uPVC windows are a durable, energy-efficient alternative to traditional wooden windows. They’re one of the most popular window materials in the UK, and for good reason: they look great, are easy to maintain, and are a cost-effective way to boost the energy efficiency of your home.
uPVC windows are available in a variety of styles, including arched and double-glazed options. They feature the same weather-stripping and locks as traditional wooden windows, so you can expect the same level of security and privacy.
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What Does uPVC Stand For?
uPVC stands for ‘unsprayed polyvinyl chloride’. It’s a type of plastic window that’s used instead of traditional wooden windows. UPVC is stronger, more durable and better insulates than wooden windows. It’s also a lot cheaper to manufacture than wooden windows.
What are the Advantages of UPVC Windows?
Budget Friendly
uPVC windows are an affordable option compared to other materials such as timber, aluminium and composite. If you’re working on a budget, uPVC windows are a great choice. They offer a range of designs and styles to suit all tastes and budgets. You can find budget-friendly designs that will improve the look of your home without breaking the bank.
uPVC Insulates Your Home
Double glazed uPVC windows have high insulation properties, making them a great choice for homeowners who live in colder climates. The vacuum between the panes prevents cold air from entering your home and the warm air and heat from the outdoors from escaping.
This means that your home remains as warm as when the windows were closed. In the winter, you can turn the heating up a little bit more and use less energy.
uPVC is Durable
Wooden windows made from timer aren’t as durable as uPVC windows. Timber is a natural material, so it will expand and contract depending on the weather. This can cause cracks to appear in the floors and walls.
In contrast, aluminium and uPVC are man-made materials which don’t expand or contract. That means they won’t warp or crack in the same way as timber. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about wood rot, you simply need to wipe them down with a damp cloth to maintain them.
uPVC Colours, Styles & Ranges
You no longer have to stick to the traditional white colour if you are considering installing uPVC windows! This is a common misconception.
In the past, one of the biggest drawbacks of uPVC was its lack of aesthetic appeal. Nowadays, uPVC windows come in a range of colours, which means you can choose the finish that best suits your home, whether you prefer a smooth, colour-matched finish or a textured one with a woodgrain effect.
Offer More Security than Wood
Wooden windows may look nice but they aren’t as secure and are easier to breakdown than uPVC.
In fact, uPVC windows benefit from a steel core, making them ideal if security is a major priority for you and your home. They aren’t as secure as other windows materials like aluminium, but they are much more affordable.
Check out our complete guide on the price of new windows, if you want a rough idea of how much you can expect to pay (including installation). You can also read about the various window styles available, as well as double glazing, triple glazing and decorative windows.
How Much Do uPVC Replacement Windows Cost?
uPVC windows are one of the most affordable window frames on the market. The cost of replacement uPVC windows is one of the most attractive features for many homeowners.
Typically, uPVC costs less than timber, aluminium and composite frames making it a very desirable option for those on a budget. You can save even more money by reducing energy loss by investing in energy efficient uPVC windows.
It all depends on how many windows, sizes and other custom features, but on average you can expect to pay between £5,500 and £15,000 for all new windows for the average sized UK home.
Please note: these are averages only and a lot of other factors come into consideration when an accurate quote is being provided.
Check out our complete guide on the price of new windows, if you want a rough idea of how much you can expect to pay (including installation). You can also read about the various window styles available, as well as double glazing, triple glazing and decorative windows.
Types of uPVC Window Styles Available
uPVC (or vinyl) is a material used to make window frames. It comes in a range of styles and colours so you should have no issues choosing
uPVC windows to suit your property.
You can choose between single- or double-glazing depending on the level of insulation you want and the cost. You can also choose between different styles such as casements, awnings or modern double-hung windows.
uPVC windows are available in almost any colour, but as well as colour, you will also want to consider the window style. Some of the most common uPVC window styles in the UK include casement, cottage, bay, sash or tilt and turn.
Cottage Style uPVC Windows
Cottage or two-over-two windows are a great option for those seeking a traditional style with modern performance. The name comes from the size ratio of the upper sash to the lower. They are often double hung with an upper sash that is smaller than the lower. They are a great choice for older homes with a more traditional appearance.
Sash Style uPVC Windows
Sash windows, often referred to as ‘Casement Windows’ in the United States, are glazed panels which can be opened horizontally or vertically. They are usually found in Victorian and Georgian houses, but are also sometimes used in modern constructions.
Sash windows can be opened by sliding one panel past another, or by using a crank that rotates both panes at once. They are most commonly used for ventilation, but can also be used for light and decoration.
Casement Style uPVC Windows
The classic casement window is a defining feature of traditional architecture. Their hinges allow them to open and shut like a door, which makes them an efficient way to bring in fresh air.
They also provide an unobstructed view through the pane, which adds light and aesthetic appeal to a room. Because of their versatility, casement windows can be used on the exterior of a home or the interior.
Bay Style uPVC Windows
In the last few years, bay windows have become one of the most popular features in modern house design. Bay windows can be used in a range of different ways, from a simple protruding window in an otherwise blank wall to a large protruding structure that takes up a whole wall.
They can be thin and bow-shaped, or broad and box-like, and can provide extra room inside the home in the form of a bay. They also provide the internal room with a bay window, which is a really attractive design feature, and can be used to bring light into a room or as an architectural feature.
The bay window is one of the most popular features in a house, regardless of style or era. It protrudes from the main walls of the home and can be in the shape of a bow, box or circle in terms of design. It provides the internal room with extra space, which is known as a bay, and adds a really attractive feature to many homes.
Tilt & Turn uPVC Windows
Open inwards and turn sideways to make them easier to clean and maintain. Tilt and turn windows allow you to open the window wide with just a push of a button, and then turn it sideways so you can clean or maintenance without having to get on the ladder.
In addition to making life easier, they also help to keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They also reduce the sound of traffic and other noise, which can be distracting in a room where you’re trying to relax.
Get a Free Quote for your New uPVC Windows Today
The number one advice when shopping for new windows for your home is to secure at least three quotes from local installers.
Your priority shouldn’t necessarily always be price, since the reputation of the company, aftercare and the warranty are also all important factors.
Going for the cheapest may mean paying less upfront, but in the long term you may pay more in terms of time, stress and repairs.
Here at Window Central, we have a network of reliable and trustworthy window installers throughout the UK. Request your free quote now and you should receive a range of quotes from our network in the next 24 hours (at the latest).
