How much are average uPVC Windows Prices?
Upvc Window Frame Cutaway View
If the time has come to replace your windows, you’ll want to consider the various options available. Traditionally, windows are made from glass framed in one of three principle materials: aluminium, uPVC or wood.
Whilst the glazing element can be modified depending on your specific needs (tinting, colourising, UV reflecting, mirroring etc.), your choice of frame construction may well be determined by a combination of several other factors.
More to the point, the more flexible the material in question is to suiting your needs, the more likely you are to use it.
Regardless of which material you choose, for your circumstances there may be one material that has certain advantages over types of frame materials. There can also be areas where one can outperform another.
The most important thing for you as a consumer, is to make the best choice based on your specific needs.
Things to Look for in Selecting Window Construction Materials
Whether you’re repairing or replacing a window, there are a number of things to keep in mind when it comes to your primary construction materials.
Aesthetics
Whether you’re remodelling the house (because it’s about time you did it) or you’re planning to sell, it’s reckoned that the average homeowner will get around 70% of their window investment back when they resell their house, so choosing a material that adds to the exterior aesthetic (or at the very least doesn’t detract from it) will be important, particularly for older buildings and period pieces.
Energy Efficiency
Monkey Tail Handles
Not all materials are created equally, and as such, some will perform better than others, both in short term and long run.
Depending on your previous windows, you may be able to save as much 15% on your heating and cooling bills. But it all depends on the window type you have replaced and what materials / glazing type you’ll use for your new windows (and yes, the glazing choice will be just as important as the frame).
Maintenance
Maintaining a house requires upkeep, but technology keeps progressing towards limiting or eliminating maintenance as much as possible. The question to ask yourself is “how much upkeep do I want to do?
Design
Windows come in different types and styles, from casement to sliding sash to tilt & turn; the question is, can the material you choose handle the style of window you want? Will certain window designs come with an increased cost because of it?
What are the advantages of using uPVC Windows?
Unless you have highly specialized needs that require you to use wood or aluminium in construction, uPVC windows are currently your top choice on the market for window frame material in the UK. Consider the following advantages:
- uPVC doesn’t rot or rust: Wood is often harvested quickly, which means wooden products nowadays tend to break down faster, particularly in humid environments, and are also at risk for termites. Aluminium on the other hand has an increased likelihood of corrosion if you live near any of the coastal regions. Which makes uPVC a better alternative as it will not rust or rot.
- uPVC requires less maintenance: Depending on where you live and the weather conditions, uPVC may require seasonal cleaning at most. Whereas wooden frames will require not only cleaning, but chemical treatment to maintain it. Timber windows near coastal areas may expand or contract with humidity, resulting in windows that get stuck or won’t open properly.
- uPVC has better insulating qualities: uPVC is manufactured with a cellular core that provides added thermal regulation to it. Aluminium, on the other hand, is more commonly extruded, which means it is hollow. It is also thermo-conductive which means it readily transfers heat between environments, making it less energy efficient for the home unless there is a physical thermal break built into the frame. This complex nature of an aluminium cellular frame adds to the cost.
While wood is better than aluminium for thermal regulation, it is not as good as uPVC and is also a much heavier material.
uPVC windows are durable: Unlike wooden frames, uPVC will last 25+ years if properly cared for; though this is not as long-lasting as aluminium (60 years). However, uPVC has several other advantages over aluminium that still could easily make it a better option for the average homeowner.
As a lightweight and energy-efficient material, uPVC is probably the best bet for homeowners looking to upgrade or improve their windows.
How much do new upvc windows cost?
Costs throughout the UK will vary based on a number of factors: Material design and aesthetic: white uPVC frames tend to be cheaper than coloured or textured frames. Glazing choice: Depending on the style of glass you want, the price may go up (Triple glazed, Gas filled etc). Window size: The size shape and type clearly impact pricing.
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UPVC Casement windows can range in price from as little as £150 for a fixed window/£200 for a single-opening smaller window (500mm x 500mm) up to £550 for a window up to 1200mm x 1800mm.
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UPVC sash windows are generally more expensive, starting around £500 and working their way up to £1000 depending again on size.
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UPVC Tilt and turn windows start as low as £400 and go up to as much as £700.
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UPVC French Windows prices can start from £450 for supply only and from around £750 for a fitted set.
Your best bet if you’re looking to replace windows is to get input and quotations from several contractors and compare them to see what fits your budget and needs.