The Ultimate Aluminium Window Cost Guide for 2023
As far as window framing material goes, aluminium windows are quickly becoming one of the most popular in the UK window market today. Aluminium is highly durable and offers new homes that sleek design aesthetic so many modern homeowners tend to go for. There are also several benefits associated with aluminium windows from a sustainable point of view. Overall aluminium window frames are a great option for new builds. Let’s take a look at what it might cost you should you choose to go with aluminium window frames in your property.
Full Aluminium Window Cost Breakdown
The main factor that will impact the cost of installing windows with aluminium frames is the size of the window itself. Larger windows require more material to construct the frame, therefore higher costs will be associated with bigger windows. However, some other factors affect the cost of aluminium windows such as window design and how many units are required for purchasing. The below table will give you a breakdown of the costs you can expect to come up against with aluminium window frames.
| Size (mm) | Glazing | Ballpark Cost |
| 1000 x 1000 | Double | £350 – £600 |
| Window Design | ||
| Sash Window | Double | £750 |
| Casement Window | Double | £650 |
| Tilt & Turn Window | Double | £885 |
The figures given in the table above are just to give you rough ideas about the kind of pricing you can expect when you take on an aluminium window project. If you are planning on installing aluminium windows, it’s always best to get the opinion of a professional contractor so that they can quote you more accurately. The size and design of the windows are not the only cost-determining factors, and a contractor will be able to advise on a case-by-case basis.
How Much Are Aluminium Sash Windows?
Sash windows are the most expensive window style out there. Their specialised lock system and opening mechanisms make them a desirable design in both older and modern homes. When paired with aluminium frames, you will definitely be looking at the upper end of the pricing spectrum. Sash windows typically come in traditional wooden frames and are popular in older properties. However, in modern homes, many homeowners are opting for the sash window style with aluminium windows. Price-wise, you can expect to pay an average of £755 per aluminium sash window.
How Much Are Aluminium Casement Windows?
Casement windows are a standard window design, popular for homeowners and property developers who are on more of a budget. Casement windows come in a standardised rectangular or square shape and have an opening mechanism that’s hinged to one side. Although aluminium frames offer a lot more durability and resistance to weather conditions, many people prefer to go with the cheaper uPVC frames. However, if you’re after a sleek, modern look, aluminium windows are the way to go. For an aluminium casement window, you can expect to pay around £650 per window on average.
How Much Are Aluminium Tilt and Turn Windows?
Tilt and turn windows are becoming increasingly popular with new builds. They are a great option for new parents and pet owners given the level of safety they bring to a home. They are also highly energy efficient because of the option to open them at the top or on a traditional casement-type hinge. As these are relatively modern designs, they are a popular option for aluminium frames. They are, however, one of the more expensive window designs out there, so when you choose to have tilt & turn windows with aluminium frames, you’re looking at an average price of around £855 per unit.
The Benefits of Aluminium Windows
Aluminium windows don’t only offer a sleek, modern aesthetic, but they also have non-visual benefits associated with them too. One of the most prominent benefits is that aluminium is considered to be a sustainable material, given the fact that the frames can be recycled once decommissioned. The frames themselves can also be made from recycled materials, making them an ideal option for modern eco homes.
Aluminium frames are also highly durable, which has what has made them so popular in areas like the UK. They are resistant to adverse weather conditions and can withstand any damage from strong winds. For those who have some money to spend on aluminium frames, they often find that the bigger upfront cost is worth it given the fact that aluminium frames last a lot longer than wooden ones. In the long run, you can end up saving money on maintenance and repairs when you choose aluminium windows.
What to Look Out For When You Choose Aluminium Windows
Aluminium frames are a fantastic option for durability, sustainability, and bringing a modern flair to your home’s profile. However, as with any material, there are some things to keep in mind before you commit to having aluminium window frames installed in your home.
If you have a home near the sea, you may not want to install aluminium windows in your home. The material is highly susceptible to corrosion, especially in areas where there is a lot of salt in the air. However, aluminium windows are a great option for those countryside, and inland homes given their durable qualities.
Aluminium is highly conductive, therefore it’s likely you may battle with condensation when you choose to have aluminium frames. When warmer temperatures are coming from the inside of a home, it may cause condensation on the outside of the aluminium frame. This can become an issue, especially with double-glazed windows. Moisture can become trapped in between the double glazing and cause further damage. However, with a good sealant and insulation, this is avoidable.
The conductive nature of aluminium also makes it less energy efficient than other materials like wood. The insulation of the material itself is very poor, and therefore they are not renowned for being an energy-efficient option. Because they do not retain heat from the outside, it means you will have to rely on your internal heating system more heavily to keep the inside of your home warm. However, if you think aluminium frames are a must-have in your home, you can improve their energy efficiency by adopting double or triple-glazed windows.
What Else Affects the Cost Of Aluminium Windows?
As we’ve mentioned, the main aspect of aluminium windows that will affect the cost is the frame size, the style of the window, the number of windows you wish to install on which the frame sits as well as the glazing you choose to have in your window.
There are other costs associated with having aluminium windows installed, but this very much depends on the specifics of the project and the window installation. Customised windows will naturally cost a bit more than standard units. However, installation costs also depend on some external factors not associated with the actual modelling of the window.
Customisation
Unlike wooden frames, aluminium frames are harder to colour-customise. To get a different colour out of your aluminium frame, you will have to have the frames colour-blasted which is a time-consuming and costly process. However, the effects of different coloured aluminium windows are stunning and will certainly give your home the modern flair you’re looking for.
Another popular customisation activity is shape customisation. When you choose to have windows in any shape other than the standard, there will be additional costs involved. Many people love to do this to bring their unique styles to the profiles of their homes. Customised shapes can be a fun expression or artistic inclination and add some interest to the property too. Costs usually go up given the fact that more aluminium framing is needed for different shapes.
Project Location and Circumstance
When a contractor quotes you for aluminium window installation, they will also consider the location of the installation. They will also have a look at how many windows have to be installed as well as on which level the windows need to be on. For projects taking place above the ground floor, installation costs will go up. Contract work that takes place in slightly more remote locations is also likely to cost the homeowner slightly more.
FAQs
Why are aluminium windows so expensive?
Aluminium is a typically expensive material and therefore making entire window frames out of it can be a costly exercise. However, the lack of maintenance required for aluminium windows means that, while the upfront cost may be high, households with aluminium windows installed will save money on repairs in the long run.
Do aluminium windows add value to the property?
Aluminium windows are a popular feature for those looking to buy new homes. They, therefore, do add value to your property, especially if you have them installed in a more modern home.
Should I restore or replace my aluminium windows?
This depends on the level of damage done to the aluminium frame. If there is rust or corrosion on the aluminium frame, you may have to replace it as these conditions can affect the entire frame over time. However, for minor damage, they can be easily repaired by a professional.