How long do replacement windows and doors actually last?

PVCu frames typically last 20–30 years if maintained properly. Wooden frames, if looked after, can last 50+ years. Composite and aluminium doors usually reach 25–30 years. The seals and hinges often need attention first—hinges might need adjusting or replacing after 10–15 years, and seals can perish in 15–20. The good news is that replacing a seal is a fraction of replacing the whole frame. With regular cleaning and no excessive weather damage, most modern installations will outlast the guarantee period by a good margin.

Do I need planning permission to replace windows or doors?

In most cases, no—simple replacement with similar frames doesn't need permission. However, if your property is listed or in a conservation area, you may need consent. If you're changing the style, colour, or material significantly (say, timber to PVCu on a period property), check with Cardiff Council first. Your installer should flag this, but don't assume. Contact the local planning department—it's a five-minute call and saves hassle later. Listed properties sometimes require specific materials or designs, which affects cost and choice of installer.

Should I choose PVCu, timber, aluminium, or composite?

PVCu is the most common and affordable (£250–£450 per window fitted). It's low-maintenance, doesn't rot, and holds heat reasonably well. Timber looks better on period properties and performs well, but needs regular painting or staining (every 5–7 years). Aluminium is slim, modern, and strong, but conducts heat more than PVCu—not ideal for Cardiff's heating bills unless thermally broken. Composite (usually timber exterior, PVCu interior) gives you the best of both worlds but costs more. For most Cardiff properties, PVCu is practical and affordable. For period properties, timber or composite maintains character without the upkeep nightmare of original frames.

What's the difference between double and triple glazing?

Double glazing (two panes with air between) is now standard and gives good insulation. Triple glazing adds a third pane and is increasingly common, offering 10–15% better insulation. However, triple glazing costs significantly more (roughly 20–30% extra) and the payback through reduced heating bills takes many years in Wales. For most Cardiff homes, quality double glazing is sufficient. If you have exceptional heat loss issues or plan to stay many decades, triple might be worth considering, but it's not essential. Focus on good sealing and frame quality first—poor installation of double glazing is worse than perfect triple glazing.

How do I stop condensation issues with new windows?

Condensation usually means moisture in the air with nowhere to go. New windows seal better than old ones, which can trap moisture if ventilation is poor. Ensure you have background ventilation—small trickle vents in frames or a quiet extractor fan in kitchens and bathrooms. Open windows briefly each day, even in winter, to let moist air escape. If condensation appears between the panes (not on the inside), the seal has failed—that's a warranty issue. In older Cardiff properties, damp can be a pre-existing issue; new windows won't fix rising damp in walls. If you suspect structural damp, get it surveyed before blaming the windows. Your installer can advise on ventilation as part of the job.

Windows Doors in Cardiff 2026 — Costs, Free Quotes, Vetted Pros

Getting New Windows and Doors Installed in Cardiff

Whether you're replacing tired old frames or upgrading to something more efficient, getting the right windows and doors fitted matters. This guide cuts through the confusion and gives you the straight facts about what to expect when hiring a tradesperson in Cardiff.

Windows and doors are one of those jobs where quality installation counts as much as the product itself. A badly fitted window lets in drafts, causes condensation, and wastes your heating money. A well-fitted one keeps your home warm, secure, and running smoothly for years.

Cardiff's housing stock is pretty varied—you've got Victorian terraces in areas like Cathays, modern semis in the suburbs, and everything in between. Each type of property has its own quirks when it comes to fitting new frames. A tradesperson who knows Cardiff's housing will spot potential issues early and solve them properly.

This guide covers what you'll actually pay, which accreditations matter, what's specific to Cardiff, how to find someone reliable, and the questions you should ask before signing anything. We'll focus on practical information that helps you make a sound decision, not marketing talk.

What You'll Pay for Windows and Doors in Cardiff

Costs in 2026 vary widely depending on what you're fitting, the materials you choose, and how many windows or doors need replacing.

For standard PVCu double-glazed windows, expect to pay around £250–£450 per window for the unit and fitting. If you're going for aluminium or timber frames, add 30–60% on top of that. A composite door (which most people choose now) typically costs £800–£1,400 fitted. A standard PVCu exterior door runs £400–£700 fitted.

Labour charges in Cardiff usually sit between £150–£250 per day for a qualified installer, or sometimes per window/door on smaller jobs. Removal and disposal of old frames costs extra—usually £50–£150 per window, depending on how many you're replacing.

Factors that push costs up include:

Custom sizes or shapes — bay windows, arches, or unusual dimensions need bespoke work
Structural repairs — if the opening needs rebuilding, that's additional cost
Listed building status — some Cardiff properties need specialist materials or methods
Ground floor access issues — if scaffolding is needed, that's a separate charge (usually £600–£1,200)
Multiple storeys — reaching upper floors safely costs more

Always get written quotes from at least two or three local traders. A proper quote should list what's included (removal, disposal, snagging, guaranteed seals) and what isn't. Watch out for suspiciously cheap quotes—they often mean corners are being cut.

Accreditations That Actually Matter

The main accreditations to look for in windows and doors installers are:

TrustMark — This is the government-backed quality scheme. Any installer displaying a TrustMark logo has been vetted, holds proper insurance, and operates under a code of conduct. If something goes wrong, TrustMark has a dispute resolution process. It's not a legal requirement, but it's the closest thing to a guarantee in the trade.

FENSA or CERTASS — If you're fitting replacement windows in England or Wales, the installer should be registered with one of these schemes. They handle Building Regulations compliance for replacement windows and issue you a certificate of compliance after the work. This matters if you ever sell—buyers want to see that paperwork. Check your installer holds current membership.

GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation) — A trade body for the industry. Members agree to minimum standards and have complaints procedures. It's a sign of professionalism.

WHICH? Trusted Traders — Not quite an accreditation in the traditional sense, but Which? vets members independently and ongoing.

Insurance — Ask to see proof of public liability insurance (at least £1 million) and employer's liability if they have staff. This protects you if something goes wrong on site.

Don't assume no accreditation means bad work—some excellent local traders operate independently. But if you're unsure about someone, their accreditations are a safety net. Always verify memberships by checking directly with the body, not just trusting what they show you.

Windows and Doors Issues Specific to Cardiff

Cardiff's mix of housing types brings specific challenges worth knowing about.

Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate inner areas like Cathays, Roath, and Canton. These properties often have solid brick walls and wooden frames in poor condition. Modern PVCu replacement windows can sometimes cause condensation issues in older properties because the new frames don't "breathe" like timber did. A tradesperson experienced with Cardiff's older housing will either fit frames designed for period properties or install proper ventilation to prevent damp.

The city's climate is mild but wet. Wind-driven rain is a real issue, especially on exposed elevations. Proper sealing and window orientation matter more here than in drier parts of Wales. Ask your installer about water management and sealant quality—don't just assume standard fittings will handle it.

Many Cardiff properties have been rented for years, meaning original fixtures often look tired. If you're a landlord, upgrading windows and doors can be a sensible investment—tenants appreciate it, it reduces complaints about drafts, and it can justify slightly higher rent. Landlords should also check whether their property is on a historic register—this affects material choices.

Cardiff Council planning rules occasionally affect replacements in conservation areas or on listed buildings. Your installer should know these rules, but it's worth checking with the Council yourself for anything sensitive. The Welsh Glaziers Association (part of FENSA coverage) is the local trade body, and many Cardiff installers are members.

Rust and corrosion on old aluminium frames is common in Cardiff's damp climate. If your doors or windows are aluminium, factor in whether replacement is needed sooner rather than later.

How to Find and Hire a Windows and Doors Installer

Start by asking neighbours and friends—word of mouth is still the best filter for local trades. If someone's had good work done in your street, that's a strong signal.

Once you've identified candidates, check them against what we've covered: TrustMark membership, FENSA/CERTASS registration, public liability insurance, and any relevant trade body membership. A quick phone call or website visit confirms these.

Get written quotes from at least two traders. The quote should specify the exact product (brand, model, colour), what's included in labour (removal, disposal, sealing), and any guarantees offered. Be wary of vague quotes that just say "windows fitted"—you need detail.

When you speak to them, you're also gauging whether they seem knowledgeable about Cardiff properties and any specific issues you've mentioned. A good installer asks questions about your current problems (draughts, condensation, noise) rather than just pushing the cheapest option.

Before booking, confirm:

Site visit schedule and disruption estimate (how long it'll take, whether scaffolding is needed)
Payment terms—never pay the lot upfront. Common practice is a deposit (usually 25–50%) on booking, remainder on completion
Warranty details—most reputable installers offer a guarantee on labour (typically 1–5 years) plus the product's manufacturer warranty
Timescale—how soon they can start and how long the job will take

Get everything in writing. A signed contract protects you both and makes sure there's no confusion on either side.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

Here are the specific questions that separate reliable traders from ones to avoid:

1. Are you registered with FENSA or CERTASS? If they hesitate or say it doesn't matter, walk away. This registration is essential for Building Regulations compliance.

2. Can you show me proof of TrustMark accreditation and public liability insurance? Ask to see the actual certificate, not just hear about it. Note the insurance expiry date.

3. Have you worked on similar properties in Cardiff before? If you've got a Victorian terrace and they've mostly fitted modern semis, they might not spot structural quirks.

4. What's included in your labour price, and what costs extra? Specifically ask about removal of old frames, disposal, sealant, internal finishing, and whether scaffolding is included or charged separately.

5. What happens if something goes wrong after you've finished? Get clarity on their snagging process and what the warranty covers. Is it manufacturer guarantee only, or do they guarantee their workmanship too?

6. How long will the job take, and how long is the guarantee valid? A credible installer gives a realistic timescale and typically offers 1–5 years on labour. Anything less than a year is suspicious.

7. Will you handle Building Control if needed? Some jobs require sign-off. If they can't or won't arrange this, ask why.

8. Can you provide references from recent Cardiff customers? Not reviews from their website—ask for names of actual customers you can ring. Most reliable traders are happy to provide these.