Installing Composite Window Cost Guide: Composite Windows

How Much Does It Cost to Install Composite Windows?

A major aspect of any home improvement will always be windows. They’re one of the only parts of your home that are seen both inside and out, and as such, composite windows have become incredibly popular due to their aesthetic appeal.

However, they also offer quite a great deal in durability and energy efficiency. Made from a blend of materials such as wood and plastic or wood and fibreglass, they really offer the best of both worlds - the aesthetic appeal of wood with the durability and low maintenance of synthetic materials.

Offering numerous benefits such as superb energy efficiency, which reduces energy consumption and heating costs, composite windows are ideal for homes that want to save some money on bills.

Additionally, composite windows are known for their ability to withstand the elements, making them a really worthwhile investment as they will last a very long time. Not only do they perform well, but they look fantastic too - and they can be provided in any colour you require.

Now, the average cost to install composite windows typically ranges from £500 to £1,500 per window. However, this price can fluctuate depending on several different factors, which can include the size and type of the window, the brand or manufacturer of the composite material, and where you are in the world.

Additionally, custom designs and special features like energy-efficient glazing can also influence the total cost, along with the complexity of the installation.

Composite Window Prices

Window	Low Range	High Range	Avg Cost
Supply Only
Composite Bay Window	£1,500	£2,250	£1,850
Composite Tilt & Turn Window	£800	£1,200	£1,000
Composite Casement Window	£750	£1,200	£950
Composite Sash Window	£1,200	£1,500	£1,350
Supply & Installation
Composite Bay Window	£2,000	£3,000	£2,500
Composite Tilt & Turn Window	£1,100	£1,600	£1,300
Composite Casement Window	£1,000	£1,500	£1,250
Composite Sash Window	£1,500	£2,000	£1,750

Table of Contents

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What Are the Supply Costs for Composite Windows?

When you're considering investing in composite windows for your home, the supply cost of the windows themselves. This includes the window frames, the glazing and any other additional features you may wish to incorporate, like custom colours or finishes. Here is a little more information about each element.

Frame Materials

As mentioned, composite window frames are made from a combination of wood, fibreglass and PVC. The specific combination actually impacts the price.

Composite window frames are typically made from a combination of materials like wood, fibreglass, and PVC. The specific combination affects the price. Wood-fibre composite is often seen as the most affordable option, offering the look of traditional wood with increased durability. These cost between £200-£500 per window.

Fibreglass composite is renowned for its strength and thermal properties, providing extremely good resistance to the elements. This superior durability means they are slightly more expensive than wood-fibre composite, at between £300-£700.

Wood-aluminum composite features a wood core with an aluminium exterior to offer a combination of aesthetics and durability. The cost for wood-aluminum composite frames can range from £400 to £800 per window, depending on the quality and brand.

Glazing Options

The type of glazing that you opt for will impact your overall project cost quite significantly. Not only that, but glazing will largely determine the energy efficiency and performance of your windows.

Double glazing is seen as the industry standard for windows in homes, featuring two panes of glass with air or gas between them to act as an insulator. Costing between £100-£300, this is the most common type of glazing for residential windows.

Triple glazing is essentially a bolstered version of double glazing, with three panes of glass to provide even more insulation and thermal efficiency. However, you will pay for the premium, with triple glazing costing between £200-£500.

Additional Features

The frame and glass make up the majority of your windows. However, there are some additional products and features that you can incorporate to enhance the windows in different ways.

Security Locks: You can add enhanced security features, such as locks and reinforced frames - this can cost between £20 to £100 per window.
Soundproofing: If noise is a concern and you're looking to reduce this, acoustic glass or soundproofing options can increase the price by £100 to £300 or more per window.
Tinted or Privacy Glass: Tinted glass, which provides privacy and reduces glare, typically adds an extra £50 to £150 per window.

What Are the Additional Costs of Installing Composite Windows?

In addition to the supply and installation costs of composite windows, there are some other potential costs that homeowners should be aware of when budgeting for new windows. Now, these costs all vary depending on complexity and personal choice - and some may not be applicable to you specifically, but it is helpful to be aware of them ahead of time.

Removing and Disposing of Old Windows

Of course, before installing new windows, you’ll need to have the old windows removed and disposed of properly.

Now, the cost for this service is usually included in the price given to you by your installer, but you should double-check this is the case. If not, you can expect to pay between £50-£150 per window for it to be removed and disposed of.

Scaffolding for Upper-Storey Windows

Access is key to any good trade job, so if your home has upper-storey windows, you may need to pay for scaffolding to be erected at your home.

The cost of scaffolding can vary quite a great deal depending on where you are, the height of your home, the length of time you need it for and how many windows you need access to. Expect to pay anywhere between £200 and £600.

Decorative Finishes or Trims

Composite windows are already known for their aesthetic appeal, but some people will opt to add even more decorative finishes or trims to give their windows an element of uniqueness.

These finishes can vary quite a lot in price depending on the material and design. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £50 to £250 per window for custom colour or finishes.

Tradesmen Costs for Installing Composite Windows

Labour costs are an important factor of any trade job, and the same is true for window installations. Now, labour will account for about 20-30% of the overall job cost, with the other 70-80% being attributed to supply.

The cost of the labour will depend on the location you are in, along with the experience of the tradesperson and the complexity of the job.

The labour costs for installing composite windows generally hinge on whether you're paying an hourly rate or a daily rate, or in some cases; you will pay for the job based on an overall cost. Hourly rates are around £30-£50, with day rates around £150-£200.

Several factors can influence the labour costs for your composite window installation:

Location: The location you are in will probably be the factor that alters the price most. Labour rates can vary significantly depending on what region you live in, with London and the South East generally attracting higher trade costs than that of the North. This is mainly due to demand - there is far more demand in highly populated London than in a small town in the Lake District.
The complexity of the Job: Some jobs are tougher than others - if your home has unusually shaped windows or requires working at a significant height, everything becomes a little more taxing. Thus, the project will take longer to complete, and the tradespeople will need to increase their fee.
Experience and Reputation of the Tradesperson: Tradespeople with a good reputation, lots of good reviews and years of experience will naturally charge more for their time. However, this is the last aspect of the job you should try to save money in. As a skilled tradesperson, this will be the difference between a great job and an average one.

How Long Does It Take to Install Composite Windows?

There are several different factors that will impact the time it takes to install your composite windows - most notably the size of the windows being replaced, the complexity of the windows being installed and any additional work required.

A straightforward single window replacement can be completed in just a few hours, whereas a full house replacement would take a few days. Here is some more information about the time it takes to install composite windows.

Typical Installation Times

Below is a table showing estimated durations for different window installation scenarios:

Window	Estimated Time
Single standard window	2-4 hours
Bay or large feature window	4-8 hours
Full house replacement	2-3 days
Full house replacement with structural preparation work	3-5 days

Factors That Affect Installation Time

There are a number of factors that can influence the time required to install composite windows:

Number of Windows: A simple one - replacing a single window is far quicker than replacing an entire house. However, some people may only have the front of their house replaced, so consider how many windows you are looking to have replaced at one time.
Type and Size of Windows: Some styles of windows are naturally larger and heavier than others, which means it will be far slower to install them. Similarly, windows that are irregular in shape will also take much longer to install, particularly if there is a requirement to alter the space they are being installed in.
Property Age: Some older properties can present some interesting challenges - for example, uneven walls and the surrounding structure can throw up some very difficult preparation tasks before the area is suitable for a window to be installed.
Structural Adjustments: In some cases, the window openings may need some resizing or reinforcing, and of course, this will extend the timeline. Structural adjustments may also require additional tools, materials, and labour.
Weather Conditions: For large and upper-storey windows, adverse weather can halt work. So bear this in mind if you’re planning work around the Great British weather!

When putting together a plan for your composite window installation, it’s a good idea to ask your installer some questions relating to the timeline based on your requirements to ensure that you are fully aware of how long the project will likely take and that you can plan your time around it.

Types of Composite Windows

As you may have noticed, there are quite a few different types of composite windows, and each has its own benefits and challenges. Below, we delve a bit deeper into each and provide cost, along with pros and cons.

Casement Windows

Known as the most common type, casement windows are incredibly versatile. Hinged on the side and opening outward, they are as effective as they are attractive.

Casement windows cost between £500 to £1,200 per window.

Pros

Easy to operate
Provides extremely effective ventilation.
Highly energy-efficient when closed.

Cons

Limited opening direction (side-hinged).
Perhaps not suitable for small spaces.
Potentially obstructive to the exterior.

Sash Windows

A traditional style of window often found in older homes, sash windows have moveable panels or ‘sashes’ that can slide either vertically or horizontally.

Sash windows cost between £700 to £1,500 per window.

Pros

Enhances or creates traditional aesthetics.
Allows for adjustable ventilation.

Cons

Higher cost compared to casement windows.
Requires maintenance of moving parts from time to time.
Potentially less energy-efficient than modern styles due to wide openings.

Tilt and Turn Windows

Popular for their dual functionalist, tile and turn windows can be opened inward for full access or can be tilted inward to allow for ventilation.

Tilt and Turn windows cost between £600 to £1,300 per window.

Pros

Offers multiple opening options.
Easy to clean from the inside.

Cons

It can be more expensive than other styles.
Installation can be complex for large windows.

Bay Windows

Extending outward from the home, bay windows create a much wider view and often consist of three panels in an angled configuration.

Bay windows cost between £1,500 to £4,000 per window.

Pros

Looks great from the outside.
Expands the interior living space.
Makes the most of natural light and views.

Cons

High installation cost.
It may require structural reinforcement.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace Composite Windows?

Composite windows are renowned for their durability and energy efficiency. However, they require regular maintenance to ensure they remain operating at the same level throughout their lifetime.

The most common issues that impact composite windows are broken seals, cracked or blown glazing, or frame warping. Repairs are usually sufficient, but if the damage is too extensive, it may be better to have a full replacement.

Simple tasks like resealing to repair drafts or condensation can cost around £50 to £100 per window. Minor glazing repairs can restore functionality and aesthetics, costing £50 to £200 depending on the size and complexity and, of course, the type of glazing.

As we know from the information in this guide, replacing composite windows is a larger investment, but replacement is often necessary for severe frame damage, recurring seal failures, or simply when upgrading to more efficient or modern models.

While the upfront cost is higher, new windows can enhance energy efficiency and long-term value.

FAQs

Q: What are composite windows made of?

A: Composite windows are made from a combination of materials that have all been chosen to provide strength, durability, and energy efficiency. Generally, they feature a core of robust materials like fibreglass, wood or aluminium, which is then combined with another synthetic material like resin or uPVC.

The exterior is then clad with weather-resistant material to protect it from adverse weather. This blend of materials allows composite windows to offer the best features of each component - the strength of wood or aluminium, the low maintenance of uPVC, and the thermal efficiency of fibreglass.

Q: How energy efficient are composite windows?

A: Extremely! Composite windows possess a multi-material construction, which gives them excellent thermal properties while remaining durable.

The core materials reduce heat loss in the winter and prevent too much heat gain in the warmer months. The increased energy efficiency leads to lower bills and overall much better comfort for the occupants within the home.

Q: What is the lifetime of a composite window?

A: Typically, you can expect the lifetime of composite windows to be from 30 to 50 years, depending on how much duress they put under and how well they are cared for with necessary repairs. Robust maintenance, cleaning, and inspections will help extend the lifespan of the frames past the average of around 40 years.

Q: What building regulations are there to consider for a composite window installation?

A: In the UK, several regulations must be considered when installing windows. Firstly, Part L of the Building Regulations states that windows must meet specific energy efficiency standards, with glazing typically being the primary focus rather than the frames - but they are judged collectively.

Additionally, if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, you may need to obtain planning permission before proceeding with installation. Other important regulations, such as those related to fire safety and accessibility, will typically be assessed by your tradesperson, who will ask relevant questions to determine if they apply to your project.

Q: Do composite windows require regular maintenance?

A: Composite windows are actually designed to be as low maintenance as possible whilst offering durability and resistance to warping and rotting. Of course, there is general upkeep involved, such as regular hardware cleaning and lubricating. But in general, it will stand the test of time with minimal upkeep.