Christchurch · Dorset
uPVC Windows in Christchurch
Homes in Christchurch with rotting timber or failing frames can switch to low-maintenance uPVC windows that never need painting and lock at several points.
- BH6
- BH23
- BH7
- Guide from £565
Christchurch: uPVC casement windows
In England, replacement windows on a house that look similar to the originals usually do not need planning permission. Flats and maisonettes do not have permitted development rights for replacing windows, and listed buildings, conservation areas and homes under an Article 4 direction may need consent, so check before ordering.
Windows are replaced room by room, so each opening is only exposed for a short spell. A single window is usually changed within a day, and a typical house takes a few days depending on the number of windows, bays and access. Inside, reveals are finished with trims, sealant or filler.
Low-level glass needs safety glazing. In England, Approved Document K treats any glazed panel within 800mm of the floor as a critical location, so a full-height pane, a low picture window or glass beside a door usually needs toughened or laminated glass, permanently marked to show its classification.
In England, Approved Document L sets the standard for a replacement window in an existing home: a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K or better, or a Window Energy Rating of band B or above. The new window should also be no worse than the one it replaces. The other UK nations set their own figures.
Included as standard
- Survey and measurement of every opening
- Made-to-measure frames with sealed double glazed units
- Written guarantee terms and advice on building regulations sign-off
- Sealing inside and out, with trims to make good
Local details for Christchurch
- Postcodes covered
- BH6, BH23, BH7 and the surrounding area, including Bournemouth, New Milton and Ferndown
- Coast
- Christchurch is about 1 km from the coast or a tidal estuary, so salt air and wind-driven rain are worth planning for. 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 Christchurch the midwinter sun reaches about 16° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.7 hours of daylight, rising to about 63° and 16.3 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 Christchurch
| 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
In England, replacing a whole window, roof window or glazed external door is building work. It has to be notified to building control, either by an installer registered with a competent person scheme such as FENSA or Certass, or through a building notice to the council. Replacing only the glass in an existing frame is a repair and is not notifiable.
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.
Georgian or astragal bars
Bars set between the panes or applied to the faces of the glass for a traditional divided-pane look.
uPVC Windows in Christchurch: questions
Will fitting new windows damage my plaster or decor?
Some disturbance is normal, but it is usually limited to the edges of each opening. The glazier cuts out the old frame, fits the new one and finishes the inside with trims, sealant or filler. Older frames set deep into plaster may need some plaster repair, and we flag that at survey so it is covered in the quote.
Should I choose double or triple glazing?
Well-specified double glazing with low-E glass and warm-edge spacers can meet the energy standard for replacement windows, and the certified rating confirms it. Triple glazing adds a third pane, which helps on cold, noisy or north-facing elevations, but the units are heavier and need frames designed for them. We can quote both so you can compare.
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.
What guarantee comes with new uPVC windows?
Manufacturer guarantees apply to new frames, sealed units and hardware, and the terms are confirmed in writing. Guarantee terms for the installation are set out in writing with your quote, so you know what is covered and for how long before you commit. Keep this paperwork with your building regulations certificate, because buyers' solicitors usually ask for both.
Do you cover Christchurch for uPVC windows?
Yes. We can quote for uPVC windows across Christchurch and the surrounding Dorset area, including postcode districts BH6, BH23 and BH7, and nearby Bournemouth, New Milton and Ferndown. 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 Christchurch
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.