Caterham · Surrey
uPVC Windows in Caterham
Homes in Caterham with rotting timber or failing frames can switch to low-maintenance uPVC windows that never need painting and lock at several points.
- CR3
- CR6
- RH9
- Guide from £565
White uPVC windows in Caterham: what to know
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.
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.
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.
Some upstairs windows are escape routes in a fire. In England, the Approved Document B guidance for an escape window is a clear openable area of at least 0.33 m², at least 450mm high and 450mm wide, with the bottom of the opening no more than 1100mm above the floor.
Included as standard
- Sealing inside and out, with trims to make good
- Removal and disposal of the old windows
- Survey and measurement of every opening
- Fitting, packing and fixing into the existing opening
Local details for Caterham
- Postcodes covered
- CR3, CR6, RH9 and the surrounding area, including Coulsdon, Purley and Redhill
- Coast
- Caterham is well inland, around 36 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Caterham the midwinter sun reaches about 15° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.6 hours of daylight, rising to about 62° and 16.4 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 Caterham
| 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
Approved Document Q applies to new homes in England, where doors and windows are expected to meet PAS 24 or an equivalent standard. It does not apply to replacements in existing homes, but PAS 24 products are still a sensible choice.
What you can choose
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.
Tilt and turn
Opens inwards from the side for cleaning or escape, or tilts from the top for secure ventilation; practical for flats and upper floors.
Woodgrain and colour foils
Grey, black, cream or woodgrain foils on one or both faces, so the frames can match a door or suit an older house.
uPVC Windows in Caterham: 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.
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.
Can uPVC windows be fitted in a conservation area or listed building?
Sometimes, but consent may be needed first. Listed buildings need listed building consent for significant works, and conservation areas or Article 4 directions often restrict changes to front windows. Woodgrain foils or uPVC sliding sashes can occasionally satisfy a planning officer. Check with your council before ordering; the council can tell you what an application needs, and we can provide product details and specifications to support it.
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.
Do you cover Caterham for uPVC windows?
Yes. We can quote for uPVC windows across Caterham and the surrounding Surrey area, including postcode districts CR3, CR6 and RH9, and nearby Coulsdon, Purley and Redhill. 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 Caterham
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.