How Much Does Double Glazing Cost?

Double glazing your home is an expensive undertaking. The material costs of double glazing and the complexity of the project aren’t the only things to consider – unforeseen complications may arise, increasing the total installation costs.

So, how much does double glazing cost? Our guide will give you a general estimate of what you can expect to pay for double glazing, including installation, different materials, and the size and style of your door and/or windows.

We will also take a closer look at what can affect the cost of labour, plus the average cost of double glazing your conservatory. Finally, we’ll discuss how double glazing will save you money on your energy bills and a few extras to upgrade your window and door glass.

The Cost Of Double Glazing Your Home

While it is expensive, double glazing is worth it.

Let’s have a quick look at what affects the cost of double glazing your home:

• Materials: uPVC is the cheapest material, aluminium is a mid-range material, and wood is the most expensive.
• Style: The style of your door and/or window frame greatly affects cost. Non-standardised products cost more in materials and labour.
• How many windows: The more windows that require double glazing, the higher the cost.
• Location: Labour costs can vary greatly around the UK. Consider this when calculating how much double glazing costs.

 Let’s take a look at some cost estimates and factors that influence double glazing prices.

The size of your home

Let’s break down the estimated cost of double glazing your home based on its size. We will look at the average material costs and labour.

It should be noted as well that once you install new double glazing, it will elevate your property value, helping mitigate the initial expense.

1 bedroom house

• 3-6 windows: £2,000 – £6,000+
• 1 front door: £500 – £2,000+
• Labour: £500 – £2,000+

2-bedroom house

• 6-10 windows: £2,000 – £8,000+
• 1 front door + 1 back door: £1,000 – £4,000+
• Labour: £1,000 – £4,000+

3+ bedroom house

• 8-12 windows: £2,500 – £10,000+
• 1 front door + 1 back door + Patio door: £2,000 – £6,000+
• Labour: £1,500 – £6,000+

Frame and door materials

Let’s look at the different materials available for doors and window frames and how they influence the total cost of your installation.

uPVC

Ever since the introduction of uPVC windows and doors in the 80s, this frame material has grown in popularity. The improvements in uPVC quality and durability have made it one of the most common materials used for doors and window glazing. uPVC windows and doors may be the cheapest solution and it offers exceptional benefits compared to other frame materials.

Features of uPVC:

• uPVC has a lifespan of roughly 20 years before it requires replacement or repairs.
• Modern uPVC is resistant to UV damage from the sun and weathering, meaning you won’t be spending more money to maintain the integrity and aesthetics of these double glazing frames or doors.
• The material is a poor conductor of heat, meaning it offers the best insulation for your home, which translates to lower energy bills. This will help further mitigate uPVC double glazing costs.

Aluminium

During manufacturing, aluminium goes through a series of treatments that make the metal weatherproof, so you won’t need to fork out the cash to maintain the look and integrity of your double glazing frames.

Features of aluminium:

• Aluminium is a strong and durable material that can easily support larger double glazed window panes, providing more versatile styles. They are an ideal material for bay windows that use large panes, for example.
• Metal is an excellent thermal conductor. As a result, aluminium double glazed windows are prone to condensation. These frames are fitted with thermal breaks to help reduce this, but it could affect the overall cost of maintenance.
• The poorer insulation of aluminium windows and doors, compared to uPVC, may affect your heating bills.

Wood

Wood is the most expensive material you can use for double glazed windows. It is easily customisable material that can be cut to fit your needs, although this flexibility pushes up the cost of double glazing.

Features of wood:

• Timber frames are great at insulating heat, offering the same benefits as uPVC in terms of lowering your energy bills.
• Due to its vulnerability to weathering, rot, and warping, wood requires the most after-installation maintenance. Wooden doors and frames require periodic sealing, varnishing, and painting, adding to their long-term costs.
• Wooden windows will increase out-of-pocket costs, but they are the most environmentally friendly option as timber is a renewable material.
• Timber frames, for example, can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.

Window style

Let’s take a look at the basic prices per window, including window materials and labour. Remember that the size of double glazed windows will greatly affect the cost.

Casement windows

Casement-style double glazed windows are immensely popular. They fit both modern and older architectural styles and can be side-hung to open outwards, or top- and bottom-hung to slide open. The standardised double glazed window design makes them cheap to purchase and install.

Cost:

• uPVC: £400 – £600+
• Aluminium: £500 – £1,000+
• Wood: £800 – £1,200+

Sash windows

Sash windows consist of two glass panels that slide open either vertically or horizontally. The price of double glazing sash windows can vary a lot, as they are usually made-to-measure.

They are often found in period builds when there were much less consistent building standards. If not properly fitted, a sliding sash window can become a headache due to misalignment, further adding to the cost of double glazing.

Cost:

•  uPVC: £500 – £850+
• Aluminium: £700 – £1,600+
• Wood: £1,000 – £1,800+

Tilt and turn windows

Tilt and turn double glazed windows often have an innovative design and versatility. They allow you to open the windows like a normal casement window by swinging outward. Tilt and turn windows have the added option of only partially opening to let in fresh air without compromising security. 

Cost:

• uPVC: £400 – £550+
• Aluminium: £600 – £1,400+
• Wood: £1,000 – £1,500 +

Bay and bow windows

Due to their size and design, bay and bow windows are the most expensive style of double glazing windows, comprising three large panes of glass.

If these three panes are poorly fitted, you run the risk of draughts coming through. This is a perfect example of why you should pay for a professional to do your double glazing installation.

Cost:

• uPVC: £1,000 – £2,000+
• Aluminium: £1,500 – £3,000+
• Wood: £1,200 – £3,500+

Door style

The type and design of the door play a big role in double glazing prices. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay for double glazed doors, including labour and materials.

Front door

Front doors are generally sturdier and have fewer panes of double glazing than other doors. They may have additional costs attached, however, including features like letterboxes, security bolts, etc.

Cost:

• uPVC: £600 – £1,500+
• Aluminium: £800 – £3,500+
• Wood: £1,000 – £3,000+

French door

French doors are large doors that open outwards and provide natural light to a room. They are generally more expensive than standard doors due to their design and require multiple panes of double glazing glass. They offer better security than standard sliding doors as they have multiple locks.

Cost:

• uPVC: £800 – £1,500+
• Aluminium: £850 – £3,500+
• Wood: £1,500 – £4,000+

Patio door

Patio doors are a more modern alternative to French doors. They generally slide open horizontally and share many design elements with French doors.

Cost:

• uPVC: £800 – £2,500+
• Aluminium: £1,000 – £3,500+
• Wood: £1,500 – £4,000+

Bifold door

Bifold doors are generally more expensive than other types of double glazed units. They are constructed from multiple connected panels that slide and fold open. They are also more complex to manufacture and install than other doors, adding to their cost.

Cost:

• uPVC: £1,500 – £4,000+
• Aluminium: £2,000 – £6,000+
• Wood: £2,500 – £8,000+

Labour costs

The cost of labour is naturally linked to the time required to complete the installation of double glazing units. In general, you can expect 30 minutes to prepare an install, 30 minutes to complete the install and another 30 minutes to complete the finishing touches.

That means it will take around 1.5 hours to complete the installation of double glazing on one window or a door.

Let’s look at some factors that influence labour costs.

Number of labourers

Generally, a two-man team will be able to perform a double glazing installation safely and efficiently. You can expect to pay between£20 and £50 per person per hour for their work.

Depending on the company doing the installation and the complexity of work required, there may be more installers or fitters required.

Additional staff

• Electricians: Your double glazed window may have electronically operated features, including blinds and security systems. For this you would need to hire an electrician who usually charges between £30 and £70 per hour.
• Decorators and plasterers: Some contractors might not include finishing work as part of the quoted job, so you may need to add £15 to £40 per hour for the services of decorators and plasterers.
• Waste disposal: Some installers may not include removing your old double glazing doors, frames, or other construction debris as part of their quote. This means you would need to pay an additional £20 to £50 per hour for staff to assist with the disposal.

Additional equipment

If you have windows above the ground floor, you will need to include the cost of scaffolding in the labour costs of your new double glazed windows. This will add at least £20 to £60 per day to your total bill for the scaffolding hire.

There may be other additional tools and equipment required based on the unique circumstances of each install.

Location

The location of your home is a big factor in the price range of double glazing quotes:

• London and the South East: There are higher living expenses and higher demand to contend with in these areas. Expect to pay up to £450 per window and £750 per door.
• South West: While labour is cheaper here than in London, it is still higher than in the rest of the UK. Expect to pay up to £350 per window and £600 per door.
• Midlands, Wales and the North: You will get the best labour costs in these areas. Expect to pay up to £300 per window and up to £500 per door
• Scotland: Prices are more variable in Scotland, depending on whether you live in an urban or rural area. Expect to pay £80 to £350 per window and £150 to £600 per door.

Accreditations

Installing double glazing has to be done according to UK building regulation standards. With this in mind, you should look out for the applicable accreditations from the double glazing installer you hire.

While the leading firms may be more expensive, the added security and peace of mind that you will get from a job well done is worth it.

Accreditation to keep an eye out for when looking at double glazing quotes include:

• BSI – British Standards Institute
• FENSA – Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme
• GGF – Glass and Glazing Federation
• CERTASS – Certification and Self-Assessment – Competent Person Scheme

Double Glazing A Conservatory

We cannot talk about the costs of double glazing your conservatory without discussing the range of materials on offer. Your conservatory will experience a lot of weathering and the material you use for your frames will add to the lifetime costs.

As mentioned, uPVC is the cheapest material and it is very durable and fade-resistant. Aluminium is more expensive and undergoes extensive stress treatment during manufacture, making it even more durable than uPVC.

With wood, there are more costs over time. Wood needs regular maintenance to keep it weather-resistant and looking its best. You will need to repaint or reseal timber windows and doors to have your wood last as long as possible. You can expect to add £200 to £1,000 to the total price, every few years.

Cost:

• uPVC: £300 – £1,000+ per sq m
• Aluminium: £500 – £1,500+ per sq m
• Wood: £700 – £2,000+ per sq m

Size of the structure

The bigger your conservatory, the more it will cost. Using our pricing guide above as a rough guide, you can calculate the estimated cost of parts and labour. Simply multiply the square metre (sq m) size of your structure by the price per metre. This will provide a basic guide on how much double glazing costs for your structure.

Design of the structure

The design of your conservatory will affect how much double glazing is needed and the total labour required. This estimate of the double glazing cost for a conservatory will give you an idea of how the design affects the total average cost, including materials and labour.

• Lean-to; P-shaped: £8,000 – £10,000+
• Edwardian; T-shaped; L-shaped: £10,000 – £12,000+
• Victorian; Orangery: £12,000 – £20,000+

Upgrades For Double Glazing

There are many upgrades you can add to your double glazed windows to improve their performance. This will add to the window prices, but it will include a few benefits.

We will only look at material costs, as installation costs can vary greatly depending on the materials used for your new double glazed windows.

These add-ons are available for all double glazing units, including casement windows and bay windows, as well as all door styles. Paying extra for these features will also increase the energy efficiency of timber windows and aluminium frames.

Low-E glass

Low emissivity, or low-E, glass is a special coating that increases your home’s energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer. The cost of standard low-E glass ranges from £30 to £70+ per sq m of double glazing, excluding installation. This is a common feature in new windows.

Tinted glass

Tinted glass will have an average cost of around £30 to £300 per sq m. Tinted glass uses a special film on a double glazed window that reduces sun bleaching and the amount of heat entering a building. This will help reduce cooling costs in the summer.

Frosted and patterned glass

Frosted and patterned glass are aesthetic upgrades often used with new double glazing units. As such, it can become a very expensive window installation with an average cost of £30 to £300 per sq m.

Many people prefer to have their bathroom sash windows frosted or patterned, as it diffuses light and provides more privacy.

Self-cleaning glass

Self-cleaning coatings can be applied to your window units in two forms:

1. Hydrophobic coatings keep your windows clean as liquids do not stick to the surface.
2. Hydrophilic coatings break down dirt on the double glazing when in the presence of sunlight.

Self-cleaning coatings add between 15% and 20% to the double glazing cost of new windows. You can buy kits to apply coatings yourself for around £50 but getting a smooth, even finish is very hard. It is best to pay a professional for the job.

Acoustic glazing

Acoustic glazing helps reduce the transmission of outside noise into your home. This is one of the more expensive features you can add to your glazing. Standard acoustic glazing will have an average cost between £100 and £300 per sq m. Acoustic double glazing, on the other hand, can cost up to £500 per sq m.

FAQs

Can I install double glazing myself?

We do not recommend that you install double glazing yourself since there are many risks and contingent elements to take into account. Even just a simple install of double glazed casement windows can be tricky. 

Replacing double glazing can require specialised equipment (glazing clips, for example). You may require specific safety equipment and performing a DIY install of double glazing may even void the manufacturer’s warranty on the product. Hiring a professional means greater peace of mind.

Is it worth paying for double glazing?

It is worth it to pay for double glazing. For starters, it will raise the value of your property. It helps make your home quieter and reduces noise pollution penetrating glass window panes. It will also heat your home evenly so that there are no cold spots.

This means your home is more energy efficient. You will also find that there is a massive reduction in sun bleaching on your carpets and furniture thanks to reduced UV radiation coming through your windows. These benefits help justify the double glazing cost.

Is it worth replacing the old double glazing?

Replacing old double glazing is worth it. Modern green technologies have made improvements to old-style double glazing, making them more effective and, in some cases, more durable and affordable.

That said, it comes down to your current situation. If there are no current defects on your double glazed windows or doors, and you don’t have issues with energy costs, noise or comfort, then it may not be worth replacing your old double glazing yet.

Will double glazing reduce your electricity bills?

Yes, it will most definitely reduce your electricity bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you can expect annual savings of up to £175, mitigating the initial double glazing cost.

If you want to find out more about how double glazing achieves these energy savings, you can check out our article on how double glazing works.

Conclusion

It is very difficult to give exact figures when calculating how much double glazing costs. There are so many different factors that dictate the total double glazing costs; however, it is still possible to come to an estimated average using our comprehensive breakdown.

The average double glazing cost is dependent on a plethora of things, but that means you can tailor the project to fit your pocket.

If you are looking for more heating solutions other than double glazing, visit Eco Happy‘s website. You can find the best possible quote comparisons from the top heating specialists in the UK to save you money. Contact us and get the best prices on new boilers, repairs and more. You can also find the best double glazing companies in your local area.