Security secondary glazing in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles: what will it cost?
As a guide, security secondary glazing costs £594 to £1,794 including VAT (£495 to £1,495 plus VAT) per window. Because work in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles is arranged individually, we confirm the full price, including any travel, in writing first.
Security secondary glazing is a separate slim window fitted on the room side of an existing window, glazed with laminated glass so it forms a second barrier. It leaves the original window untouched outside, which makes it a common choice for listed buildings, conservation areas and period sash windows.
What goes into security secondary glazing
- Fixed within the reveal, leaving the original window untouched
- Locks and catches that open from inside without a key
- Laminated glass in slim aluminium frames
- Low-E glass for better insulation
- Colour-matched frames to suit the room
- Noise and draught reduction
Covering Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles
Work in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles is arranged individually because of travel, including in Kirkwall, Lerwick and Stornoway. Send your postcode and we will confirm what is possible.
The island groups have small stone-built towns such as Kirkwall, Lerwick and Stornoway and scattered rural properties, with exposed weather and ferry freight for every glass delivery.
Typical settings for security secondary glazing:
- Ground-floor flats in converted townhouses
- Homes on busy roads wanting noise reduction
- Offices in historic buildings
- Listed homes and buildings in conservation areas
Towns in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles
Getting the right glass for your building
Listed building consent
Internal secondary glazing is usually seen as reversible, but consent can still be needed. Check with the conservation officer first.
Escape and ventilation
On windows used for escape, the secondary glazing must open quickly from inside without a key or tool.
What the rules say in Scotland
Windows needed for escape
In Scotland, escape from homes is covered by section 2 (fire) of the Building Standards technical handbooks. Where a room relies on a window for escape, nothing fitted to it should stop it opening, so locks, secondary glazing and film must leave it usable. Laminated glass is not designed to be broken out.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
Listed buildings in Scotland need listed building consent from the council for works affecting their character, which can include historic glass, glazing bars and sash windows. Historic Environment Scotland is consulted on some cases and publishes guidance on traditional windows. Conservation areas bring extra scrutiny of shopfronts and external changes.
How it works
- Send sizes, photos and your postcode
- We confirm what is possible and when
- Fixed price in writing
- Glass made, delivered and fitted
Security secondary glazing in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles: questions
Which towns in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles do you cover?
Work across Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles is arranged individually because of travel and glass delivery, including in Kirkwall, Lerwick and Stornoway. Send your postcode and we will confirm what is possible.
Do I need permission for secondary glazing in a listed building?
It depends on the building and the council. Internal secondary glazing usually has less impact than replacement windows, but listed building consent may still be needed. Ask the conservation officer before ordering.
Can I still open my sash windows?
Yes. Secondary glazing slides, hinges or lifts out so the original window can be opened and cleaned.
Will secondary glazing cause condensation?
A well-fitted unit usually reduces condensation on the inner pane. Some ventilation of the gap may be needed, which we discuss at the survey.
Other glazing in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles
- Blast-resistant glazing
- Toughened safety glass
- Laminated roof and conservatory glass
- Counter and reception security screens
- Misted unit replacement with laminated glass
- Anti-ram-raid glazing
Send sizes and photos with the form, or call 0800 088 6248.