Installing uPVC Windows Cost

Introduction to uPVC Windows

We’ll consider both the supply and labour costs. We’ll also explore additional topics such as how long the installation work might take, a step by step guide of such work and whether it can be performed DIY.

This cost guide will prove very helpful if you intend to have new uPVC windows installed in your home or if you’re considering it for the future. Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) windows are long-lasting and durable windows of which the window frames are made of uPVC which is in itself a type of PVC. uPVC is hard and inflexible; thus, it is commonly referred to as rigid PVC.

Among the main reasons for the popularity of uPVC windows is that they are not prone to rot or corrosion. Both of these qualities contribute to the longevity and durability of these windows.

How Much Does Installing uPVC Windows Cost?

Let’s first take a look at the average cost of fitting new uPVC windows. The price will vary depending on the type. For example, the cost of uPVC windows fitted is around £170 to £340 in the case of a fixed window, anywhere from £190 to £1020 for a casement window and the uPVC sash windows cost is around £750 to £1170 per unit.

You’ll likely pay a total fee of £220 to £360 to have a sliding (gliding) uPVC window fitted, £250 to £360 for an awning uPVC window, £1420 to £2060 for a bay uPVC window and the tilt & turn cost of uPVC windows is around £300 to £450.

A labourer will likely charge £10 to £15 per hour for this sort of work, and with approximately 2 to 4 hours spent installing a window, you’re looking at a total labour charge of £20 to £60. The main reason why the cost of a window installation can vary so much is in relation to the supply/materials cost.

The average supply costs for the uPVC windows mentioned above are £150 to £280 for a fixed window, £170 to £960 for a casement window, £730 to £1110 for a sash window, £200 to £300 for a sliding window, £230 to £300 for an awning window, £1400 to £2000 for a bay uPVC window and £280 to £390 for a tilt & turn window.

The overall cost will vary not just based on the type of window but also the kind of glass, and whether it’s double or triple glazed. Not only is there more glass in a triple glazed window, but it’s more costly to manufacture hence the cost of having this type of window installed will be higher than that of a double glazed window.

Of course, another significant factor in the overall cost and what would be the most influential cost-affecting factor, should it apply, is how many windows you want to have installed. Some window fitters may provide special offers whereby you can get several windows installed for a lower cost than you might expect (e.g. five for the price of four, etc.).

Beyond that, where you are based in the UK will also determine the overall cost. This is because labourers charge different rates in different parts of the country. For example, you can expect the highest labour cost in London and the southeast of England while in much of Scotland and the north of England, you’ll likely find lower rates than the national average.

Additionally, how accessible your home is and the installation area(s) could also play a role in the total cost and anything else that could impact on the total installation time which in turn will probably mean a higher labourer cost.

Choosing uPVC Windows

Before purchasing new uPVC windows, it’s essential to determine what type is most suitable to you. Each type of window has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we will explore in the following subsections. We’ll also consider what each type of window is, how they differ from one another and what their average costs are.

Fixed

This type of window, as you may have guessed, is kept firmly in place and cannot be opened. This relatively simple design has the purpose of carrying out the very basic functions of a window (i.e. allowing light into a room). Also known as a picture window, this type of window is praised for having high levels of energy efficiency while maximising natural light within a home.

When it comes to this type of window, the price of uPVC windows will set you back between £150 and £280, making it, on average, the cheapest type of uPVC window on the market. A fixed uPVC window is likely going to be the easiest to install, although it will depend on the exact design and size of the window.

Pros:

✔ Example of cheap uPVC windows

✔ Modern and straightforward uPVC windows

✔ Completely sealed, meaning that they are very energy-efficient

Cons:

✖ Can lead to too much warmth if you live in a climate that is prone to plenty of sunshine

✖ Less functionality, since they cannot be opened or closed

✖ Do not allow you to let in fresh air

Casement

Arguably the most popular uPVC window type is that of a casement window. These windows are convenient and very contemporary. A casement uPVC window is attached to its frame by 1+ hinges. It uses either an automatic or more commonly, a manual mechanism so that the window can be pushed outwards when opening. Its openers can be, for example, side or top hung and in some cases, even fixed.

Side hung casement windows are particularly commonplace. This type of window is incredibly versatile and practical. To purchase a casement window, you’re looking at a total supply charge of anywhere from £170 to £960.

Pros:

✔ Provide great ventilation

✔ One of the most energy-efficient uPVC window types

✔ Perfect window type for windy environments

✔ Can be washed with ease

Cons:

✖ More prone to break-ins

✖ Can be one quite expensive

✖ Comes with size limitations as casement windows tend not to be especially large

Sliding

A sliding or gliding uPVC window consists of one frame and a pane of glass. The standout feature of a sliding uPVC window is that in order for it to open and close, it slides along on rollers. It is ideal for use in cramped areas of a home or in areas of a property where large external obstacles may be blocking the window’s capacity to open in a traditional manner.

Sliding (gliding) uPVC windows cost about £200 to £300 per unit.

Pros:

✔ Allows for a larger window space due to how it opens

✔ Perfect for cramped areas of a property

✔ Easy to open and close

✔ Available in many different sizes

✔ Low maintenance and easy to clean

Cons:

✖ May not seal very well in a cold and windy climate

✖ May rattle during a storm or if a heavy vehicle or low-flying helicopter passes by

✖ The sliding track will require regular cleaning

✖ Limited colour options offered by most producers

Awning

This type of window has a hinge at the top and opens in an outward direction from the bottom. This allows for improved ventilation and better protection from the rain. In most cases, awning windows are installed higher on a wall either for purposes of privacy or to provide a more enhanced view alongside additional and larger stationary windows.

These windows are a great choice if you’re looking for something a bit more modern. An awning uPVC window comes with a price tag of about £230 to £300.

Pros:

✔ Also comes with adequate ventilation

✔ Provides a more modern appearance

✔ Secure and versatile

✔ Another energy-efficient option

Cons:

✖ Risk of walking into or bashing your head

✖ Not ideal in an emergency

✖ More difficult to clean

Sash

A sash or hung window is a more traditional type of window. It often appears in Victorian and Georgian homes. Sash windows open with two sashes that slide either from side to side or up and down, with one sliding behind the other. This is achieved with vertical grooves. Heavy weights which are attached to cords tend to ask as a counterbalance on sash windows.

With an average uPVC windows price of £730 to £1100 per window, the uPVC sash windows price is second in cost only to that of bay windows.

Pros:

✔ Work with a smooth glide

✔ Traditional and aesthetically pleasing look

✔ Very secure, particularly when an appropriate locking mechanism is used

✔ Available in various framing and glazing appearances

Cons:

✖ May look too cheap, particularly if visually compared with timber-based sash windows

✖ Could look out of place if installed in a traditional home

Bay

Another fancy type of uPVC window is that of a bay window. It extends outward from the property. The purpose of this design is to let more light in.

While it provides an interesting look, bay uPVC windows are the most expensive option with an approximate cost of £1400 to £2000 per window. Bay uPVC windows are probably the most complicated type to have installed.

Pros:

✔ Allow plenty of light in

✔ Increase space in a room

✔ Can increase the value of a property

✔ Aesthetically-pleasing design

Cons:

✖ Expensive and difficult installation

✖ Increased light access may not be for you

✖ Treating these windows can be costly

Tilt & Turn

These windows are similar to casement windows, although in this case, they generally open inwards or/and can be tilted from the bottom. This tilting motion will result in the top of this window being angled into the room.

This will leave you with a smaller opening for ventilation. A single tilt & turn uPVC window will cost about £280 to £390.

Pros:

✔ Offers flexible ventilation

✔ Available in many versatile designs

✔ Easy to use and maintain

✔ Provides a high level of insulation

✔ Perfect for small spaces

Cons:

✖ The frame may be wider than you’d prefer since tilt & turn windows come with complicated mechanisms for opening and closing

✖ Can be difficult and costly to fix if problems arise

✖ Not appropriate for all settings

✖ May act as a safety concern if you have children or pets

What Does Installing uPVC Windows Involve?

For this section, we’ll break down the steps involved in fitting new uPVC windows in a home. The exact nature of the installation will, of course, depend on the type of uPVC window you’d like to have fitted but broadly speaking, the following steps cover the basics of what this job will entail.

1. Choose a Location and Window(s)

Before any work can begin, you’ll need to decide what type of window you’d like to have installed, how many you want and where exactly these windows will be fitted. You should also consider whether or not you’ll be having old windows replaced or if you wish to the new windows added elsewhere. At this point, you should also consider the total replacement uPVC windows cost.

2. Survey Work

Before the new windows can be put in place, it’s vital that appropriate surveying takes place. This will ensure that the installation goes well, thus avoiding the need to have any work redone. The survey work will determine whether the current structural openings and its surrounding area are up to scratch.

At this point, it’s also essential that the correct dimensions of the installation work are known. This would be a core feature of the installation blueprints. A surveyor will need to inspect and analyse the brickwork, whether any provisions are necessary for TV or telephone cables.

They will also need to check where the opening will be, if there is any current cill, whether any extension blocks will be required, whether your preferred window design suits the proposed installation space. I will involve assessing if the window will work as intended as well as checking it meets your requirements and that of all current construction/building rules and regulations.

During this stage, it’s also important to consider whether and how curtain rails, blinds or any other fittings/fixtures will be installed and how any re-plastering work, if applicable, would be achieved.

3. Remove the Current Framework

On the day in which the new uPVC window(s) are being installed, the first practical step of the installation will involve any current windows being removed. Firstly, if there are currently any window frames, these must be removed although only after it is verified that these frames match the dimensions of the new window frames. The new frame will require a 5mm expansion gap along its perimeter.

The old window frames may be removed using a sharp blade which can be run along the inside perimeter of the window(s). This is to break down the bond that connects the frame and the plaster. The purpose of this approach is also to keep the risk of damage to existing interior decoration to a minimum. It’s essential that as much as glazing is removed as possible.

4. Add the New Frames

Once the old frames and windows have been removed, the new window frames may be removed from their packaging. The cill needs to be screwed onto the bottom of the window frame. It’s crucial that the screws are chosen such that they do not penetrate the frame’s inner skin. The ends of the cill and frame must also be sealed in order to prevent moisture accumulating inside and reaching the brickwork.

Next, the new frame can carefully be placed inside the aperture. The frame should be centralised, and packers should also be added beneath to level the frame. The 5mm expansion gap must also be maintained. At this point, ensure that the frame is level and plumb before drilling fixing holes into each side of the frame. Each of these holes should be drilled about 600mm in between each corner and 150mm from the top and bottom corner. There needs to be at least two fixings on each side.

5. Install the Glazing

Now that the frames have been installed, it’s time to add the glazing. The necessary glazing platforms must be installed around the apertures. This is so that the glass is centralised. It will also let water freely pass so that it can reach the drainage slots unimpeded. Each pane can now be placed into position. If opening casements exist and are hinged on both sides, the glass must be packed in corners that are diagonally opposing. This is so that the casement square is held in place correctly.

While each glass pane is being put in position, the beading may be installed. Tap it into place with the use of a nylon mallet. Preferably, horizontal beads should be added and then refitted to the initial position.

6. Cleaning and Sealing

Once the windows have been installed, the surfaces should be cleaned. This will get rid of any dirt and grit that has accumulated. Masking tape should now be added to the perimeter of the frame. Then, silicone sealant should be applied between the brickwork and the window frame.

Before this sealant hardens, the masking tape must be removed. This will leave your window with a high-quality finish. The external cill must also be sealed as part of this process. Last but not least, the contractor will perform a general clean up of the work area.

7. Additional Work

You may choose to have some additional work undertaken at the same time as having your new windows installed. For example, you could have every window in your property cleaned for around £40 to £50.

If you’d like to have a window repaired, you could be looking at paying somewhere in the range of £400 to £600. With such a high price tag, you may see it as more worth your time and money to simply replace the broken window. However, this price estimation is just that, and the overall cost will depend on the extent of the repair work that is required.

In addition, you could keep in line with the uPVC theme by having a new uPVC front door added to your property. This will probably cost around £800 to £1200 in total.

DIY uPVC Windows Installation

Thankfully, you may install new uPVC windows by yourself if you’d prefer. However, it’s important that you know exactly what you’re doing. If you make any mistakes, you risk having to pay an extra several hundred pounds or more to have the job redone by a professional. Even if you successfully fit the window, that doesn’t mean that the installation is up to standard.

There is a risk that you may accidentally damage the window or the surrounding area, reduce the efficiency of the window with poor installation or reduce its quality/safety and level of security. Other possible hazards of performing this work DIY is the danger of broken glass falling on to you or falling from a ladder. So make sure to do plenty of research and only undertake this work, if you feel completely confident in what you’re doing. Otherwise, it’s best to leave it a professional!

Also, you must avoid any work that could interfere with your house’s electrics. You should turn off the power in your home before performing any window installation work just to be on the safe side, even if you don’t believe there are any electrics nearby.

Planning permission is unnecessary if the windows being replaced have a similar appearance to those previously installed. As for Building Regulations, you will need approval in this regard if any glazing replacement work is taking place. The Local Authority can sign off on this if required. However, if you hire an appropriate professional, then no Building Regulations approval will be required.

Potential Problem and Pitfalls

Even if the installation is performed by a professional, there is always a risk of things going wrong. For example, you may hire someone who performs a poor job. With appropriate research, however, this should be avoidable.

Among the repairs that uPVC windows often need are rusting and damage repair (e.g. for hinges, locks and screws), moisture damage repair and fixes for weakened catches and handles. uPVC windows require regular maintenance to keep damage at bay. You’ll probably need to pay £10 a year or less to maintain your windows since the tools that are required are low-costing or ones that you’ll already have. You should clean your windows at least once every six months.

Examples of uPVC window maintenance:

• Clean the outside of the window frames
• Employ a duster brush or old paintbrush to clean the inside of the frames
• Hoover around the window frame occasionally
• Clean and clear out the drainage holes to prevent water damage
• Open all windows in a room from time to time to maximise ventilation

Some of the downsides to uPVC windows, even if they are installed correctly, is that they can lose their colour over time due to long-term sun exposure, they may not be very well suited to your home due to their unstylish and ordinary look. They also do not offer the same longevity as wooden frame windows. As mentioned earlier, window repair work could cost between £400 and £600, although it’ll depend on how many windows need repairing and to what extent.