How much does it cost to repair a window frame?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Frames are an important part of your home, but they’re often overlooked because they blend right in with the windows. They can be vital to the insulation and comfort of your home. When they are broken, cracked, rotted, or otherwise in disrepair, they may need to be repaired or replaced. This could involve filling in cracks or repairing broken frames, sashes, or sills. No matter the issue, you will always want to hire a professional to handle repairs as soon as possible.

The average price to repair a window frame is between $250 and $500 per unit. Most people pay about $300 to reseal a unit made from mid-range aluminum materials. At the low end, you could spend as little as $75 on repairing the hardware. At the high end, some people spend as much as $1,000 on replacing a composite model when repairs are not possible.

Window Frame Repair Price

Window Frame Repair Cost by Material

The average price of window frame repair ranges from $175 to $650, depending on the material that has to be fixed. The material that the unit is constructed from will impact the price of repair or replacement. As shown in the project example above, aluminum is an example of a mid-range material. Other common materials used include wood, vinyl, composite, and fiberglass. Below, we’ll discuss the issues with each and the average repair price. Of course, the type of repair that needs to be done will also affect the price, but we’ll discuss that later on. First, let’s look at the price of repair based on the material.

Wood Window Frame Repair

Typically, a professional patch job on wooden frames averages between $175 and $300 per window. Wood is fairly easy to repair, but it’s also one of the most common materials to need repairing or replacement over the years. Wood is porous and can be affected by the elements. It can even become dried out by the sun and heat, leading to splitting and other issues. The repairs on wood may be anything from filling cracks and repairing splits to completely replacing the wood boards if they are too damaged or rotten to repair. If you paint or stain your wooden units, they can last much longer and require fewer repairs over the years.

Aluminum Window Frame Repair

Aluminum frame repair typically has a price between $250 and $500 per unit for a complete re-glazing. Many people choose aluminum models because they don’t require maintenance like wood. They are also much more resistant to the elements. However, the expanding and twisting of the metal over time can lead to broken glazing, which is what makes the window weatherproof. This is why reglazing is the most common solution.

Vinyl Window Frame Repair

Most vinyl frame repair prices are between $300 and $600 per window. Vinyl models also require little to no maintenance beyond regular cleaning, but again, temperature changes from the seasons can cause cracking over time. This can easily be repaired with a simple fiberglass gel patch. In some cases, the sealant may break, which can be seen by the fog building up on the glass. This calls for a sealant replacement.

Fiberglass Window Frame Repair

The national average runs between $300 and $600 to fix a fiberglass window. Fiberglass frame repair is similar to a vinyl model repair in terms of price and work involved. In some cases, replacement may be the only option. Typical repairs of fiberglass models include filling cracks or repairing small damage done to the unit. Color matching can also be done for an additional charge, and most jobs take about three hours per unit.

Composite Window Frame Repair

Patching frames made from composite material typically has a price between $400 and $650 per window and takes three to four hours per unit. Repairing composite models is slightly more complex and limited. However, these units are designed to be durable in the first place and therefore much less likely to need repairs. Some composite materials may crack or split over time, which can be fixed with simple repairs in many cases.

Window Frame Repair Cost by Type of Repair

It costs from $75 to $700 to repair a frame. There are several repairs that may need to be performed on a unit. The type of repair that you need will impact the total cost, so it’s important to consider that in addition to the material of the unit and its size. For example, replacing hardware is rather affordable, but full replacement of a rotted window would be much more expensive. Below, you’ll see a list of the most common repairs and their average costs.

Labor Cost to Repair a Window Frame

Labor for this type of work typically costs around $65 per hour and accounts for approximately 75% of the total project costs, or about $225 of the average $300 window repair cost. The average frame repair takes between two and four hours to complete, with most professionals charging by the hour for labor with an additional charge for materials needed to complete the project. There are some companies that will charge per unit or offer a discounted project rate for repairing multiple units, so be sure to inquire about that when seeking out repair services.

Frame repairs are typically performed by an installation and repair expert. Homeowners who have purchased windows with a warranty should rely on the company that installed them to ensure that they don’t void their protection in any way. Repairs typically involve using filler to fill cracks, gaps, and splits removing and replacing parts of the unit that have been damaged in some way.

Repair costs are determined by a few different factors. First, the size of the unit, as well as the material that the frame is constructed from, will impact the overall project cost. The other factor, which we just discussed, is the type of repair that needs to be done. Typically, the more detailed and labor-intensive the repair, the more expensive it will be.

Window Frame Replacement Cost by Material

It costs an average of $100 to $1,000 for window frame replacement. There are some instances, as we have mentioned, where it will be better to replace them than to fix them. In the event that the damage is too extensive or that the issue isn’t something that can be fixed, a full replacement could be your only option. Below, you’ll find the cost of replacement based on material type, along with why each is most commonly replaced and the typical lifespan for the different materials.

Fiberglass Window Frame Replacement

The national average cost for fiberglass frame replacement is $100 to $300. Fiberglass windows are a slight upgrade from vinyl, offering a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. If it needs to be replaced due to damage before the unit has seen its full lifespan, professionals can replace it for you. There may be instances where you can have it fixed to save money, but make sure that you always go with the expert’s recommendation.

Wood Window Frame Replacement

The average cost to replace a rotten frame ranges from $100 to $800 per window for a full wooden unit replacement. Wood models tend to rot or split over time, at which point they should be replaced. Depending on the type of wood that you choose, you will find different costs involved in replacing them. For example, a pine model might be cheaper to replace than a premium oak one, and so forth.

Aluminum Window Frame Replacement

The average cost of an aluminum frame replacement is about $150 to $300. With a lifespan of 20-25 years, they are fairly durable. However, when they do become damaged to a point where they can’t be fixed, a full replacement isn’t that expensive. That’s why many professionals may just suggest a replacement if there is damage to it since it will not be a huge investment.

Vinyl Window Frame Replacement

The average cost of vinyl frame replacement is between $300 and $600. Vinyl windows typically last a long time without a lot of need for fixing or maintenance. However, if it does become damaged or the seals are breached beyond reparation, a replacement of the entire unit may be required. Vinyl models, including their frames, have an expected lifespan of 20 to 40 years.

Composite Window Frame Replacement

If you find your composite frames damaged beyond reparation, the average replacement cost is about $800 to $1,000 per unit. Although these windows are made for up to 50 years of use or more, circumstances may occur that necessitate replacement. Major impact damage or weather events, for example, could lead to a need for replacement. Regardless of the cause, be sure to consult an expert on the best solution to keep them in its best condition.

Window Frame Painting Cost

The cost of painting window frames typically averages between $35 and $50 per unit. Painting or staining can be considered a reparation or upgrade for a couple of reasons. First of all, paint can add a protective barrier to the unit, giving it a longer lifespan and less risk of damage over time. Another benefit of painting is that it adds a touch of style and can increase the home’s value.

Common Window Frame Issues

Several common issues may happen with window frames that result in a need for a professional. Typically, these are minor and can be fixed without much effort since professionals deal with them regularly. The other thing to note is that you can often save money when you have multiple reparations that need to be performed at the same time. Broken hardware or sash interlocks are very common and among the most affordable to fix. These usually just involve a quick replacement of the seal or hardware components that are damaged so that the unit can be functional and secure.

You could also find that the nail fin or seals are leaking, allowing air to come in through the cracks and gaps. The nail fin could be leaking just because it is loose or because it has been broken completely. In either case, it needs to be replaced to secure the window and keep the drafts out. Leaking seals are the same. Immediate replacement ensures that your units are always in their best shape. Additional weatherstripping or sealing may also be offered as an addition to replacing leaky frame parts.

Holes and cracks are also common, thanks to things like the swelling and shrinking from heat and cold and exposure to the elements over time. Several things could lead to cracks and holes, and some are less susceptible than others. For example, it is more likely for a wood unit to crack than a composite model. One final issue that is common and may require a professional is fogging of the glass. This is generally caused by the frame or seal separating enough to allow air between the panes of glass and create condensation. This is usually resolved by resealing the unit.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Repair Stained Glass

Stained glass repair averages $500 per window. This is another service that you might find yourself in need of when it comes to something like reparation. Stained glass should be handled by professionals that understand its delicate nature. A reparation project usually includes fixing minor cracks, cleaning, replacing cement, and tightening cames. Be sure to get an estimate after a professional has seen the damaged unit.

Window Glass Replacement

Replacing the glass only in a standard double-pane window has an average cost of $300 to $880, depending on the size of the glass and the type chosen for replacement. If the damage to the unit includes broken glass, you may need to replace it along with fixing the frame. For example, if the unit is so damaged that it has damaged the seal and the glass is now fogging, you might want to upgrade the glass or replace the entire unit in order to resolve the issue.

Window Weather Stripping

Having new weatherstripping installed is a fairly inexpensive process. You can expect a cost range between $5 and $10 per unit, with the total cost depending on how many unit sare in the home. Weatherstripping is a critical element to help balance the climate in your home. In addition to fixing frames, you should check on the weather stripping around all of your windows and other areas of your home since the average full weatherstripping job is only about $350.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• DIY. There may be some minor issues that come up with the frames that you can handle yourself. Something as simple as patching a small crack, for example, could be a matter of spending $10 or $20 at your local home improvement store on a sealant. However, some jobs are better left to the professionals. Remember how important your windows are to your home and never take on more than you can handle.
• Estimates. You should always get at least 3-5 estimates from different reparation services. This will guarantee that you get the best rates on service and also find a reputable company to work with. If you only get one estimate and then hire that company, you’re not really getting a full look at your options and you could be overpaying for reparation.
• Lead paint. Homes built prior to 1978 may have issues with lead paint. Typically, homeowners are required to be informed about this issue but they also sign a Lead Paint Disclosure at the time of purchase. If you worry that your frames may contain lead paint, you need to call the professionals to have things tested before any work is done.
• Licensed contractors. You should always employ licensed, certified, and experienced contractors. Some local handyman might offer a good rate because he isn’t as highly trained or doesn’t have as many professional certifications, but really you can’t sacrifice quality when it comes to reparation. Always choose licensed reparation services.
• Emergency repair fees. If you have a unit that needs taken care of immediately or during a time outside of normal business hours, you may be charged emergency fees or premium rates for service because of the nature of the urgency. Always ask about emergency charges or premium fees when calling about an emergency reparation.
• Ladder or roof access. The more complex the work, the more expensive it will be. Such is the case with this reparation, in the event that the contractor needs to use ladders or be on the roof to perform the reparation. You may pay a higher charge for the increased risk and effort involved as opposed to having first-floor and ground-level units fixed.