There is a timeless appeal with sash windows that can’t be matched by any other type, especially now they can be made with uPVC as well as timber, so the maintenance is considerably easier than in the past. This has led to sash windows becoming a very popular style of window for many homeowners, but before committing to any new windows it is important to have an idea of their cost.
For uPVC sash windows you can expect to pay roughly between £1,000 and £1,500 per window fitted, but this can vary based on other factors including the supplier, installer, and the area you live in. If you are looking for timber sash windows, it is likely you will pay around £1,500 and upwards per window. This cost could be higher depending on the company you choose to buy your windows from and any other extra costs you might incur due to customisation elements or size.
There are multiple factors that can have an impact on the price you will pay for new sash windows, which we will explore below.
Size and weight
Naturally, the size and weight you want for your new sash windows can affect the cost of them. The bigger and heavier the window, the larger and more expensive the sash balances will be and the higher your prices for sash windows.
Sash balances have to be designed to support the weight of the window you are getting fitted, hence why they need to be bigger. Generally, it can be assumed that the bigger the sash window the heavier it will be, meaning the cost will be higher. Larger windows also demand more materials overall. It is always helpful to speak to a local supplier in your area to get a better insight of how the size and weight will have an impact on your sash window prices.
Glass
The type of glazing you decide on for the window can have a big affect on sash window prices. This is due to certain glass being heavier or more expensive to produce which alters the complete cost. You will find that standard glazing is the least expensive option and typically the most popular for many buyers, as it is the most common type of glazing in all sash window designs and is less expensive to manufacture.
There are specific other styles that can increase the cost of sash windows. An example of this is acoustic glass which pushes the price up considerably. This is because the level of noise insulation you get with acoustic glass is met by using specialised laminated glass, which is thicker, heavier, and more expensive to make. It is also worth mentioning that with heavier glass comes heavier balances and so the windows will be more expensive.
Astragal or Georgian bars
When shopping for sash windows, deciding on the glazing bar arrangements in your windows will be important. The majority of homeowners considering sash windows are striving to maintain the traditional look of their property and so will likely choose an astragal bar arrangement that goes with the period of their home, e.g., selecting a Victorian style for a Victorian home.
The key difference between astragal bars and Georgian bars is that astragal bars are attached to the outside of the glazing on both sides, with an additional bar between the sheets of glass to appear like separated panes. Georgian bars on the other hand, sit between the glass and give the impression of a glazing bar grid from a distance.
Astragal bars are much more effective in providing a traditional aesthetic than Georgian bars, but they do cost more as a result. A lot more time and effort are needed to go into cutting, joining, and mounting the bars on both sides of the glass. Also, the bars themselves are of a higher quality and more materials are used. The arrangement you select might influence the price too. For instance, less bars are needed in a Victorian arrangement than a Georgian arrangement, meaning you can expect the Victorian style to be less expensive when it comes to sash window prices.
Colour
The colour you want for your sash windows plays a big role in the overall cost you will pay for them. As you would expect, certain colour choices and foils can be more expensive than other more standard options of sash window colours. A basic white uPVC window colour for example, will be at the lower end of the price range for sash windows. For other extra colours the cost will usually be about 30% to 50% higher, an example of this is if you choose colour bonding, which will cost roughly an additional 40% per window. The finish of the colour can also affect the price, e.g., woodgrain.
At Clydebuilt Home Improvements our stunning woodgrain finishes are designed to give the appearance of real timber, without the added maintenance that comes with choosing a wood material for your sash windows. Also, if you select dual colours with white inside and a second shade on the outside, you can match both the exterior character of your home and the interior décor.
Customisation options
Extra customisation options will definitely push up the cost of your sash windows if you decide to go with them. If you have your heart set on sash window arches for instance, you should prepare to pay an additional £500 on top of your sash window price per window. As well as this, the internal finish of your sash windows can affect your expenses, such as fancy timber architraves which will naturally add to the cost.
Installation
The installation of your sash windows is likely to be one of your biggest considerations when it comes to price. Most installers in your location will probably offer competitive prices on sash window installations so it is beneficial to contact them to get a better view of how much it will be to install the sash windows you want on your property.
It can be assumed that the cost of installation will mostly be affected by the amount of labour that is required to complete the work. Obviously, if you want a higher number of windows installed, it will be more time consuming when it comes to labour and so be more expensive in the overall price.
Also, there can be differences based on whether you are just having the windows fitted or if you are replacing old windows too. If there are already prepared window openings on new builds, this means that less time will be required compared to the process of taking out and replacing your existing windows. This can make a big difference to the price of your sash windows, so it is important to think about.
Are sash windows worth the cost?
In a new build property, sash windows can provide a level of quality and prestige that is difficult to match, particularly if the property is period-inspired. Even though the cost will be higher than for a standard window, uPVC modern sash windows will last much longer with little maintenance needed, making them a useful investment in your home.
Any home from the 17th to 19th centuries would look like they are lacking without sash windows. If you are doing renovation work on a Georgian, Regency, or Victorian building, or constructing a new home taking inspiration from these periods, installing sash windows should be your first option when it coms to selecting a window style.
They are worth the added cost to continue the traditional elegance of your home throughout the interior and exterior. If you are in a Conservation Area or working on a listed building, you might not have any other choice but to go with sash windows.
What are the advantages and drawbacks of sash windows?
When considering whether the more expensive price tag for sash windows is worth it to you, it can be helpful to think about the positives and negatives about this style of window.
Advantages
- Provides a classic, heritage look which works with many traditional style homes that want to be modernised in function and performance but maintain the older aesthetic.
- As sash windows slide and open at the top and bottom, they create a great level of convection, cooling, and ventilating a room more effectively in hot weather.
- Sash windows can usually be locked ajar, meaning you can have your window open without feeling vulnerable and worried about the security of your home.
Drawbacks
- They are more expensive than other types of windows.
- They are more complicated systems and if made of timber they will be more difficult to maintain.
- They can’t fully open like double casement windows as there is always the size of one sash over the window.
What is the best material for replacement sash windows?
If you are on a tight budget and the cost of your sash windows is especially important, you will want to carefully consider the material you want your sash windows to be made from. For keen traditionalists or those restricted by living in a Conservation Area or listed building, sash windows made from timber are likely to be the only option. Timber windows can have some advantages such as being an excellent insulator, versatility in the number of finishes, paint colours, and stains that are available, and they can be long lasting if properly maintained.
uPVC is often used as a substitute for timber when it comes to modern window design. Even though it is most commonly seen in white, it can come in a wide variety of colours and finishes, including ones that look exactly like real wood. This material has become extremely popular with homeowners over recent years due to their very useful benefits, including:
Low maintenance
Energy efficient
Cheaper than timber (uPVC can cost about 40% less than timber)
Higher quality models are better looking and hard wearing during difficult weather
Different styles of sash windows
As previously mentioned there are different styles of sash windows to choose from which will likely have an influence on the cost as well as matching the period of your home. The period of the property will dictate the number of panes in each sash that can be separated by astragal bars.
Georgian
The ‘six over six’ style is a staple of windows for a Georgian style house, although bigger ‘eight over eight’ windows were also quite commonly used in these properties.
Victorian
‘Two over two’ was the dominant look during Victorian times, but several other configurations can also be spotted throughout the period. This included sash windows that had just one single light, as well as the inclusion of sidelights.
Edwardian
Generally, ‘six over two’ panes were most common in the Edwardian era, but like with Victorian, the Edwardians saw variations in style.
Other variations of the sash style of windows include:
Venetian windows that have a central sliding sash between two fixed panes on either side.
The Queen Anne Revival style combines multiple panes in the upper sash but only one or two in the lower sash.
In Regency or Gothic revival periods sashes could often be designed as arched instead of rectangular, and in some areas it is popular to have sashes that slide horizontally.
Is it expensive to repair a sash window?
The glazing in sash windows can be replaced if the frames are in a good condition, single-glazed panels can be updated to slim double-glazed units for instance. For a complete replacement of a sash window, the cost will depend on specification, but you can expect to pay around £1,750 per window.
Without knowing the exact needs and preferences of each homeowner looking for sash windows it can be difficult to provide a complete one-size-fits-all price. However, we hope this guide has given you a greater understanding of the overall cost of sash windows and what factors can have a key impact on the price of them. Get a free quotation from us today to see exactly how much the sash windows you want will cost to install in your home.