The Unique Magnetic Secondary Glazing
System
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Contents
Introduction
……………………………………………..
What We Do
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The System ……………………………………………………
Heat Loss Prevention
……………………………………....
U Values ……………………………………………………
Noise Reduction ……………………………………………..
Window Types
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Colour Matching ……………………………………………..
Cleaning & Maintenance ………………………………………
Eliminate Draughts
………………………………………
Kill Condensation
………………………………………
Park The Panel
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Installation Options
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DIY Measuring Guide ………………………………………
Special Instructions For Sash Windows
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DIY Installation Guide ………………………………………
Recognise The Staff Bead
……………………………….
Frequently Asked Questions ……………………………….
Get In Touch
……………………………………………..
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Introduction
You can preserve the charm, style and integrity of your original windows AND gain
all the benefits of double-glazing when you install MAGNEGLAZE ® - The unique
magnetic secondary glazing system.
At a very affordable cost and with astounding simplicity, you will achieve the triple
objectives of heat loss prevention, draught exclusion and noise reduction. In total
contrast to conventional heavy-framed systems, it is flat, slim-line and almost
invisible.
Here is the solution for those listed buildings, period properties and houses in
conservation areas where window replacement is neither an option nor a practical
proposition.
Magneglaze® Main Features:
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Prevents heat loss and reduces heating bills
Eliminates draughts
Significantly reduces of outside noise, road traffic etc
Kills condensation
UV stable clear cast acrylic will not discolour with age
Fits to stonework
Window strips can be over-painted to match your own colour. Magnetic attraction
is unaffected
Safe, lightweight and easy to remove
Will not clash with internal shutters or blinds
Available in Standard White or Brown or Colour Matched to original paintwork!
A fraction of the cost of replacement windows
Approved by Conservation Officers
Draught proofing for doors also available
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What We Do
We add secondary glazing to most window types.
Our speciality and expertise lies uniquely in the
insulation of sash windows, whatever their age and
condition. Even if they are out of square!
The addition of the extra panel against the window
frame creates a much wider gap than conventional
double-glazing (typically only 20mm max). The fat
parcel of air trapped between the two panes acts as
the insulant and the inner pane warms up. Cold air no
longer drops down the window. Draughts are
eliminated; the wide gap is good for noise reduction.
The System
The idea of using magnets for secondary glazing was adopted in 1994 by Richard
Cutts for the purpose of providing a low-cost, easy install, but highly versatile system.
Richard felt that by adapting and improving an existing DIY product (magnet to steel)
with wider strips, and adding magnet to magnet applications, a wider range of
window types could be tackled. The result is a more robust and durable system and
over 10 years' fitting experience.
Multi-polarized magnetic strips combine together on the frame edge and hold the
panels exactly in place. This magnetism is permanent and the pulling power
impressive - a narrow pole pitch gives a pulling power of 80 grams per square
centimetre. The slippage of magnet to steel is a thing of the past!
The Best Materials
We use a combination of the best materials available from British Manufacturers and
suppliers.
Clear Cast Acrylic (CCA) or Perspex, as it is more commonly known, is stronger, but
not as rigid as glass. Therefore it has the flexibility to follow the uneven contours of
old window frames and still achieve an efficient perimeter seal. CCA is UV stable and
is 96% translucent. We use 3mm which is the optimum thickness for this application.
Fully Assembled Panels
Magneglaze secondary glazing panels are manufactured to the highest possible
standards. In the factory, the panels are first cut to size, then the double magnets are
applied with special purpose machines. Finally, orders are packaged with bubble wrap
and reinforced cardboard and despatched on our own vehicles or reliable carrier.
We are the only company which supplies the product in this ready state. Also, you are
not ordering or paying for any unused plastic sheet or surplus lengths of magnetic tape.
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We are the only company supplying fully assembled panels with magnets already
applied and matched ready to install straight away.
Heat Loss Prevention
The images below illustrate the efficiency of the system in preventing heat loss
through the windows of a typical property.
U Values
U Values indicate the rate of heat flow across a material - the lower the value, the
better the insulation.
Single glazing has a typical U Value of 6 w/m²k.
The Magneglaze secondary glazing system is able to achieve a U value of 2.7w/m²k.
Noise Reduction
In a controlled test, measuring sash windows facing a busy road before and after the
addition of Magneglaze, a 10.4dB reduction was achieved. A 10dB reduction
effectively halves the noise level perceived by the human ear.
A copy of the detailed acoustic report can be provided on request.
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Window Types
Magneglaze fits almost every window type:
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Casement Windows
Sash Windows
Sash Windows with Shutters
Crittall Windows
Stone-mullioned Windows
Circular Windows
Arched Windows
Bay Windows
Conservatory Windows
Stained Glass Windows
We can fabricate any shape for example a circle, semi-circle or gothic arch from
precise dimensions or a template. Please get in touch for further information and
supply of template drawing kit.
Colour Matching
Please Note – The frame strips, which will only be visible in their dark brown
raw state when the panel is removed, can be over-painted - WITHOUT ANY
ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE PULLING POWER OF THE MAGNETIC
STRIPS.
Cleaning & Maintenance
How to look after your Magneglaze® panels and prolong their active life:
1. Hot spots in direct sunlight facing South
It is advisable to remove these panels during the summer months and store away
safely. Temperature in the cavity can rise to 50C which is not good for the Acrylic or
the TESA adhesive.
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2. Prevent magnet fusion
From time to time go around and free off panels that are permanently in position. The
power of the magnets continuously pulls the two surfaces together, so lift a corner,
separate all round and replace.
3. Magnet polarity
At installation, each panel is unique to itself and the window frame. If any panel is
removed, it must be replaced in the exact same original position.
4 Dust or blemish build up
Clear Cast Acrylic is brighter than glass. We can supply a plastic cleaner and antistatic polish that keeps your panels in sparkling condition. Please ask for details.
5 Condensation
Will only occur if you window frames are in really poor condition. Over a long period,
moisture can be absorbed into the woodwork from outside due to gaps or damaged
putties. It then becomes trapped in the cavity and has nowhere to go.
6. Guarantee
If the above care is taken, and installation guidelines adhered to, there will be no
degradation of the Clear Cast Acrylic itself due to UVA/UVB penetration, or any
lessening of the magnetic attraction.
Eliminate Draughts
As much as 15% of the heat in a
dwelling is lost due to cold air coming
in through gaps around the windows.
Added to the heat loss through the
glass of the window itself and you
have a huge potential total loss of 25%.
Kill Condensation
The end to all that tedious wiping down of windows on winter mornings and the build
up of unsightly black mould growth, Magneglaze effectively kills condensation.
Park The Panel
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Panels can be easily lifted off and 'parked' on top of an adjacent panel, so you won't
have a loose panel to worry about while the window is open.
The addition of thin steel tape to the two vertical edges of an adjacent panel of the
same width allows a panel covering a window that will be occasionally opened to be
'parked' on top of its neighbour. Simply replace the panel to its original position when
the window is closed.
In order to set up the Park The Panel system we will need to know the length of steel
tape needed. This is then supplied under separate cover from the main order. Please
get in touch for more details.
Installation
Magneglaze® offers two installation options:
1. DIY ordered through website
No survey visit - you supply the measurements. Assembled panels and kit delivered. DIY advice.
AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE UK
2. Full Installation Service
A first survey to gain millimetre perfect dimensions. A second visit to install.
ONLY AVAILABLE IN CERTAIN AREAS
Which option is right for me?
The main objective of this web-site is to provide comprehensive information about
this product and to give you, the customer, the confidence to measure and install it
yourself. We can supply panels for DIY wherever you are. If you are still unsure,
please ring for advice.
DIY Measuring Guide
Before you go any further, you may find it helpful to watch our measuring videos.
These are available to view on our website www.magneglaze.co.uk/videos.php
Leaving room for the magnetic strips
The magnetic strips are
12.5mm or 20mm wide,
depending on size of panel. As
a rule we apply 12.5mm up to
1m² and 20mm for any larger
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area. To get an exact measurement for cutting the plastic you must add 25mm or
40mm to the internal dimensions of the frame to gain an overlap on each edge. There
must be a flat shoulder on four sides so the panel is flush all round. Any 'window
furniture' must be contained in the recess between the inner and outer panes of the
window. Please supply measurements to the nearest 5mm.
Special instructions for sash windows
1. All panel size measurements must include the overlap on the frame edge.
2. The centre-meeting rail (CMR) is a wooden batten which coincides with the top bar
of the lower sliding sash. Fix with countersunk screws.
3. The CMR width will be 25mm. Its depth will vary depending on the depth of the
staff bead and the surrounding box frame. This profile must achieve a flush finish to
extend beyond the staff bead.
4. The staff bead sometimes protrudes forward of the box frame. It must either be
planed down, repositioned or packing pieces must be added around the perimeter.
5. The 12.5mm magnet edges butt together at the mid-point of the CMR.
6. Install the lower panel first with its top in line with the mid point of the CMR.
Follow standard DIY installation guide.
DIY Installation Guide
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Before you go any further, you may find it helpful to watch our DIY Installation
Guide video:
N.B. Read all points 1-12 before starting!
1. Unpack the panel but keep the protective films in place on both sides.
2. Do not separate the partner magnetic strips. Exact alignment is essential when
applying the panel to the window frame. Straighten any that may have become
dislodged during transport. Never attempt to apply the frame strip on its own.
3. Before you start, use Meths to clean around each side of the window frame.
4. Completely remove the protective film from the Acrylic sheet on the side that holds
the magnets. This will be the side facing to the outside. Keep the film in place on the
opposite side.
5. Peel back the film a few centimetres from the four corners of the room facing side
so that you can see the edges of the panel in relation to the window frame.
6. Line up panel against frame. Place supports under the lower edge. You can use
spikes driven into the woodwork or books, CD's etc. The pink backing paper is very
slippery and the panel position can easily change. You can also use tape to secure the
top or side edges or an extra pair of hands.
7. Once the final position has been secured, lean of the panel with your elbow and lift
one corner. Start removing the pink backing and release paper from the magnetic
strips. It can sometimes be tricky to get the ends started, but finger tips are best.
8. Peel away the backing paper slowly from behind the panel.
9. Apply light pressure at this stage. Continue along opposite sides. The panel will be
self-supporting once two sides are in place.
10. Peel away the remaining pink backing papers, checking alignment at all times.
11. Remove the bottom strip backing paper last and apply further pressure all round
using a wallpaper edging tool or strong fingers.
12. Finally, remove the room side film from the Acrylic.
The adhesive is very strong, and cures with time but adhesion will vary depending on
the surface underneath. Packing pieces must be added where there are uneven
“shoulders” on the frame surround.
If you make a mistake half way through this procedure it is best to remove the panel
completely and start again. The strips can be ripped from the window–frame edge
with a sharp tug as long as light pressure has been applied at the initial fixing.
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Recognise the staff bead
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can you still open windows with MagneGlaze® in place?
A. We design a layout so that openers are covered by separate panels. These can be
easily lifted off and "parked" on top of an adjacent panel by means of extra steel strips
on the sides of an adjacent panel. So you won't have a loose panel to worry about
while the window is open.
Q. I live near a road/railway line. How much noise does MagneGlaze® actually
reduce?
A. Most people do not think in decibels! But Magneglaze® will have the effect of
"muffling" or "baffling" those annoying tyre noises. In extreme cases, it is possible to
add a panel to the edge of the reveal to create the optimum gap of 200mm for sound
reduction.
Q. Does the acrylic scratch easily?
A. No, most of the time the panels will be in place, so only rough handling will cause
any obvious defects. Panels can be easily lifted off for cleaning. If they are to be
removed and stored away during the summer months, it's best to sleeve or cover them
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in bubble-wrap. We recommend the use of an antistatic spray polish to keep them in
sparkling condition.
Q. Have you got any testimonials?
A. Yes, always available on request.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. The price per square metre fully-installed, will vary depending on the complexity
of the job. The on-line ordering system gives a discount of 25% and you can create
your own quote
Notes:
If measurements are provided to the nearest 5mm (i.e. All sizes will end in a 0 or 5),
we can supply fully assembled panels cut to size and ready to install. But please
remember, without a survey visit, we have to rely on your measurements and will cut
to the sizes given. We cannot be held responsible for any measuring errors! Really
smart people send digital pictures via e-mail of the windows under consideration. It's
then possible to talk through the options and arrive at a solution without a survey visit.
For any further advice and assistance call our telephone number 01952 691033. By
special request we can arrange to send a material sample piece to any enthusiastic
potential customer.
Get in touch
You can contact us with any questions or queries via email or phone. Our hours of
work are flexible, especially during busy periods, so this can include evenings and
weekends outside normal office hours. If you get the answering machine, do please
leave a message and we will ring you back at the earliest opportunity. We endeavour
to answer all email queries with detailed and informative replies.
Magneglaze®
27 Blymhill Common
Shifnal
Shropshire
TF11 8JP
Email: [email protected]
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