Double glazing upgrade, Edinburgh
Double glazed sash windows in Edinburgh.
Warm, quiet rooms without losing your original windows. We keep the case in the wall and make new slim double glazed sashes for it, matched to the original sections, mouldings and astragals, and we prepare the drawings Edinburgh's consent process asks for.
What Edinburgh's guidance says
Can you double glaze a listed building in Edinburgh?
Often, yes, when it is done carefully. The City of Edinburgh Council's guidance on listed buildings and conservation areas (September 2025) sets out the options it considers before a window is replaced, in this order:
- Repair
- Shutters, roller blinds, curtains
- Draught proofing
- Internal secondary glazing
- New glass in existing sashes
- New sashes in existing cases
The last of these is our double glazing upgrade. The council describes the narrow profile units it has in mind as 14 mm thick (two 4 mm panes with a 6 mm gap), and asks that every application for narrow profile glazing includes a cross-section drawing of the existing and proposed windows, showing the cavity and the pane sizes. We provide those drawings and help with the listed building consent application.
Complete replacement of original windows is only approved in Edinburgh where they have "clearly deteriorated beyond practicable repair", shown by a professional survey with photographs. That is why we look at every window individually: some are better restored, some suit new sashes, and only a few need replacing.
Conservation areas and the World Heritage Site
For buildings that are not listed, rear windows can usually be changed without planning permission, and front or road-facing windows go through a prior approval application. Those relaxations do not apply inside the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site, where you still apply for planning permission. uPVC is not acceptable in listed buildings in Edinburgh.
The full detail, with links to the council's own documents, is in our guide to listed buildings and double glazing.
Recent work, New Town
New double glazed sashes in the New Town
We made new double glazed sashes for this window in Edinburgh's New Town, in the same six over six pattern as the originals. The panelled shutters stayed where they were, and from the room the window looks just as a Georgian sash should.
How it works
New sashes, original case
The case, the architraves and the shutters stay where they are, so there is no disturbing of the stonework and the window keeps its original proportions.
Survey and drawings
A free survey of every window, then the cross-section drawings for the consent application where the building needs one.
Made to match
New timber sashes with slim double glazed units, made in our own workshop to the pattern of your originals.
Fitted with care
New cords and rebalanced weights, Aquamac draught proofing, brass or chrome fittings and simplex hinges for safe cleaning from inside.
Finished and guaranteed
Traditional pointing and full decoration inside and out are included as standard, and the new sashes carry a 10 year guarantee.
Our Edinburgh work
Trusted with Edinburgh City Chambers
Our work in Edinburgh includes Edinburgh City Chambers on the Royal Mile and Merchiston Castle School, alongside tenement flats and town houses across the city. Edinburgh and Fife are covered by our Edinburgh line, and every window we make passes through our own workshop.
Common questions
Double glazed sash windows in Edinburgh
Do I need listed building consent for double glazed sashes in Edinburgh?
Yes, if the building is listed: new double glazed sashes change the glazing, so they need listed building consent. The council asks for cross-section drawings of the existing and proposed windows, which we provide.
How thin are the double glazed units?
The council's guidance describes narrow profile units of 14 mm (two 4 mm panes with a 6 mm gap). We make the new sashes to suit the units the building and its consent allow, matched to the original sections and astragals.
Can you double glaze just some of the windows?
Yes. Every window is surveyed and quoted individually, so you can upgrade the rooms that need it most and restore the rest.
Can I get help paying for it?
We do not offer finance ourselves, but replacing single glazing with double glazing may qualify for an interest free Home Energy Scotland loan. You must have its written offer before any work starts. See funding for sash windows.
Keep the windows. Lose the draughts.
A free survey of every window, and a written, itemised quotation.
Arrange a free survey
Not sure whether to restore, upgrade or renew? Let us have a look.
Tell us a little about your windows, with a photo or two if you have them, and we will call you back to arrange a visit.
You enquire
Send the form, with photos if you have them, or phone us. We aim to call you back the same working day.
Free survey
We visit at a time that suits you and assess every window individually.
Written quote
A clear, itemised quotation with no hidden extras — and never any obligation.