How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Window Frame?

Window Frame Repair Cost

Window frame repair costs $150 to $600 on average, depending on the age, condition, material (wood, vinyl, aluminum), and the window frame size. Window repair contractors and glaziers charge $40 to $80 per hour, not including materials, and most frame repairs take 2 to 4 hours.

When replacing broken window glass, extra costs to repair the frame are common.

• Repairing and sealing gaps in window frames keep a home secure and reduces energy bills.
• Broken or rotting window frames should be replaced immediately to reduce the chances of needing replacement.

Window Frame Repair Cost By Material

Wooden Window Frame Repairs

Wooden window frame repair costs $120 to $350 to reframe or patch on average. Wood window frames affected by moisture eventually rot, start to mold, or attract termites. Wood frames are commonly replaced with lower-maintenance vinyl, aluminum, or composite wood that resists moisture and rot.

Fiberglass / Vinyl Window Frame Repair

Fiberglass or vinyl window frame repair costs $150 to $400 on average. Non-structural damage to vinyl window frames is patched with gel and color-matched. Other repairs include broken flanges, tracks, holes, scratches, discolorations, and bent vinyl frames.

Repairing Aluminum Window Frames

Aluminum window frames cost $100 to $350 to repair on average. Broken frames are repaired by reglazing the frame with putty, replacing the sash, or cosmetic damages and scratches can be filled and repainted. Newer aluminum frames have a thermal break, which reduces thermal transfer and improves energy efficiency.

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Common Costs To Repair A Window Frame

Cost To Reframe A Window

The average cost to reframe a window is $120 to $350 per opening. The cost to frame a window depends on the opening size, conditions, and repairs. Installation includes fixing the sills or walls and replacing rotted wood. Some jobs need a sill pan, aluminum capping, or trim and casings.

Window Frame Replacement Cost

Window replacement costs $400 to $1,000 per window, depending on the type, size, material, features, and labor.

Window Sill Repair Cost

Window sill repair costs $150 to $400 on average for a complete replacement. The window sill needs replacing when it starts to rot of feels loose. Rotting window sills eventually cause the siding to disintegrate if they are not replaced.

Window Sash

Replacing the window sash costs $80 to $250 per window on average, depending on the size of the opening and accessibility. The sash is the frame that holds the glass. Gaps in sashes cause air leaks and drafty windows, which lead to rotting wood and mold.

Cost To Remove A Window Frame

The average cost to remove old windows is $75 to $200 per window, including disposal fees. This project includes removing the casing, exterior trim and siding, fasteners, frame, finishes, or hardware.

Broken / Leaking Nail Fin

Repairing a broken or leaking nail fin costs $50 to $150. Nail fins or flanges are a thin strip of metal that attaches a window frame to studs. Sometimes, these fins break or corrode and need replacing.

Remove Lead Paint

Windows installed before 1978 may be covered with lead paint, which is highly toxic. Lead paint costs $8 to $15 per square foot to remove and requires working with a professional.

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When Should A Window Frame Be Repaired or Replaced?

When to Repair A Window Frame

Window frames can be repaired from minor wood rotting issues, sill cracks, air drafts, or if the sill or frame starts to come out from the wall. Repairing damaged window frames and cracked caulking prevents rot, mold, water leaks, air drafts, shrinkage, and reduces the chances of needing replacement.

When to Replace A Window Frame

Windows frames should likely be replaced when they are leaking water, severely damaged by rot, causing foggy glass, or if the glass is broken. Press a screwdriver into the wood to see if it goes in easily. If so, the wood is rotting and needs replacing. Replacing the frames and windows with eco-friendly materials ensures lower energy costs.

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Hiring A Window Repair Company

Hiring a window repair contractor ensures the frame is repaired correctly. Before hiring a contractor, be sure to:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for longer than five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Ask if they offer a warranty.

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