Penicuik · Edinburgh & the Lothians
Sash Windows in Penicuik
We cover Penicuik and the rest of Edinburgh & the Lothians for sash window replacement, from one rotten bay sash to a full set for a Victorian or Georgian house.
- EH26
- Guide from £1,495
About replacement sash windows in Penicuik
Timber sash windows are usually made from engineered softwood or durable hardwoods, factory primed and finished with microporous paint that lets moisture escape. Factory finishing gives a more even coat than painting on site, but timber still needs periodic redecoration, and the interval depends on exposure and colour.
Heavy double glazed sashes need matching weights. When single glazed sashes are swapped for double glazed ones in an existing box, the old weights are usually too light, so the glazier re-weighs each sash to stop it dropping or creeping up, and checks the pulleys can carry the load.
Slim double glazed units let sash windows keep fine glazing bars and traditional proportions while improving thermal performance. Bars can be true divisions with individual units, or bars bonded to both faces of a single unit with a spacer bar between the panes, which looks very similar from a short distance.
A traditional box sash hides cast-iron or lead weights inside the side boxes of the frame, connected to each sash by cords running over pulleys. Modern sash windows often use spiral or spring balances instead, which take up less depth and suit uPVC and some new timber designs without weight pockets.
What's included
- Double glazed units, with safety glass where required
- Made-to-measure timber or uPVC sash windows
- Survey recording mouldings, horns, bars and box condition
- Weights or balances set for smooth, even sliding

Local details for Penicuik
- Postcodes covered
- EH26 and the surrounding area, including Bonnyrigg, Dalkeith and Mayfield
- Coast
- Penicuik sits roughly 16 km from the nearest coastline, close enough that exposure on open or high ground is worth considering. Salt-laden wind and driving rain shorten the life of paint on exposed sashes, so coastal timber windows benefit from durable timbers, good factory coatings and regular inspection. Brass or stainless sash furniture resists corrosion better than plated steel near the sea.
- Daylight and sun
- In Penicuik 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. Glazing bars and deep frames reduce daylight, so slimmer bars and high light-transmission low-E glass help north-facing rooms. Tall south-facing sashes can let in strong summer sun; the top sash can be lowered to vent warm air out at high level.
- Access and setting
- Older rural houses often have sash openings that are out of square, with soft stone or lime plaster around them, so each window is measured individually and fitted gently. Exposed sites benefit from draught seals and robust weatherboards on the bottom sash.
- 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 Penicuik
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| uPVC sliding sash, 900 × 1500 mm | £1,495 – £1,995 |
| Timber-effect uPVC sash, 900 × 1500 mm | £1,795 – £2,295 |
| Painted timber sash, 900 × 1500 mm | £2,595 – £3,295 |
Get a guide price for your size
Listed buildings in Scotland need listed building consent for most changes to historic windows; Historic Environment Scotland publishes guidance on traditional windows.
Specification choices
Spring-balanced timber sash
Timber sashes running on concealed spring balances, giving a slimmer frame where weight pockets are not needed or space is tight.
Replacement sashes only
New double glazed sashes fitted into your existing sound box frame, keeping original linings, architraves and plasterwork.
Tilt-in sashes
Sashes that tilt inwards for cleaning upper-floor glass from inside, and can help provide an escape opening.
Sash Windows in Penicuik: questions
How long does it take to replace sash windows?
Fitting a single sash window usually takes most of a day, longer where the box frame is removed or plaster disturbed. A whole house typically takes several days on site. The windows are made to order first, and timber sashes with special details take longer to manufacture; the lead time is confirmed in writing with your quote.
How much do sash windows cost?
The cost of sash windows depends on size, material, whether you replace the whole frame or only the sashes, the glazing bar pattern, the glass and the finishing details such as horns and mouldings. Timber usually costs more than uPVC, and listed building work costs more again. See the guide prices for typical ranges; the written quote fixes your price.
What guarantee comes with new sash windows?
Manufacturer guarantees apply to the joinery, finish, sealed units and hardware, and the terms are confirmed in writing. Cover on the paint finish often depends on regular maintenance, so check the conditions. Guarantee terms for the installation are set out in writing with your quote, so you know what is covered before agreeing to go ahead.
What maintenance do timber sash windows need?
Timber sash windows need periodic repainting, how often depends on exposure, orientation and colour, plus routine checks of cords, pulleys and seals. Keep paint off the running surfaces, clean the sills and touch up chips before water gets in. Factory-finished timber lasts longer between coats than site-painted joinery, but still benefits from yearly inspection.
Do you cover Penicuik for sash windows?
Yes. We can quote for sash windows across Penicuik and the surrounding Edinburgh & the Lothians area, including postcode districts EH26, and nearby Bonnyrigg, Dalkeith and Mayfield. 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 Penicuik
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.