A Guide to Aluminium & uPVC Window Costs in 2025

Understanding the factors behind window replacement costs.

One of the most common questions customers ask us is “how much does it cost to replace my windows?”. There is no simple answer to this question, but this blog provides you with helpful information to understand more about Aluminium & uPVC window costings.

Factors That Increase Window Cost

Window costings can vary depending on the profile, locks, furniture, size, and style. There are lots of different components that make up the cost of a window but it’s not just the window itself that can make this investment costly. Travel time and installation costs are also accounted for.

Window Size & Complexity

Naturally, the larger the size of the window the more it’s going to cost. However, the higher the number of openers and squares within that window the higher the price will be.

Why Aluminium Windows are a Premium Option

When customers choose the profile (frame material) of their window a popular choice is aluminium. This profile is strong, environmentally friendly and offers a sleek aesthetic therefore making it a premium option.

How Style & Colour Impacts the Price of Your Windows

The style of window you chose can affect price. For example, flush casement windows are more expensive than standard casements.

Colours with a smooth finish are harder to achieve due to high rejection rates, thus the smooth foils can increase the price of your window. According to our aluminium supplier, about 90% of smooth coloured profile they spray, passes quality control with no fault compared to 97% passing for textured colours.

Adding to this, opting for RAL colour or an unusual, coloured window profile can further raise the price.

Glass Choices: Satin Glass vs Standard Toughened Glass

A popular glass choice for privacy is Satin glass with it’s smooth, clean finish. But achieving the frosted finish of the glass involves a precise process with a high, quality control, rejection rate compared to standard clear toughened glass, making it a more expensive choice.

The added cost of Georgian & Astragal Bars

Georgian Bars or Astragal Bars can enhance the traditional look of a home, opting for this style may be an aesthetic choice but can increase costs. Out of the two, Astragal Bars are particularly expensive due to the labour involved in sticking the bars onto the glass with special tape, unlike Georgian Bars which are manufactured inside the glass.

Budget Friendly Ways to Reduce Window Prices

In today’s economic climate, everyone is looking to save money. Whilst replacing your windows might seem like a daunting investment, it’s one that pays off significantly in the long run.

Choosing uPVC Profiles for Affordability

uPVC profile is another popular and slightly cheaper choice when it comes to window profiles. Due to plastic being more widely available than metal this is a good choice to keep costs low.

Save with Manufacturers Standard Colours

By selecting from the manufacturers own colour swatch instead of RAL colours you can reduce your window cost. There may be fewer option but for basic colours it’s a perfect way to save a little.

Satin Glass vs Filmed Toughen Glass

If Satin glass is an aesthetic, you like then a cheaper option would be to opt for plain glass, but have it filmed. The film will create the same effect as satin glass but at a much more affordable price.

Glass Options to Lower Costs: Plain Glass vs Textured Glass

When it comes to glass, plain options are the affordable option. For a bit of variety though, standard textured glass like Arctic, Stippolyte or Minster (from Pilkington) can also be economical.

Why Replacing All Your Windows at Once Saves Money

Replacing all your windows at once can save you money. This is because it minimises waste expenses. If you only want one window the company still must buy the standard length of profile. If all the profile isn’t used, then the cost of the wastage must be accounted for. Therefore, it is more cost-effective to replace your windows at the same time.

Opting for Supply Only Windows

To keep costs down you can buy your window without the installation package. Although we do not recommend this to get the full potential out of your investment, it can save you money. Always get an experience professional to install the window.

Why Some Window Companies Charge Higher Prices

There are lots of window companies in Hampshire and all their costings seem to vary. This is due to the type of profile they use, the quality of the parts they are using as well as their target customers.

Quality Materials and Secure Locks

The cost of windows can vary significantly based on the quality of parts used by different companies. Each company sets its own standards for what they consider acceptable quality, which affects pricing. For instance, some companies may use highly secure locks as their standard lock, while others might opt for less secure/standard locks to keep costs down.

The parts that a company uses and how well they install the window can also affect the energy efficiency of your home. Although the initial cost might be more, in the long run the saving can make a difference.

Bespoke vs. Standard-Sized Windows

Made-to-measure windows are generally more expensive than standard-sized windows. Bespoke windows require more specific manufacturing steps compared to producing windows in bulk standard sizes.

Expert Installation Teams and Their Value

The level of installation is also a factor on price. Having a highly skilled installation team to replace your window is going to be more expensive, but chances are they will complete the job properly.

Why Some Window Companies Are Cheaper

When it comes to costs, some people always seek the best bargain they can find, often overlooking the quality of the product because it’s cheap. However, buying windows is an investment in your home, so it’s important to choose an affordable company rather than just the cheapest option.

Outsourcing Materials for Cost Savings

Some companies reduce costs by outsourcing for lookalike parts like rubbers, gaskets, and steel reinforcements, buying them in from places like China, however this may affect the overall quality of the windows.

Economies of Scale in Larger Companies

Larger window companies often have a higher turnover, allowing them to bulk buy profiles or ready-made windows. This enables them to negotiate better purchase rates and pass the savings on to customer.

Similar to this point, bigger companies are able to mass produce their windows, with larger machines and more fabricators.

Prefabricated Windows vs. In-House Manufacturing

Companies or individual window fitters may choose to buy in the windows rather than manufacture them. This approach reduces production costs and allows them to offer more competitive prices.

Typical Costs of Aluminium and uPVC Windows

So, what should you budget for if you want to replace your windows?

To keep it simple the figures below are based on a customer who want to replace one, standard sized window in their home:

1x Aluminium window = £1500 – £2500

1x uPVC window = £500 – £1500

As you can see 1x aluminum window can cost nearly three times the amount of 1x uPVC window. This is due to the wastage fee produced by the leftover length of aluminium profile thus, for aluminium it is more cost effective to complete a project of windows (4+ windows). This could bring down the individual cost to start at £600.

Why Investing in Quality Windows Pays Off

At P & K Lacey (Southampton) Ltd, we understand replacing your windows isn’t something you do often, so customers want to know they are investing wisely. Due to this our standard windows are crafted to a higher quality, ensuring durability and longevity. This means you save money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements or problems.

High-Quality Locks for Enhanced Security

We use high-quality SBD locks as our standard, which other companies might charge extra for. Security is always a concern so with higher quality locks you can rest easy.

Durable Profiles from Trusted Suppliers

Our window profiles come from reputable suppliers, in England & Germany, known for their top-quality materials. This ensures that every component of the window meets our high standards.

Onsite Manufacturing for Quality Control

We manufacture our windows in our onsite factory enabling us to have control over the quality of the parts we use allowing for top-notch, bespoke windows.

Expert Installation

Our team of trusted installers have vast experience and all work to a high standard to ensure that the windows are fitted correctly and with a tidy finish.

Our Commitment to Value and Quality: 10-Year Guarantee and FENSA Certification

The windows come with a FENSA certificate and our 10-year guarantee so you can rest assured that any problems covered within the guarantee will be promptly addresses by our remedial engineer, free of charge.

We take pride in the quality of our work, which is reflected in our pricing. Therefore, we promise that our prices are fair and honest, providing you with the best value for your investment.

Any questions?

Feel free to contact our office in Southampton on 02380 631555 or email Sales@pklacey.co.uk