Perspex/Polycarbonate window covers

[DaveG]

Hi all, just wondering if anyone else has bought made to measure sheets of this stuff to make their own secondary glazing? I’ve seen it suggested in one of my books along with the use of some magnets etc and am tempted to help counter all the moisture on my sash windows at this time of year.

Cheapest supplier I’ve found so far is TrulyPVC but I’m still looking at around £85 per window for 4mm sheet before the extras like magnets, edging trims and so on and I’ve got at least 6 windows I could do with doing so not cheap.

Anybody else done this and would recommend? Did you pay this sort of money? Is it worth the return on investment?

Thanks in advance

 

[Cubist]

I did consider it when we first moved in - single glazed throughout, G2 listed and tatar for a CO - but bailed on the idea when I stopped to think 'Where will I keep em when not in use and how long before I forget they're there?'

 

[Kearn]

That’s not expensive for what you get. Or compared to the alternative options to achieve the same end.

There are some common suppliers who get mentioned who provide the DIY kit and a few outfits who do it for you. I’ve never heard a negative comment from anyone who’s done it and it’s on my list just as soon as our windows are back in the building and painted.

 

[a twig]

We have a porch with a full length timber window made up of 12 single glazed square panes, not only was it cold and draughty it wasn’t particularly solid so could easily have been kicked in.

I ordered a 5mm Perspex sheet from Simply Plastics who supplied it cut it to size, used some of that door sealing strip round the edges then fitted it to the interior of the window (screwed in as it’s intended to be permanent in our case) and it has made a huge difference, eliminated all the draughts, reduced noise and noticeably beefed up the entire window to the extent you’d have a hard time getting through it now.

 

[elizabeth]

We have covered a number of our windows with Perspex and it made a huge difference to us too. It has reduced condensation, we use to have puddles of water. They have helped us to retain warmth and also reduce the road noise. They don’t look too obtrusive as our window surrounds are white and the magnet strips can be ordered in white. We are listed and replacing some of our windows were not an option.

 

[CliffordPope]

I've found it makes a big difference in reducing draughts, but the magnets are not powerful enough to hold it on. In a strong wind it keeps popping off and letting the wind in through a raging draught. They need plastic turnbuckles at intervals along the edges.
They are a real fag to take down and put up - at least if like us you have lots of plants in pots on the window cills. Storage is the main problem. Big sheets won't stay propped up against a wall and keep slipping down. You end up leaving them up all the time, but then the space fills up with spiders and cobwebs.

They work, but are only worthwhile because there is nothing better. Thick curtains work much better, but you obviously don't want them closed all day.

 

[jamest]

I've used this stuff, but got it from the 'cutmy' place, which isn't the cheapest. I've found it to be very unobtrusive and hardly noticeable, so I leave it up all year. However, I've only used it on un-openable windows, most of those are slimline double glazed and there is no draft problem, so they never pop off, which is a blessing.

It seems to make a difference (though that's a feeling rather than a result of careful measurement) and it certainly eliminates condensation (yes, condensation was an issue on the slimline DG units). I also like that it's almost invisible when up, but your window frames need to be white for that to work.

If a window were openable, then I would be less inclined to use it, ditto if the window is very large or drafty. I might still use perspex, but wouldn't stick it on with magnetic strips and I wouldn't use one really big sheet. The biggest sheets I've used were about 130 x 50 cm (from memory, maybe very slightly larger).

 

[mardinor]

Been using them for about 10 years. Make a big difference. Here's a few tips:
- magnets are necessary but insufficient. Make sure they 'sit' on the windowsill to take most of the weight and be prepared to also screw through at least one per side, otherwise wind will push them off
- you need a space to store them flat when out of season, we use under a bed
- spray with Vuplex anti-static spray once per season

 

[Glenn586]

I'm going to give this a go, snow outside and the windows are drowning in condensation. We laser cut acrylic at work so making the shapes is easy. It's the mounting that required a bit of thought. Does anyone know if Museum putty would be suffice? Other option is the clear removable tape thats almost gel like 1mm thick?

 

[DaveG]

I'm going to give this a go, snow outside and the windows are drowning in condensation. We laser cut acrylic at work so making the shapes is easy. It's the mounting that required a bit of thought. Does anyone know if Museum putty would be suffice? Other option is the clear removable tape thats almost gel like 1mm thick?

Are you proposing a section per pane? I’m just looking for a single sheet around the entire frame so no putty needed. Just some decent magnets (I was thinking of trying stronger cupboard type ones, maybe 2 per side, 4 in total) with some slim felt tape around the rest of the edges. To disguise from the front just some thin painted white wood trims to blend in to the existing frame. Early ideas for now.

Thanks also to all who’ve contributed here. Very helpful to help me think it’s worth doing thank you!