Windows play an essential part in every home. They offer an outside view to the house’s residents and bring in air and sunlight. Nothing lasts forever, and neither do windows. It is natural to need to replace your windows eventually. Depending on where your home is located and the material of the window frames, windows are built to last approx. 25yrs. In general, the common reasons homeowners prefer to replace the windows are the need to enhance the home’s energy efficiency, decaying frames or encasing, water seepages resulting in mold or insulation problems, or just a simple wish to increase the value of your home.
How Installation Affects the Price of Your Window
When you decide to change your home windows, you must bear in mind the costs attached to the window replacement and installation process. Numerous aspects influence the price of a new window. The window brand, overall quality, material used, scope and dimensions of the window, type of glass, and the condition of your present frame all play an integral role in determining the price of the window. For instance, in general, you can assume an expenditure of approx. $800 for replacing a 3 ft. by 5 ft. double hung window, vinyl window, while installing a window with a wooden frame, is way more costly, priced at an average of $1,875 for the same project for a single window. Typically labor for window installation runs between $100 and $200 for a total cost of $650 to $1,500, depending on the style of window you choose to purchase.
Below are the two most common types of window installation that factor in and affect the pricing:
Retrofit Installation (Install into existing frames)
A retrofit installation is a fitting process wherein the windows are inserted into the present frames. In this installation, the pillars and frames are left intact during the fitting process. As an alternative to replacing the existing brick mold, the contractor will use aluminum capping for the outer cover of the window. This simple window replacement and installation cost considerably less if there is no flaw in the existing window frame and you are replacing your windows for energy efficiency or resale value as opposed to rebuilding the frames.
Also Read: How Sustainable Windows Helps You to Save Money
Brick to Brick (Full Frame Installation)
If you wish to replace your windows completely, you will choose a full-frame installation. This installation procedure replaces your windows right down to the nails. Homeowners facing fundamental problems with their windows, such as decaying wood and high moisture, usually opt for this installation. You get interior trim, new frames, and exterior brick molds with your custom windows. New construction means window frames must be created on-site to fit the new windows. The price for this is almost 50% more than a simple replacement.
***
As far as window installation cost is concerned, retrofit window installation is a comparatively economical option. Whereas full-frame installation is often considered to be the smarter choice as it takes care of all the issues regarding the window as well as the structure. Retrofit installation is sometimes looked at as a cosmetic fix, which doesn’t address the bigger underlying issues.
