Window prices vary based on the type of window material, glazing type, style, and labor costs. Traditional window styles, such as double-hung windows in stock sizes, are generally less expensive than those in custom sizes or design-focused options, such as skylights.
Window Size and Material
Larger windows tend to cost more than smaller windows, and the glass and frame materials contribute directly to the overall price of each unit. Overall, vinyl and aluminum windows are cheaper than wood, fiberglass or composite windows of the same size and style.
Today's wood-framed windows are clad in aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass to protect the wood from the elements and eliminate the need for painting. Wood windows tend to be the most expensive. Many brands offer various wood types, such as pine, maple, and oak, for the interior parts of the window.
High-Quality Windows = High-Quality Materials
From beautiful, sturdy hardware that won't snap or warp, to consistent color and scratch resistance, to longevity and aesthetic — materials matter for your new windows. Cheap windows are made with low-grade PVC frames and sashes that easily bend, bow, and discolor.
Costs for Window Types
The average window replacement cost starts at a low cost of about $475 to $500 and ranges up to an average high cost of around $1,450 to $1,500. The average window replacement cost is $975 to $1,000 per window.
Ask to see cutouts (windows & doors cut in half), look for think walls and multiple chambers in windows. Check the weather-stripping. You want neoprene and multiple layers/applications of it in each window. Stay away from brush type as its inferior in every way.
Most cheap replacement windows are made of vinyl. Well, not the whole thing, then you wouldn't be able to see out of it. But the window frame is vinyl. In order to improve the insulation in that vinyl, the frames can be a little bulky.
As already mentioned, the longest-lasting window frame material is fiberglass. This is because wood can deteriorate and warp over time and vinyl will eventually corrode, crack, and warp. Fiberglass is as durable as they come, resisting warping, cracking, and rusting.
The window's material has a major impact on price. Each type of material varies in durability, required maintenance, and customization options. Aluminum and vinyl frames are the most cost-effective, while wood windows are the most customizable.
High quality windows offer a ton of value
There are other benefits too, like using fiberglass that doesn't rust, chip, rot, peel, or warp. New windows will be weathertight and you'll never have to worry about rain or other elements getting in through cracks in your window's frames.
Builder grade windows are inexpensive and made from low grade materials as opposed to a higher quality or custom grade that are more durable to last. They are a popular choice because they save builders money.
With the exception of Windows 11, which slightly edges it out, Windows 10 is the fastest Windows OS/operating system to date and is still a great choice for almost every user.
What you don't want to do is buy cheap windows, just because it's a double-pane window doesn't mean it's a good window. Sure, it's tempting to go the cheap route but there are times when choosing quality is a luxury and times when choosing quality is a necessity and replacing your windows is the latter.
Vinyl is a synthetic plastic material, making it resistant to rotting and decaying from water and humidity. They have been on the market since the mid-1900s and come with numerous benefits. However, vinyl windows can carry a bad reputation, and when cheaply made, they are not as durable as they can be.
If you need strength and durability, fiberglass windows are a good option. They are built to withstand extreme heat and subzero temperatures.
Picture and specialty windows are the most energy-efficient style of window because they don't open. Casement and awning windows are good options if you want operable windows because they create a weathertight seal when closed.
How Often Should Windows be Replaced? The average lifespan of windows is between 15 and 30 years. Depending on the craftsmanship of the original installer, the materials used, and the weather conditions where you live, the functional life of your windows can vary between ten and fifteen years.
When to Replace Your Windows. Home windows have a lifespan of 15-20 years. Once they reach this age, the seals start to weaken or fail, which leaves you open to drafts and water seepage. In addition, single-pane windows were the standard 15+ years ago.
The average prices provided give you an overview of the average cost from ALL main window ranges on sale from that particular brand. Installed prices are based upon the industry average of a 30% markup, since not all window manufacturers provide an complete installation service.
Picture windows are more affordable than other styles of the same size, but larger picture windows will sometimes cost more because of material costs and added labor and equipment costs.
Custom windows can cost $400 to $4,000. Prices vary by window size, design, frame materials, and customization level. Custom windows are priced 25% to 75% higher than standard ones. For example, double-hung windows typically range from $200 to $600, while custom double-hung windows could be $350 to $1,050.