How much do uPVC Sash Windows Cost?
If you are considering replacing your timber sash windows, you will want to know how much uPVC sash windows cost.
You may even have a basic idea of uPVC sash window prices and be put off. Indeed, the initial outlay is not cheap, but don’t be too hasty in dismissing the idea as too expensive. You may find that the benefits may outweigh the cost.
Did you know that replacing your old wooden frames with uPVC sash windows could save you up to £115 a year on your energy bills? That’s according to The Energy Trust. This is because the new sash windows will be double-glazed and far more energy-efficient than the (usually) single-glazing timber sash windows they are replacing.
It is worth factoring in energy efficiency when considering the initial cost of uPVC sash windows. Other benefits, including being easy to maintain and weather resistant, make uPVC sliding sash windows a popular choice.
If you have the budget, installing new windows is a cost-effective way to reduce your home’s running costs and could even boost your property value. But how much do uPVC sash windows cost?
Get A FREE Quote from Window Specialists
Get quotes from local companies and tradespeople in your area and saving you up to 40% and hours on researching. Let the Loftera experts take care of it.
The average cost of uPVC sash windows
In 2022, the average cost of installing uPVC sash windows is between £500 and £800 per window.
That may sound expensive, but factoring in the reduction in maintenance costs, and the reduced heating bills, it becomes clear that this investment in your property could pay big dividends in the future.
There are a couple of factors that affect uPVC sash windows costs. Aside from the number of windows, the size of the windows, and the materials used have the most impact.
The size of the windows is self-explanatory, but wood effect uPVC windows are £25 – £100 more expensive than white uPVC. Coloured uPVC sash windows cost more, too.
Naturally, triple glazing also costs more than double glazing (around 35% more)
| Type of uPVC sash window | Size of window | Average cost |
| White uPVC sash window | 500mm x 500mm | £520 – 625 |
| White uPVC sash window | 1000mm x 500mm | £600 – £720 |
| Wood effect uPVC sash window | 500mm x 500mm | £625 – £720 |
| Wood effect uPVC sash window | 1000mm x 500mm | £700 – £800 |
How much do wooden sash windows cost?
Timber frame sash windows cost around £1,300 per window, significantly more than a uPVC sash window.
Get A FREE Quote from Window Specialists
Get quotes from local companies and tradespeople in your area and saving you up to 40% and hours on researching. Let the Loftera experts take care of it.
The cost of replacing all your windows with uPVC sash ones.
Even replacing one timber sash window will help, although, as with doors, it is best to replace as many as you can afford to at once for continuity and maximum effect.
| Type of home | bedrooms | Number of uPVC Windows needed | Average cost of uPVC sash windows |
| Flat | 2 | 4 | £2,400 – £3,200 |
| Terraced | 2 | 5 | £3,000 – £4,350 |
| Semi-detached | 2 | 7 | £3,700 – £5,200 |
| Semi-detached | 3 | 9 | £4,400 – £6,600 |
| Detached | 3 | 12 | £6,200 – £7,550 |
| Detached | 4 | 15 | £7,200 – £9,400 |
Data from Get a Window, June 2022
Other factors that can affect sash window prices
Your location can also affect how much your uPVC sash windows cost. For example, labour may be more expensive in areas such as London, to the tune of around £2-£5 an hour or £30-£80 more per day. Materials may also be more expensive in London, raising the overall cost further.
If your house is hard to access, you can also expect to pay more for the inconvenience and potentially extra time and tools or materials required.
If you have a Victorian or other period property, you may need to pay more to match the original wooden frame. Realistic wood effect uPVC is handcrafted to approximate the real thing. A set of bespoke uPVC sash windows costs more but is generally acceptable in the oldest home or even listed buildings due to the craftsmanship and detailing that creates a seamless blend with period features.
Types of uPVC sash windows
Most sash windows are either single-hung, meaning they have one casement that can slide vertically, or double-hung, where both casements can slide vertically.
Occasionally, you may find a triple-hung sash window, but they are likely to be in a traditional-style self-build, not your average property.
There are also two main styles of sash windows, Georgian and Victorian.
A Georgian uPVC sash window comprises two casement windows and at least six tiles. You can also have a different number of tiles under each casement.
Victorian uPVC sash windows have fewer tiles in the casement – two or more. Again, the arrangement of the tiles is up to you.
Get A FREE Quote from Window Specialists
Get quotes from local companies and tradespeople in your area and saving you up to 40% and hours on researching. Let the Loftera experts take care of it.
FAQs
Are uPVC sash windows worth the money?
It depends on your budget and what you are hoping to achieve. There are other, potentially cheaper ways to improve your home’s energy rating, such as draught-proofing and using shutters. Original sash windows often had accompanying shutters that were painted shut or sometimes removed as heating became more affordable.
If you still have the shutters and they can be repaired or restored, you should do that before installing replacement windows. You can also pay to have original-style shutters made to match the windows if they are gone.
Research conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University found that repairing and adding draught-proofing strips to existing sash window frames can reduce draughts by almost 90%. You can buy draught-proofing strips for less than £10 online or in any good hardware store. Heavy curtains or close-fitting blinds will also help reduce draughts by around 30%. Whatever method you choose, it’s important to stop draughts as they can cause dampness and even mould in your home.
Look at your property as a whole and identify where the most heat is being lost. It may be that a specific window in a particular room is the main culprit, in which case repair or replacement is probably the best solution. If single glazing is the problem, you can have sash windows in good condition double-glazed without the need for a replacement. On average, the double glazing cost will be around £150-£2,000 per sash uPVC window.
What are the main benefits of uPVC sash windows?
We’ve mentioned that modern uPVC sash windows are energy efficient compared to their single-glazed predecessors. And this is true. Not only are uPVC likely to be double or triple-glazed, but they are also built with multi-chambered frames to lock in heat and a drainage system so water is redirected rather than absorbed. There are other benefits to switching to uPVC sash windows.
Durable and long-lasting
You would be forgiven for thinking that uPVC was just a kind of plastic, but it actually stands for “unplasticised polyvinyl chloride” meaning plasticisers are not added to the material. This makes it stronger than PVC and less malleable. Unlike timber, uPVC doesn’t expand when it gets wet, it doesn’t rot and it is resistant to contraction and warping.
Depending on the quality of the materials used and the installation, uPVC sash windows can last between 10-35 years, with an average lifespan of 20 years. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan to the upper end of that estimate, although a coastal or big city location can lower it through harsh environmental conditions. Nothing lasts forever, but an average of two decades is pretty good going by anyone’s standards.
Bespoke options to suit your property
Well-maintained original timber frame sash windows undoubtedly add to a property’s curb appeal. But if they are old and damaged beyond repair, they can have the opposite effect. Bespoke uPVC sash windows can be designed to look authentically wooden, with a woodgrain effect applied by hand. A wide range of ‘woods’ and colours are available to help you create the look you want.
Low maintenance
And thankfully, uPVC windows require relatively little upkeep. In our guide on how to clean uPVC sash windows, you can see that much fewer steps are required, as opposed to cleaning timber sash windows. Not only are uPVC windows not as susceptible to weather damage as timber, but their standard tilt functionality also makes them a doddle to clean in half the time. Wooden frames may also require sanding and repainting every five to ten years to keep them looking and performing their best, whereas uPVC sash windows do not require this maintenance.
One drawback is if you do damage a modern uPVC window frame, it is much more difficult to repair than timber, so you will most likely need a replacement. A timber frame such as oak may be more susceptible to weather damage etc, but it is also easier to repair.
Get A FREE Quote from Window Specialists
Get quotes from local companies and tradespeople in your area and saving you up to 40% and hours on researching. Let the Loftera experts take care of it.
How do I know when to replace my sash windows?
If the glass is broken or cracked, it is definitely time to get a new uPVC sash window. Other signs to look out for are excessive condensation and draughts getting in. Both can occur if there is a gap between the frames or if a wooden frame has rotted. If your sash windows are single-glazed, replacing them with double-glazing will boost your home’s energy efficiency.
The first uPVC windows were made in the 1970s and became widely used in the 1980s. Since then, designs have been improved. So, even if your property has uPVC sash windows, it may be time to install the modern upgrade.
What is the cheapest way to replace all the sash windows in my property with uPVC?
As always, if you have the time and the skills, the cheapest way is to do it yourself. That way, you save on labour costs, bringing the overall price down. You can find tutorials on the Internet but only do this if you are confident and properly equipped. If it goes wrong, you’ll probably end up paying more in the long run for repairs and replacements. An incorrectly fitted window will also likely let in draughts and moisture, creating the problems we’ve outlined above.
To keep costs down, you can also try a small independent company that will likely charge less than a big name. Big companies may offer a wider range of services and you could end up paying more for advertising costs etc.
Bigger is not always better in terms of quality, either. A small local company will often offer a more personal and affordable service as they are likely to be specialist window fitters or glazers.
We recommend getting at least three quotes to compare before making your decision. Look at reviews of each company, if they are available, as well as the price each is offering.
Go for the cheapest materials (white uPVC) and a simple design, as composite sash windows cost more.
Conclusion
uPVC sash windows cost a couple of thousand pounds to replace throughout a typical house but can save you time, effort and money in the future. There are many options between repairing or reglazing your existing windows and replacing the full set with new uPVC sash windows. Each will add value, it all depends on your budget and your goals for your home.
The most important thing is to ensure all of your windows are properly fitted and in good working condition to prevent heat loss and save money on your energy bills. Regular maintenance can help you to prolong the lifespan of any window, helping you to maximise your investment.
Get A FREE Quote from Window Specialists
Get quotes from local companies and tradespeople in your area and saving you up to 40% and hours on researching. Let the Loftera experts take care of it.
