In this article, we address everything you need to know about uPVC cladding cost, including installation costs for labor, materials, and lead times. The size of the clad area and the type of cladding you select will affect the uPVC cladding cost.
We have developed this comprehensive guide, which includes the costs for the materials for the external cladding boards and the labor charges for installing the cladding.
How Much Does Installing uPVC Cladding Cost?
The average cost of installing uPVC cladding is in the neighbourhood of £1,500 to £2,500. This is based on the presumption that a two-story home’s installation will typically be to one side and have white shiplap or open V cladding.
In addition, there will be expenses for the cladding’s installation. Inquire with your installer to see if they have a less expensive choice. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to finish all of the jobs that call for scaffolding. By doing this, you will ultimately save money.
uPVC Supply Costs
Shiplap and V-joint are the two primary types of uPVC cladding, respectively.
- Shiplap typically comes in 150mm wide, 5 meter long boards. A square metre of white shiplap typically costs between £25 and £45 while a square metre of colored shiplap costs between £40 and £50.
- The 100mm-wide V-joint uPVC cladding boards are available in 5 meter lengths. The average price per square meter for white V-joint cladding is £30-£50, while the price per square meter for colored variations is around £50-£70.
Factors that affect cladding cost
The quantity of cladding you will need will depend on the size of the area you wish to clad. Others want to cover and protect the entire property, while some only install cladding as an aesthetic feature on the gable or the top half of a front elevation.
This will vary depending on the project because houses come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The cost will be affected by how simple it is to get to the area where the cladding will be installed. Costs will rise if awkward, constrained, or hazardous areas call for specialized scaffold erection or additional labor.
The cost of your home’s cladding will depend on the style you select. The least expensive option is white uPVC cladding, while colors and woodgrain effects are more expensive.
There are a few options with uPVC woodgrain effects if you currently have stained timber cladding boards and want a similar woodgrain type finish with uPVC. However, the price of white and wood effect uPVC cladding differs significantly.
uPVC Cladding Prices
All of these costs are based on what it would cost to install each type of cladding on the gable end of a typical two-story house.
| TYPE OF UPVC CLADDING | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| White Shiplap Cladding | £1,300 – £1,900 |
| White Open V Cladding | £1,300 – £1,600 |
| Rosewood Shiplap Cladding | £4,300 – £6,200 |
| Rosewood Open V Cladding | £4,500 – £6,000 |
Additional Costs
There are additional uPVC cladding cost that you need to consider as well. For instance, when hiring professionals to work in your home are higher because overheads like insurance and space rental are higher in projects like these.
To safely install the cladding, however, you will need scaffolding or a scaffold tower if you plan to do the work yourself. Scaffolding costs between £130 and £160 per day, and renting a scaffold tower for a day will run you about £250 to £350.
When you are planning to get external 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 is can be economical to consider completing other jobs at the same time.
Scaffolding Hire
You will need to set aside money for the cost of hiring scaffolding. Scaffolding is required in order to install external uPVC cladding on a two-story home; this cost will not be included in the quote you receive.
The price will vary depending on how much scaffolding you require, or how many sides of your house you plan to clad. The cost might be between £3,000 and £6,000.
So it makes sense to combine this project with any others that might also need scaffolding. Most scaffolding rentals last at least 6 weeks, giving you plenty of time to complete other tasks.
Painting House Exterior Cost
The exterior of your home should be painted, and this is a task that is best accomplished with scaffolding in place.
While the scaffolding is up for the cladding, it might be a good idea to get your home’s exterior woodwork painted.
The average price to paint the exterior of your house is £850 to £1,050. This is a higher cost because, once the house has been fitted with cladding, you probably won’t need to have much painting done.
New Window Cost
It is best to install new windows if necessary before replacing your cladding. This is due to the cladding’s ability to fit around windows after being cut.
They might affect the cladding if you decide to replace them later. If you need to replace the windows in the second story, it’s a good idea to use the scaffolding you need for the cladding. In the long run, this can help you save money. Alternatively, you could even consider replacing it with a skylight or a roof window.
New Front Door
Similar to new windows, it is best to install a new front door just before cladding is installed. This is so that the cladding can be tailored to fit the door you currently have. You might need new cladding for the frame if you install a new door.
Labour Costs and Timescales
Typically, tradespeople will charge between £175 and £275 per day for labor. The size of your home and the number of walls that need to be covered will largely determine how long the project will take.
For a two-storey house, it should take no more than two to three days per side. This is based on the assumption that your tradesperson will work in a two-person team. One person should have no trouble finishing the job for a bungalow.
These expenses and schedule cover removing any existing cladding, replacing it with fresh uPVC boards, and getting rid of any waste generated during the process.
What’s Involved in Installing uPVC Cladding?
Installing uPVC cladding is a fairly straightforward process. It is very similar to the way that timber cladding is installed.
The first step it to attach treated wooded battens to the external wall. These battens are fitted vertically. If added insulation is needed, then the second set of battens is fitted horizontally to create an air gap that can be filled with insulation.
The cladding can then be fitted to the battens. Installation always starts from the bottom and moves up. Each piece of cladding is first trimmed to the correct size and shape and is then nailed into place. The nails start in the centre and then move to the edges.
Once the cladding is in place, the trim can be fitted to seal the joints and create a clean finish. The trim is usually just snapped into place. It is not difficult to fit at all.
Can I Install uPVC Cladding Myself?
It is not a difficult technical task to install cladding. It requires no specialized equipment. It’s a job you can complete if you have DIY experience and confidence.
Since the materials are made for simple installation, getting a good finish is quite simple. Only if your home’s second floor will receive cladding is there an exception to this rule.
You will require scaffolding if you plan to install the cladding on a second story or higher. As a result, you will have to work at a height. This should not be done by a professional who lacks the necessary training because it can be dangerous.
Dangers of DIY uPVC Cladding Installation
Any DIY project can be risky, but work that is done at a height in particular needs to be approached with caution.
A second person should be present if you are working from a ladder or scaffold tower so that they can hold the ladder or safely pass tools and supplies to you from a tower or platform. When used improperly or without paying close attention, saws and power tools can cause cuts, and heavy objects or materials that trap fingers or limbs can cause crush injuries.
Any DIY project should be undertaken with caution as accidents and injuries can never be completely eliminated by careful work and attention.
Planning Permission for uPVC Cladding
The majority of homes do not need planning permission to install external cladding. There are a few situations, though, where you will require it such as
- Listed Buildings
- Homes in Conservation Areas or National Parks
- Homes in Areas of Outstanding National Beauty
- It will drastically change the appearance of the house
It will significantly alter how the house looks. If all you intend to do is swap out the current cladding for something that resembles it, that is considered permitted development.
If the cladding you select differs significantly from what you previously had and other homes in the neighborhood, you might need to apply for planning permission.
Before beginning any work, it is a good idea to check with your neighborhood planning office if you have any questions. It is better to double-check than to be compelled to undo the work later.
Types of uPVC Cladding
The type of cladding you select after deciding you want uPVC cladding is your next choice. There are two choices available. The boards’ shape is what causes the difference.
Shiplap Costs
Shiplap cladding is a form of tongue and groove cladding. The board has a slight curve on the side that faces outward. This aids in accelerating water runoff. uPVC shiplap cladding typically costs £50 to £60 per square meter.
The products range across various types of wood which are available in the UK.
Open V Costs
The unique, open V-shaped appearance of open V cladding is achieved through shaping. Installing it is quick and simple. Typically, it is produced in thinner sizes. A m2 costs £30 to £40 on average.
Alternatives to uPVC Cladding
There are other options besides uPVC if you want to clad your house. There are many options to think about.
Render
Layers of render are applied to your house’s exterior wall. You can choose from a variety of types and colors to get a variety of finishes. The cost of labor is included in the average render cost of £40/m2 to £50/m2.
Timber cladding Costs
Your property will look very distinctive with timber cladding. Different patterns can be used to apply the wood to produce incredibly different looks. For softwood, the average price per square meter is £5 to £10; for hardwoods and treated wood, it ranges from £40 to £50.
Exterior Painting Costs
Another way to protect your home from the elements is to paint the exterior. The typical price to paint a house is £850 to £1,050.
Pebbledash Costs
A layer of lime and cement render serves as the foundation for the pebbledash technique. The render is then covered with a layer of aggregate or stone to give it a decorative and textured finish. The typical price is £60/m2 to £70/m2.
Fibre Cement Costs
Fibre cement is made in pre-finished boards. These are then hung from your house’s walls to produce a seamless and consistent finish. They require little upkeep and are durable. The typical price is £30/m2 to £35/m2.
Metal Cladding Costs
There are four options for metal cladding. These include copper, steel, zinc, and aluminum. To give you good weather protection and a uniform finish, all of these can be pre-treated and powder coated. This cladding’s cost varies greatly and is influenced by the metal you select. Prices begin at £35/m2 to £40/m2.
Cost of Removing uPVC Cladding
Prior to adding new cladding to your home, it is crucial to remove any existing cladding that may be present. Some shady installers will replace the old boards with new ones. Capping is what this is known as, and it should be avoided.
This type of installation does not produce durable cladding. The builder you hire will include this in the cost they give you if you plan to replace the old uPVC cladding with new cladding. The cladding from one side of a house can be removed in about half a day because it is not a difficult task.
Typically, this will cost between £150 and £250 in labor. You should also think about how you want to get rid of the old uPVC siding. Several businesses will remove your old cladding when they install the new panels. This is so that new panels can be created using the recycled material.
Check to see if your neighborhood tip will accept uPVC if you aren’t getting new panels. The majority will, but a few will charge a fee in order to take a sizable amount. You may need to budget some money for exterior building repairs if you are removing the cladding rather than replacing it.
When the cladding is removed, it is not unusual for minor damage to occur to the exterior of your home. The wall will need to be repaired if no new cladding is installed to protect it. You should be prepared to spend money to repair the walls underneath before removing any existing cladding. Until you remove the old boards, you have no idea what may be beneath.
Hiring Someone to Install uPVC Cladding Checklist
You will need to look carefully to find a tradesperson you feel confident hiring because there are not many who focus solely on installing uPVC cladding.
Since the work is not particularly difficult technically, most carpenters and builders should be able to complete it.
Here are some criteria to consider when selecting a tradesperson.
- Has this been done before by the professionals and do they have previous customers who can provide testimonials and reviews?
- Look for their experience in installing uPVC cladding. Any prior experience installing timber cladding is still encouraging because the process is very similar.
- Do they belong to any trade organizations? Although there is no assurance of quality with these types of accreditation, they can offer you some protection in the event of a dispute. What is their track record? Finding out a tradesperson’s reputation doesn’t take long. Keep in mind that people tend to post criticisms more quickly than compliments. Therefore, it is a good sign if they have a good online reputation.
The team at Premier Roofing qualifies in each of the questions mentioned above and are more than confident in installing uPVC cladding for you. Get in touch with our team for a free consultation. Make an enquiry by clicking here today!
