How Much Does it Cost to Replace Windows?
It appears that homeowners are more inclined to replace their older timber windows with uPVC double glazed windows rather than repairing them.
Probably because, nowadays, more homeowners are considering replacing their existing windows with newer, low maintenance, more energy efficient products than they were 10 or 20 years ago.
French Casement Windows
The other reasons that appear to be important are the extended lifespans of uPVC and, as you might have guessed, the price factor.
With a single 1000mm x 1200mm upvc window costing as little as £160 + fitting, and a double opening kitchen window from around £200 + fitting, whereas a timber box sash window of the same dimensions can be well over double the cost, it’s understandable.
If you take your time to get a lot of quotes from a selection of different installers and then do some serious bargaining, it may be possible to get a 3 bed semi with around 10 windows, fully fitted for between £3,500 & £6,000 depending on the actual specification of the windows you want.
Aluminium windows are not quite as low priced as uPVC and you could be looking at around £500+ per single window on average – however, if you want the whole house done, you may be able to find prices for a 3 bed semi of 8 to 10 windows at around £6,000 to £7,500.
Now you need to have your negotiating head properly fixed on your shoulders if you want a great deal. You should also bear in mind that the higher the specification of the replacement window you want (A++, Argon gas filled, low-e toughened solar glass etc.etc.) the higher the cost is going to be.
For a top of the range set of 8 to 10 wood-grain effect, coloured UPVC windows you could then expect the prices to be over £6,000.
How much do casement windows cost?
| Window Size in MM | Frame Material | Fully Fitted Price |
|---|---|---|
| 600 x 900 | uPVC | Around £200 |
| 1200 x 1200 | uPVC | Around £300 |
| 940 x 1600 | uPVC | Around £450 |
| Semi-detached 3 bed house | uPVC | £4,500 to £6,000 |
Why should you replace your existing windows?
The cost to replace windows in the UK isn’t that cheap so that you can swap them out every year or two, so, better have some decent reasons for doing it.
There are plenty of reasons why homeowners are replacing their windows, some do it because a brand new set of windows can liven up the appearance of a “tired” house and increase the value of it into the bargain. New windows will also improve your insulation levels, which will lower your heating costs and make your home more energy efficient.
Other notable reasons are over the last two decades, the manufacturing techniques of vinyl (upvc) and aluminium framed windows have witnessed a vast improvement. This has made such window options more affordable to more consumers.
Today’s generation of homeowners pay more attention to energy budgets and as a result they want to use energy-efficient building materials. Double-paned energy A-rated windows are hugely more functional, energy efficient and secure than older single-paned wooden ones.
Other reasons that call for replacing your wooden (or other) windows with aluminium and uPVC:
- Cracked or broken glass.
- Rotting or split muntins.
- Missing or rotting drip.
- The window’s upper or lower sashes are jammed or unable to move due to dust, grime, layers of paint, broken cords, etc.
- The opening casements are distorted, preventing proper closure.
- The exterior casing or trim of the window is loose, cracked, or rotting.
- The putty that holds the glass panes to the muntins are missing or brittle.
- Excessive water or wind infiltration, excessive condensation.
- Excessive failure of widow weather seals.
Types of Replacement Windows Designs Available In The UK
Okay, so you have counted how many windows you will need to replace, how big they are, and how much you think they will it cost. Now, you need to decide on the styles. Here are some replacement windows designs currently available in the UK market. Remember, the costing is different for each one of them.
- Plain glass / Leaded glass / Patterned glass / Stained glass / Toughened glass
- Bay windows / Bay windows
- Sash windows / French windows
- Casement window / Tilt & turn window
Bay windows are specialised designs that extend outward form the property. Bow & Bay widows in particular are complex to make and install. You can therefore expect them to be costlier.
Sash windows can be horizontal or vertical sliding windows. Of the 2 types, the most often seen in British homes is the vertical sliding sash window. This design is also quite complex to construct and that is also reflected in the prices which can sometimes be double that of a casement window.
Casement, French or Tilt & turn windows are all side hinged. The casement window opens outward, French windows mainly open outward, but can open in if you wish. Tilt & turn windows open inward always.
Pros & Cons: Aluminium and uPVC Replacement Windows
Deciding which materials to use for your windows doesn’t need to be confusing. Currently, you have the choice of timber, aluminium and uPVC. All of them have pros and cons, but ultimately, it all boils down to personal taste, cost to replace windows and budget.
Have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of wood, aluminium and uPVC replacement windows below to make an informed decision.
Coloured UPVC Windows
Flush Fit Casement Window
Timber Replacement Windows
Advantages
- Aesthetically pleasing and stylish
- Customizable
- Provides good natural insulation properties
- Wooden windows are energy efficient
- Comes in a variety of finishes
Disadvantages
- Requires regular ongoing maintenance.
- Will deteriorate quite quickly if not protected against the weather.
- Subject to attack by woodworm, fungus or mildew.
- Subject to distortion via waterlogging or dehydration (swell or Shrink)
- Less energy efficient than uPVC.
Tilting Sash Windows
Aluminium Replacement Windows
Advantages
- Strong and durable.
- Customizable in many designs with slim frames.
- Comes in a wide variety of custom colours.
- Easy to look after, not subject to excess expansion or contraction.
- Have a modern, streamlined design.
Disadvantages
- Insulation properties are dependent on a thermal break which can fail in certain circumstances
- Price -aluminium windows are not cheap.
Reversible UPVC Window
uPVC Replacement Windows
Advantages
- Excellent insulation results in high energy efficiency.
- Comes in a variety of designs, colours & finishes.
- Long warranties & virtually maintenance free.
- Widespread availability in the market.
- Very competitive prices.
Disadvantages
- Not as structurally strong as timber or aluminium and can require reinforced profiles for larger windows to avoid frame bending.
- Less customizable than wood – difficult to change the colour.
- Some cheaply made designs have heavy thick frames.
To summarise
The cost of replacement windows is going to depend on a few things, but primarily it’s going to be about how many windows you buy at the same time, the size of the windows, what they are made out of and the style.
UPVC Casement windows are probably going to be the least expensive to use as either new or replacements. Sash windows are going to be the costliest.
Tilt & turn replacement windows don’t have a huge share of the market, and sit somewhere in between Casement and Sash when it comes to pricing.
Our recommendation is that you get at least 4 or 5 written quotes from an accredited FENSA or CERTASS installer, based on a survey of your home. In that way you can compare what each supplier is offering and come to an informed decision in your own time.
Please bear in mind, the figures given above are for convenience only, not an offer to buy or sell, and do not fully reflect the cost of installing or replacing windows for your home.
Always get written quotes from a certified installer
