uPVC House Cladding Cost

How Much Does uPVC Cladding Cost?

The average cost to have uPVC cladding fitted is £1,500. This is based on the average installation being one side of a two-storey home, and the cladding chosen to be white in either shiplap or open V.

uPVC cladding costs are roughly three times higher if you decide to go for rosewood-coloured cladding, although generally speaking uPVC is a cheaper option than timber. The same area in rosewood costs on average £5,000. This style of plastic cladding has the appearance of natural wood, so the supply costs are significantly higher for the materials.

The style of the boards also impacts the uPVC cladding cost, as shiplap boards are more expensive to use, given that they are smaller in size and need to be purchased in larger quantities.

The area you choose to get clad and the number of storeys will also have a big impact on the final cost. This is because it is harder to work at height and also because you will need to consider scaffolding hire. For example, a single side of a bungalow costs on average £800.

Scaffolding is another factor you will need to consider, as if you require scaffolding, the hire can cost on average £4,000. This will be on top of the labour and material costs for the cladding installation.

Are you ready for a quote?

We have a range of builders ready to offer you a free quote!

Wondering how much exterior PVC cladding costs?

We've created this in-depth guide, which includes all you need to know about uPVC external cladding costs and the processes that the job involves.

uPVC Cladding Prices

The total cost for installing uPVC cladding will vary based on a few factors. The following tables should give you a good indication of the costs to expect for different situations.

All of these prices include the cost to remove old cladding, disposal of the waste as well as all labour and material costs.

These prices are all based on the cost for each type of cladding to be fitted to the gable end of a standard two-storey home.

uPVC Cladding Prices by Location

These costs are based on using White Shiplap Cladding.

Supply Cost of uPVC Cladding

When you are calculating the cost of materials for fitting external uPVC cladding you need to consider not only the cladding but the trim as well. The following table gives you the costs of the materials you will need and the price difference based on type and colour.

Find Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!

It's FREE and there are no obligations

Get started

Labour Cost to Install uPVC Cladding & Timescales

The labour cost for installing uPVC cladding is typically £150 to £200 per day. The length of time the job will take is mostly dependent on the size of your home and how many walls are being clad. A reasonable estimate for the time taken is around 2-3 days per side of a two-storey house.

This assumes that your tradesperson will work as part of a two-person team. For a bungalow, one person should be able to complete the work with no problem.

These costs and timescale include the removal of any previous cladding, replacing the old cladding with new uPVC boards, and disposing of any waste created in the process.

Ask a Trade

Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.

Ask your question

Factors That Impact uPVC House Cladding Costs

When you are getting uPVC, cladding installed on your home, there are a few factors that will affect the final cost.

• Scaffolding Hire — Scaffolding hire can make a huge difference in the cost of this job. Some companies may be able to provide their own scaffolding, which is often cheaper. However, you should always talk to tradespeople about the scaffolding costs before you hire them, and consider factoring scaffolding hire costs into your budget.
• Prep Work Required — Before installing uPVC cladding, the surface will need to be clean and level. It is also worth checking whether any underlying issues might need attention in the coming years.
• Area to be Clad — The larger the area, the higher the uPVC cladding cost. This is not only for material costs but labour costs as well. The biggest factor is how many storeys are involved, as this will have an impact on the scaffolding costs.
• Type of Cladding — The style and colour of the cladding you choose can affect the uPVC cladding cost. Shiplap is more expensive, and Open V is the cheaper option. The standard colour is white, and anything different will increase the cost. Fake timber patterns are often the most expensive option.
• Location — Where you live will have an impact on your uPVC cladding cost. The highest costs will be found in London and the South East. The lowest costs for installing uPVC cladding are in the North West of the UK.

What's Involved in Installing uPVC Cladding?

Installing uPVC cladding is a fairly straightforward process and fairly similar to the way that timber cladding is installed.

However, as it often involves scaffolding and working at height, it isn't a job usually recommended as a DIY project unless you already have the right experience.

At MyJobQuote we can help you find suitable tradesmen and builders that are specialised in this area and able to provide examples of their work. It is recommended to request upfront quotes, which you can do so without any obligations.

Before the Job Starts

• Preparing the Wall — The wall should be ready and clear for the battens to be fitted and accurate measurements taken to help ensure a smooth installation.
• Planning the Layout — Decide whether added insulation is needed. This determines if a second set of horizontal battens are required to create an air gap for insulation.

During the Job

• Fitting the Battens — Treated wooden battens are attached vertically to the external wall. If insulation is added, a second set of battens is fitted horizontally to create the air gap.
• Installing the Cladding Panels — Cladding panels are then attached to the battens with screws or specialized clips. Installation should start from the bottom up, with each piece trimmed to the correct size and shape.
• Adding the Trim — Once the cladding is in place, trim is fitted to seal joints and create a clean finish. Trim usually snaps into place.

After the Job

• Final Checks — Check the cladding to ensure everything is secure and the trim is correctly fitted.
• Completion — Once everything is signed-off, ask your tradesmen to provide you with a warranty.

As with all projects, however, there are things that can go wrong if the job isn't carried out properly.

Examples include:

• Lack of expansion gaps for thermal expansion.
• Using the wrong size of fixings or putting them in the wrong place.
• Installing over a rough or damaged surface.
• Lack of airflow causing moisture build-up.
• Carrying out the job in high temperatures.

Professionals who work with uPVC cladding regularly will generally avoid these issues, but it's important to understand exactly what's involved if you want to install this type of house cladding yourself.

Planning Permission for uPVC House Cladding

For most homes, planning permission is not required for fitting external uPVC cladding. However, there are a few cases where you will need it. They are as follows

• Listed Buildings
• Homes in Conservation Areas or National Parks
• Homes in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• It will drastically change the appearance of the house

If all you plan to do is replace existing cladding with something similar in appearance then this is covered by permitted development. If the cladding you choose is very different from what you had before, as well as other homes in the area then, you may need to seek planning permission.

If you have any doubts, it is a good idea to consult your local planning office before you undertake any work. It is best to check rather than be forced to undo the work at a later date.

Building Regulations for uPVC Cladding

Building regulations cover thermal insulation, and uPVC exterior cladding can be subject to them.

You are most likely to be affected if:

• You are replacing more than 25% of your existing cladding.
• The thermal insulation in your home is very low.
• Your home is especially old and draughty.

Most modern uPVC house cladding meets the required standard. However, if your walls are particularly bad, you may need to install cavity wall insulation at the same time, which will increase the overall cost.

Most tradespeople will deal with building control on your behalf, though it is worth checking upfront. Your local planning authority can perform an inspection before the installation begins for a small fee, which is particularly advisable if your property is a listed building or in a conservation area.

What Are the Benefits of uPVC Cladding?

There are various types of house cladding available in the UK, but uPVC cladding is one of the most popular options.

Here are a few of the reasons why:

• Weather Resistance — uPVC exterior cladding is not only fully resistant to rain and frost, but it also has good UV protection for handling sunlight.
• Low Maintenance — Compared to other home cladding options, uPVC requires little maintenance and only requires occasional pressure washing. uPVC also withstands the effects of everyday dirt, algae and moss, limiting their build-up in comparison to wooden cladding.
• Cost-Effective — As well as lower upfront costs in comparison to other popular choices, uPVC cladding offers low ongoing costs because it requires little maintenance. There are also various price points for external uPVC cladding for most budgets.
• Variety — There are plenty of variations available when you're looking for the right uPVC cladding. A variety of colours and effects means that uPVC cladding can mimic the effect of woodgrain, for example, without the associated cost, and can be used across various styles of home.
• Straightforward to Install — Thanks to its simple design, uPVC cladding is comparatively easy to install, reducing the labour cost of cladding a house.

Types of uPVC Cladding

Once you know that you want uPVC cladding your next decision is about the type of cladding you choose. There are two options to choose from. The difference is due to the shape of the boards.

Shiplap Costs

Shiplap cladding is a form of tongue and groove cladding. The outward-facing side of the board has a slight curve to it that helps to speed the runoff of water. The average cost of uPVC shiplap cladding is £56 per m² and it can last up to 20 years or more depending on the quality, UV exposure and providing it is well-maintained. Overlapping joints can potentially cause an issue, however this is often resolved based on the design functionality.

Pros

• ✔ Longer lifespan.
• ✔ Has a traditional aesthetic.
• ✔ Durable and rigid.
• ✔ Overlap helps to drain water from the surface quickly.

Cons

• ✖ More expensive option.
• ✖ Dirt can become trapped in the overlapping joints.
• ✖ Can be tricky to install in tight spaces due to thicker gauge.

Open V Costs

Open V cladding is shaped to give a unique, open V-shaped appearance. It is quick and easy to install. It is usually made in thinner sizes. The average cost is £29 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Cheaper option.
• ✔ Easy to install.
• ✔ Lighter, so more suited for DIY.
• ✔ Easier to clean.
• ✔ Has a modern aesthetic.

Cons

• ✖ Shorter lifespan.
• ✖ Potentially less water-resistant.
• ✖ Can look cheap and flimsy.

Alternatives to uPVC Cladding

If you want to get cladding on your home, then uPVC is not the only cladding choice. There is a wide range of options to consider.

Render

Render is applied in layers to the external wall of your home. It comes in different types and colours so you can get a range of different finishes. The average render cost is £40/m²; this includes labour costs.

Pros

• ✔ Cheaper option
• ✔ Provides thermal insulation

Cons

• ✖ Requires maintenance
• ✖ Less breathable

Timber Cladding Costs

Timber cladding gives your home a very distinctive look. The wood can be applied in different patterns to create very different appearances. The average cost is £5/m² for softwood and £40 - £45/m² for hardwoods and treated timber.

Pros

• ✔ Lots of options to choose from

Cons

• ✖ More durable options are much more expensive
• ✖ Requires maintenance

Painting House Exterior Cost

Painting the exterior of your home can be another way to provide protection from the elements. The average cost of exterior painting is £850.

Pros

• ✔ Cheap option
• ✔ Many colour options

Cons

• ✖ Needs redoing every 10 years
• ✖ Offers limited protection from the elements, and no added insulation

Pebbledash Costs

Pebbledash is a technique that starts with a layer of lime and cement render. Then a layer of aggregate or stone is laid into the render to create a decorative and textured finish. The average cost is £60/m².

Pros

• ✔ Can cover up flaws in the construction of a building
• ✔ Wide range of materials to choose from

Cons

• ✖ Can grow mould if not cleaned carefully
• ✖ Can’t patch pebble dash if part of it is damaged

Fibre Cement Costs

Fibre cement is made in pre-finished boards. These are then hung from the walls of your home to create a seamless and uniform finish. They are low maintenance and last a long time. The average cost is £31/m².

Pros

• ✔ Range of colours and designs to choose from
• ✔ Low maintenance and high lifespan

Cons

• ✖ Higher installation costs
• ✖ Can be harder to get hold of

Metal Cladding Costs

You have four choices of metal cladding material. These are steel, aluminium, zinc and copper. All of these can come pre-treated and powder-coated to give you good protection from the elements and a consistent finish. The cost of this cladding fluctuates a lot and will depend on the metal you choose. Prices start from £35/m².

Pros

• ✔ Low maintenance
• ✔ Distinctive appearance

Cons

• ✖ Easily dented
• ✖ Noisy in the rain

Cost of Removing uPVC Cladding

If you have cladding on your home already, it is important that it is removed prior to the installation of new cladding. Some disreputable installers will fit new boards over the old ones. This is called capping, and it should be avoided. Cladding that is installed in this manner does not last.

If you intend to replace the old uPVC cladding with new cladding, then the builder you hire will include this in the cost that they quote you. It is not a challenging job, and the cladding from one side of a house can be removed in around ½ a day. The labour costs for this will usually be around £100 – £150.

Cladding Disposal

You will also need to consider how you intend to dispose of the old uPVC cladding.

Many companies will take away your old cladding when they fit the new panels. This is because it can be recycled to make new panels again.

If you are not getting new panels, you will need to see if your local tip will accept uPVC. Most will, but a small number will charge a fee to take a large amount.

Cladding Repairs

If you are removing the cladding and not replacing it, you may need to factor in some money to complete repairs to the exterior of your building. It is not uncommon for minor damage to be done to the outside of your home when the cladding is removed. If there will be no new cladding fitted to protect the wall, it will need to be repaired.

Before you remove existing cladding, you should be prepared to spend money to fix the walls underneath. You have no idea what may lay underneath until you have taken the old boards off.

Checklist: Hiring a uPVC Cladding Installer

There are not many tradespeople who specialise exclusively in fitting and cladding uPVC, so you will have to look carefully to find someone you feel comfortable hiring. Here are some things to look for to help you choose the right person for the job.

• Have they have the right experience? If so, they should have clad a house previously, ideally with uPVC cladding in particular. Ask about the last time they carried out a similar job and request to see examples of their work.
• Are they a member of any trade associations? Although these accreditations aren't legally required or a guarantee of quality workmanship, they can however, provide you with some protection in the case of a dispute.
• Do they have public liability insurance? Again, not a legal obligation, although any reputable company or individual should at least be insured against unexpected damages or personal injury in the event of an accident.
• Have you requested more than one quote? It's not always the first choice or most reasonably priced that you should choose, that's why we recommend requesting at least three quotes via MyJobQuote so you can compare costs. Ensure your quote has been broken down by costs, without any hidden charges.
• What is their reputation like? It doesn’t take long to find out about a tradesperson’s reputation, for example you can check their MyJobQuote profile or look at reviews and feedback on other jobs. Alternatively, ask friends and family for any recommendations.
• Are they able to sign-off any work? As well as providing a warranty for their work, check they are able to liaise with your local authority so you can receive a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate.

FAQs