The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
uPVC windows are a sensible choice for anyone on a budget looking to upgrade their windows to improve their home. They offer excellent value for money and are low maintenance, especially compared with alternatives such as timber. Available in various styles and designs, even homeowners without budgetary constraints appreciate the cost of new uPVC windows.
Lower upfront spending leaves more money to spend elsewhere, plus you get the long-term benefits of energy efficiency and reduced maintenance. There is also a wide range of styles and features to choose from.
In this article, we look at uPVC window costs in the UK based on style and glass type to help you decide whether to add uPVC windows to your home.
Complete our short form to request windows quotes for your home
Get free, no obligation quotes from up to 5 local windows installers
Compare quotes and pick the option that best suits your needs
uPVC window prices vary hugely and depend on the style and size of the window. Extra features and different hardware also impact the cost. Let’s look at the five main types of uPVC windows and their prices:
Sash windows are at the higher end of uPVC windows in terms of cost. Popular in old properties to replicate period charm, improve thermal regulation and eliminate draughts, uPVC sash windows are an increasingly common choice in new builds too.
The average cost of uPVC sash windows is between £700 and £1,100 per window depending on the size and operating mechanism. Another significant advantage of uPVC sash windows is that they don’t have the tricky cord and pulley mechanism of old-style sashes, making them easier to operate.
Casement windows are probably the most common window style in the UK because they complement almost any type of property. These windows are hinged at the sides or the top and open out.
Casement windows allow for maximum ventilation and are easy to clean and energy efficient. Second-floor uPVC casement windows range in price from £310 to £434 for a 600mm x 900mm unit. In contrast, you can expect to pay £1,055 to £1,179 for a timber-framed equivalent.
Tilt and turn windows are an increasingly popular blended design, offering the style and appearance of a sash window with the advantages of a hinged casement. Tilt and turn windows work in two ways. The turning function allows them to open inwards, hinging from the side.
The tilt function opens the top of the sash, allowing for maximum ventilation. Tilt and turn windows are among the most versatile window designs. Expect to pay between £558 and £621 for an 800mm x 800mm unit with installation on top. Increase the cost to £683 to £745 for a 1200mm x 1200mm window.
Bay windows are typically constructed of three separate panels. They extend from the wall of the house at a 25- to 45-degree angle, creating an internal and external feature while adding space to the room and letting in light. The middle window is usually larger and is often called the picture window. Bay windows can incorporate a mix of window styles to suit your preferences, such as sash, double-hung and casement windows.
The cost of a uPVC bay window will vary depending on your chosen style. A three-panel white uPVC bay window costs between £1,303 and £1,675. A five-panel bay costs between £2,296 and £2,730 for a larger aperture, not including installation. Upgrade to a woodgrain uPVC, and the three-panel cost increases to £1,427 to £1,830 and the five-panel to £2,358 to £3,351.
A bow window differs from a bay, although the two styles are often confused. Bow windows are usually made up of more panels, typically four or five, and the angle at which they protrude from the house is smaller, usually no more than 10 degrees. This creates a softer, more curved appearance, hence the name.
With bow windows, the panels are usually the same shape and size, giving a symmetrical look. This is not always the case with bay windows, which tend to have a larger central window with smaller side windows. Bow windows have another unique feature: they work well on the corner of a building, wrapped around two walls, maximising living space in the room and making the most of panoramic views.
The two critical contributors to cost are the number of panels and the window size; a large bow window can have five panels or three larger ones. A four-panel bow window measuring 3600mm x 1200mm costs £1,986 to £2,110. Increase that same size to a five-panel bow, and the price range increases to between £2,358 and £2,606.
| Type | Price range (per window) |
|---|---|
| Sash | £700-£1,000 |
| Casement | £300-£1,200 |
| Tilt and turn | £550-£745 |
| Bay | £1,300-£3,350 |
| Bow | £2,000-£2,600 |
If you use an online uPVC price calculator to calculate the cost of a uPVC window, you’ll be asked what type of glass you want in the units. There’s no such thing as just double glazing.
Double-glazed window prices vary based on several factors, including the choice of glazing. The type of glass used affects the performance and cost of the uPVC windows. There are a wide variety of glass types, some with unique features.
The cheapest option is basic double-glazed glass, called annealed or float glass. It is a tough glass, and the unit consists of two glass panes separated by a layer of gas or air. This glass is secure and hard to shatter, but if it does break, it can form dangerous, sharp shards. Annealed glass is not as strong as tempered or laminated glass, but it is a tough, cost-effective option for most homes, with good protection and insulation. Annealed glass for standard double glazing costs £25 to £50 per square metre.
Triple glazing works on the same lines as double glazing but with three layers of glass instead of two. Triple glazing offers even better insulation and noise reduction, making it more expensive at £60 to £100 per square metre.
Toughened or laminated glass, sometimes known as tempered glass, is a type of safety glass treated with a chemical process to make it stronger. It’s several times tougher than regular glass, and when it breaks, it shatters into small round pieces rather than dangerous shards. Toughened glass is popular for commercial buildings and homes with young children and costs between £50 to £100 per square metre for double glazing.
If energy efficiency is your priority, then energy-saving or low-emissivity (low-E) glass will undoubtedly reduce your heating bills. This is an excellent choice for older homes that are less energy efficient or houses in exposed locations. Low-E glass costs an average of £30 to £60 per square metre for double glazing.
Acoustic glass is designed to control noise, so it is perfect for properties in busy traffic locations or urban centre homes. Acoustic glass has two or more sheets of glass bonded with acoustic interlayers. It works by weakening sound waves as they travel through the glass. Acoustic glass is one of the most expensive options for double glazing at £126 to £160 per square metre.
Self-cleaning glass sounds like an excellent idea for every home. It was initially designed for hard-to-access locations, such as high-rise buildings. It works well on conservatory roofs or the second floor of most homes. It is precoated with a transparent material that dissolves dirt and disperses water. It costs £25 per square metre to apply self-cleaning technology to your glazing choice.
Solar control glass is popular for houses with glass walls or large glazed areas, such as a conservatory or feature window. The glass filters and reflects the sun’s rays, allowing light to enter the room while eliminating glare. Solar glazing is one of the most expensive options for double glazing at £106 to £141 per square metre.
Fire glass is created using technologies that make the glass resistant to impact while functioning as a barrier that flames, smoke or gas cannot penetrate.
Double glazing doesn’t have to be transparent. There are various opacity choices and different colours to choose from that also preserve privacy and allow natural light into the space.
Glazing choice is one of many factors that affect the price of uPVC windows. The complexity of the style and design, along with the number of openings, also bumps up the cost.
You use the below calculator to get a quick estimate of how much new uPVC windows would cost you.
uPVC windows offer excellent value for money. Although double-glazed windows are competitively priced compared with the alternatives, this doesn’t mean they represent an inferior product, design aesthetic or thermal performance – quite the reverse. The best combination for the most affordable price is undoubtedly double-glazed casement windows.
Cheap uPVC casement windows offer an excellent return on investment, guaranteeing a warm home free from draughts, lowering household energy costs and increasing kerb appeal when you come to sell your property.
uPVC window quotes show surprising variability depending on how they are laid out and how the information is presented.
Look out for the cost of labour and materials; the actual price of the windows should be separate. Check out the uPVC window supplier’s professional credentials. Are they a member of the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme? The quote should mention guarantees; if not, check with the supplier. Make sure that disposal of your old windows is included. Third-party costs are not always listed; you’ll need scaffolding for second-floor windows, so a bill for this may arrive separately.
It’s always worth getting several quotes from different uPVC window installers in your area. This will help you find the best price and source a company you trust to do the job. Three quotes are the recommended minimum number. For additional savings on your windows, it’s also worth checking if you qualify for any grants for double glazing.
The actual cost of uPVC windows depends on several factors, including the size of the window and your choice of glazing. Many uPVC window sites have a dedicated uPVC windows price calculator – all you need to do is take some measurements and then plug in some other details, such as the number of panes or openings and whether the window is for the first or second floor. The choice of brand affects the cost, as does the window hardware you choose to complete the units.
A good ballpark figure is 20 years for a double-glazed uPVC unit, though certain variables can increase or decrease the life span of uPVC windows.
The three main factors that impact any window’s life are quality, material and environment. Even with exposed locations and weather conditions, uPVC windows are low maintenance.
uPVC window guarantees are accurate because the windows require minimal maintenance. Compare this with timber-framed windows, which need to be stripped, preserved and painted regularly if they are to last.
The two key factors a homeowner should focus on before investing in uPVC double-glazed units are the quality of the windows and the reputation of the installation company that will fit them.
Always buy the best units you can afford; super cheap, poorly manufactured uPVC windows are a false economy, as they discolour, and moisture or condensation can get inside the window void, causing misting. The manufacturer will guarantee your units and rely on correct fitting from a professional installer to maintain the warranty.
Rather than buying new uPVC windows, homeowners can spray their windows and doors, especially as the fashion nowadays is not to have bright white plastic frames. The on-trend colour is anthracite. If you use a uPVC window cost calculator, you’ll see that the cost of replacement uPVC windows is significantly higher than the cost of paint and labour, plus you can do it yourself. Coloured uPVC windows, such as those with grey frames, generally cost more than standard white.
Spray painting is easier and quicker than using a conventional paintbrush. It changes the colour of the windows to fit with an outside makeover and restores their lustre, ensuring a professional finish without brush marks. However, if your windows are still within warranty, we recommend checking with your supplier that painting them won’t void any remaining warranty, as some companies do stipulate this in their terms and conditions.
Spray painting is possible for DIY enthusiasts, although many prefer to use a professional firm because it’s quicker and the results tend to be better. There’s a cost attached to this, but it’s still cheaper than getting new double-glazed windows. If you are thinking of doing it yourself, the glass in the windows and the area next to the frames will need to be covered to protect it. The frames must be cleaned and lightly sanded to give them a slight texture, allowing the paint to adhere better. Add primer before the paint spray for the best finish. Each window will need several coats of uPVC spray paint for complete coverage and depth of colour. uPVC spray paints are available in matte, satin and gloss with the difference being the amount of shine.
You can spray uPVC windows for a fraction of the cost of even the cheapest uPVC window replacements, with an average of about £150 per window and £1,350 for a whole house.
If you’re set on replacing your windows with uPVC alternatives, one of the first questions you’ll want to ask is how much new uPVC windows will cost. Compare quotes from different suppliers and companies to get the best prices for uPVC windows. Know the window sizes, style and glazing you want before you start. This will make it much easier to research and compare prices to find the right contractor for your home and budget.
