Edinburgh · Edinburgh & the Lothians
Aluminium Windows in Edinburgh
If your windows in Edinburgh are faded, draughty or hard to lock, we can survey them and quote for slim, low-maintenance aluminium replacements.
- EH2
- EH3
- EH1
- Guide from £925
Aluminium windows for homes and businesses in Edinburgh
Modern aluminium window frames contain a thermal break: strips of low-conductivity material, usually polyamide, that separate the inner and outer aluminium. Without it, heat passes straight through the metal. Older aluminium windows made without thermal breaks are a common cause of cold frames and streaming condensation.
The price of aluminium windows depends on the size and number of frames, the profile system, opening sashes, colour and finish, glass specification and access. Dual colours, special finishes, glazing bars and triple glazing add cost. See the guide prices for typical ranges, and the written quote fixes your figure.
Aluminium is strong enough to hold large, heavy glass units in narrow frames, so sightlines are slimmer than uPVC of the same size. That means more glass and more daylight from the same opening, which suits modern extensions, wide picture windows and slim replacements for old steel windows.
Aluminium frames are usually finished with polyester powder coating, baked on at the factory in a choice of RAL colours and in matt, satin or textured finishes. Dual-colour frames are possible, such as anthracite grey outside and white inside, so the windows can suit both the street and the room.
What a typical job includes
- Written guarantee terms and advice on building regulations sign-off
- Sealed double or triple glazed units to specification
- Thermally broken aluminium frames powder coated to order
- Removal and disposal of the existing windows
Working in Edinburgh
- Postcodes covered
- EH2, EH3, EH1 and the surrounding area, including Musselburgh, Dalkeith and Bonnyrigg
- Coast
- Edinburgh is about 4 km from the coast or a tidal estuary, so salt air and wind-driven rain are worth planning for. Salt air attacks metal finishes, so aluminium windows near the coast need a coating and pretreatment suited to marine exposure, stainless or protected hardware, and more frequent washing. Check that the coating terms allow for a coastal site before ordering.
- Daylight and sun
- In Edinburgh the midwinter sun reaches about 11° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 6.7 hours of daylight, rising to about 58° and 17.3 hours in midsummer. Slim aluminium frames let more daylight through the same opening. Large south or west-facing panes can overheat rooms, so solar-control glass may help, while north-facing rooms benefit from high light-transmission low-E glass that keeps heat in during short winter days.
- Access and setting
- Large aluminium units are heavy, so city jobs need planned unloading, parking and sometimes lifting gear or extra hands for upper floors. Flats need freeholder consent and planning permission, and conservation areas often control frame colour and glazing bar patterns.
- Rules in Scotland
- Section 4 (Safety) of the Scottish Technical Handbooks covers glazing that people could collide with, such as glass in and beside doors and low-level glazing, where safety glass is needed.
Guide prices in Edinburgh
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Casement window, 900 × 1050 mm | £925 – £1,195 |
| Casement window, 1200 × 1200 mm | £1,095 – £1,395 |
| Large window, 1800 × 1500 mm | £1,495 – £1,995 |
| Slimline heritage style, 1200 × 1200 mm | £1,295 – £1,695 |
Get a guide price for your size
Replacement windows in Scotland can need planning permission in conservation areas, on listed buildings and on some flats. The local planning authority can confirm.
Specification choices
Casement windows
Side-hung, top-hung or fixed sashes in slim aluminium frames, suiting most houses and extensions, with flush or stepped sash designs.
Flush casement
Sashes sit level with the outer frame for a clean, timber-like look, often chosen for period-style or contemporary homes.
Tilt and turn
Inward-opening sashes that tilt for secure ventilation or swing open for cleaning and escape, useful for flats and high floors.
Aluminium Windows in Edinburgh: questions
Are aluminium windows better than uPVC?
Neither is better for every home; they suit different priorities. Aluminium gives slimmer frames, larger glass areas, a hard-wearing powder-coated finish and a wide colour choice. uPVC usually costs less and has chunkier frames. Both can meet the energy standard for replacement windows when specified correctly, so compare the certified ratings, the look you want and the guide prices.
Can aluminium windows replace original steel windows?
Yes, steel-look aluminium windows are designed for this. They copy the slim frames and glazing bars of old metal windows while adding double glazing and a thermal break. Original steel frames are often set into the masonry, so removal can disturb render or plaster, and the survey checks this. Listed buildings and conservation areas may need consent first.
What guarantee do aluminium windows come with?
Manufacturer guarantees apply to the frames, powder coating, hardware and sealed units, and the terms are confirmed in writing. Coating cover often depends on the site environment and on regular cleaning, so read the conditions. Guarantee terms for the installation are set out in writing with your quote, before you agree to go ahead.
How do I look after powder-coated aluminium windows?
Clean powder-coated aluminium windows with warm water and a mild, non-abrasive detergent a few times a year, then rinse and dry. Avoid scouring pads, solvents and pressure washers close to the seals. Keep drainage slots clear and put a little light oil on hinges and locking points. Near the coast, more frequent washing removes salt deposits.
Do you cover Edinburgh for aluminium windows?
Yes. We can quote for aluminium windows across Edinburgh and the surrounding Edinburgh & the Lothians area, including postcode districts EH2, EH3 and EH1, and nearby Musselburgh, Dalkeith and Bonnyrigg. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Get a written quote in Edinburgh
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.