sleeves at additional cost.
Colour Matching
WindowSkins are available in white or a natural ‘Brown-Black’ as standard.
Unlike most, our white magnetic tapes are not just white on the front face but also both leading edges.
This ensures there are no unsightly black lines on either panel or door.
It is also possible to colour match using most water based paints or from an extensive range of wood grain vinyl finishes (at additional cost).
We find that Farrow & Ball paints (Estate Eggshell, 20% sheen) work particularly well and appear to be most popular. We have also had good results with Little Greene, COAT & Earthborn paints.
Our paintworks comprise three coats (one primer, two top coats) and each panel is individually masked to prevent overspray. The final result is a smooth spray finish with crisp lines and minimal bleed.
Additionally, all magnetic tapes, subframes (where present) and most ancillary components are included for colour matching.
Click here to view ‘Colour Matching’ image examples
Materials
WindowSkins are constructed using one of the following panel types;
- 1.5mm PETG (curved windows)
- 2mm PETG (standard build)
- 3mm Acrylic XT (recommended)
- 4mm Acrylic XT (best for noise)
PETG panels offer excellent impact resistance, allowing for a lightweight panel that is flexible, yet easy to handle, all whilst retaining strength.
For 3mm & 4mm panels, we switch to Acrylic XT.
Acrylic XT is a harder material, giving it increased durability in terms of scuffing and scratch resistance.
It also offers excellent optical clarity and our magnetic tapes show up brighter and whiter (when compared to PETG).
The additional stiffness from thicker materials may be better suited for larger windows (especially if draughty).
Finally, it should be noted that both materials provide excellent UV stability.
Noise & Air Pollution
WindowSkins are a proven and effective solution to noise related problems (pedestrian, traffic, aircraft etc), with a comparative acoustic dampening performance similar to glass.
- 2mm panels reduce noise by around 30%
- 3mm panels reduce noise by around 40%
- 4mm panels reduce noise by around 50%
Where noise is concerned, the depth of air gap between glass and panel is highly important. For this reason, secondary glazing generally outperforms double glazing, due to the larger air gap.
Incidentally, it is found that WindowSkins also serves to reduce the infusion of air pollutants and particulate matter into the home.
When paired with good quality HEPA filtration, indoor air quality may be significantly improved, along with obvious associated health benefits.
Irregular Windows & Doors
One of the challenges to fitting modern rectangular glazing panels against period timber windows, is that the windows are rarely true (i.e. they are asymmetrical).
Originally handcrafted, timber window fabrication was highly dependent on the skill and accuracy of the carpenter or joiner. This often leads to irregularities in shape.
Over time, the effects of weathering and subsidence can further exacerbate those irregularities. For example, this could make a window (or door) subtly diamond shaped.
Without correction, this can lead to ill-fitting panels, often too short and with poor alignment against the windows, which is aesthetically displeasing.
Our proprietary software and laser surveying solution measures every windows dimension and geometry making the necessary correcting adjustment for asymmetrical window frames, as standard.
We later trim those panels, in our workshop, to replicate those very same irregularities for near perfect results.
Arched French Windows & Doors
WindowSkins are a cost effective retrofit solution to the complexities caused by arched French windows and doors.
For arched doors (curved or rounded at the top), we employ a proprietary templating method for near perfect results.
Unlike our regular CNC cut panels, arched panels are carefully cut by hand, in our workshop, using a custom jig to ensure accuracy.
With French windows & doors, we opt for the ‘Inner’ Placement, as described above.
The final fit is a faithfully precise duplicate of the original curve (including any imperfections).
Care
With a little care, WindowSkins should give you years of trouble-free service – providing warmth, comfort and noise reduction.
The key rule for WindowSkins is no harsh abrasives.
We recommend gentle cleaning using mild detergent, water and a microfibre cloth.
A quality soft rubber or silicone squeegee may also be used, with light pressure, for larger areas.
For smaller spot cleaning, isopropyl alcohol or non-vinegar glass cleaner may be used with soft tissue.
Every WindowSkin has a room and window specific identifying label making storage and replacement simple.
And of course, all WindowSkins are covered by a three year repair or replace warranty with phone, email and postal support.
Are you ready for a warmer, quieter, more comfortable home?
Arrange Your Free Quote Today
