Thurso · Highlands & Islands
uPVC Windows in Thurso
Draughty or tired windows in Thurso can be replaced with made-to-measure uPVC frames, and our glaziers survey every opening before you receive a fixed written quote.
- KW14
- Guide from £565
uPVC casement windows across Thurso
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.
uPVC window frames are made from extruded profiles with several internal chambers that trap air and slow heat loss. Larger frames, and those on exposed elevations, are usually reinforced with steel or aluminium inside the profile so they stay straight and the locks keep engaging properly over the years.
Bay windows need extra care. Some older bays carry load from the wall or roof above, so the glazier checks the support before removal and may fit bay poles or ask for structural advice. Replacing a window in the same opening is different from widening it, which needs a new lintel.
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.
What you get
- Written guarantee terms and advice on building regulations sign-off
- Fitting, packing and fixing into the existing opening
- Removal and disposal of the old windows
- Made-to-measure frames with sealed double glazed units

Local details for Thurso
- Postcodes covered
- KW14 and the surrounding area, including Kirkwall
- Coast
- Thurso is about 2 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 Thurso the midwinter sun reaches about 8° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 6.0 hours of daylight, rising to about 55° and 18.0 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 Scotland
- Section 4 (Safety) of the Scottish Technical Handbooks covers glazing that people could collide with, such as glass in and beside doors and low-level glazing, where safety glass is needed.
Guide prices in Thurso
| 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
Where a window provides an escape route, its replacement in Scotland should give at least the same escape opening as before.
Choosing your uPVC windows
Georgian or astragal bars
Bars set between the panes or applied to the faces of the glass for a traditional divided-pane look.
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 Thurso: questions
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.
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.
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.
Do you cover Thurso for uPVC windows?
Yes. We can quote for uPVC windows across Thurso and the surrounding Highlands & Islands area, including postcode districts KW14, and nearby Kirkwall. 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 Thurso
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.