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The cost of double glazing a three-bed house

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If you’re thinking of adding double-glazed windows to your three-bedroom house, there are some important points to consider, including how adding double-glazed windows can add value to your property, save you money on your energy bills and reduce noise pollution. 

The value of your home may increase by adding double-glazed windows, as they provide a modern feature that changes the appearance of any home. With the cost of energy increasing, the addition of double-glazed windows can equate to big savings on energy bills over time by reducing draughts and heat loss, improving overall energy efficiency. What’s more, double-glazed windows are a great option to make your home more tranquil, with their ability to decrease noise pollution resulting in a reduced amount of outside noise coming into your home. 

In this article, we will look at the average double-glazed window prices for a three-bedroom house and provide guidance for obtaining accurate quotes from installers in your area.

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What is the cost of double glazing a three-bed house in the UK?

The cost of double glazing a three-bed house in the UK can vary based on several factors. The average cost to replace all windows in a three-bed house typically ranges from £4,000 to £7,000, including installation. The number of windows that require replacement will be a key factor when it comes to the costs involved, as will the property type. For example, the cost of double glazing a three-bed terraced house may differ from the cost for a three-bed detached or semi-detached house.

Other factors that can significantly impact the cost of double glazing a three-bed house are the materials used, the types of windows, additional features, style of house and whether the house is in a conservation area where regulations can influence the addition of double glazing to a property.

When it comes to materials, uPVC window frames are a popular and more affordable option for many homeowners. Aluminium, wooden and composite frames offer improved aesthetics and durability, though these options are typically more costly.

Factors to consider when getting a quote for double-glazed windows for your three-bedroom house are the number of windows you require, the frame material and any additional features you may wish to add, such as upgraded glazing, design and security features. The number of windows required can cause the overall cost of adding double glazing to vary, in addition to the sizes of the windows. On average, the cost of double glazing for a three-bedroom house is between £400 and £800 per window.

If you’re considering adding double-glazed windows to your three-bed home, we advise that you obtain multiple quotes to find the best value and a more accurate idea of the cost of double glazing for your specifications.

Whilst cost is an important factor when choosing a supplier for your double-glazed windows, it is important to keep in mind that reputable companies will ensure that your new windows are installed properly and offer guarantees to maximise the lifespan of your new windows. Read our guide to the best double glazing companies for more information.

Three-bed semi-detached cost

Cost of double glazing three-bed semi-detached house
An average three-bedroom semi-detached house has eight to 12 windows (Adobe)

An average three-bed semi-detached house in the UK, whereby two houses are linked by a shared wall, will typically have between eight and 12 windows. It is important to consider that the number of windows a three-bed semi-detached house has will influence the costs when getting double-glazed windows. You can expect the average cost of adding double-glazed windows to a three-bed semi-detached house to be between £5,000 and £7,000.

Three-bed terraced house cost

Cost of double glazing three-bed house row of terraced houses
Terraced houses typically have fewer windows to replace thanks to having two shared walls (Adobe

An average three-bed terraced house, sharing a wall with another terraced property on either side of the house, will have between six and 10 windows. You can expect the average cost of adding double-glazed windows to a three-bed terraced house in the UK to be in the region of £4,000 to £6,000. You should consider that an end terraced house may require additional windows, so the cost may be higher.

Three-bed detached house cost

Cost to double glaze three-bed house detached
Detached houses will typically have more windows, which means it will cost more for double glazing (Adobe)

A three-bed detached house shares no walls with other properties. An average three-bed detached house in the UK has between eight and 12 windows, and the average cost of adding double glazing is between £5,000 and £7,000, though this depends on several factors that are addressed in this article.

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Best window styles for a three-bed house

Some popular window styles for a three-bed house include:

Here is a summary of each of the above styles and some of the benefits of each.

Casement windows are designed to open outwardly. They are attached to a frame by hinges on one side. Casement windows are a great option if you’re looking for uninterrupted views from your windows, and they offer excellent ventilation due to their wide opening design.

Sash windows consist of two moveable glazed panels that slide vertically past each other in the window frame. Sash windows are a classic and timeless design that add character to both modern and traditional properties. They offer versatile opening options to suit the desired amount of ventilation in the home.

Bay or bow windows are a popular architectural feature, allowing homes to benefit from optimised natural light and expansive views while creating extra space in the home. Bay and bow windows are similar in design. Bay windows consist of a central window panel with two angled side windows on either side. A bow window is a curved or arched window that consists of multiple window panels arranged in a gentler curve of three to six panels. It’s worth noting that it’s unusual for every window in a house to be a bow or bay window, and that would be reflected in the cost; expect to pay less if your home has only two of these windows, which is typical.

A traditional appearance can be achieved with the addition of cottage style windows. Cottage style windows feature multiple smaller panes of glass separated by vertical and horizontal bars, creating a grid pattern design in the window.

Turn and tilt windows offer a modern aesthetic and design while enabling weather-resistant ventilation. This window design allows for the outward opening of the window, as with casement windows, but with the addition of a second opening option, whereby the window can be opened to tilt inwards.

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Best window materials for a three-bed house

When considering the best window materials for a three-bedroom house, it is important to consider several factors, such as durability, budget, maintenance and preferred aesthetics. Here we provide the pros and cons of the most widely used window frame options in the UK. 

Some popular window materials for a three-bed house include:

  • uPVC
  • Wood
  • Aluminium
  • Composite

Here is a summary of each of the above materials and some of the benefits of each one.

uPVC window frames are made from a form of durable plastic. uPVC double-glazed windows are typically the most cost-effective option, and they come with a range of colour, opening and hardware options. uPVC windows are renowned for their durability and longevity, requiring little maintenance. They may not be the best option if you are looking for a very hard-wearing option, such as aluminium frames, or if you’d like your double glazing to have a greater architectural or aesthetic appeal.

Wooden window frames can offer a more charming aesthetic to any home, enhancing the character and appearance of both traditional and modern properties. Wooden frames offer a great deal of versatility when it comes to design, allowing for style and design preferences to complement the home. Wooden window frames usually come with a higher upfront cost and require more maintenance than uPVC, composite and aluminium options, but with continued maintenance, they can be just as long lasting.

A popular choice for many homeowners is aluminium windows, and this is for a few reasons. Aluminium-framed windows offer many design features, including their architectural style, slim profile and the ability to powder coat them in any colour. In addition to their aesthetics, aluminium framed windows are incredibly durable and resistant to rust and rot. Aluminium windows come with other benefits for security and are very low maintenance. However, the higher up-front cost of aluminium windows should be kept in mind.

Composite framed windows have grown in popularity in recent years. These window frames are made to look like wooden frames but are in fact a combination of wood, vinyl and fibreglass. The combination of materials allows for the appearance of wood but is more durable and requires less maintenance than wooden window frames.

In the table below, you’ll find window prices for an average three-bedroom house by style and material type:

Material Casement Sash Tilt and turn Cottage Bay Bow
uPVC £2,720 – £6,600 £6,040 – £9,060 £5,080 – £6,350 £4,600 – £5,750 £12,000–£15,000 £12,000–£15,000
Wooden £9,200 – £15,600 £20,40 – £30,600 £6,520 – £8,150 £4.960 – £6,200 £12,960–£16,200 £12,960–£16,200
Aluminium £5,520 – £10,200 £10,000 – £15,000 £7,440 – £9,300 £7,440 – £9,300 £14,040–£17,550 £14,040–£17,550
Composite £17,200 – £30,960 £20,000 – £30,000 £17,200 – £30,960 £17,200 – £30,960 £17,200 – £30,960 £17,200 – £30,960

Frequently asked questions about double glazing a three-bed house

The average cost of adding double glazing to a four-bed house in the UK is between £5,000 and £10,000 to replace all windows, including installation. The costs can depend not only on your location within the UK but also upon the window sizes required, the number of windows to be replaced and the specifications. You may be able to bring the price down further if you qualify for a grant for windows.

The materials used and types of windows can cause variations in the average cost. uPVC double glazing is a popular and more cost-effective option for many UK homeowners, whereas timber, composite and aluminium frame options are typically more expensive. 

If features such as decorative double-glazed window designs, specialist glass coatings, or window frame colours are added, it is likely that the cost of double glazing a four-bed house will increase.

It is important to consider that more obscure window types, such as bay windows, floor-to-ceiling windows, or unusual window shapes, will, in most cases, be more expensive to replace.

There are several factors to consider when deciding if triple-glazed windows will be better for your home than double-glazed windows, as each has advantages and disadvantages. 

When considering the suitability of double-glazed and triple-glazed windows for your home, it is important to understand the differences in cost, energy efficiency, natural light transferal and sound proofing.

Budget is a key consideration point when deciding if triple glazing is a better option for your home, as triple glazing is generally more costly. While the cost of triple glazing is typically higher upfront due to a more advanced window construction and the additional materials required, it may prove to be more cost effective in the long run due to the superior energy efficiency when compared with double glazing.

Triple glazing offers higher thermal efficiency than double glazing, as it provides an extra layer of glass, reducing heat loss through windows. This higher level of insulation is beneficial in the colder months, as it results in greater energy savings than can be achieved with double-glazed windows.

The extra layer of glass that triple glazing offers also gives more pronounced sound insulation than double glazing, making it a great choice for properties near busy roads or built-up areas. It is important to consider that triple glazing can impact the amount of natural light that is transferred into your home. The additional layer of glass in triple-glazed windows will slightly decrease the amount of natural light entering a room.

On average, you should expect your double glazing to last upwards of 30 years, providing your windows are well maintained. The longevity of double-glazed windows can vary based on some key factors, including the quality of materials and installation, maintenance and environmental influences.

Ensuring your double-glazed windows are correctly installed is paramount when it comes to their long-term performance. Using a reputable company that offers guarantees for both windows and fitting is the best way to make sure that best practices are followed. Seal failure and air and water leaks can be a result of poor installation, and these issues can significantly reduce the lifespan of double-glazed windows.

Using good quality double-glazed window materials, including frames, seals and glass, is key to increasing the longevity of your windows. This results in longer lasting performance and decreased deterioration over time.

To prolong the lifespan of double-glazed windows, regular maintenance is required. It is important that windows and frames are regularly cleaned and checked for signs of wear, such as hardware damage, worn seals or weather-related damage. Rectifying any issues in a timely manner will protect your windows from deteriorating further.

The environmental influence of extreme weather and temperatures or exposure to corrosive elements such as saltwater can factor into how long double glazing will last. Environmental factors can lead to increased wear and tear over time.

It is worth double glazing a three-bed house for several reasons, including increasing the value of your home, reducing energy consumption and costs, making your home more sustainable, making your home more comfortable and reducing the effects of noise pollution.

Potential home buyers will often view double glazing as a desirable feature, thus improving the value of a property. Double-glazed windows are appealing to buyers for their modern appearance and improved energy efficiency.

Double glazing can reduce energy consumption and costs, as it offers improved window insulation. This improved insulation reduces energy bills over time, as there is less heat loss during the colder months. In addition, double glazing reduces heat entering a property during the summer, maintaining more comfortable indoor temperatures. A home with double glazing installed will benefit from being more sustainable and environmentally friendly. With households having an increased focus on their carbon footprint, double glazing will reduce overall carbon emissions.

The comfort of your home during winter can be improved with the addition of double glazing, eliminating draughts and reducing cold areas near windows. The comfort offered by double glazing is further increased by the fact that external noise pollution will be reduced, making a more peaceful environment, particularly in built-up urban areas or near busy roads.

When assessing whether double glazing a three-bedroom house is worth it, it is important to consider your budget, the long-term savings and the increased property value.

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Liz is a distinguished author and a leading voice in the realm of home improvements. With an unwavering dedication to sustainable living, she brings a wealth of expertise as a home improvements connoisseur, specialising in energy-efficient enhancements.

With a particular emphasis on reducing energy consumption, Liz’s passion shines through in her advocacy for upgrades like double glazing windows. 

Through her insightful writing, Liz empowers homeowners to embrace greener lifestyles without compromising on comfort or style. Her articles, guides, and expert opinions provide practical, step-by-step advice for those eager to make a positive environmental impact. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a homeowner seeking to curate a more sustainable space, Liz offers a wealth of knowledge to inspire and guide your home improvement journey.

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