Coloured uPVC windows: What are the benefits and how much will it cost?

When it comes to durability, variety, and maintenance, uPVC windows are a great option. Their versatility and affordability have made them one of the most sought-after by UK homeowners. In terms of uPVC window colours, many households typically had white or brown windows installed. However, thanks to the emergence of newer home design trends, coloured uPVC windows are all the rage now. Innovative and aesthetically pleasing, coloured windows have added that much-needed element of desirability in modern homes.

UPVC windows are renowned for their insulating features, low maintenance, and robustness. Plus, their water-resistant and anti-warping properties make them an ideal choice for people living in regions with more extreme weather. Couple that with characterful colours and the advantages of uPVC windows go up a notch purely in an aesthetic sense.

Another very important benefit of coloured uPVC windows is the fact that they’re able to hold their distinct hues over long periods with minimal maintenance thanks to a coloured non-peel foil that prevents the uPVC frames from flaking, peeling or fading.

While coloured uPVC windows are gaining popularity and offer a wonderful way to customise the overall look and feel of your house, like anything else that you buy, it’s vital to weigh the pros and cons of these windows as well.

Pros

Visual appeal and vibrant aesthetics

Installing uPVC windows that come with brilliant hues and shades of colours is a great way to give your home that “wow” factor. Coloured windows make it easier for homeowners to select and implement a wide variety of design choices, allowing them to personalise their interior design and exterior aesthetics using contrasting tones and colours.

No need for frequent maintenance

Coloured uPVC windows are no different from typical uPVC windows, which means they require very little maintenance. You won’t have to repaint the windows or have them varnished. All you’ll have to do is wipe them down now and then, ensuring everything is nice and dust-free.

Potential increase in value

Because coloured windows add to the overall aesthetic appeal of your house or flat, they will naturally add to your property’s curb appeal, making it more desirable. This may potentially boost its market value down the line.

Cons

Can be expensive

Coloured uPVC windows are more expensive than their standard counterparts because of the added manufacturing process associated. In addition, keep in mind that dual-coloured uPVC can cost more.

Won’t be simple to change the colour

Once you buy a coloured uPVC window, it’s not going to be simple to have the colour changed, should you change your mind. While wood frames can be repainted by sanding the colour off, uPVC windows require an extensive repaint process, which can be costly.

Aesthetic limitations

While you can choose from a range of colour combinations, know that once you install the coloured windows, you won’t have a lot of options in terms of matching the right colours, should you decide to have your interior or exterior repainted in another colour.

uPVC windows are generally less cost-intensive compared with other materials, such as wood or metal, because the material doesn’t cost much to produce, but they are still a durable option and, if cared for properly, may last up to 25 years.

When it comes to coloured uPVC windows, keep in mind that the windows may cost 10 to 20 per cent more than their traditional white alternatives because the colour process is generally more expensive. In light of this, we’ve mentioned the average prices of coloured uPVC casement windows in line with different specifications and measurements.

It’s also important to understand that there are other factors to consider, all of which may impact the price of your coloured uPVC windows, for example:

• Bigger, non-standard sized windows will cost more compared to smaller, standard-sized ones.
• Casement window frame designs are more affordable compared with sash or box windows.
• There are also a variety of window handles and components you will have to consider, quality handles and hardware will generally cost more.

Your choice of company will also impact the total cost of the windows. That’s because different companies implement different colour processes and techniques to make the colours long-lasting and more resistant to typical wear and tear. For instance, the process for dual-coloured uPVC windows, where the uPVC is coloured differently on the inside form the outside, will likely cost more because it’s usually more labour-intensive and involves a more-complex production process because the manufacturer has to construct the frame with multiple colours, inside and out.

uPVC windows come in a wide assortment of wonderful colour combinations, and you’ll find that different companies offer unique options, making it easier for you to choose colours that match both your interior and exterior. However, most suppliers will typically have a standard set of up to 10 colour options, but many companies may also offer colour-matching for an additional fee.

As a homeowner, you have plenty of choices to customise the overall look and feel of your abode by choosing from a different selection ranging from all the colours on the spectrum to even natural wood colour finishes. Today, it’s very easy to complement your house using different coloured uPVC windows, adding a touch of brilliance and uniqueness. You’d also be pleasantly surprised to know that there’s a wide variety of colour combinations you can choose in line with the type of windows you have. For example, there are different categories of colours for casements, tilt-and-turn, and bay windows among others.

Moreover, installing coloured uPVC windows is an excellent way to add a bit of variety to your home. For instance, you can choose to get colours that provide a more era-appropriate finish for cottages or period properties (although there may be some material and colour restrictions for those in listed buildings and conservation areas.

Many homeowners choose more classic options typically seen on timber windows, such as pale blue, cream, and sage green (often called Chartwell by window companies). This can be a better more-neutral option for those who are looking to sell their house further down the line.

However, darker shades or bolder hues are also becoming more popular in modern home designs, where homeowners are becoming more playful and personal with their design choices. Shades of pink, orange, and emerald green are much bolder than the classic grey, white or brown and emulate the characterful appearance of powder-coated aluminium.

If you’re leaning towards a woodgrain finish, going for coloured uPVC windows that come with a natural wood finish and shade is an excellent idea. Additionally, there are many woodgrain replica options to choose from, such as golden oak, English oak, and grey cedar to mimic the traditional timber look.

Moreover, you can opt for a dual-colour option, which comprises a different interior and exterior colour. For example, you can choose to have the interior side coloured white and the exterior with a dark or more neutral tone such as sage green or indigo blue on the outside or a creamy white shade on the interior. You can also choose a Tudor split style, which consists of a dual-tone with a pale colour, such as a white or grey sash, and a dark frame (black or dark green).

Choosing the best coloured uPVC windows can effortlessly modify and boost your home’s desirability and visual prowess, propelling its resale value and curb appeal. 

While there are a variety of coloured window styles you can opt for, casement windows, being the most common style of window, generally have more colour choices than other styles.

Bay windows essentially offer a wider view of the outside with a protruding design based around three to five panes. As there is a lot of frame on show in this style, it is often best to choose a timeless colour, such as cream, light oak, or sage green. That being said, highlighting the architectural interest with a more vibrant hue might emphasise this highly-desirable feature. 

For sash windows that are designed to mimic Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian styles, achieving a believable heritage style is essential. While uPVC doesn’t offer the character of wooden windows, coloured frames help to bring the visual gap for heritage homes. Dark greens and deep blues can recreate these eras’ lucious and vibrant aesthetics. 

In addition, coloured uPVC windows are also available in different types of glazing options. For example, you can opt for double glazing, triple glazing, and low-e glass. Different types of glazing come with a variety of advantages. Double glazing, the standard among most homes in the UK, consists of two glass panes and a coating, making it more energy efficient and better at insulation and trapping heat than older single glazing. Triple glazing, on the other hand, comprises three panes of glass, providing even more superior energy efficiency. Triple glazing windows have two air gaps between the panes, which further minimises thermal transmission. Low-e windows, however, consist of an environment-friendly coating that’s designed to keep the infrared rays outside your home and significantly reduce UV damage to your curtains and carpets, preventing them from penetrating inside your home. 

It’s wise to factor in all the details when requesting a coloured uPVC windows quote. You’ll need to consider a host of things as part of the overall cost, including the windows themselves, installation, any additional materials, hardware, and the price of taking away old windows.

In addition, it’s also imperative to seek multiple quotes from different vendors in your area. And keep in mind that a particularly affordable and enticing quote may not necessarily guarantee quality or value. This is why it’s best to consider going for reputed brands that offer decent warranty terms.