Double-Glazed Protective Screens for Staircase Windows in Glasgow

In many period homes, stairwells feature stained, coloured or leaded glass that forms an important part of the building’s character. These windows are beautiful, but their height and single glazing often make them one of the coldest and least energy-efficient parts of the property.

At MWM Matt Window Mate, we provide a specialist conservation-led solution that improves thermal performance while protecting the original glass: bespoke double-glazed protective screens installed externally, sitting in front of the existing glazed panel.

Before installation, we ensure the original glass is fully cleaned and repaired if required and that the surrounding timber elements are restored and stabilised where necessary. A custom-made protective screen is then fitted externally, creating a discreet double-glazed barrier that reduces heat loss and shields the stained or decorative glass from weathering and UV exposure.

Because the original window remains untouched and the appearance is unchanged, this upgrade does not require planning permission, making it a heritage-friendly solution for conservation and listed properties. It improves comfort and protection while preserving the visual character of the home.

We help homeowners enhance thermal performance without altering historic features. At MWM Matt Window Mate, our discreet double-glazed screens and handcrafted restoration work ensure your home stays warm and efficient while preserving its original charm and heritage value.

Why Staircase Windows Lose So Much Heat in Traditional Glasgow Homes

Staircase glazing is typically large, high-level and positioned in a tall, open part of the home. Warm air naturally rises to this point, escaping through single glazing where there is no thermal barrier. Unlike standard room windows, these tall frames are also more exposed to wind chill and driving rain.

Older stained or decorative glass can also be thinner and less thermally efficient than modern glazing, meaning even well-maintained windows can feel cold in winter. This makes the stairwell one of the most common areas of heat loss in Victorian and Edwardian properties.

How the External Protective Screen System Works

MWM Matt Window Mate restoring timber surrounds and preparing the frame before installing the bespoke external protective glazing for this tall staircase window.

A protective screen provides an effective, non-invasive way to enhance thermal performance while preserving the unique character of your window. By installing a double-glazed screen on the outside of the existing window, a layer of insulating air is created between the original glass and the new pane. This significantly reduces heat transfer — keeping warmth inside during winter and helping the property stay cooler in summer — all while retaining the integrity of the original glazing.

Unlike internal secondary glazing, this system is designed for large, tall or architecturally significant glazing, and visually complements the building from the outside while maintaining heritage character.

Key Benefits of External Protective Screens

• Retains original stained or decorative glass

• Improves insulation and energy performance

• No planning permission required

• Ideal for conservation and listed buildings

• Protects delicate glass from weathering and UV damage

• Fully reversible and non-invasive

• Noticeable reduction in draughts and condensation

• Warmer and more comfortable stairwells and hallways

Real-World Examples From Across Glasgow

Homeowner testimonial praising the invisible protective glazing upgrade, completed with full restoration of surrounding elements and excellent customer care.

We’ve installed double-glazed protective screens for tall staircase windows and feature glazing in a wide range of Glasgow properties — from traditional homes in the Southside to historic villas in the West End and period houses in Bearsden.

Before fitting the protective screen, we carry out any necessary repairs to the original stained or decorative glass and restore the surrounding timber elements. This ensures the historic window is structurally sound, watertight and preserved before the new screen is installed.

By combining repair, restoration and external protection in one project, we deliver a long-lasting upgrade that retains the window’s original character while significantly improving thermal comfort and reducing heat loss.

Homeowners choose this solution because it provides the performance of double glazing without replacing any of the heritage glass, making it ideal for listed and conservation-area properties — all with no planning permission required.

Original stained-glass staircase window before fitting the external protective double-glazed screen — carefully cleaned and repaired prior to installation.

Thinking About Protecting Your Staircase or Feature Window?

If you have a tall stained-glass or decorative staircase window that feels cold, draughty or vulnerable to damage, a protective double-glazed screen could be the ideal solution — preserving the original glass while making your home warmer and more energy efficient.

At MWM Matt Window Mate, we design, manufacture and install bespoke protective glazing systems across Glasgow, with full restoration of timber and stained-glass elements included as part of the service. No planning permission is required, and the original window remains fully intact.

We’d be delighted to help you safeguard your home’s heritage features.

Book your free on-site survey or request a consultation here → MWM Matt Window Mate