If you want to reduce your energy bills, keep your home insulated, or even just increase the value of your property before you sell, double glazing could be the solution for you.
But, when looking for a provider, many people are left confused at the number of different double-glazing prices out there.
The fact of the matter is, it is hard to put an exact figure on the cost of double glazing, as the price can vary depending on a wide variety of factors.
The type of home you live in may mean prices are generally higher or lower than average, and the quality of both the windows and the installation are usually reflected in the price too.
If you wish to have the double glazing fitted on ground floor window, the installation will be much simpler than that of a second- or third-storey window.
The installation company you choose, be it a small local vendor or a national brand name, will also have their own price lists, which is why it is essential that you shop around for quotes before you commit to one supplier.
In most cases, larger companies will charge a premium in order to pay for their TV advertising and large commissions to their sales representatives across the country. Smaller businesses, on the other hand, tend to charge prices more in line with their materials and labour due to cheaper running costs.
Comparing price lists for different vendors can be difficult, taking up both your time and your effort to find that many choose not to advertise their prices at all.
With Tradesmenprices.co.uk, you can compare double glazing prices from our selected range of 3 skilled double-glazing contractors in your area. The companies we work with don’t pressurise you into buying by a commission-driven salesperson.
Please fill in the form below…
How much does double glazing cost?
Of course, you will want to find the best possible price for your double-glazing installation. But telling the difference between a “fair price” and “paying too much” can be difficult for people not in the industry.
So, how much is double glazing really? What is the average cost of double glazing per window?
As of January 2018, the average double-glazing windows cost – based on a 60×90 UPVC window – can range from between £350 and £500 each.
However, many installers also offer packages for multiple installations which can make your total cost per window much cheaper. For example, the average price in the UK for four small double-glazing windows in an apartment is just £1,400 to £2,000.
In houses, however, windows tend to vary in size throughout the property. For twelve double glazed windows in a three-bedroom house, you could expect to pay anywhere from £5,250 to £7,500.
What types of double glazing are there?
Double glazed windows can come in four different core styles. They are:
Casement
This type of window is the simplest design. Swinging open from hinges (one, two or more) from either the side or top, this type of double glazing can be hinged in order to stay open for extended lengths of time – perfect for ventilation.
Sash
These windows are usually found in older properties and are favoured for their striking aesthetic effect. They are made up of two to six smaller panels separated by bars.
Tilt Turn
This is a more modern design of window which is becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility. Tilt turn windows open inwardly into the room from a hinge placed at the bottom.
That makes them both effective for stopping rain entering your home and much safer around small children.
Dual Turn
These windows are essentially the same as tilt turn windows, but with the popular appearance of a sash window.
Double Glazing FAQ Questions
Why do people get double glazed windows?
The main reason many people choose to get double glazing is energy efficiency. Many would argue that the cost of double glazing is easily made back in savings from heating bills.
It does this by using two panes of glass with a gap in between, which is often filled with gas, which works as an insulating barrier to keep heat inside the home. This means less energy is wasted, as it cannot escape outside.
Say you live in a semi-detached home, with electric heating and single-glazed timber windows, you could potentially see savings of as much as £446 each year if your switched to A+ rated energy efficient windows.
Double glazed windows are now considered a standard fixture in many new build homes and are the most common replacement for outdated, failing or damaged windows.
Another reason many people choose to get double glazing is that single glazed windows can be extremely inefficient in both retaining heat and keeping out noise.
What are the disadvantages of double glazing?
The main advantage of double glazing can also be considered its main disadvantages too. They are extremely effective in trapping heat in your home which, whilst ideal in the middle of winter, can cause problems during the summer months.
Whilst many double-glazing providers may be able to offer tints on your windows to filter out heat from the sun, making your home cooler throughout summer, this will increase your double-glazed windows cost.
Another common issue with double glazed windows is that they cannot be repaired. So, should the seal around your windows break, you would not be able to separate the panes to fix the problem. That means you would have to pay out to have them replaced.
UPVC windows cost less up front than wooden frames but, again, they are irreparable. If they were made from wood, their lifespan could be extended with good maintenance and regular repainting.
Are there alternative options to having double glazing installed?
In older homes in particular, some people choose to have their windows upgraded rather than replaced with double glazing.
This could be due to the fact that brand new double-glazed windows cost more than secondary glazing does, however this is not the case for everyone. Secondary glazing works by placing another panel of glass within the frame on the inside of your existing single glazed windows in order to form a gap.
The gap will then help to insulate your home and keep it warm, functioning just like double glazing. To do this, your current windows will need to be the correct type and in good condition, with at least a 1cm gap between the original and the secondary glass.
Some people also prefer triple glazed windows to double glazing, adding wider cavities between the two glass panes to further insulate your home.
What are the main advantages of double glazing?
Double glazing is used to stop heat from escaping your home. Not only will this help to reduce your carbon footprint, but it could also help cut down your energy bills by hundreds of pounds every year.
These modern windows are also perfectly equipped for urban areas, thanks to their sound insulation properties. The air gap in double glazing works to block out noise pollution, meaning your home will be both warmer and quieter.
Double glazed windows are also tougher to break than simple single glazing; giving your home an additional layer of security too.
When would I need planning consent for double glazing?
Planning permission is not always necessary for double glazing, so more often than not, you can go ahead with your home improvements without any issues.
Double glazed windows are considered a minimal alteration, so if you live in a “dwelling house” – that is, a property built for the purpose of being used as a home – it is likely you will not need planning consent for installation.
However, if the property falls into one of the following categories, you will need to apply for planning permission. They are:
- Flats
- Listed buildings
- Homes in conservation areas
- Houses under an Article 4 Directive
Your local planning authority will respond to your application by either granting permission, denying it, or allowing you to change the windows within certain guidelines.
This could restrict the style, colour, or material of frames you are allowed to replace the old windows with. In conservation areas, it is common for councils to only allow ‘like for like’ installations in order to preserve the style of the property.
It is recommended that you contact your local planning department before starting any home improvement projects. You can apply for planning permission online here, or get in touch with your local council.
Where can I buy double glazing?
There are hundreds of thousands of double glazing installation companies all across the UK, but finding the right one for you can be difficult.
Some of the biggest double-glazing companies are household names, but not always for good reason. Not only will using a smaller, local company for your double-glazing cost less on average, but they’re often of the same if not better quality too.
If you would like to receive a double-glazing quote from a reputable local supplier near you, please fill out our form below.
Should my installer be a member of anything (trade body, government registration scheme, etc?)
Selecting the right installer for your double glazing is not just a case of finding the right price, it is also important to ensure that they are competent in what they do.
A good way to do this is to look out for the Trade Associations trademarks on their website. If they have these, they should be certified and approved by that particular association. This could be:
- Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF),
- The Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA),
- Certification and Self-Assessment (CERTASS), or
- FairTrades / TrustMark accreditation
How long does it take to fit double glazing?
This can depend greatly on the condition of your old windows and the site.
The installation engineers will need to safely remove your old windows before they can install your new double glazing. Under normal circumstances, a team of two installers will be able to complete between three and six windows each day.
Before I get my double glazing, what should I ask a potential installer?
You should never get double glazing without shopping around first. Not only does this ensure you find the best possible double-glazing prices, it also gives you the chance to find the most suitable installer and best quality windows for your money.
When you get your double-glazing quote from a supplier, make sure you ask what the energy rating of the windows you will be receiving will be. All windows are given an energy rating by the British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) to show their thermal performance. The highest performing windows for energy efficiency will be rates A, with the lowest rating of G.
You will also need to ask how long they estimate the installations will take, as this can vary between providers. Some windows, such as timber systems, may need decorating and finishing after they are installed. Make sure you ask if you will need to decorate after the installation.
It is always best practice to compare a variety of quotes from different companies in your area to make sure you get the best professional for your installation.
Why should I get quotes for double glazed window prices from Tradesmenprices.co.uk?
With Tradesmenprices.co.uk, we’ll put you in touch with 3-4 skilled double-glazing installers whose history and credentials we’ve checked out. That’s great for peace of mind but you also know that, when more than one company is competing for your business, the price you pay will come down and the quality of the installation will still be just as high.
You can also compare the quote we produce with any you have already received. If you’re going to make the commitment to invest in double glazing for your property, it’s always best if you keep the final bill down as much as possible so you can spend what’s left over on further home improvements.
Please scroll up the page to fill in our no-obligation form to receive quotes from our local double-glazing contractor partners.
Zaheer Khan says
Hi Im looking for a quote for double glazing
1 (4 panelled bay window)
1 small bedroom window
3 medium sized bedroom windows
2 large kitchen windows
Front door and back door