Secondary Glazing Ireland: Ecoglaze Installation Guide
Quick Summary: Ecoglaze secondary glazing (also called window glazing or interior secondary glazing) is a magnetic acrylic panel system that fits over your existing windows from the inside — no drilling, no tradespeople, no mess. It reduces heat loss, cuts noise transmission, and improves window insulation, and eliminates condensation for a fraction of the cost of replacement double glazing. This guide covers everything you need: how it works, what you'll need, how to measure, and the full step-by-step installation.
Ireland's older housing stock — Victorian terraces, 1960s–1980s estates, Georgian townhouses — is dominated by single-glazed windows that leak heat and let in road noise. Replacement double glazing solves the problem but costs thousands per window. Secondary glazing is a proven, affordable alternative that delivers most of the thermal and acoustic benefits at a fraction of the price. The Ecoglaze system from 365plastics.ie uses premium acrylic sheet held in place by a simple magnetic tape system — no specialist tools, no permanent fixings, and no impact on your window's normal operation.
Contents
How Ecoglaze Secondary Glazing Works
Ecoglaze secondary glazing uses a clear acrylic sheet panel — cut precisely to your window size — that attaches to the inside of your existing window frame using a two-part magnetic tape system. No drilling, no screws, no permanent modifications to the window or frame.
The key to its performance is the trapped air gap created between the existing glass and the Ecoglaze panel. This still air layer acts as a thermal insulator, slowing down the rate at which heat escapes through the glass. The same air gap also acts as an acoustic buffer, damping sound transmission from outside. The result is a warmer, quieter room — from a single afternoon's DIY work.
Ecoglaze secondary glazing fitted inside an existing window frame
Benefits: Heat, Noise & Condensation
Secondary glazing addresses three of the most common complaints about older Irish homes with single-glazed windows:
Heat Retention
The still air gap trapped between the existing window and the Ecoglaze panel dramatically reduces the rate of heat loss. Your home stays warmer in winter and noticeably cooler in summer — with real reductions in heating bills.
Noise Reduction
The air gap acts as an acoustic buffer, reducing transmission of traffic noise, neighbour noise, and general street sound. Particularly effective in urban and roadside properties where external noise is a problem.
Condensation Elimination
Condensation on the inside of windows is caused by warm, moist indoor air meeting cold glass. The Ecoglaze panel raises the surface temperature of the inner glass, eliminating the condensation that causes mould, damage, and draughts around window reveals.
Works on All Window Types
Sliding sash, casement, fixed, or hinged windows — the Ecoglaze panel attaches to the frame, not the opening. Your window continues to function exactly as before.
A Fraction of the Cost of Double Glazing
Replacement double-glazed windows typically cost €400–€800 per window installed. Ecoglaze delivers comparable thermal and acoustic performance for a small fraction of that cost — with no tradespeople required.
What You'll Need
No specialist tools are required. Everything you need for installation:
From 365plastics.ie
- Ecoglaze acrylic sheet panel — cut to your exact window size
- Magnetic Tape Kit — 15m per kit, 20mm wide, 1.5mm thick (two-part: Type A brown magnetic strip + Type B white steel strip)
From Home
- Tape measure (metric, millimetres)
- Strong scissors or snips (for cutting magnetic tape)
- Pencil and notepad
- Clean cloth for wiping the window frame
- Methylated spirits or similar degreaser
- Soft microfibre cloth (for final clean)
Measuring Tape
Scissors / Snips
Pencil & Notepad
Magnetic Tape Kit
How to Measure Your Window
Accurate measurement is the most important step. The magnetic tape is 20mm wide, so you need to measure the flat rebated surface of the window frame — not the glass or the overall frame width. Take all measurements in millimetres.
- Measure the internal width of the window frame — from flat rebate to flat rebate. Allow 20mm on each side for the magnetic tape. Mark the frame lightly in pencil to confirm your position.
- Measure the internal height in the same way — from flat rebate to flat rebate, with 20mm allowance on each face.
- Record both measurements clearly. These are the dimensions of the Ecoglaze panel you'll order.
- Go to the Ecoglaze page at 365plastics.ie, select the nearest oversized sheet, and enter your cut-to-size dimensions at checkout. We cut the panel to your exact size.
Measure from rebate to rebate
Window width
Window height
Measuring tip: Always measure across the middle of the frame and again at each end — window frames in older Irish houses are rarely perfectly square. Use the smallest measurement in each direction to ensure the panel fits within the frame without forcing.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Read these instructions fully before starting. The installation typically takes 30–60 minutes per window. An extra pair of hands is helpful for larger panels.
Check the Panel Size
Leave the protective film on both faces of the Ecoglaze panel. Hold it temporarily against the window frame to confirm it fits correctly before proceeding. If the panel needs slight trimming, use a fine-toothed saw with the sheet well-supported. Make sure the saw is sharp — see our guide to cutting acrylic sheet for technique.
Prepare the Panel Edges
On the face of the panel that will face the window, peel back the protective film by 3–5cm along all four edges. Leave the rest of the film in place — this allows the magnetic tape to adhere directly to the acrylic while the film continues to protect the panel surface during installation.
Apply Type A Magnetic Tape to the Panel
Cut four lengths of Type A (brown) magnetic tape to match each side of the panel. Remove the film backing from the tape and press the adhesive side firmly to the outer edge of the panel, creating a continuous strip around all four sides. Do not overlap the tape at the corners — butt the ends neatly together. An uneven thickness will prevent a good seal against the window frame.
Type B — White Steel
Type A — Brown Magnetic
Steel Strip
Attach Type B Steel Tape to the Type A
Cut four lengths of Type B (white) steel tape to the same lengths as the Type A strips. Place the Type B steel tape directly on top of the Type A magnetic tape — they will be held together by magnetic attraction. The adhesive side of the Type B tape will face outwards, ready to bond to the window frame. Do not yet remove the film backing from the Type B tape adhesive.
Clean the Window Frame
Clean the entire surface of the window frame where the steel tape will bond using methylated spirits or a similar degreaser. Any grease, dust, or old polish will significantly reduce adhesion. Allow to dry completely. This step is critical — a contaminated frame surface is the most common reason for tape peeling away in the weeks after installation.
Remove Film from the Panel Face & Type B Adhesive
Remove the protective film from the window-facing side of the Ecoglaze panel. Do this slowly to minimise static build-up — static attracts dust to the acrylic surface. At the same time, remove the film backing from the Type B steel tape adhesive. You are now ready to position the panel against the frame.
Position and Lightly Press the Panel
Line up the panel against the frame — use a support or a second person to hold it in position. Apply light pressure only until you are certain the panel is exactly where you want it. The tape is pressure-activated and you will not be able to reposition it easily once full pressure is applied. Take your time at this step.
Press Firmly Around All Edges
Once you are satisfied with the position, run firmly around the entire perimeter of the panel edge, applying as much pressure as possible to activate the tape adhesive. Use your fingers, or a narrow wallpaper seam roller for extra pressure. Work from the centre of each side outwards to avoid trapping air under the tape.
Remove the Outer Protective Film
Peel the protective film from the room-facing side of the panel slowly to minimise static. If static does attract dust to the surface, clean it with a small amount of furniture polish (Pledge or similar) applied with a soft microfibre cloth — this removes static and lifts dust in one step. Do not use abrasive cloths or solvent-based cleaners on the acrylic surface. Your secondary glazing is now installed and ready to work.
Understanding the Magnetic Tape System
The Ecoglaze magnetic tape system uses two complementary tape types that must be matched correctly:
| Tape Type | Colour | Where It Goes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | Brown | Applied to the outer edge of the Ecoglaze panel | Magnetic — provides the attraction force |
| Type B | White | Placed on top of Type A, then adhered to the window frame | Steel — bonds to Type A magnetically; bonds to frame by adhesive |
Important: Type A (brown) MUST be matched with Type B (white steel). Using two pieces of Type A together will produce no magnetic attraction and the panel will not hold. The tape kit contains both types; check the colour before cutting.
Tips & Common Mistakes
✓ Do This
- Measure twice — use the smallest dimension in each direction
- Clean the window frame with methylated spirits before applying tape
- Peel protective film slowly to reduce static
- Use a soft microfibre cloth if dust is attracted to the panel
- Use a wallpaper roller for firm, even pressure on the tape edges
- Get a second person to help position large panels
✗ Avoid This
- Don't overlap the tape at corners — use a clean butt joint
- Don't apply full pressure until the panel is perfectly positioned
- Don't use Type A tape on both sides — it won't hold
- Don't skip the degreaser step — it's the biggest cause of tape failure
- Don't use abrasive cloths or solvent cleaners on the acrylic surface
- Don't rush the positioning step — repositioning after full pressure is very difficult
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will secondary glazing work on my existing single-glazed windows?
A: Yes — Ecoglaze secondary glazing is designed specifically for use over existing single-glazed windows. It can also be added over double-glazed windows for additional acoustic insulation in particularly noisy locations. As long as there is a flat rebated surface at least 20mm wide to accept the magnetic tape, Ecoglaze will fit.
Q: Can I still open my window after fitting secondary glazing?
A: Yes. The Ecoglaze panel attaches by magnetic attraction, not by permanent fixings. It can be removed and reattached quickly whenever you need to open the window. The magnetic system holds the panel securely in normal conditions while allowing easy removal without tools.
Q: How much does secondary glazing cost compared to replacement double glazing?
A: Replacement double-glazed windows typically cost €400–€800 per window including installation by a trade. Ecoglaze secondary glazing costs a fraction of that figure and can be installed by any competent DIYer in under an hour per window. The thermal and acoustic performance is comparable to standard double glazing.
Q: Will secondary glazing reduce condensation on my windows?
A: Yes — condensation forms when warm, moist indoor air meets a cold glass surface. By adding an Ecoglaze panel, the inner surface temperature of the window is raised significantly, reducing or eliminating the condensation. This also helps prevent the mould growth around window reveals that often accompanies persistent condensation.
Q: What if I ordered the wrong size?
A: If the panel is slightly too large, it can be trimmed to size using a fine-toothed wood saw or jigsaw — see our acrylic cutting guide for the correct technique. If the panel is too small, a replacement will be needed. This is why measuring carefully — twice, in millimetres — is so important before ordering.
Q: Does secondary glazing work for noise reduction?
A: Yes — the trapped air gap between the existing window and the Ecoglaze panel acts as a sound buffer. Secondary glazing is particularly effective at reducing mid-to-high frequency noise — a form of soundproofing for windows — particularly effective on traffic, voices, and general street noise. For very low-frequency noise (HGVs, bass music), the air gap width has a bigger influence and the results are more variable.
Ready to Install Secondary Glazing?
Order your Ecoglaze secondary glazing panels cut to your exact window dimensions. We also stock the full magnetic tape kits and accessories. Nationwide delivery across Ireland.
Ecoglaze Secondary Glazing Panels →
Questions? Email us at [email protected] or call 01 801 0022
About This Guide: Installation instructions are based on the Ecoglaze secondary glazing system supplied by 365plastics.ie / Access Plastics Ltd. Window frame profiles and conditions vary — if your frame has insufficient flat area for the 20mm tape, contact us before ordering for advice on alternative fixing methods. For listed buildings or properties in protected areas, check with your local authority before installing secondary glazing.
