Windows by frame material
Triple glazed uPVC windows
uPVC is where most people start, because it gives the best heat-loss figure for the money. Modern multi-chamber profiles are deep enough to hold a triple unit properly, the frames are reinforced, and the finish is wipe-clean. White is standard; woodgrain and solid colours cost a little more.
Summary
Triple glazed uPVC windows are plastic-framed windows fitted with a sealed unit of three glass panes and two gas-filled cavities. With low-e coatings on two panes, the glass alone can reach a U-value of about 0.6 W/m²K, against about 1.1 for good double glazing, and the frames need no painting.
What you get
| Frame | Multi-chamber uPVC, steel or composite reinforced |
|---|---|
| Frame depth | About 70 to 90 mm, depending on the system |
| Glass | 4-16-4-16-4 class unit, argon filled, two low-e panes |
| Typical whole-window U-value | About 0.8 to 1.0 W/m²K |
| Finishes | White, woodgrain, solid colours, two-tone |
| Typical lead time | 4 to 6 weeks from survey |
Guide prices
Guide prices per window, supply and fit, including removal of the old window.
Small window
about 600 x 1000 mm (bathroom, landing)
£695 – £845inc VAT · £580 – £705 ex VAT
- uPVC frame, triple glazed, warm-edge spacers
- Removal and disposal of the old window
- Fitted, sealed and made good inside and out
Medium window
about 1200 x 1200 mm (bedroom)
£895 – £1,095inc VAT · £745 – £910 ex VAT
- uPVC frame, triple glazed, warm-edge spacers
- Removal and disposal of the old window
- Fitted, sealed and made good inside and out
Large window
about 1800 x 1200 mm (lounge)
£1,395 – £1,695inc VAT · £1,160 – £1,410 ex VAT
- uPVC frame, triple glazed, warm-edge spacers
- Removal and disposal of the old window
- Fitted, sealed and made good inside and out
Guide prices, supply and fit. The written quote after your survey fixes the price for the specification shown; anything extra is agreed with you first.
Is it right for your home?
A good fit for
- Replacing old double glazing on a budget
- North-facing or noisy rooms
- Homes where low upkeep matters most
Think twice if
- Listed buildings, where uPVC is usually refused
- Very large panes, where aluminium frames are slimmer
Options
- Casement, flush, tilt and turn or sash styles
- Woodgrain foils inside, outside or both
- Acoustic or laminated security panes
- Trickle vents sized to Building Regulations
- Locking handles and multi-point locks
Why the frame depth matters with triple glazing
A triple unit is thicker and roughly 50% heavier than a double unit: about 30 kg per square metre of glass against 20 kg. The frame has to hold that weight for decades without the sash dropping. We specify systems deep enough for the unit, with heavy-duty hinges on larger sashes, rather than squeezing a thin triple unit into a frame designed for double glazing. A thin 28 mm triple unit can perform worse than a good double unit, so the unit thickness is written on your quote.
What you pay for, and what you do not
The price covers the frame, the triple unit, the cill, removal and disposal of your old windows, fitting, sealing and making good the reveals. Scaffolding, if an upper window cannot be reached safely from ladders or a tower, is quoted separately and only when it is needed.
Building Regulations by nation
| Nation | Replacement windows | Sign-off |
|---|---|---|
| England | 1.4 W/m²K, or a Window Energy Rating of band B or better | Competent person scheme or building control |
| Wales | 1.4 W/m²K, or a Window Energy Rating of band B or better | Competent person scheme or building control |
| Scotland | 1.6 W/m²K | No building warrant for a straight replacement; must meet the standards |
| Northern Ireland | 1.6 W/m²K, or a Window Energy Rating of band C or better | No building notice for a straight replacement; must comply |
Full regulations guide, with sources →
Questions about uPVC windows
How much more is triple glazed uPVC than double?
Usually 20 to 30% more for the same window, though quotes in the UK range from about 15 to 40%. The written quote shows the triple price, and we can price double glazing alongside it if you want to compare.
Will triple glazed uPVC windows look bulky?
The frames look much the same as good double glazed uPVC. The glass unit is thicker, but that sits inside the frame, so from outside the difference is hard to spot.
Can I have coloured uPVC triple glazing?
Yes. Woodgrain and solid-colour foils are available on the outside, inside or both. Colour adds to the price and can add a week or two to the lead time.
How long do uPVC windows last?
The Energy Saving Trust gives 20 to 35 years for modern glazing. The sealed units carry their own guarantee, set out on your quote.
Do I need trickle vents?
In England and Wales, if your old windows had trickle vents, the new ones must have vents at least as big, and if they did not, the room must be no less ventilated than before. Scotland and Northern Ireland also require that replacement windows do not make ventilation worse. We size vents on the survey.
Related products
Casement windows
From £695The standard side- or top-hung UK window, with a three-pane unit.
Learn more →
Flush casement windows
From £845Sashes that sit flush in the frame, like traditional timber windows.
Learn more →
Whole-house replacement
From £5,695Every window and door replaced in one planned visit.
Learn more →
Aluminium windows
From £1,095Slim, strong frames with thermal breaks, for big panes and modern homes.
Learn more →uPVC windows by area
England
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Scotland
uPVC windows: get your guide price
Use the guide-price tool, or book a free survey for a written quote that fixes the price.