Scottish Borders · Scotland

Secondary Glazing in Scottish Borders

Where planning or lease rules limit changes to the outside, secondary glazing in Scottish Borders offers an internal option that can be removed later.

Guide from £465
7 towns covered
Postcode areas EH, TD

Secondary glazing across Scottish Borders

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.

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.

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.

Sash window with secondary glazing in a period sitting room

Towns we cover for secondary glazing in Scottish Borders

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

What applies in Scottish Borders

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.

Scottish Borders 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.

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.

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

Hinged casement

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

Low-E glass

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

Horizontal sliding

Panels slide sideways, suiting wide casement windows and openings where you need regular access for cleaning or ventilation.

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 Scottish Borders: questions

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 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.

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.

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.

Which parts of Scottish Borders do you cover for secondary glazing?

We cover the whole of Scottish Borders, including Hawick, Galashiels, Peebles, Kelso and Selkirk, and postcode areas EH, TD. 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.

Other glazing services in Scottish Borders

All glazing in Scottish Borders · Secondary Glazing across the UK

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