uPVC windows, celebrated for their strength, affordability and easy maintenance, have traditionally only been available in white. However, the home design market now embraces coloured uPVC windows, infusing a new, exciting aesthetic into residences.
These windows, made from durable, insulating, unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (giving the name uPVC), are adept at combating harsh weather, promoting energy efficiency, and lowering household bills. The introduction of colour expands these benefits, providing a visually appealing alternative to the standard white. These coloured variants are designed to ensure long-lasting vibrancy, with the shades fused directly onto the material to prevent wear and tear over time.
Coloured uPVC windows enhance a property’s external charm, offering a unique flair that not only differentiates your home from others but could also boost its market value, attracting potential buyers looking for an aesthetically-pleasing property. Colour can also be applied to the interior window frames, complementing your home’s decor, and some manufacturers offer the option of different interior and exterior colours.
Our experts have spent many hours researching and analysing coloured uPVC windows, assessing the available colours, typical window prices, and how they benefit your home.
Advantages and disadvantages of coloured uPVC windows
What colours are available for uPVC windows?
The RAL colour chart is Europe’s leading colour-matching standard, widely utilised across various industries, including window manufacturers. When purchasing coloured window frames, suppliers typically rely on this chart to ensure the colour precisely aligns with your preferences. This system simplifies the selection process, providing a consistent method for identifying specific colours.
The availability of colours for uPVC windows has expanded significantly, allowing you to choose from a broad palette to complement your home’s style. The range of RAL colours available depends on the manufacturer and can include numerous finishes, such as matte, gloss, or textured, further allowing customisation to your taste or existing home style.
Some windows manufacturers have different names for the same or very similar colours, but they should all correspond with the RAL chart. For example, Anglian’s Sage Green is almost identical to Everest’s Chartwell Green.
When getting quotes, explore each provider’s specific colour offerings and request samples.
Neutral colours
Many homeowners opt for neutral and timeless colour schemes. This strategy can be especially wise for those contemplating future property sales, potentially enhancing the home’s appeal to prospective buyers.
Popular neutral colours include grey, cream and beige tones, offering a subtle, classic look.
Pastel colours
Both contemporary and period homes suit pastel-coloured windows. For country-style cottages, they lend a pretty picture-postcard warmth, especially when combined with the classic climbing roses around the front door.
Pastel pinks, blues, and greens lend a welcoming charm to any home, giving a touch of colour without being overwhelming.
Bright colours
A house with bright, vibrant windows will always stand out, especially with a contrasting or complementary coloured front door. Although the Victorians often mixed bright reds with greens or purples to give the impression of luxury and wealth, these colour choices suit most architectural styles.
Dark colours
Rich, dark colours were traditionally used in the Georgian or Regency periods, with burgundy, deep blue, grey and black popular choices. Many homeowners today choose dark colours to provide a stylishly elegant aesthetic to their properties, whether contemporary or heritage.
How are coloured uPVC windows made?
uPVC windows typically undergo a colour lamination process, ensuring a durable finish. This involves several layers of colour film being very slowly rolled onto the hot uPVC, using temperature and mechanical pressure to form a highly secure bond. They can also be customised through spray painting, accommodating future aesthetic changes or experimentation with various hues.
In contrast, aluminium windows receive their colour from a powder coating process, and timber windows are painted and sealed, protecting the wood from potential deterioration.
How much do coloured uPVC windows cost?
uPVC windows offer a more cost-effective option than those made from other materials, thanks to their simpler manufacturing process and the affordability of the base components.
However, the cost of uPVC windows is based on various factors, including the dimensions and designs you choose. Other critical aspects impacting the price include the selected colours and the specific methods employed for coating or laminating the uPVC windows.
Coloured uPVC windows typically cost around 10% more than plain white uPVC due to the additional work required to add the colour.
| Coloured uPVC window types | Price for 600 x 900 mm | Price for 900 x 1,200 mm | Price for 1,200 x 1,200 mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casement | £550 | £620 | £680 |
| Sash | £1,100 | £1,300 | Sash windows unavailable in this size |
| Tilt and turn | £650 | £760 | £870 |
What styles of coloured uPVC windows are available?
uPVC windows have become popular among homeowners due to their energy efficiency, low maintenance, and durability, but adding colour allows numerous customisation options.
- Casement windows: The cheapest option, casement windows are available hinged at the side or top, with a choice of designs and glass options. These include French casement, with no central pillar providing unobstructed views when open.
- Sliding sash windows: These windows offer a classic design, often found in Victorian and Georgian properties, and consist of movable glass panels that slide vertically to open or close. They combine the charm of traditional design with modern, energy-efficient materials
- Tilt and turn windows: This style can be tilted open from the top for ventilation or from the side, giving plenty of options for homeowners
- Bay and bow windows: Both styles protrude from the wall, creating a sense of space and allowing more natural light into the room. Bay windows are typically angular, consisting of three or more panels, while bow windows create a curved shape with four or more glass panels
What should my quote for coloured uPVC windows include?
When seeking a quote for coloured uPVC windows, it’s essential to cover all aspects of the installation and the product. Here’s what you should look for in a detailed quote:
- Breakdown of costs: A quote should provide a detailed breakdown, including the cost of the windows, installation charges, and potential extra charges for complex installations
- Window customisation: Your quote should list the colour, or colours you’ve chosen, window furniture, and the glass type
- Warranty: The warranty should cover the longevity of the colour, the window’s functionality, and installation
- Timeline: Each quote should outline the expected timeline for the delivery and installation of the windows, including any preparatory work needed
- Removal and cleanup: Check whether the quote includes the removal of old windows and subsequent cleanup. Some companies may charge extra for this service
Securing several quotes for windows is crucial as it allows for price and service comparisons, ensuring you don’t overspend while still receiving quality products and installation services that meet your expectations. However, it’s important to remember that while the least expensive quote might seem attractive, it doesn’t always signify the best deal.
Coloured uPVC windows FAQs
While white uPVC windows are the most popular, coloured frames are rapidly catching up, with warm, earthy tones trending in 2024. Grey shades also appear more regularly in residential properties, as is black for its classic elegance.
uPVC windows come in a wide range of colours, but limitations exist. Manufacturers offer various standard colour options, and some also provide a colour mixing service that allows for an even broader range of custom colours, typically based on the RAL colour system, a widely recognised standard for defining paint colours.
However, not all colours may be available from every manufacturer due to limitations in their production processes or the specific range they offer. Additionally, very unusual or bespoke colours might be more expensive or require a special order, potentially leading to longer lead times for delivery.
It’s always best to consult with several suppliers to understand their offerings and any possible restrictions.
You can change the colour of uPVC windows, but it requires specialised paint to ensure it adheres to the uPVC surface and withstands environmental factors without peeling or fading.
The windows must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared before painting and may require light sanding for better adhesion.
The application process typically involves either spraying, which provides a smooth, professional finish, or a paintbrush. Multiple light coats are usually recommended for the best outcome; however, the results may not be as long-lasting as the original factory finish.
It’s important to note that painting uPVC windows could affect the manufacturer’s warranty, and if in doubt, consult a professional.
Katharine brings over a decade of writing and research expertise, collaborating with some of the UK’s top organisations, such as the Independent, the Federation of Master Builders, Architectural Digest, and Cuvva Car Insurance. Her areas of specialisation include renewable energy, advanced technologies, and various aspects of home improvement, like kitchen renovations, combi boilers, and double glazed windows.
