Window frames are vital components of windows. They hold the glass pane in place, help insulate your home, and when in good shape help keep your utility bills low.
When a window rots and needs a replacement frame, the air that escapes can lead to hefty electricity bills and additional damage to the foundation of your home. To avoid these pricey bills and keep your home’s integrity, it’s important to regularly check your frames and windows for abnormalities. If you find a broken, rotten, or damaged window frame you must perform window frame repair, or have someone repair your frame immediately.
But just how much do replacement windows and repairs cost? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how much to budget for window repair.
Read on to learn more.
How Much is Window Frame Repair?
The average window frame repair costs $150 to $600 depending on the type of window and the materials used to make it. In some instances, the cost may be as low as $100 or as high as $1000 depending on the intricacies involved. Simple, fixed frames are cheaper to repair than complex ones with multiple moving parts.
When budgeting for your replacements, evaluate the types of frames you have. Look at them and find out the mechanics involved with opening them— do they slide up, push out…etc. Once you’ve got an idea of how complex the window is, figure out exactly what needs to be replaced. You may need to have glass or screen repair performed as well.
After you’ve got an idea of what you need to be done, take a look at the materials as these are the largest cost contributors.
Wooden Window Frames
Wooden frames are practically guaranteed to rot, attract mold, or become infested with termites. Because they regularly lose their performance ability, they are often replaced with lower-maintenance vinyl or aluminum frames to help save costs on regular repairs.
The average cost for wooden window frame repair is between $150 and $300 depending on what’s needed. Patchwork like filling cracks and splits costs less than replacing whole boards. Little side-tip, it’s best to prime, paint, or stain your wooden frames so that they aren’t as susceptible to weather damage.
Fiberglass and Vinyl Window Frames
Vinyl and fiberglass window frames cost $200 to $600 to repair. Non-structural repairs like weather cracking cost less and are quickly fixed with fiberglass gel and color-matched pain. For larger repairs, like bent vinyl or broken flanges that require replacement, the costs go up depending on the contractor’s time estimate to complete the project.
Aluminum Window Frames
Aluminum window frames cost $150 to $300 to repair on average but may cost up to $500 if the frame needs to be completely reglazed. Small cosmetic patchwork on minor cracks or scratches is quickly filled and repainted and is quoted at the lower end of the scale.
Getting Started on Home Improvement
Now you know how much window frame repair costs and how much you should budget for repair services. Wooden frames are typically cheaper than their aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass counterparts, but are extremely vulnerable to weather and termite damage.
For more tips on home improvement, take a look around our blog. Our articles provide easy-to-follow-tips so you can have the home of your dreams!