How Much Does Double-Glazing Cost in the UK in 2024?
Double-glazing is popular for homeowners looking to improve their homes' energy efficiency and comfort.
Double-glazing reduces heat loss and noise and adds value to a property.
When it comes to fitting windows, one of the most important factors is the cost of double-glazing installation.
In this article from Value Doors, we will talk about the various aspects of double-glazing costs and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Let's dive in!
Before we do, if you need a quote on double-glazing, we can help; use the button below to get a quotation.
We are a UK-wide company offering both supply-only and fully fitted doors and windows.
Build your window online!
Get a Quote
What Is Double Glazing?
Double-glazing is a great way to insulate windows. How double glazing works is simply by fitting two glass panes separated by a small space.
This gap is filled with air or gas, resulting in a sealed unit. The design decreases noise and increases building thermal insulation.
This insulation decreases the heat transfer between a building's interior and outside and keeps heat from escaping during the chilly winters.
This results in a warmer interior atmosphere and lower heating expenses, and it helps keep the interior cooler during hot summers by blocking heat from entering.
Because of the noise-reduction capabilities, it's a good solution for homes near busy roads. The two glass panes provide a sound barrier, reducing noise disturbances. This makes your life a lot more peaceful.
Installing double-glazed windows improves security as well. The multiple glass layers make it more difficult for burglars to access a house.
It has long-term benefits for your comfort, security, and savings. So, how much does double-glazing cost?
Get a quote on double glazing online below:
Build your window online!
Get a Quote
Average Double-Glazing Costs
The double-glazing cost of a whole house varies based on several factors. The typical cost of double-glazing an average three-bedroom home with ten windows can range from £4,000 to £7,000.
For more extensive properties with more windows, then the cost of double glazing a 4 bed house is usually between £6,500 and £10,000, as these types of homes will likely have more windows and require more to double-glaze.
The cost of double-glazing in a smaller residence with 4-6 windows might range between £1,500 and £4,000. Larger buildings with roughly 20 windows could face double-glazing costs ranging from £8,000 to £12,000.
Note that these figures are approximate as they depend on many different factors.
Getting all-inclusive double-glazing quotes from a company is best for a more accurate assessment, as well as different finance options as payment methods.
There are also window grants for some homeowners in specific circumstances who are looking for double-glazed windows.
Below is a guide on what factors can affect the cost of double-glazing.
Build your window online!
Get a Quote
Double-Glazing Prices UK
Glazing Frame | Double Glazing Cost |
uPVC window | £600 |
Aluminium frame | £900 |
Timber frame | £1,000 |
Sash window | £1,000 |
Tilt and turn window | £800 |
Bay window | £1,500 |
Have you ever wondered how much does triple glazing cost compared to double-glazing? Please read our online guide for more info.
Build your window today!
Get a Quote
Colour
Choosing a particular colour can result in a higher double-glazing cost. This is because of the additional processes needed in manufacturing and finishing the frames.
White uPVC windows are the most popular and cost-effective choice, but the actual price difference of double-glazing varies based on the supplier and the colour.
White
White uPVC frames are the most common and accessible choice for double glazing.
They are the most cost-effective option because they require little extra treatment. Also, white window frames made from UPVC are standard, readily available and cost-effective.
The average cost of a fully-fitted white uPVC window can range from £200 to around £450 per window. The supply-only cost is approximately £115 to £260.
Grey
Grey uPVC frames for double-glazing offer a touch of modern elegance to a home.
They are a fashionable alternative to standard white frames. Although still fairly common, they increase the cost of double-glazed windows due to additional manufacturing processes.
It can add an extra £50 to £100 to the double glazing of standard white uPVC windows, both fitted and supply-only prices.
Alternative colours
If you want to add an extra touch of colour to your double-glazing, you could face a higher cost.
Some companies charge the same for colour as they do for white. However, other companies can charge around 15% more for colour due to the mixing process.
Double-Glazed Windows Material Costs
The material used in double-glazed windows has an enormous impact on the cost. Different materials have different degrees of durability and energy efficiency. Aesthetics and maintenance requirements also play a role.
The availability and market demand for certain materials might influence their price. Understanding the properties and costs of various materials can help you make the right choice for your building.
Read more here about the cost of new windows in the UK, including replacement and fitting.
Aluminium windows with double glazing prices
Double-glazed aluminium windows are the most popular and reliable choice. This is due to their strength, durability, and trendy appearance.
Aluminium frames are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. It's especially effective in places with harsh weather or high humidity levels.
Aluminium windows are less likely to warp, rot, or deteriorate over time, ensuring long-term performance with minimum maintenance. Despite its lightweight nature, aluminium provides structural stability.
This means it can handle larger glass panes, letting in more natural light and allowing for clear views.
Aluminium has impressive design versatility, allowing for a wide selection of styles, combinations, and finishes.
These frames can be tailored to fit a variety of designs. They can also be powder-coated in different colours, which lets you adapt your double-glazed windows to your preferred aesthetic choices.
Double-glazed aluminium windows can be thermally efficient when paired with suitable insulation methods. Thermal breaks or inserts are often built into the frame to improve energy efficiency.
These thermal breaks minimise heat movement between the inside and outside of the building. This boosts insulation and potentially lowers heating and cooling costs.
Aluminium window costs are slightly higher compared to some materials, like uPVC. Still, due to their higher level of performance in terms of longevity and efficiency, they can be more cost-effective in the long run.
The typical fitted aluminium double-glazing costs between £400 and £1,200 per square metre.
Depending on the specs and supplier, the supply-only cost might range from £250 to £600 per square metre. However, aluminium double-glazed windows are certainly the top pick.
Build your window online!
Get a Quote
Steel windows with double-glazing prices
Steel windows with double-glazing are well-known for their superior strength and stylish appearance. Steel frames are highly resilient, providing long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
They have a distinct aesthetic appeal with thin sightlines, giving them a futuristic and industrial appearance.
Because of their durability and unusual style, they are a great choice if you want to make a statement.
However, they are usually a lot more expensive than other materials. This is because of the unique manufacturing and installation processes needed.
Fitted steel window frames can cost between £800 and £1,500 per square metre, while the supply-only cost could range from £500 to £1,000 per square metre.
Timber windows with double-glazing prices
Timber windows with double-glazing are typically chosen because of their natural beauty, insulating capabilities, and design choices.
Timber's main draw is its aesthetic. The warmth of timber frames can improve your home's overall look and feel, providing a natural touch of beauty.
Timber windows are also very well insulated. They provide a more pleasant interior atmosphere while also lowering energy costs. Their built-in insulating characteristics help with heat efficiency.
Furthermore, timber is a renewable and sustainable material, making it an excellent environmentally friendly option.
It's important to remember that regular maintenance is required to preserve timber performance. Proper care is needed to protect the wood from the elements. This might include regularly painting or staining and checking for moisture or decay.
However, these windows can give you many years of charm and practicality with proper upkeep.
Fitted timber window frames may cost between £800 and £1,500 per square metre. The supply-only cost is around £500 to £1,000 per square metre.
uPVC windows prices
If you're on a tight budget, uPVC is the best option for double-glazing.
Double-glazed uPVC windows are generally affordable, energy efficient, and need minimal maintenance.
A uPVC double-glazed window is often less expensive than other window materials. Because of their insulating features, uPVC windows with double-glazing provide exceptional energy efficiency.
They have air-trapping multi-chambered profiles. This reduces heat transmission and improves thermal performance. Unlike timber windows, uPVC windows require little to no upkeep.
They are rot and rust-resistant. As a result, you can enjoy a window that will not degrade with time.
Cleaning uPVC windows is extremely simple, using only a light detergent and water in most cases.
uPVC windows are available in various shapes, colours, and finishes. They provide design flexibility to accommodate your tastes.
The cost of uPVC double-glazing is between £300 and £800 per square metre, while the cost of supply-only uPVC double-glazing ranges from £200 to £500 per square metre.
Build your window online!
Get a Quote
Number of Double-Glazed Windows
The number of windows in a home impacts the overall cost of double-glazed windows.
The more windows there are, the higher the total cost is going to be. Each window requires materials, labour, and installation - unless it is supply-only.
When calculating double glazing costs, it's vital to consider the number and style of windows in the home.
For example, new double-glazed windows for a one-bedroom flat with four standard casement windows may cost between £2,000 and £3,500, including supply and installation.
A larger building with more windows will cost more. For example, the cost of double-glazing a 3-bed house with ten windows (a mix of uPVC casement windows and uPVC sash windows) could be between £4,000 and £7,000.
It's important to remember that exact double-glazing prices might vary. This can be based on criteria such as window size, style, glazing choices, and the supplier.
Getting quotes from trustworthy double-glazing providers based on the specific number and type of windows will give you a more accurate pricing estimate.
Style
The style of double-glazing windows has a significant effect on the installation cost. Several style-related elements add to the overall cost of double-glazed windows. The complexity of the design and the materials necessary for a specific style can influence the cost.
Certain window types, such as bay or custom-designed windows, need more complex construction. Because of fluctuations in demand and availability, the style chosen might also impact the price.
Some window types may be more popular than others or need specialised knowledge.
While certain styles may increase the cost of double-glazing, they also improve visual appeal.
Individual preferences, economic limits, and overall project goals should all be considered.
We suggest you consult reliable suppliers for assistance based on the desired style. This is the best way to estimate how your chosen type will impact double-glazing costs.
When investing in new double-glazed windows, you should constantly evaluate other factors contributing to costs.
Tilt and turn windows
Tilt and turn windows with double-glazing are a common type of double-glazing that is adaptable and practical.
They can be opened in two ways: tilting inward or swinging inward. Leaning inward from the top secures ventilation. Turning inward like a casement window is more accessible for cleaning and creating good circulation.
Tilt and turn windows are more expensive than regular casement windows due to their unique functionality. The complicated hardware and mechanisms allow tilting and turning, increasing the double-glazing cost.
These windows usually include several seals and locking points. This improves security while increasing manufacturing and installation difficulty.
The average cost of tilt and turn windows, including supply and installation, can range between £400 and £1,000 per window. However, if you choose supply-only, the typical cost per window can range between £250 and £700.
Casement window
Casement windows are a classic and familiar style of double-glazing windows. They expand outwards and are hinged on one side. A crank handle usually controls them. Casement windows provide good ventilation and unobstructed views.
As a result, they are quite practical.
Due to the simplicity of their design and operation, a casement window tends to be less expensive than other window styles. There are also double-glazed uPVC casement windows to check out!
The average double-glazing cost for the supply and installation of a casement window is between £300 and £800 per window. The typical double glazing cost without installation per window might range between £200 and £600.
Sash windows
Another prominent style of double-glazing window is sash windows. They are generally seen in traditional or historical homes. A sash window has vertical sliding sashes for adjustable ventilation control.
A sash window needs a more complex construction and operating mechanism.
When compared to casement windows, this could result in a higher cost. Sash windows are popular among homeowners because of their attractive look, historical appeal, and ability to preserve the character of older houses.
There's also the option of uPVC sash windows.
The average double-glazing cost for fitted sash windows is between £500 and £1,500 per window. The average supply-only glazing cost could fall between £400 and £1,000 per window.
Sliding windows
Sliding windows are sometimes called sliding sash windows or horizontal sliding windows. They are contemporary and space-saving.
They're equipped with one or more moveable panels that slide horizontally along rails. Sliding windows offer great airflow control.
Sliding windows are popular due to their sleek and modern appearance. Their usefulness in small spaces is a bonus. The typical cost is between £400 and £1,000 per window.
The typical double-glazing costs per window might range between £300 and £800 without installation.
Skylight windows
Skylight windows are also known as roof windows or attic windows. They are built along the roofline to provide natural light and ventilation to attics and upper-level areas.
Extra features, like shades and remote-controlled operations, can be added for an extra cost.
Skylight windows with double-glazing are appealing because they enhance natural light. They improve a property's perception of space and provide architectural interest.
The typical double-glazing cost of fitted skylight windows may range between £500 and £2,000 per window. The standard double glazing costs for supply-only is roughly £400 to £1,500 per window.
Bay windows
Bay windows are a traditional architectural element that protrudes from a building's exterior wall. They cut out a bay or alcove inside the room. A bay window is often composed of a big centre-fixed window flanked on either side by smaller windows.
They are in high demand because they add character and provide a feeling of spaciousness inside a room.
The average cost to install double-glazing for a fitted bay window is between £1,000 and £4,000 per window. The average cost of a bay window supply-only is roughly £800 to £3,500 per window.
Bow windows
A bow window is a curved version of a bay window. They form a graceful arc that spreads out from the property. Bow windows are made up of many window parts that are linked together to make a curving shape.
Bow windows are great because they create an impressive structural element.
They let in plenty of natural light and give panoramic views of the surroundings. Bow window installation might cost between £1,500 and £5,000 or more per window.
This is because they are bigger and more complicated. The average cost for supply-only might range between £1,000 and £4,000 per window.
Build your window online!
Get a Quote
Size
The size of double-glazed windows has a major impact on the entire cost.
More oversized windows often need more materials, work, and effort. Smaller double-glazed windows might cost anything from £200 and £500 per window, including supply and installation.
You might find these in bathrooms. These windows are usually less than one square metre in size.
Medium-sized double-glazed windows cost between £400 and £800 per window, including supply and installation. You might find these in bedrooms. These windows usually are 1 to 2 square metres in size.
Large double-glazed windows can dramatically increase the cost of double-glazing. These windows are usually found in large living rooms. They are typically more than 2 square metres in size.
They can cost between £800 and £2,000 or more per window, including supply and installation.
Strike a balance between aesthetic appeal, usefulness, and budget when determining the size of your double-glazed windows. Again, it's important to keep other factors in mind when trying to determine the cost.
Types of Double Glazing Options
There are several glazing choices for double-glazed windows to meet a variety of demands.
These options are essential in improving the windows' performance, energy efficiency, and general usefulness.
Here are some popular glazing choices for you to consider:
- Low-E (Low-Emissivity) glass: Low-E glass has a thin, translucent coating. This helps bounce heat back into a room. It also improves the insulating capabilities of a double-glazed window. This makes it more energy-efficient.
- Laminated glass: This comprises two or more layers of glass with a plastic layer between them. It increases security as it remains unbroken even when cracked. Laminated glass is often used in high-risk situations or for soundproofing.
- Textured or decorative glass: This provides privacy but allows natural light to enter the space, similar to privacy window film. It can enhance the beauty of a double-glazed window.
- Acoustic glazing: This type of glazing is intended to reduce noise transmission. It uses bigger glass panes and specific acoustic interlayers to limit sound penetration. It's a great choice for homes in loud areas.
- Triple glazing: Three glass panes are separated by two insulating layers of gas or air in triple glazing. This provides even more insulation for areas with intense weather conditions and is a great way to prevent condensation on windows.
Double-Glazing Fitting And Replacement Costs
There are several scenarios to consider when installing and replacing double glazing.
For example, if you have an older home with single-glazed windows, you should consider double-glazing installation costs.
This will improve energy efficiency and decrease heat loss. The current windows would be removed and replaced with new double-glazing units.
If your double-glazing shows wear and tear, you may need to replace the sealed units. However, you'll have to leave the window frame intact. Double-glazing installation should only take around 45 minutes.
If you're remodelling your house, you may need to consider the full house double glazing replacement cost to match the current windows' design.
The installation and replacement procedure requires precise measurements in each case. You'd need to create a perfect seal for the window frame to improve energy efficiency.
Consult with skilled double-glazing installers to guarantee it's done correctly.
When you have multiple double-glazing quotes, you can make a fair assessment of your window frame needs.
The typical cost of installing and replacing a window is between £200 and £500. Prices for more sophisticated window styles can be higher as they're more complex to install.
You can see our guide on the cost of double-glazing a 2-bed house to learn more about double-glazing properties.
Build your window online!
Get a Quote
Conclusion
The price of double-glazing varies based on several criteria.
Double-glazing can cost from a few hundred to several thousand pounds per window, including supply and installation. So, it's critical to get multiple quotes from trustworthy vendors or installers.
While the initial cost may appear significant, it's important to remember the long-term benefits of double-glazing. These include increased energy efficiency, reduced noise, and higher security.
Finally, the issue of "how much does double glazing cost?" can only be adequately addressed by considering your project's unique needs.
Build your window online!
Get a Quote
FAQs
When should I replace the double-glazing in my house?
If you discover signs of wear and tear or you have blown double-glazed windows, it is recommended that you replace your double-glazing.
If your windows are outdated and lack enough insulation, it may be time to replace them.
Does new double-glazing add value to a house?
Upgrading to new double-glazing can indeed increase the value of your house.
The improved energy efficiency, enhanced aesthetics, and potential savings on utility bills make it an attractive investment for homebuyers.
Get a double-glazing quote fully fitted below:
Build your window online!
Get a Quote