Livingston · Edinburgh & the Lothians
Secondary Glazing in Livingston
We can quote for secondary glazing in Livingston with acoustic laminated, low-E or safety glass, in sliding, hinged, lift-out or fixed panels.
- EH53
- EH54
- Guide from £465
Livingston: secondary glazing for sash windows
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.
Secondary glazing can also add security, because an intruder would have to break through two separate windows. Laminated glass and locking catches on the secondary unit add further resistance, which is useful for ground-floor and basement windows in period properties.
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.
For noise reduction, the size of the air gap between the original window and the secondary unit matters a great deal, and a wider cavity generally performs better. Acoustic laminated glass and well-sealed frames improve results further, especially against traffic, rail and aircraft noise.
Included as standard
- Survey of each window, reveal depth and sightlines
- Made-to-measure slim aluminium frames and glass
- Fitting, sealing and checking every opening panel
- Written quote fixing the price for the specification
About Livingston for this job
- Postcodes covered
- EH53, EH54 and the surrounding area, including Broxburn, Bathgate and Linlithgow
- Coast
- Livingston sits roughly 12 km from the nearest coastline, close enough that exposure on open or high ground is worth considering. 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 Livingston 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
- Rural cottages and period homes often have single-glazed timber windows that cannot easily be replaced. Secondary glazing reduces draughts and heat loss in exposed locations, and the surveyor allows for uneven reveals and older plaster when fixing frames.
- 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 Livingston
| 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
Section 6 (Energy) of the Scottish Technical Handbooks sets the thermal performance that replacement windows, doors and rooflights should achieve.
Specification choices
Vertical sliding
Panels slide up and down, with meeting rails aligned to sash windows so the secondary unit is discreet from inside and outside.
Fixed panel
A non-opening unit for windows never opened, giving the most airtight seal for noise and draught reduction.
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 Livingston: questions
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.
Do I need permission for secondary glazing on a listed building?
You should seek listed building consent from the council's planning department before installing secondary glazing on a listed building. Secondary glazing is often seen as a reversible, low-impact change, but consent requirements depend on the building. Carrying out works that need consent without it is a criminal offence. If your home is not listed but is in a conservation area, check with the council if you are unsure.
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.
Is secondary glazing as good as double glazing?
It depends on the goal. For noise, secondary glazing is often more effective, because the wider gap between the two windows reduces sound better than the narrow cavity of a sealed unit. For heat, a well-sealed secondary unit with low-E glass significantly improves a single-glazed window. It also keeps original windows, which matters in listed buildings.
Do you cover Livingston for secondary glazing?
Yes. We can quote for secondary glazing across Livingston and the surrounding Edinburgh & the Lothians area, including postcode districts EH53 and EH54, and nearby Broxburn, Bathgate and Linlithgow. 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 Livingston
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.