If you’re searching for new windows to update your current ones, you’ve probably heard of fiberglass windows. This window type is amazing for giving your home windows a superior strength that can withstand extreme temperatures and last for several decades. One of the biggest reasons homeowners often choose high-performance fiberglass windows for their homes is that they’re practically maintenance-free as opposed to other materials.
The national average cost range is $6,160 to $11,200, with most homeowners paying about $8,500 for ten replacement fiberglass prefab double-hung, double-pane windows with low-E glass. For a lower-end project, you can have a professional install a prefab single-hung fiberglass replacement window with standard glass for around $620. Higher-end fiberglass replacement windows usually cost $20,000 for ten custom impact-resistant windows with spectrally selective coating and krypton-filled glass.
This guide will explain the basics of fiberglass window costs and all the factors that can affect your project. We’ll also provide a few tips to help you save money on your replacement windows, allowing you to have a stunning home without the dreaded expense.
Key takeaways
Windows made with fiberglass frames exhibit superior strength due to glass fiber reinforcement.
Compared to other window types, fiberglass is one of the most expensive.
Strategic planning, looking for specials, consulting with several dealers, and opting for standard designs can save you money on fiberglass windows.
Fiberglass window costs
Fiberglass window prices | |
National average cost | $8,500 |
Average cost range | $6,200 - $11,200 |
Low-end cost | $620 |
High-end cost | $20,000 |
Though the nation’s average cost for fiberglass windows comes in around $8,500, there are a few factors that affect the overall cost of your home’s new windows, including:
Style
Glass type
Brand
Labor costs
Insulation
Fiberglass window costs by style
Fiberglass windows come in a variety of styles to enhance your home's exterior design, including single-hung or double-hung. Some customizable options are limited with fiberglass windows, but window style allows you to select a design that fits your aesthetic preferences and complements your home’s overall design.
Fiberglass window type | Prefab costs (materials only) | Custom costs (materials only) |
Transom | $198 - $360 | $345 - $630 |
$360 - $650 | $615 - $1,100 | |
Single Hung | $360 - $655 | $615 - $1,120 |
Awning | $600 - $1,080 | $1,000 - $1,850 |
Double Hung | $720 - $1,310 | $1,231 - $2,240 |
$792 - $1,440 | $1,350 - $2,500 | |
Arched | $500 - $920 | $860 - $1,570 |
$720 - $1,310 | $1,231 - $2,240 | |
Sliding | $700 - $1,300 | $1,200 - $2,185 |
$1,188 - $2,160 | $2,030 - $3,700 | |
Garden | $1,080 - $1,965 | $1,850 - $3,360 |
As you can see, the cost for each window type fluctuates depending on whether you select a standard design or order custom windows. Fiberglass windows are already more expensive because of their high demand and limited availability, but custom orders will increase the cost even more.
Costs by type of glass used
You can choose from several types of glass to insert in the frame of your fiberglass windows, including single-pane or double-pane, low-e, and more.
Glass type | Average prefab fiberglass window cost (materials only) |
Single-Pane | $250 - $460 |
$380 - $690 | |
Low-E | $580 - $1,050 |
Spectrally Selective Coating | $800 - $1,450 |
Argon-Filled | $830 - $1,500 |
Triple-Pane | $865 - $1,570 |
Krypton-Filled | $1,130 - $2,060 |
Window size may affect the cost of the glass material, as bigger windows will require more material.
Fiberglass window costs by brand
Window brands are another factor in the overall cost of new windows. Pella Windows and Andersen are two of the more notable ones in the market, but other dealers have prices that fit an array of budgets.
Fiberglass window brand | Average costs (materials only) |
Pella | $400 - $2,000 |
Milgard | $500 - $1,750 |
Inline | $600 - $2,000 |
Andersen | $600 - $2,300 |
Marvin | $800 - $1,600 |
These price estimates include materials only and do not count labor costs or other factors. That said, it’s important to be prepared for window prices to be over $2,000, depending on size, glass types, design, and other features.
Labor costs
Though it’s possible to install windows DIY style, professional window dealers will have to install your new fiberglass windows since their material is not as flexible as competitors' vinyl or wooden windows.
Quantity of fiberglass windows being installed | Average labor costs |
1 - 4 Windows | $100 - $150 |
5 - 9 Windows | $90 - $140 |
10 - 19 Windows | $85 - $130 |
20 + Windows | $80 - $125 |
These figures indicate labor expenses to install new windows but don't include the cost of removing old windows. If professionals have to make alterations to your openings to install the new windows, this is an extra expense you will have to account for. This is also a great time to repair any internal wall damage from leaks.
Fiberglass window insulation costs
One of the best extra features you can add to fiberglass windows is insulation film. This film is a thin layer of polyethylene terephthalate plastic that controls the heat and light transfer to increase your home's energy efficiency. However, adding this film is an extra expense. You can expect this addition to add $30 to $60 per window, which includes materials. There is also a special insulation foam you can get professionals to add around the frame of each window, which ranges from $50 to $300 per window, not including materials.
How to save money on fiberglass windows
As we mentioned, replacing your current windows with new fiberglass ones is going to cost a pretty penny, but there are a few ways you can save on this home improvement project:
Comparing quotes: Don’t settle for one dealer. Before choosing a brand to work with, get quotes from a few companies to choose one that best fits your budget.
Go for a cost-effective glass: Materials affect the expense per window. With that in mind, try to design a window with cost-effective materials that reduce the overall cost without fully compromising durability.
Limit custom features: Fiberglass windows have fewer design options than other window types, but a few design options can increase the cost. Standard window features and designs will keep costs down compared to fancier designs.
Install a few: Replacing every window in your home will cost more than updating a few. To save money on your window installation, replace only a few windows now before replacing others later.
Look for specials: Some window dealers may offer special discounts during holidays or off-season to attract business. Shop around for any current special offers to save on your new windows.
Consider resale value: Consider selling your home down the road to save money. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, replacing the windows in your home could bring as much as a 67% ROI.
Cost of fiberglass vs. other materials
Though fiberglass is a favorite window type among homeowners because of its stellar features, its most frequent competitors are aluminum, wood, and vinyl windows. Fiberglass windows are more expensive than aluminum and vinyl in terms of materials and installation. However, compared to wood windows, fiberglass becomes a cheaper option since wooden windows are even more exclusive.
Is fiberglass best for your home?
Several considerations need to be made before purchasing fiberglass windows. First, fiberglass is a wonderful material to have in windows because of its durability and high-quality materials, but cost plays a huge factor. Fiberglass windows are also wonderful insulators and can better control your home's energy efficiency. Unfortunately, some fiberglass windows contain a coating that is sensitive to UV rays and will fade over time to lose its glossy sheen. Other, more high-quality fiberglass windows, however, are protected with a UV-resistant coating.
The best way to tell if fiberglass windows are right for your home is to consider the overall budget for your replacement windows, your stylistic preferences, and their longevity. Consulting with several window dealers can help you decide since you’ll hear how much the project will cost. They can also tell you about other window material options that might be better to select.
Frequently asked questions
Fiberglass windows are a long-time fan-favorite for their extreme durability, maintenance-free upkeep, and longevity, but fiberglass windows have some drawbacks. First, they cost more than other windows because of the high demand and high-quality materials. Besides their higher cost, professional installation is usually required since they’re harder to install than vinyl windows. Another drawback to fiberglass windows is that they don’t come with as many customizable features, and some may be more susceptible to UV rays, which is challenging since they’ll be exposed to sunlight daily.
Fiberglass windows are built with superior strength, meaning they have a high lifespan of nearly 25 to 50 years with the proper maintenance needs (very few). They are practically maintenance-free, and the only upkeep you need to perform regularly is routine wiping down the glass and hosing down the frame material to make them look new.
If you’re looking for new windows that are high-quality, low-maintenance, and enhance your home’s exterior colors, look no further than fiberglass windows. This window type is worth its higher cost for the superior strength of the low-e glass and frame materials and long lifespan compared to the weaker qualities of vinyl windows and other counterparts.
Some climates in Canada are better suited for vinyl or wood windows instead of fiberglass. Though fiberglass windows are highly durable, one of their downsides is that they’re not best suited for the extreme cold weather conditions in some parts of Canada.