Edinburgh · Edinburgh & the Lothians
Secondary Glazing in Edinburgh
Our surveyors can measure windows across Edinburgh for secondary glazing, checking reveal depth, opening style and fire escape needs before quoting.
- EH2
- EH3
- EH1
- Guide from £465
Internal secondary windows for homes and businesses in Edinburgh
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.
Slim aluminium frames are designed to sit within the window reveal and line up with the original glazing bars or meeting rails. Matching sightlines keeps the secondary unit discreet from outside and inside, which matters for period homes and conservation areas.
If an existing window is relied on for escape in a fire, the secondary glazing in front of it must open easily and give enough clear opening. The surveyor checks which windows are escape windows, so the opening style and catches do not block a way out.
Condensation in the gap between the two windows is reduced by making the secondary unit the more airtight of the two. The original window should not be fully sealed, so any moisture that gets into the cavity can escape outside rather than being trapped against the glass.
What's included
- Fitting, sealing and checking every opening panel
- Advice on opening style, glass and fire escape
- Made-to-measure slim aluminium frames and glass
- Written quote fixing the price for the specification
About Edinburgh for this job
- 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. 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.
- 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. Secondary glazing adds an extra layer of glass, which slightly reduces daylight. Low-iron or clear low-E glass keeps light loss to a minimum, while on sunny elevations solar control glass can help reduce overheating in rooms with large windows.
- Access and setting
- 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|
| Slider, 900 × 1200 mm | £465 – £595 |
| Slider, 1200 × 1600 mm | £665 – £845 |
| Acoustic glass, 1000 × 1400 mm | £675 – £865 |
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
Lift-out panel
A lightweight panel that lifts out of its frame, for windows rarely opened, giving a slim and economical secondary unit.
Vertical sliding
Panels slide up and down, with meeting rails aligned to sash windows so the secondary unit is discreet from inside and outside.
Acoustic laminated glass
Laminated glass with a sound-dampening interlayer, combined with a generous cavity, for properties affected by traffic, rail or aircraft noise.
Secondary Glazing in Edinburgh: questions
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.
Will secondary glazing cause condensation?
It can, if the original window is sealed tighter than the secondary unit, because warm, moist room air then gets trapped in the cavity. The secondary unit should be the more airtight of the two, and the original window should not be fully sealed. Opening the secondary panel lets room air into the cavity, so close it again afterwards.
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 do I clean and look after secondary glazing?
Open or remove the panels as designed, then clean the glass with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Wipe the aluminium frames and runners, and keep tracks free of dust so panels slide smoothly. Check seals and catches occasionally. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can scratch coated glass.
Do you cover Edinburgh for secondary glazing?
Yes. We can quote for secondary glazing 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.