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Vinyl Replacement Window Prices

When you start thinking of replacing old and damaged windows its important to carefully consider the pros and cons each material offers you and your property. A lot depends on your priorities and, ofcourse, your budget. Are you looking for  aesthetic flexibility to match your existing exterior design? Do you ant energy-efficient design to help you save on your heating and cooling costs? How will your new windows best meet your unique needs and circumstances?

Whatever your primary concern, vinyl should be at the top of your list.

Window Replacement Cost: Vinyl vs. Wood vs. Fiberglass Frame Windows

Everyone knows windows are expensive, but just how big a bite do they take out of the budget?

Window Cost

The average cost to install a typical 36-by-60 double hung replacement window can range from $550 tp $1050 per window installed. The cost of each window can vary significantly based on many factors, such as window size, frame material ( vinyl, wood, fiberglass), glass type ( double low-E vs. triple Low-E), finish options  etc.

Small fixed windows used as accents or the ones installed in some bathrooms will be significantly less expensive.

Oversized functional windows offering dramatic views will command a higher price. although large premium windows are no normally found in most residential homes.

Cost Factors Explained

We use installed window costs throughout this guide. But some of you are DIY enthusiasts with the skills to do it right. So how much can you save by installing your own windows?

The installation ( labor only ) cost for most windows is $120 to $275 per window, with an average of about $175.

Installation of bay and bow window systems costs $475 to $750 each.

Other factors to consider

Costs can vary quite a bit among window companies in the same zip code. It makes sense to get multiple estimates when shopping for windows.

Costs in other major metro areas are mid range to high. The cost of living is lowest in rural areas of the south and Midwest.

What your windows are made from will influence your enjoyment of them. The material makes a difference  in looks, performance, durability, maintenance required, and of course, cost.

Below is an overview of your options with pros and cons, but click here to get a more in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of vinyl.

Note: The prices below include in parenthesis are installed costs ( materials and labour ) for new replacement windows.

DIY installation will save you $120 – $275 per window. Just be sure your doing it properly. Windows not correctly installed will leak air, be susceptible to warping, cracking and rot/mould in the framing around the window.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl is popular for low cost and mid range projects. The average cost of vinyl replacement windows can also depend on several factors.

Pros: Vinyl is maintenance free and durable. Most brands are backed by lifetime warranties. All window styles are available.

Leading vinyl window series include Pella 250($535-$815 per window installed),Jeld Wen V-4500($465-$770 per window installed), Milgard Tuscany($495-$750 per window installed) and Crestline Select 250($395-$700 per window installed)

Cons: Colour choice is limited to white in basic vinyl lines like Pella 250. The crestline select 250 ( 6 interiors/ 3 exterior) and Jeld Wen V-4500( 3 interiors/ 8 exteriors) are available in more colour choices.

Did You know? Neither Andersen nor Marvin makes vinyl windows.

Double Pane Vinyl Windows- Midrange Replacement Project:

A typical 36-by-60 inch double hung replacement vinyl window with double pane glass and a insulated frame will cost between $600 to $900 per window installed. Your windows brand, material, quality, window features, choice of contractor , and cost of living in your area will affect the bottom line. With an average cost of about $700 per window replaced, a typical project to install 10 vinyl replacement windows will cost around $7000 when carried out by a local company

Cost to Value Return: In 2017 – 2018 vinyl replacement windows provide a close to 75% return in terms of value recouped at resale.

Fiberglass and Composite Windows

These windows are attractive to homeowners who want a tough, low maintenance window that looks like painted wood.

Pella Impervia ($530 – $965) and Milgard Ultra ($515-$875 per window installed) have solid fiberglass frames. Marvin Ultrex fibreglass ($565-$950 per window installed) is available in a solid wood frame or wood interiors and Ultrex exteriors.

Andersens Fibrex ($525 – $885 per window installed) is a PVC (60%) and recycled pine (40%) blend. The brands Architectural A series ($680-$950 ) and 100 series ($495-$800 per window installed) windows are Fibrex frames.

Pros: Fiberglass and composite windows have a woodgrain feel and a contemporary, painted wood appearance. Maintenance is minimal. Andersen Fibrex is paintable. Both materials are very strong, so warping and breaking is rare.

Cons: Fiberglass and composite windows costs more than vinyl window and low cost wood windows. If you want the natural beauty of wood, these are not for you.

Double Pane Fiberglass Windows- High end Replacement Project:

To remove an old window and replace it with a 36-by-60 fiberglass window ranges in cost from $695 to $975 per window replaced.

Assuming a average cost of $885 per window with the most common features, it will cost about $8850 for a typical project to remove and replace 10 fiberglass windows.

Wood Windows

Wood dominates the premium market – lines like Pella Architect Reserve ($770-$1250), Marvin Ultimate ($735-$1125 per window installed) and Andersen Architectural Collection ( $800 – $1215 per window installed)

Moderately priced wood windows like the Andersen 400 Series($685-$885 per window installed) and Jeld Wen W-2500($630-$790 per window installed) are nice too.

Pros: The beauty of wood is unsurpassed, especially wood that is stained rather than painted. All window styles are available in wood. Pine is used in affordable wood window series like Andersen 200 series ($640 -$835  window installed) and Pella 450 Proline($650-$850 per window installed) windows. you can upgrade your wood choice, but expect to pay a per window premium( in parenthesis) for Douglas fir ($45-$70), Oak ($70-$125), Maple ($70-$125), Cherry ($100-$150) and Maghony ($125-$200)

Cons: Non clad exteriors are backed by short ( 5 year mostly ) warranties and wil rot if not consistently maintained. Upscale wood windows are the costliest option. Pine is more affordable, but scratched and dents easily.

Below are window costs for bare wood and clad-wood window projects for common window size.

Note: The seemingly wide range in prices is due to differences in brands and features and the company you hire to install the windows. Where you live impacts costs to. Prices are higher in major metropolitan areas like Washington DC, NYC, Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, etc

ROI: The 2017 -2018 cost to value return for replacing wood windows is about 70%. Spend $10,000 on windows, and your homes market value is raised by about $7,000.

Insulated Wood Windows – Midrange Replacement Project

An average cost to remove and replace an old window with new 36-by-60 double hung, insulated wood window ranges from $750 to $1150 per window installed. A typical project cost to install 10 mid-range wood replacement windows can range from $7500 to $12000 depending on the window brand, style, and your homes location.

Aluminum Windows

Aluminum windows occupies a niche in warm climates. The limited number of national brands making them include Jeld-Wen (3-series), Milgard Aluminium Series ( new construction frame windows), and Ply Gem.. Bare aluminum and powder coated frames are produced.

Pros: Aluminum window frames handles coastal salt spray without coroding. The windows are lightweight, so easy to install and operate. Most window types are available.

Cons: Aluminum window frames are not energy efficient. They are rarely sold in northern climates. You have a limited range of brand and feature options.

Material Comparison

Vinyl versus Wood

While double pane vinyl replacement windows will work great for most rooms homes, some houses located in historic neighbourhoods or designate as historic buildings may require wood windows to preserve their historic look. Wood frame windows cost more than vinyl and are more expensive to install. In some cases additional staining and painting of wooden windows may be required.

Vinyl versus Fiberglass

Homeowners that ultimately pick fiberglass often consider vinyl too. Fiberglass costs about 25% more. The benefits are stronger, slightly thinner frames that allow for more glass/visibility. Fiberglass does not have the weld ridges at corners. Vinyl’s advantage is that frames are slightly more energy efficient.