Secondary glazing lets owners of Victorian, Edwardian and interwar homes improve comfort while keeping their original windows. It sits discreetly on the inside, so the look of the home from the street doesn’t change.

Melbourne’s older suburbs are full of homes with character: terraces with timber sash windows, Edwardian bay windows and leadlight in Californian bungalows. Those windows are a big part of why people fall for these homes. They are also, very often, the reason the front rooms are draughty in winter and noisy when a tram rolls past.

Why are period homes so draughty and noisy?

Old timber windows were built well, but not for today’s expectations of comfort. Over decades, frames shift and gaps open up around sashes. Single panes let warmth out in winter and let street noise in. Owners are left choosing between character and comfort.

Replacing the windows isn’t always an option. Many Melbourne streets sit under a heritage overlay, where changes to the street facing facade can require council approval. And many owners simply don’t want to lose the original timber and glass.

How do you fix draughts and cold glass in old windows?

Draughts: Sealtite window and door seals close the gaps around frames and sashes that let cold air in. Seals are often the first step in older homes, where air leaks can be a bigger issue than the glass itself.

Cold glass and street noise: The Magnetite system adds a second layer of glazing on the inside of the existing window. It is fitted to the sill or reveal, leaving the original window in place and untouched. The air gap between the two windows helps keep warmth in and reduces the noise reaching the room. Magnetite uses optical grade acrylic glazing, which is up to six times more thermally efficient than glass. Its frame creates a thermal break from your existing frame, and its airtight magnetic seals minimise draughts.

Used together, seals and secondary glazing address both the gaps and the glass.

Does secondary glazing reduce tram noise?

Many of Melbourne’s period homes sit close to tram routes and busy shopping strips. Trams bring a mix of rumble, bells and wheel squeal, and the effect is usually felt most in front bedrooms. Secondary glazing can reduce that noise, although how much depends on the home, the window and how close it sits to the tracks.

What does secondary glazing look like in a period home?

Because the system sits inside the reveal, untouched. From the street, the home looks unchanged. Inside, the frames are slim and finished to suit the room, so the period features stay the focus.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need council approval for secondary glazing on a heritage home? Secondary glazing is installed inside the home and doesn’t alter the existing window or the facade, so it is often a simpler path than window replacement. Always check with your council if your property is under a heritage overlay.

Can I still open my sash windows? Yes. The Magnetite system is fully operational and easy to use. It can either slide or be removed for ease of access for fresh air. The Magnetite retrofit double glazing uses magnets, similar to those used in a fridge door, to create an airtight seal when closed. Your Magnetite representative can advise on options that suit how you use each window.

Will it stop the draughts completely? It will reduce them. Magnetite retrofit double glazing uses magnets, similar to those in a fridge door. It creates an airtight seal when closed, minimising the draughts seeping in.

Will leadlight or decorative glass still be visible? Yes. The existing window stays in place behind the clear Magnetite panel.

Call to action: Book a free measure and quote with your local Magnetite Melbourne team.

Related reading: Secondary Glazing vs Double Glazing: What’s the Difference? and Understanding Noise Pollution in Melbourne and How to Minimise It.