Windows and doors are essential to any home. Not only do they significantly impact the look of our homes, they are also the keepers between the outside world and the inside of our homes. They also provide practical benefits such as keeping heating and air conditioning in and keeping harsh weather out. Due to the importance of windows and doors it’s no surprise they can come with high price tags to be replaced and installed. When done correctly by a professional, upgrading your windows and doors can result in a better functioning home. If you’re wondering how much new windows and doors cost for your home, read through this guide to find out.
In general, the more windows you need installed in your home, the higher the installation cost will be. If you opt to have several installed at once, window installation professionals may charge less per window. If you’re only replacing a window or two, it might be more cost effective to replace all of your windows at the same time. This could end up saving you money in the long run.
Types of Windows and Their Costs
Windows are classified by how they operate. To help you decide which type of window is right for your home, consider the size and function you are looking for as well as the look of the window. Below are the most common types of windows installed.
Single-hung windows ($230-$460 per window)
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Classic, old-fashioned, vertically opening windows.
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Only opens at the bottom.
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Offers slightly better insulation but not enough to make a significant difference over others.
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Use on the ground floor only; cleaning on higher floors is dangerous as it requires leaning out of the window to reach the outside of the upper sash.
Double-hung windows ($395-$1000 per window)
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Both upper and lower sashes can be opened.
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Increased circulation occurs when lower and upper sashes are open.
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Cleaning on upper floors is safe and easy; both sashes usually lean inward.
Sliding windows ($430-$1500 per window)
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Includes two sashes — one sliding horizontally over the other, stationary sash.
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Sliders are often used for larger windows.
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Smaller sills and cases increase viewable area.
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Easily removed top pane makes for easy cleaning and maintenance.
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Use on the ground floor only; cleaning on higher floors is dangerous as it requires leaning out of an unsecured window.
Casement windows ($360-$980 per window)
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Hinged to one side, opens like a door.
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Casement windows open via a crank that doubles as a lock, though many models offer separate locks for added security.
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Due to the crank mechanism, resists being blown open or closed by the wind.
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Casement windows provide maximum ventilation as the window can swing completely away from the frame.
Common Window Repairs & Their Costs
The average price of replacing a window can range from $400 to $900 per window. This price range is for windows of the same cut and size going into an existing and structurally sound frame on a ground floor. In a typical three-bedroom, single-story home with ten windows, the average cost is $3,900 to $9,200. This cost can easily double for a two-story home.
If your window frames must also be replaced, this is called a new construction window. This can increase the cost by as much as 50% to 100%. This then raises the average cost to approximately $6,500 to $52,000.
Other factors affecting cost include:
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The need to alter an existing frame
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Double or triple-glazed windows
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Insulating gases in double or triple-glazed windows
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Exterior dressing (decorative awnings, etc.)
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Remoteness of the job site location
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Time demands on the service professional
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Unforeseen structural deficiencies
Rotted Wood
Broken Panes
Broken Seals
Sticking
Types of Window Frames and Their Costs
Aluminum and Metal (Average cost $500 to $1,500)
These frames tend to be strong and require little to no maintenance. They conduct heat rapidly and provide poor insulation. Adding a plastic strip between the inner and outer frame and sash creates a thermal break which fixes this insulation problem.
Composite (Average cost $1,300 to $2,000)
These frames are made from wood particles such as particleboard and laminated strand lumber. They are stable and have the same structural and thermal properties as those made from conventional wood but have better resistance to moisture and rot.
Fiberglass (Average cost $265 to $1,100)
These frames are stable and provide better insulation than wood or uninsulated vinyl. This is because they have air cavities that prevent air from escaping.
Vinyl (Average cost $660 to $1,400)
Vinyl frames are low-maintenance and moisture resistant. The vacant cavities in the barriers prevent air from escaping which makes them a better choice over standard vinyl and wood frames.
Wood (Average cost $1,000 to $1,800)
Conventional wooden frames expand and contract depending on the weather, requiring a fair amount of maintenance. This can be somewhat reduced by installing aluminum or vinyl cladding.
Reasons to Repair
If you are able to repair a faulty window frame as soon as you notice the issue, this will greatly reduce the need to replace the entire window and its frame. If your wooden frame is cracked, this may lead to exposure to weather conditions. If your window frames are drafty, they should be repaired so that your home can reduce energy costs and be more eco-friendly. If your home has wooden window frames that you do not want to maintain, consider replacing them with a different material to save maintenance costs over time.
Common Repairs for Window Frames
Broken Frame
Wooden windows are constantly exposed to the elements which can cause rotting. This is a fairly easy repair and requires the piece of rotted wood to be cut away. The missing piece can either be filled in with wood putty or the entire piece can be replaced with a new one. If you discover the wood is rotted due to termites, be sure to have an exterminator take care of the problem. If you just replace the wood without fixing the insect problem, you are only inviting the pests to continue living in your windows.
Broken Sash Interlock
Having a broken sash interlock in your window frame greatly increases the chance of leaks and drafts. You can prevent water from entering your home and causing rot and mould by glazing the sashes.
Broken/Leaking Nail Fin
Nail fins are strips that are used to attach a window frame to a stud opening. Occasionally these fins can break or corrode and will need to be replaced.
Leaking Windows
Screws in a frame can corrode over time and may need to be replaced. Sometimes alarm sensors are placed on window frames which can cause damage. This issue can be fixed by moving the sensor and fixing the damaged frame area.
When to Replace Frames
If you find your window frame is seriously damaged, be sure to call a window professional to assess the situation and replace it. There are many reasons why you many choose to replace your frames. Perhaps you want to trade in your old wood frames for a low-maintenance solution like metal or vinyl. Doing so will also help to lower energy costs and make your home more eco-friendly.
First appeared on homestars.com - https://homestars.com/cost-guides/windows-doors-cost/