Durham · County Durham
uPVC Windows in Durham
Draughty or tired windows in Durham can be replaced with made-to-measure uPVC frames, and our glaziers survey every opening before you receive a fixed written quote.
- DH1
- Guide from £565
uPVC windows in Durham: what to know
When windows are replaced in England, Approved Document F expects the room's ventilation to be no worse than before. That usually means trickle vents in the head of the new frames, sized to the room, so the glazier records whether the old windows had vents and specifies the new ones to suit.
Modern uPVC casements use multi-point espagnolette locks that engage keeps along the frame, internally beaded glass so units cannot be removed from outside, and key-locking handles. PAS 24 is the security standard expected for easily accessible windows in new homes in England, and it is a sensible benchmark for ground-floor replacements.
uPVC frames need washing a few times a year with warm soapy water and a drop of light oil on hinges and locking points. Drainage slots along the bottom of the outer frame let rainwater escape, so keep them clear of dirt and leaves to stop water collecting in the cill.
uPVC no longer means white only. Frames can be foiled in woodgrain or solid colours such as grey, black or cream, often outside only with white inside. Foils are bonded at the factory and should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent, because abrasive pads and solvents mark the surface.
What you get
- Made-to-measure frames with sealed double glazed units
- Removal and disposal of the old windows
- Written guarantee terms and advice on building regulations sign-off
- Sealing inside and out, with trims to make good
Durham at a glance
- Postcodes covered
- DH1 and the surrounding area, including Chester-le-Street, Houghton-le-Spring and Stanley
- Coast
- Durham sits roughly 17 km from the nearest coastline, close enough that exposure on open or high ground is worth considering. Near the coast, salt spray and wind-driven rain test seals, drainage and hardware. uPVC itself does not corrode, but stainless or coated locking parts, well-sealed joints around the frame and clear drainage slots matter, and exposed elevations may need frames with higher weather ratings.
- Daylight and sun
- In Durham the midwinter sun reaches about 12° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 6.9 hours of daylight, rising to about 59° and 17.1 hours in midsummer. uPVC frames are bulkier than aluminium, so they take a little more glass area from small windows. On south and west elevations, solar-control or neutral low-E glass limits overheating, while north-facing rooms benefit from high light-transmission glass and warm-edge spacers that reduce condensation.
- Access and setting
- Older rural cottages often have irregular openings, thick walls and timber lintels, so every frame is measured individually and the support above each opening is checked. Exposed hillside and open-field sites benefit from reinforced frames and careful sealing against driving rain.
- Rules in England
- Approved Document K requires safety glass in critical locations in England: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door, up to 1500 mm above floor level, and any glazing in walls or partitions up to 800 mm above floor level.
Guide prices in Durham
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Casement window, 900 × 1050 mm | £565 – £725 |
| Casement window, 1200 × 1200 mm | £665 – £855 |
| Large window, 1800 × 1200 mm | £805 – £995 |
| Anthracite or woodgrain, 1200 × 1200 mm | £785 – £995 |
Get a guide price for your size
Listed buildings in England need listed building consent for most changes to historic windows or glass, and conservation areas can restrict changes visible from the street. Speak to the council's conservation officer before ordering.
Specification choices
uPVC sliding sash
Vertical sliders that mimic traditional box sashes, using spring balances instead of weights, where planning rules allow uPVC.
Double or triple glazing
Low-E double glazing suits most homes; triple glazing adds a third pane for lower heat loss and quieter rooms, but units are heavier.
Casement windows
Side-hung or top-hung sashes on friction hinges, suiting most houses, with easy-clean hinges that let upper-floor glass be cleaned from inside.
uPVC Windows in Durham: questions
Do I need building regulations approval for replacement uPVC windows?
Yes. In England, replacement windows are controlled fittings, so the work must meet building regulations. An installer registered with a competent person scheme such as FENSA or Certass can self-certify the work and you receive a certificate; otherwise approval comes from building control. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland run their own systems, and we explain which route applies before work starts.
Are uPVC windows secure?
Modern uPVC windows can be very secure when they have multi-point locks, internal glazing beads, key-locking handles and laminated glass where needed. PAS 24 is the security standard expected for easily accessible windows in new homes in England. Ask for ground-floor windows tested to it, and avoid frames where the glass is beaded from outside.
How long does it take to fit uPVC windows?
Most single windows are changed within a day, and a typical house usually takes a few days. Bays, large picture windows and openings that need a tower or scaffold take longer. Manufacturing comes first, because every frame is made to the survey measurements, and the lead time is confirmed with your quote.
How much do uPVC windows cost?
The cost of uPVC windows depends on the size and number of windows, how many sashes open, the frame colour, the glass and the access. White casements with standard double glazing sit at the lower end, while foiled colours, triple glazing and bay windows cost more. See the guide prices for typical ranges; the written quote fixes the price for your specification.
Do you cover Durham for uPVC windows?
Yes. We can quote for uPVC windows across Durham and the surrounding County Durham area, including postcode districts DH1, and nearby Chester-le-Street, Houghton-le-Spring and Stanley. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Get a written quote in Durham
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.