Edinburgh & the Lothians · Scotland

Secondary Glazing in Edinburgh & the Lothians

Secondary glazing in Edinburgh & the Lothians keeps your original windows in place while adding a slim inner window to cut noise, draughts and heat loss.

Guide from £465
14 towns covered
Postcode areas EH

Secondary glazing listed buildings across Edinburgh & the Lothians

A low-emissivity coating on the secondary glass reflects heat back into the room and improves the insulation of the combined window. It is a useful choice for single-glazed sash and casement windows where the originals must be kept for character or planning reasons.

The price of secondary glazing depends on the size and number of windows, the opening style, the glass specification, any shaped or arched heads, reveal depth and condition, and access. Acoustic laminated glass and shaped frames cost more than standard clear glass in rectangular frames.

Glass for secondary glazing is heavy, so the frames need firm fixings into the reveal or a supporting sub-frame. The surveyor checks that plaster, timber linings and window boards are sound enough to carry the weight, and allows for any packing needed in uneven reveals.

Secondary glazing leaves the original window untouched and fits a second, independent window inside it. The air gap between the two works with the glass to reduce noise and heat loss. In most cases the installation can be taken out later without damaging the historic window or reveal.

Sash window with secondary glazing in a period sitting room

Towns we cover for secondary glazing in Edinburgh & the Lothians

Choose your town for local details, nearby areas and the postcode districts we cover.

What applies in Edinburgh & the Lothians

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.

Where a window provides an escape route, its replacement in Scotland should give at least the same escape opening as before.

Edinburgh & the Lothians has its own coastline, so for homes and businesses near the sea, salt air and wind-driven rain are part of the brief. Coastal properties often have older windows exposed to wind-driven rain and draughts. Secondary glazing adds a sealed inner layer that reduces draughts and cold, while the original window keeps out the weather and its condition is protected from inside.

In city centres and busy streets, acoustic secondary glazing is a common response to traffic, rail and nightlife noise. Flats, listed buildings and conservation areas often limit external changes, which makes internal secondary glazing a practical option.

Guide prices

Guide prices inc VAT for typical jobs. Remote and island locations are quoted by arrangement. Your written quote fixes the price after measuring.
Typical job	Guide price inc VAT
Slider, 900 × 1200 mm	£465 – £595
Slider, 1200 × 1600 mm	£665 – £845
Acoustic glass, 1000 × 1400 mm	£675 – £865

Choosing your secondary glazing

Low-E glass

Coated glass that reflects heat back into the room, improving insulation when the original window is single glazed.

Fixed panel

A non-opening unit for windows never opened, giving the most airtight seal for noise and draught reduction.

Acoustic laminated glass

Laminated glass with a sound-dampening interlayer, combined with a generous cavity, for properties affected by traffic, rail or aircraft noise.

Hinged casement

Panels open inwards like a door, giving full access to the original window, and can be chosen for escape windows.

Secondary Glazing in Edinburgh & the Lothians: questions

How much does secondary glazing cost?

The cost depends on the size and number of windows, the opening style, the type of glass, any arched or shaped heads, reveal depth and access. Acoustic and low-E glass cost more than standard clear glass, and shaped frames need more work. See the guide prices for typical windows, then get a written quote after the survey.

How much noise does secondary glazing block?

Results depend on the size of the gap between the windows, the glass type and thickness, the seals and the original window. A larger cavity and acoustic laminated glass give the strongest improvement. The survey checks reveal depth and noise sources, so the specification can be tailored to the noise you are dealing with.

Is secondary glazing suitable for rented homes and flats?

Yes. Secondary glazing is fitted inside, so it often avoids the external changes that leases, freeholders or planning rules restrict. It can be removed later with limited making good. Leaseholders should still check their lease for any rules on internal alterations, and landlords should check escape routes are not affected.

Can I still open my original windows?

Yes, as long as the secondary glazing has an opening panel in front of the part you need to open. Sliding and hinged panels give access to the original window for ventilation and cleaning. Lift-out and fixed panels suit windows you rarely or never open.

Which parts of Edinburgh & the Lothians do you cover for secondary glazing?

We cover the whole of Edinburgh & the Lothians, including Edinburgh, Livingston, Musselburgh, Bathgate and Bonnyrigg, and postcode areas EH. Building rules for secondary glazing here follow the regulations for Scotland. Enter your postcode on the quote form and we will confirm cover; then a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.

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All glazing in Edinburgh & the Lothians · Secondary Glazing across the UK

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