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.

The 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 on the cost. Shiplap boards are more expensive to use, as they are smaller in size and you need to purchase in larger quantities.

The area in which you choose to get the cladding fitted will have a big impact on the final cost. The larger the area, the higher the cost. The number of storeys will also increase the price.

This is because it is harder to work at height and also because you will need to hire scaffolding. For example, a single side of a bungalow costs on average £800.

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

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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 price for installing uPVC cladding will vary based on a few factors. The following tables should give you a good indication of the prices 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 prices 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.

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Additional uPVC Cladding Costs

When you are planning to get external uPVC cladding put on your home, there are a few other costs to consider. A major one is scaffolding hire. Due to the high cost of this it can be economical to consider completing other jobs at the same time.

Scaffolding Hire

The cost of hiring scaffolding is something you will need to budget for. It will not be included in the price you are quoted, but external uPVC cladding installation on a two-storey home is not possible without scaffolding.

The cost will depend on how much scaffolding you will need, or in other words, how many sides of your house you will be getting clad. The price can range from £3,000 - £6,000.

So, it is a good idea to combine this job with any other that might require scaffolding as well. Most scaffolding hire is for a minimum of 6 weeks, so there is plenty of time to get other jobs done.

Painting House Exterior Cost

Painting the house exterior is a job most effectively completed when there is scaffolding in place.

If your home has external timberwork, it can be a good idea to get it painted while you already have the scaffolding up ready to clad your house. The average cost of getting the outside of your home painted is £850.

This is an upper cost as you will likely not need too much paintwork done once you have the cladding for outside of your house fitted.

New Window Cost

If you need new uPVC windows, it is best to get them fitted before you replace your cladding. This is because the cladding is cut to fit around the windows. Although you may also wish to look at the cost of bay window cladding.

It is also a good idea to use the scaffolding you need for the cladding if you need to replace second-storey windows. This can save you money in the long run.

New Front Door

As with new windows, a new front door is best fitted just before you get cladding fitted. This is because the cladding will be cut to fit the door you have at the time. If you get a new door, you may need to get new cladding around the frame.

Labour Cost to Install uPVC Cladding & Timescales

Tradespeople will typically charge around £150 - £200 per day for labour. 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.

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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 price.

Scaffolding Hire

Scaffolding hire can make a huge difference in the cost of this job. If you have a two-storey home, then you will need scaffolding. Some companies may be able to provide their own scaffolding, and this is often cheaper. However, not all tradesmen can.

The more scaffolding you need, the higher the price will be. You should always talk to tradespeople about the scaffolding costs before you hire them.

Prep Work Required

Before uPVC cladding is installed, the surface will need to be clean and level. It's also worth checking at this point whether there are any underlying issues that might need attention in the coming years.

Area to be Clad

The larger the area, the more it is going to cost. This is not only for material costs but labour costs as well. The biggest factor is how many storeys are involved. This is because it will have an impact on the scaffolding costs.

Type of Cladding

The style and colour of the cladding you choose can affect the cost. Shiplap is more expensive, and Open V is the cheap option. In terms of colour, the standard colour is white. If you want anything different, it will increase the price. Fake timber patterns are often the most expensive option.

Location

Where you are in the country will undeniably have an impact on the cost of getting uPVC cladding. The highest prices will be found in London and the South East, followed by especially rural locations. The lowest prices for the installation of 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 a wide range of characteristics about your home. One of the things covered under building regulations is thermal insulation. As the uPVC cladding exterior on your home has an impact on this, it can be subject to building regulations.

You are most likely to be affected if you already have cladding on your home. If you are replacing more than 25% of the cladding, then you will be subject to building regulations. The requirements are that your home meets a minimum standard of thermal insulation.

Most modern uPVC house cladding should be of an appropriate level. However, if the thermal insulation in your home is very low and the walls, in particular, are bad, then you may need to install something like cavity wall insulation at the same time to make sure that your home meets the regulations.

Most tradespeople will be able to deal with building control on your behalf, although this is worth checking upfront in case you have any issues at a later date. If your home is especially old and draughty, then you might want to consider asking building control to perform an inspection before you undertake any work.

They will do this for a small fee. This will give you all the information you need before you undertake any work.

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

The variable UK climate means that house cladding needs to be suitable for multiple types of weather. uPVC exterior cladding is not only fully resistant to rain and frost, but it also has good UV protection for handling sunlight.

Some types of plastic cladding will have increased UV protection, something that can come in useful in the South East which is more prone to prolonged spells of sunshine than the North.

Low Maintenance

Compared to other home cladding options, uPVC requires little maintenance and occasional pressure washing is about as complicated as it gets.

uPVC also withstands the effects of everyday dirt, algae and moss, limiting their build-up in comparison to wooden cladding in particular.

Cost-Effective

As well as lower upfront costs for plastic cladding in comparison to other popular choices, uPVC cladding also offers low ongoing costs because it doesn't require much maintenance.

There are also various price points for external uPVC cladding, so there is usually an option to meet most budgets.

Variety

There are plenty of variations available when you're looking for the right uPVC cladding for your home. This variety in colours and effects means that this plastic cladding can mimic the effect of woodgrain, for example, without the associated price tag.

It also means that uPVC cladding can be used across various styles of home, whether you have a traditional aesthetic or a more modern one.

Straightforward to Install

Thanks to its simple design, uPVC cladding is comparatively easy to install. If you opt for DIY, this is a good thing, but it also reduces the labour cost of cladding a house if you prefer to let the professionals do the job.

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 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

Exterior Painting Costs

Painting the exterior of your home can be another way to provide protection from the elements. The average cost to have a home painted 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 price 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 price 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.

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.

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 prices. 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.

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