Kelso · Scottish Borders
Curtain Walling in Kelso
Misted, cracked or leaking facade units in Kelso can usually be replaced individually, and we can survey the system and access before quoting.
- TD5
- Guide from £455 per m²
About commercial glazed screens in Kelso
The price depends on the facade area, the system type, glass specification such as solar control or triple glazing, infill panels, opening vents, building height and access equipment, and design and testing requirements. Replacement units also depend on how the glass is retained. See the guide prices for typical ranges.
The look of the facade depends on how the glass is held. Capped systems clamp the glass with pressure plates hidden behind a visible cover cap, while structural silicone glazing bonds the glass to carrier frames so the outside reads as a smooth, almost frameless surface.
The Centre for Window and Cladding Technology publishes the Standard for systemised building envelopes, the recognised UK industry standard for specifying, testing and assessing curtain walling. It draws in BS EN 13830 and the relevant building regulations, and is often referenced in commercial specifications.
Wind load on a facade rises with height, exposure and building shape, and it decides the mullion size, bracket design and glass thickness. Calculations for the specific site are part of the design, so a system suited to a sheltered ground-floor screen may not suit an exposed upper storey.
Included as standard
- Fabrication drawings and coordination with other trades
- Final inspection, clean and maintenance guidance
- Survey of openings, supporting structure and access
- Sealing, weathering and drainage details at all interfaces
Kelso at a glance
- Postcodes covered
- TD5 and the surrounding area, including Jedburgh, Galashiels and Selkirk
- Coast
- Kelso is well inland, around 33 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Kelso the midwinter sun reaches about 11° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 6.8 hours of daylight, rising to about 58° and 17.2 hours in midsummer. Large glazed facades bring in plenty of daylight but also solar gain and glare, especially on south and west elevations. Solar control glass, shading and blinds are balanced against light transmission so interiors stay bright without overheating.
- Access and setting
- Commercial buildings on open rural or upland sites can face high wind exposure and driving rain, which affect frame sizes, glass thickness and sealing details. Longer delivery routes for large glass units also need planning in advance.
- 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 Kelso
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Curtain walling, per m² (stick system) | £455 – £795 |
| Curtain walling, per m² (unitised) | £545 – £955 |
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.
Options to choose between
Opaque spandrel panels
Insulated or back-painted glass panels that hide floor slabs, ceiling voids and services while keeping the facade's appearance consistent.
Solar control glass
Coated glass that limits solar heat gain on sunny elevations while keeping good daylight, reducing overheating and glare inside.
Structural silicone glazing
Glass bonded to carrier frames with structural sealant, giving a flush external face with minimal visible framing.
Curtain Walling in Kelso: questions
What glass is used in curtain walling?
Curtain walling normally uses sealed double or triple glazed units, with toughened or laminated panes chosen for safety, security and wind load. Coatings control heat loss and solar gain, and heat-soaked toughened glass is often specified for upper levels. Where fire resistance is needed, a tested fire-resistant glazing system is used instead of standard glass.
Can a single broken glass unit in a curtain wall be replaced?
Usually, yes. In capped systems the cap and pressure plate are removed to release the glass, and a new unit is fitted and resealed. Structurally bonded glass needs the new unit bonding to its carrier, which takes more preparation. Height and access drive much of the work, so we survey the unit and access before quoting.
Does new curtain walling need building regulations approval?
New curtain walling is building work that has to meet requirements for structure, energy and fire, so it is normally checked by building control as part of the project. The approval route depends on the building and the nation, because England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate systems. Planning permission may also be needed for changes to appearance.
What is the difference between curtain walling and windows?
Curtain walling is a continuous framed wall of glass and panels that spans across floors and hangs off the building structure, carrying its own weight and wind loads. Windows sit within individual openings in a masonry or framed wall. Curtain walling suits large glazed areas and multi-storey facades, while windows suit punched openings.
Do you cover Kelso for curtain walling?
Yes. We can quote for curtain walling across Kelso and the surrounding Scottish Borders area, including postcode districts TD5, and nearby Jedburgh, Galashiels and Selkirk. 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 Kelso
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.