Glass prices

As many others do you also want to save on your energy costs through better-insulated windows? Or are your current windows in need of replacement? Before you make a choice, you want to know more about glass prices and the options available to you. Renoca has put all the information together in a clear overview.

What does glass cost?

On average, it costs £190 to have glass installed. Nowadays, most people choose HR++ glass. This is because the argon gas between the two glass plates in HR++ glass insulates better than the dry air in standard double glazing. You can get HR++ glass for an average of £140 per m², including installation. See the price list below for glass prices per m² for various types of glass, including installation.

Some situations will show you what glass prices you can expect:

Goodest option

You have a number of interior doors that need new single glass to be fitted. In total, you need 2 m² of glass. Glass prices for this are between £80 and £120.

Average price/performance

Don’t have a lot to spend, but want to save on energy costs? Then choose standard double glazing. This has an average insulation value and can be installed for glass prices starting from £70 per m².

Most economical

Do you want to save on energy costs by replacing the glass ? Then opt for HR++ glass, because this will save you the most. For an average terraced house, the saving is about £250 a year.

How are glass prices structured?

The cost of new glass in your window frames is made up of three different types of costs. These are labour costs, material costs and call-out charges. Glaziers have two ways of calculating labour costs. Some do it by charging an hourly rate of £35 to £45 on average, while others charge a rate per m² of £40 to £70 on average. You save on labour costs by requesting several quotes and comparing the rates. The call-out charges depend on the distance a glazier has to travel to your home. To save on this, choose a glazier who works close to you. Compare several glass quotes and pay attention to how the price is calculated. You can influence the cost of materials yourself by making some choices.

What choices affect the price of glass?

The price for the fitting of glass depends on a number of choices you have to make:

Choice 1: What kind of glass?

If you are going to buy glass, you have the choice of various types. With single-glazing, you should bear in mind that there is a minimum purchase of 0.5 m², as it is no longer mass-produced. Single-glazing has the lowest insulation value. Standard double glazing has an average insulation value and a type of glass like HR++ has a high insulation value. Consider carefully which type best suits your budget and needs.

Choice 2: What thickness?

Glass is available in different thicknesses, starting from 4 millimetres. If the glass is thicker, you will naturally pay more, but the extra cost will be limited. Talk to the specialist about what thickness is suitable for your window frames and exactly how much it will cost.

Choice 3: Does the current window frame work?

If you want to replace single glazing with double glazing, your frame may have to be modified. You also have the choice of having an entirely new window frame installed. The price depends on where the window is and what surrounds it, such as window sills. Because of this, one option is not always cheaper than the other. For each situation, this should be looked at by a glazier to make an accurate estimate of the cost. A new window frame including installation and VAT costs around £700 to £850.

Choice 4: Ventilation grids or not?

In addition to replacing your window, you also have the option of having new ventilation grids installed or replacing the current ones. Good ventilation ensures drier air in your home. Dry air heats up faster, which means less heating is needed than damp air. A small ventilation grille is available from £15 and a large one from £60.

Choice 5: Alternatives

Aside from replacing the current windows, there are also alternatives that can save money:

• Fronted windows: This involves placing a frame of single glass on the inside against the current glass. This way, you get double glazing without changing anything about the current frame and glass. A front window costs around £140 to £180 per m².
• Safety glass: There are three types of safety glass. Both are aimed at preventing serious accidents. Laminated safety glass consists of two panes of glass with a piece of film in between. The film ensures that the glass does not fall apart when it breaks. Toughened safety glass is five times stronger than ordinary glass, but it can break into pieces. However, these shards are not sharp. Both types are available from £40 per sq m excluding installation costs. Burglary-resistant wired glass is also extra safe. Due to the steel wire in this glass, it does not fall apart when broken.
• Solar-resistant glass: Solar-resistant glass has a coating that lets the light through, but not the heat of the sun. It also saves energy and eliminates the need for other blinds. Sunproof glass is available from £80 per m² excluding installation costs.