What is the cost of Replacing UPVC Windows?
Replacing a set of UPVC windows tends to cost from £4,000 to £8,000 as an average UK price (for multiple windows) - although that depends on the size of your glazing, how many windows and doors you have, and the type of UPVC windows you choose!
Most new UPVC windows will be double-glazed since the insulation and protection can make your home more energy-efficient and cheaper to run - but triple-glazing is a premium alternative.
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Many variables will feed into the cost of replacing UPVC windows, so we'll run through these here to give you a better idea of what to budget.
Cost Factors in Replacing Your UPVC Windows
Inevitably, the more windows you have, the higher your project will cost - and if you're replacing an old door for a UPVC upgrade at the same time, that will also add to the price.
As a rough guide:
- Properties with eight to ten windows - the cost of UPVC windows is bout £4,000 to £5,000.
- Larger homes with 15+ windows normally cost closer to £6,000 - £7,000.
- If you are reglazing every window, with 20+ frames, you're looking at £7,000 to £8,000, and potentially more if you require any preparatory work.
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UPVC Window Cost factors explained
The other big factor is the type of UPVC frames and accessories you choose.
Most double-glazing installers offering UPVC windows will have low, medium and higher tier ranges, so it's worth asking about the most cost-effective options.
When you're picking new UPVC windows, there are multiple choices, including the quality of the glass, double or triple-glazing, and the locks, handles, and safety mechanisms you go for.
Coloured UPVC frames are more expensive than standard white, and an A-rated energy efficient window with lead framing will be more costly than a basic model.
Other Cost Considerations When Replacing UPVC Windows
Once you've established a price for the UPVC windows themselves, your contractor will need to factor in associated expenses, such as:
- Access requirements
- Whether they need to hire scaffolding
- Skip hire and waste disposal for old glazing and frames
Homeowners in London and the southeast typically pay more for home maintenance projects since labour rates are higher, primarily due to higher insurance and travel costs for tradespeople.
If you need a skip, you might also need to build in licensing, depending on whether you need approval from your local authority to have a skip temporarily on the road.
Benefits of Replacing Your UPVC Windows
Although switching older windows for UPVC replacements isn't the cheapest improvement, it may prove very affordable and pay for itself in heating and utility bill savings.
UPVC windows are one of the most economical options and significantly lower priced than aluminium, composite or timber frames, so UPVC is usually recommended as the best option for a tight budget.
Other benefits of replacing windows with new UPVC frames include:
- Durability - UPVC won't warp or rot like a timber frame or rust over time. UPVC is non-corrosive, so it will remain in great condition, protecting your home from the cold and dampness.
- Maintenance - no specialist treatments or care are required to keep UPVC looking pristine.
- Security - windows are a primary access point, so UPVC is a suitable choice if you are looking for a robust and resilient option. Although it remains much cheaper than aluminium, the steel core makes it almost impossible to break through.
- Insulation - energy costs are a considerable expense. A double-glazed UPVC window features a vacuum between the panes to prevent cold air or draughts from entering or warm air escaping through your windows.
As well as excellent insulation properties, UPVC windows can also reduce outside noise entering your home - pretty important if you live near a busy roadway.
Design Options for UPVC Windows
If you're unsure what sort of windows you'd like, UPVC window installers have a wide range of styles and colours, from standard white to bright shades and even custom tones to match your home.
The style of your UPVC windows will depend on where you fit your windows and how you'd like them to operate.
Casement UPVC Windows
Casement windows have two or more hinges, attaching the window to the frame. You get an unobstructed view and can maximise the light flowing into your property.
A casement window is suitable for any height or width window space and is entirely sealed, so it provides effective insulation while being easy to open and close.
The average price to replace a casement window is £500 to £1,230.
Cottage UPVC Windows
Cottage UPVC windows normally have a double-hung design, with a smaller upper sash window. Most homeowners with period properties opt for cottage windows, as they are a more traditional choice.
You may find cottage UPVC windows referred to as Georgian or Tudor windows, sometimes with stripes running through the glass horizontally or vertically.
Bay UPVC Windows
A bay window is a popular living room feature, as the box or circle design brings in ample sunlight with a broader view outdoors than you get with a flat window, flush with your wall.
Bay window replacements cost an average of £1,000 to £2,460.
Sash UPVC Windows
Older sash windows can be inefficient, so replacing single glazed panes with a UPVC upgrade can immediately stop draughts and heat wastage.
Sash windows don't swing in or out but open with one pane sliding behind the other, so they are suited to smaller properties without extra space.
Costs for UPVC sash windows range from around £750 to £1,845.
Tilt and Turn UPVC Windows
A tilt and turn window opens inwards, and you can turn them sideways if you need to clean the glass. You can fully open a tilt and turn window if you want to boost ventilation.
Checkout this video which walks you through estimating costs and finding the right supplier:
Frequently Asked Questions - Cost of Replacing UPVC Windows
Here we'll answer some of the commonly asked questions about UPVC window costs, comparing quotes and deciding on the right style for your home.
How Much Does a UPVC Casement Window Cost?
Casement windows are standard, hinged either at the side or the top. If you choose a simple white UPVC casement window, you should expect to pay between £500 and £1,230, depending on the size of the window.
What Should a Quote to Replace My UPVC Windows Include?
It's always wise to check your quotes carefully and make sure that you have budgeted for additional expenses, such as hiring a skip.
Normally, a contractor will include supply, delivery, installation, finishing and removal of the old window and frame.
If your supplier offers a warranty, you should also check whether this comes at an additional cost or is included as standard in your purchase price.
Why Might My UPVC Windows Cost Higher Than Average?
There are a few variables that could drive up your UPVC window cost above national averages:
- Requiring replacement windows that aren't a standard size.
- Having uneven frames that aren't straight due to shifts in the building.
- Windows with specialist opening or locking mechanisms.
- Low-profile handles that are easier to reach.
- Specific colours or styles usually required for listing buildings.
We'd recommend collating three quotes to compare like-for-like and ensure any prices you are offered provide value for money.
How Much Should I Pay for Replacement UPVC Double-Glazing?
Prices vary, as we've seen, depending on the size of your windows, location, frame choice and type of glazing, but as an idea:
- Average costs for around eight standard sized double-glazed windows normally sit between £4,000 and £5,000.
- Replacing 15 windows with double-glazed UPVC tends to be around £6,000 to £7,000.
- The cost to replace 20 windows with new UPVC frames and glass is approximately £7,000 to £8,000.
Homes in conservation areas or with listed building status tend to cost more since your contractor may need to install a specialist frame or a specific colour in keeping with the aesthetic of your property.
You may also need to price in preparatory work if your existing frames are damaged, or have been in situ for many years.
Is it Best to Go With the Cheapest Double-Glazing UPVC Cost I Can Find?
There is always a trade-off between price and quality - but equally, you should compare quotes to ensure you're getting a good deal.
However, cheap double-glazing can perform poorly and begin to show wear and tear in a short while, which will mean it needs replacing much faster than you might expect.
Low cost doesn't always equal low quality, but pricing is one factor to consider alongside experience, reputation, customer reviews and past projects.
Cheap UPVC windows can devalue your property if you're planning to sell, and cause no end of headaches such as dampness, leaks, warping, scratches on the glass, condensation and fading frames.
Another potential problem is desiccant, which in double-glazed windows means that the seal fails, and bits fall between the panes of glass.
Therefore, it's best to steer clear of a UPVC window costs that seems remarkably cheaper than other contractors since the chances are there is a caveat in terms of quality.
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