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Composite Windows in the UK: Prices, Types, Pros & Cons
- The average cost of composite windows in the UK is £1,000.
- The types of composite windows based on materials used include Timber-aluminium, uPVC-aluminium, and fibreglass.
- The benefits of composite windows are low maintenance, great insulation, and aesthetic versatility.
Composite windows are a popular choice among homeowners in the UK. They are known to be durable, are fairly low-maintenance and provide great insulation. They come in a variety of styles and help save on energy bills. In this article, you can read all about composite windows—types, prices, pros and cons.
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What are composite windows?
Composite windows are made of a combination of materials. The core is usually made of highly insulating materials such as engineered wood, uPVC, or polyurethane foam. The exterior has a coating of aluminium or fibreglass to ensure durability and weather resistance.
So, depending on the materials used, there are three common types of composite windows: timber-aluminium, uPVC-aluminum, and fibreglass.
- Timber-aluminium: The wood core adds structural integrity and acts as a great insulating material. The powder-coated aluminium exterior is resistant to corrosion and fading. Additionally, the wood-aluminium combination provides a long lifespan (50-60 years).
- uPVC-aluminum: Similar to timber-aluminium, this type has a uPVC core with an aluminium coating on the outside. This type has a shorter lifespan (30-50 years) but is the most cost-effective option.
- Fibreglass: The third option is fibreglass with uPVC or some other plastic alternative. This type is known for its durability (50+ years) and good insulation.
Types of composite windows
There are different styles of composite windows available, such as bifold, casement, bay and bow, tilt and turn, sash and picture. The following section provides a detailed description of each style.
- Bifold: This window style has multiple panes that fold back into each other. This space-saving design is suitable for increased ventilation and getting more natural light inside the house.
- Casement: Casement window panes are usually hinged to the side and can open outwards or inwards. Apart from being side-hung, the window panes can be top-hung or bottom-hung.
- Bay and bow: In this style, the window panes curve outside the walls. This style is good for making the inside of the house more spacious and for letting in extra sunlight.
- Tilt and turn: As the name suggests, in this style, you can tilt and turn to open the window fully or partially. This versatile style offers good security, as you have the option of opening only part of the window pane.
- Sash: The window panes in this style slide vertically/horizontally. One pane slides over the other one for ventilation.
- Picture: Picture windows are large, fixed windows useful for maximising sunlight. This style is popular for its aesthetic appeal of providing a large, unobstructed view.
Composite windows prices
The average cost of composite windows is £1,000 in the UK. Timber-aluminum is the most expensive option with a price range of £1,000 - £2,500. The cheapest option is uPVC-aluminium, costing around £400 - £1,200. There are window grants available that can offset the total cost.
| Window type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Timber-aluminium | £1,000 - £2,500 |
| uPVC-aluminium | £400 - £1,200 |
| Fibreglass | £600 - £1,500 |
The costs are estimates. Please contact an installer for accurate figures.
The price range of £400 to £2,500 is inclusive of the standard double glazing in the UK. Triple glazed windows prices would be around 30% to 50% more than double glazed windows prices. Triple glazed windows are more expensive as they have 3 glass panes with insulating gas in between to prevent heat loss, compared to 2 glass panes in double glazing.
The cheaper alternative to double glazing can be secondary glazed windows, where an extra insulating layer is added to the window.
However, these are just estimates based on our market research. You will need to get in touch with a local installer to get a quote for your needs. However, finding one can be a laborious task on your own. Whether you want to install a new window or get a window replacement cost, WhatCost can help you get up to 4 free quotes from trustworthy installers.
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Composite windows advantages & disadvantages
The biggest benefit of composite windows is low maintenance. Additionally, they provide good insulation and are easy to customise. However, they can be a bit pricey. The following sections detail the pros and cons.
Pros
- Low maintenance: The exterior materials—fibreglass and aluminium—are easy to clean. They also provide good protection against the weather and general wear and tear.
- Great insulation: The core of composite windows, made of wood or polyurethane foam has low thermal conductivity. This means that composite windows are good at keeping the house warm and comfortable.
- Energy savings: With an A++ rated composite window, you can save up to £150 on energy bills annually.
- Customisable: The aluminium or fibreglass exterior makes composite windows easily customisable. Composite windows can be painted in a variety of colours and can have gloss, matt or satin powder-coated finishes. They come in different sizes and styles as well.
Cons
- Expensive: Composite windows, especially timber-aluminium, are priced quite high, compared to uPVC windows, which can be 100% to 200% cheaper. However, the high cost is justified by the quality and durability of the material. That said, they are cheaper compared to how much wood or steel windows cost.
Should you get composite windows?
Yes, composite windows can be a good option for UK homeowners. There are different options for different budgets, not to mention the different styles they come in. Additionally, they can help you save £150 a year on energy bills.
If you are on a budget and want decent insulation, uPVC-aluminium can work for you. If you want a more durable option with better insulation, timber-aluminium might be a good choice. Fibreglass-uPVC is another option which is cheaper than timber-aluminium.
Are you ready to install composite windows in your home? Then we recommend getting an experienced installer to get the job done. Instead of wasting hours of your free time looking for a reliable installer, use WhatCost’s easy service. Fill out a 30-second questionnaire and get up to 4 free quotes from our network of vetted installers.
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