Replacing a window frame costs $380 on average. Costs may range from $184 to $599 depending on frame type, labor, and other factors.
Replacing a window frame costs $184 to $599, with most projects averaging about $380. The project cost depends on the frame material, labor costs, and any necessary window repairs.
If you notice a draft or leaks around the window, it might be time to replace the window frame. Window frames are essential for securely holding the window sash in place while keeping cold air and rain out. Let’s review how much you can expect to pay for window frame replacement.
Replacing a window frame costs about $184 to $599, but the price can vary depending on the window size, how much of the frame you’re replacing, and the frame type.
There are several types of window frames, including wood, aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, and composite. Window frame replacements cost anywhere from $100 for wood frames to $800 for composite window frames. Wood window frames are easy to repair, but they often need more frequent repairs or replacements compared to more durable and expensive materials like fiberglass or composite.
| Frame Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood | $100-$350 |
| Aluminum | $150-$350 |
| Vinyl | $150-$500 |
| Fiberglass | $300-$600 |
| Composite | $400-$800 |
If you’re replacing the entire window frame, you’ll spend about $100 to $200 for a pro window specialist to carefully remove the old window frame. You may be able to keep parts of the frame intact or salvage the frame materials for another project if they are in good condition. If not, you’ll need to donate it to a local charity organization or dispose of it like construction waste.
The window frame itself may cost $100 to $800, depending on the type, but you may also need additional materials for a full replacement. A new windowsill will cost about $150 to $400, and if you plan to paint the window frame, budget about $1 to $5 per linear foot for paint. Once you replace the frame and window, you can also caulk the window for $5 to $15 per linear foot.
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Paint | $1-$5 per lin. ft. |
| Caulking | $5-$15 per lin. ft. |
| Window sash | $50-$250 |
| Windowsill | $150-$400 |
| Glass | $180-$412 |
Hiring a pro to replace your window frames costs about $100 to $500 per window, plus the cost of the materials. A window specialist will ensure the window frame is installed correctly so there will be no issues with drafts or costly water damage.
Window materials cost about $100 to $800 per window for a frame replacement, depending on the window frame type. Charming wood frames are the least expensive to replace. The durable fiberglass or composite window frames tend to be more expensive, but these materials last longer.
Wood window frames cost around $100 to $350. Common frame options, like pine or fir, are on the lower end of this range, while unique or custom wood frames can cost upwards of $350 per window. Wood frames tend to be the least expensive to replace and add warmth to any room, but they experience more wear and tear than some other window frame materials.
Aluminum frames cost around $200 to $500 per window. This frame type requires less maintenance than wood, but they aren’t great at insulating your home from the outdoor elements. Also, the metal can expand and contract with changing temperatures, impacting their water resistance and requiring more frequent repairs or replacement.
Vinyl window frames cost about $150 to $500 each. This material is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is very easy to maintain. But, like aluminum, changing temperatures can cause vinyl to expand and contract. Over time, this can lead to frame cracking, making your window vulnerable to leaks and water damage.
Fiberglass frames cost about $300 to $600 to replace. Although they cost more upfront, fiberglass window frames are incredibly durable and long-lasting. They are also energy-efficient, which can save you money on utility bills.
Composite window frames are the most expensive to replace at about $400 to $800 per window. This sturdy frame type is built to last and is energy-efficient, cutting down on wayward drafts and leaks. Plus, composite window frames require the least frequent maintenance and repairs.
Aside from installing the new window frame, you may need to budget for additional window maintenance and repairs.
To keep your windows in good condition, budget for window cleaning costs at $40 to $75 per hour or $75 to $200 for a DIY window cleaning kit.
Wood window frames will need extra TLC, like painting or sealing, to protect them from moisture, humidity, and other elements that can wear down the wood, causing it to split, swell, or rot. It’s important to repair window frame rot quickly to prevent it from spreading to other exterior areas.
Window repairs cost about $20 to $800, depending on the type and severity of the damage. You can fill cracks or holes with a store-bought kit for about $20. Major repairs, like fixing a wooden window frame with dry rot, are more expensive, especially if you need to hire a pro for assistance. Carpenters charge about $35 to $100 per hour, but they’ll ensure the job is done efficiently. In some cases, the cost of repairs may rival or exceed the cost of a window replacement.
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Painting | $1-$5 per lin. ft. |
| Caulking | $5-$15 per lin. ft. |
| Lead paint removal | $10-$25 per sq. ft. |
| Crack and hole repair | $20-$100 |
| Hardware repair | $50-$200 |
| Sash replacement | $50-$250 |
| Sash repair | $100-$200 |
| Frame removal | $100-$200 |
| Fin repair | $100-$400 |
| Window resealing | $150-$200 |
| Windowsill replacement | $150-$400 |
| Dry rot repair | $150-$800 |
Considering replacing your window frame on your own to cut down on costs? Minor fixes, like patching holes or filling small cracks, may cost as low as $10 to $20 with a kit from your local home improvement store.
However, if you DIY window frame replacement, you’ll spend $100 to $800 on the frame, plus the cost of tools like expanding foam, paint, sealing products, pry bars, ladders, and power drills. It may take up to six hours per window to replace them on your own.
A professional window replacement specialist will charge about $100 to $500 per window frame, plus the cost of materials. But their expertise is invaluable. While tearing out the old frame, there could be mold, structural damage, or other serious problems that many homeowners don’t know how to safely address before installing the new frame.
Local building codes, especially for egress windows, may also restrict who can perform this home improvement project. To prevent causing damage to your home and ensure your window frames are installed correctly, hire a window specialist near you to do the job.
If you are repairing or replacing your window frames, there are many other projects you may want to add on or do at the same time.
Consider these common window frame add-on projects:
Cost of double-pane windows: $280–$1,500 per window
Cost to winterize a house: $200–$250
Cost of window repairs: $200–$600
Cost to upgrade to energy-efficient windows: $120–$1,200 per window
Whether you are replacing just one frame or frames for all the windows in your three-story home, window frame replacement costs can add up quickly. Luckily, you can save money by planning ahead and being a savvy shopper.
You can make minor window frame repairs for as low as $10 to $20, so check first to see if your frame only needs a few repairs or if you need to replace the whole thing. On the other hand, sometimes replacing the entire frame can be more cost-effective than making several expensive repairs to one window.
At first glance, a wood frame may seem like the least expensive option. But if you want to save money in the long run, make sure to factor in what it will cost you to maintain and repair wood frames. Since they don’t offer as much durability or insulation as some other materials, it may be worth spending more upfront and saving on future repair costs.
Many people replace their window frames and windows during spring or fall before temperatures get too warm or cold. By scheduling a window repair or replacement service in summer or winter, you may be able to get discounts during the off-season.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Window frames typically last 15 to 30 years, but their longevity depends on quite a few factors, including your home’s location, the frame material, and upkeep can impact the life span of a window frame. Extreme weather, a lot of sunlight, or high moisture can shorten the life of window frames.
Wood frames last about 10 to 30 years, aluminum frames last about 20 years, vinyl frames last 20 to 40 years, fiberglass may last for up to 50 years, and composite frames last about 30 to 50 years.
You can repair rotted wood window frames if it is a minor case. You’ll need to remove the rotted section with a putty knife, create a larger gap around the section you removed, then fill the gap with epoxy wood filler. But for major cases of rot, where rot is present around the entire window frame or is more than an inch deep, it’s best to replace the whole frame.
Repairing or replacing a window frame will depend on the extent of damage. Cracks or holes can be easy to repair, but if your window has damage all around the frame, it may be better to replace the entire window frame. Keep in mind that a window frame in bad condition can lead to poor insulation, higher energy bills, and even costly water damage from leaks.
The average window repair cost is around $400 per window, which can include fixing wood rot and similar issues around a window frame. If you find wood rot in your window frame, it’s likely a better long-term investment to replace the frame altogether. If the rot is extensive, it can change the shape and structure of your window frame, leading to potential instability around your window. It also has the potential to spread into your actual home if left untreated (or if all wood rot isn’t removed during the repair process).
