Author: Tom Hardy

If you live in an older home, you might have noticed deterioration in your windows over time.

• 

Maybe the frames are starting to decay, or too much air is getting through the windows. Maybe they aren’t letting in as much light as you would like.

The way to fix these issues is to get some full frame window replacements.

This can be a costly exercise because a full frame replacement involves removing the entire structure of the window from the wall of the house.

New framed windows are then fitted into either the existing space or an enlarged space.

A full frame replacement is a more complicated operation than merely replacing window glass into existing frames. Before you make this significant investment in your home, make sure you are aware of all the factors that affect full frame window replacement costs.  

What Is A Full Frame Window Replacement?

A full frame window replacement involves structural changes to both the inside and outside walls of the house. The window space will have to be stripped right down to the studs that hold the frame in place.

• 

Any damaged wood will be replaced with new, sturdy wooden frames. Installers will often place a sill pan at the bottom of the opening that moves water away from the walls to the outside, if moisture gets inside.

On the interior side, this type of window replacement involves fixing the drywall once the new window has been installed. On the exterior side, there might be brickwork in place that will need to be fixed up after the installation.

As you can guess, full frame window replacement costs are higher than a standard replacement. However, there are a few benefits to this kind of extensive operation!

Full Frame Window Replacement Benefits

Full frame installations won’t suit every homeowner. You will not need a full replacement if you just want to replace one or two windows in the home, and you don’t want to change the design of the woodwork or the casing around the opening of the window.  

Full frame replacement will benefit you in the following circumstances:

• If you need a larger opening to comply with fire egress codes for windows.
• If the existing window frame or woodwork is rotten, has termites, or is otherwise damaged beyond repair.
• If the windows need modification to comply with Homeowners/Condo associations.
• If the opening lacks proper insulation for energy efficiency.
• If you want to switch the window frames to allow for optimal glass area and extra lighting in the home.

Full Frame Replacement Window Costs

Full frame windows are the most expensive replacement option, because they involve the most labor, materials and skill.

The average cost for full frame replacement windows is between $400 to $800 per window. Given the average home will likely have around twenty windows, you can expect to pay about $8,000 to $12,000 to replace them all, and more if the window frame openings need any additional work or replacement.

Full Frame vs Retrofit Window Replacement

Window replacements are available as a full frame or retrofit replacement windows. Here you can see some of the factors to take note of when you’re deciding between full or pocket replacements:

Full-Frame Windows	Retrofit Windows
Installation: $150-$1,000	Installation: $100-$300
Available only in standard sizes	Custom sizes available
Drywall must be removed to expose studs	Set into existing framing
Windows are cheaper but installation is more costly	Windows are more costly but installation is less
Necessary if the frame is damaged, or when remodeling	Good for simple renovations and updating home
Extra costs from an interior and exterior wall finish	No additional costs from stripping back walls

Do You Need A Professional?

Unless you are a professional builder yourself, it’s best not to attempt these replacements as a DIY project.

• 

Replacing the windows in your home is not as easy as YouTube videos might have you believe!

Advantages of hiring a professional window installer include:

Quality work: This is a craft that professionals take years to perfect, and they know all the pitfalls to avoid.

Equipment: A full frame replacement requires specialized tools – not the usual DIY equipment you have in your garage. 

Speed: If you do the job yourself, expect to be surrounded by rubble and inconvenience for about 10 times longer than with a professional! Remember, this is a large hole in the side of your home – you want it closed up effectively and quickly.

Conclusion

Full frame window replacement is a costly and labor-intensive exercise, off-putting for many homeowners.

However, professionals will often tell you it’s by far the most effective way to fix the look and functioning of your windows. For homes with very old wooden windows, it’s often the only replacement option.

If it fits into your budget, and you’re prepared for the temporary inconvenience, then it’s a great way to improve your home and increase its value.

Choosing the right window replacements for your home and lifestyle can be more difficult than most homeowners realize.  

To make sure you’re getting a good deal and the right type of window for your home, consider factors like style, comfort, quality, and efficiency.

Choosing between double or single pane glass can make a huge difference in your energy costs, as well as the style and comfort of your home.

Single or Double Pane Windows – What’s The Difference?

Single pane windows are pretty much what they sound like – windows made with a single pane or layer of glass. The main advantage of single pane windows is that they are less costly than double pane windows, but they won’t do much to keep out noise or seasonal temperatures.

They can be perfectly adequate if you live in a quiet neighborhood in a consistent year-round climate.

If you don’t, you’ll have to decide whether you prefer the initial low cost over long-term higher electricity bills.

Up to 30% of energy loss in your home occurs through your windows, so your bills can really mount up over time.

Double pane windows are made with two panes of glass fitted into a frame and separated by an air-filled or gas-filled space. The air space traps heat or cold, and stops it from getting into or out of your home, as well as reducing noise.  

Double pane window replacement costs are higher than single pane windows, because they use more materials and are more complicated to install. The savings over time can offset your installation costs, however – and double panes will increase your home’s value as well.

Pros and Cons of Double Pane Window Replacements

Double paned windows help to lower your environmental footprint, amongst other major advantages – but they can come with a few drawbacks as well.

Pros

Energy efficiency:  Double pane replacement windows cost more than single pane windows, but they can substantially reduce your energy bills. 

A double paned vinyl or wood-framed window can reduce your energy usage by up to 24 percent in cold climates during the winter, and by up to 18 percent in hot climates during the summer.

Thermal windows:  Thermal windows are double paned windows with a gas-filled sealed space between the panes, instead of air.

This can slow the transfer of heat through the window even more, and prevent water condensation on the inside of the glass panes.

Environmental benefits: Reduced energy use doesn’t just mean you can save money, it also means your home is using less fossil fuel, and emitting less greenhouse gases.

Noise reduction: Double-paned replacement windows can significantly reduce noise pollution from outdoors.

If you’re looking for peace and quiet in a busy urban environment, this can really help you find it!

Cons

Price: Double pane replacement window costs are higher than single pane windows, so homeowners on a budget might not want the extra expense.

Number of windows: The energy savings that you gain from double paned windows are only worthwhile if you replace a number of windows in your home. If you only replace one or two windows, the others might still allow heat or cool air to escape from the house.

Quality: If you buy a lower quality product, the seals could fail, and you’ll lose the benefits of the double pane system. A good product that’s installed by a professional is necessary to get the most out of your window replacements.

How To Get The Best Double Pane Window Replacement Prices

There are a few ways you can make sure you get the best possible prices for good double pane windows.

Get at least 3 estimates from different companies before making your decision. Most reputable contractors will give you a free estimate. You should expect the prices to fluctuate between various companies.

If you ask for quotes in late fall or early winter, you could get some impressive discounts. Window contractors have a “down” season at that time, and they’ll be more enthusiastic about getting your business!

Don’t be shy about negotiating better prices for your double pane window replacements with your local dealers. They are more likely to give you special prices than big national companies.

Always add about 10% to the quotes you get, just to make sure you’re covered for things like difficult window configurations, complex roof installations, and other contingencies.

Window Replacements Costs

There are a few factors that can affect the price of your replacement windows, such as the size and quality of the product. Thermal windows or Low-E windows will cost more than plain glass with air spaces between the panes.

Here is an overview of average double pane window replacement costs.

	Basic	Better	Best
Material Prices	$120 - $150	$180- $216	$276 - $336
Installation Cost	$150 - $168	$192 - $222	$240 - $270
Total	$270 - $318	$372 - $438	$516 - $606
Average Cost per sq f	$2.45	$3.38	$4.67

Conclusion

With any replacement windows, what you get is what you pay for.

Double pane windows are going to cost you more than single paned, but you can reap the benefits in terms of comfort and energy savings.

Make sure your windows are installed correctly, and you shouldn’t have problems.

 

• 

Bay windows are a sought-after style of window for lots of different homes. They tend to be more expensive than standard flat windows, however.

If you’re looking to replace existing windows with bay windows, or fix broken bay windows, what kind of price should you expect to pay?

Definition of Bay Windows

Many homeowners install bay windows in a kitchen or living room to form an indoor window garden, or reading nook.

This popular type of window has both advantages and disadvantages.

Bay window replacement costs can be steep, but knowing as much as possible will help you keep your expenses down.  

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bay Windows

Some of the advantages of bay windows are:

• They allow lots of natural light into the home from various angles.
• They add curb appeal from the structure’s exterior.
• They create extra seating and shelving space – great for smaller rooms.
• Bay windows increase property value from the extra square footage in the home.
• They introduce timeless aesthetic appeal that suits both traditional and modern building styles.

There are also a few drawbacks to bay windows, which are:

• They cost more than traditional flat-pane windows.
• Bay window replacements are tougher than just removing a traditional flat or picture window pane, and installing the new window in its place.
• Fairly extensive building renovations might be required, depending on the window position.
• Permits might be required for the structural work done.
• Window cleaning becomes more difficult as there is more surface area.

For an outside observer, bay windows have great curb appeal and draw attention to the house. From the inside, they add space, increase warmth and lighting, and can be functional as well as decorative.

Types of Bay Windows

The main types of bay windows are boxed bay, and full bay.

Boxed Bay Windows:  A boxed bay window generally has a larger front sash and two side sashes that sit at a 90-degree angle to the exterior wall. The sashes can be either casement or double-hung.

Full Bay Windows: Full bay windows are usually much larger than garden box windows, are installed in living rooms and bedrooms, and cost more.

Bay Window Materials

When it comes to the best materials for bay window framing, there are four major options: Vinyl, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass.

Vinyl is one of the cheapest materials on the market. It’s also durable and easy to maintain. However, it might not have the aesthetic quality you’re looking for.

Wood is also an affordable option, and it’s the longest-lasting choice if properly cared for over time.

Aluminum is on par with wood, cost-wise. It can withstand extreme weather conditions, and can also be painted to suit your home design or color scheme.

Fiberglass is a newer material option, and it combines aesthetics with durability.  However, it can be the most expensive choice for bay windows.

Bay Window Replacement Cost Factors

Every bay window project will be different, depending on your home and the scope of the job. However, there are some factors that will influence the cost of your bay window replacements. You should be aware of these things when planning your project:

• Window material
• Thickness, coating or rating of glass panes
• Number of bay windows to be installed at the same time
• Size of the bay window
• Replacement bay window or new installation
• Number of panes used in bay window (usually up to five)
• Addition of shelves or seating in the bay window interior
• Labor costs

Bay Window Prices

 

• 

Bay windows are a very attractive addition for your home, but they can come with an unattractive cost attached!

When getting estimates from contractors, make sure they quote you on the cost of installation as well as the bay windows themselves.

The cost of a bay window replacement will depend on what floor your window is being installed, the size of the window, the number of glass panels, and whether you’re replacing an old bay window or installing a completely new window setup.

As you have no doubt seen from all the variables involved in a bay window replacement, it’s not that easy to estimate the costs.

Here is an overview of the average prices you can expect to pay.

Type	Size	Price Range	Installation Cost
Boxed Bay	3′ x 3′ and up	From $1,150	$300-$500
Full Bay	6′ x 6′ and up	From $3,550	$500 +

Conclusion

Bay window replacements are versatile, and can fit perfectly into your home architecture and your personal style.  

Although a sizeable installation can cost you thousands in materials and labor, these windows add extra lighting and space, and curb appeal.

You will definitely get a return on your investment with this type of window.