How Much Does Window Frame Replacement Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, homeowners spend between $184 and $598 to replace a window frame, with an average cost of $380. In some cases, prices can dip to $60 or reach $1,100. However, your final expenses can vary widely based on your chosen frame material, type of repair, extent of damage, and labor rates. 

A quality window frame gives your sashes a secure spot to sit, keeps the weather out, and can significantly reduce your home's energy use and utility costs, so build a realistic budget and hire a qualified pro to protect the investment.

Window Frame Replacement Cost Factors

The cost of replacing window frames depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at the components that impact your total.

New Construction vs. Older Homes

In newer homes, window pros can often swap out the casing without pulling the window itself. With older wood frames, your contractor may need to remove the window to reach the damage, which pushes the price higher.

Labor

Window specialists charge between $50 and $130 per hour, or $270 to $340 per window, for frame work. If your pro has to remove the window to reach the rough framing, expect your total to climb, but in most cases, that extra step isn’t necessary.

Labor rates shift with the local cost of living and can rise if the pro has a long drive. Gather a few quotes from local window frame specialists to see what frame repair or replacement will cost where you live.

Parts

Replacing just the window frame costs between $184 and $598 before you add the price of the new window. Repairing or replacing frames tends to save you in the long run since the cost to replace a window is an average of $750 each. In many cases, though, you’ll only need to swap out the sash or sill.

You'll often replace a sash rather than repair it unless you're restoring historic windows. It usually costs more to fix a sash than to purchase and install a new one. Most repairs happen on the sill, casing, or jamb, which are the parts surrounding the sash. If you need to replace only the glass, the cost to replace window glass is $150 to $400 for a single-pane window.

Window Frame Cost by Repair Type

On average, repairing windows costs $180 to $640. Repairing a window frame costs an average of $200, and it can be as low as $20 depending on the issue. For example, basic crack and hole repair costs between $20 and $100. Some common window frame repairs and their costs include:

Lead Paint Removal

If your home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance the window frames were coated with lead paint. Removing it costs an average of $8 to $17 per square foot. Not sure whether lead is present? Schedule a lead paint inspection—$340 on average—before you start the project.

Window Sash Repair or Replacement

A window sash replacement costs approximately $80 to $250, while window sash repair costs $50 to $200. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace your window sash rather than repair it. However, if you're restoring historic windows, it may be worth repairing the sash to preserve the character of the original windows.

Windowsill  Replacement

A windowsill replacement costs between $150 and $400. The windowsill is located at the bottom of the window and helps support it and provide structural integrity. Windowsills are one of the more common areas of a window frame that may need repair or replacement.

Dry Rot Repair

Expect to spend $150 to $800 to replace a rotted frame, depending on how far the decay has spread. Cutting out and discarding the damaged wood can take several hours, so labor makes up a big share of the bill.

Window Frame Costs by Material

The cost of repairing window frames depends partly on their material. For example, fiberglass or composite window frames may be more expensive to replace or repair, while wood or aluminum frames may be less expensive. 

Wood

It costs $100 to $350 to repair wood window frames. Wood is one of the more common types of window frame materials and requires more maintenance than other frames, as it needs painting and sealing to prolong its lifespan. However, wood frames are easier to fix than vinyl.

Aluminum

Aluminum window frames cost $150 to $350 to repair. Aluminum window frames are strong and require little maintenance, but they conduct heat, making them poor insulators. High-end models have thermal breaks between the interior and exterior surfaces.

Vinyl

Vinyl window frames cost between $150 and $500 to repair on average. Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and ultraviolet light stabilizers meant to protect against sunlight that can break down the material, they require very little maintenance. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass window frames are exceptionally durable and stable, and provide better insulation than those made from wood or uninsulated vinyl. However, they also have a high installation cost of $300 to $600 on average.

Composite Frames

Like fiberglass, composite window frames are durable and insulating. They cost between $400 and $800 to replace, making them one of the more expensive types of window frames.

Budgeting for Window Frame Replacement

You’ll need a pro for window repairs or replacements, but there are plenty of ways to ensure your window renovation project stays budget-friendly:

• Prepare your space by clearing any furniture, vehicles, flower pots, or greenery away from the windows. Providing easy access speeds up the repair process and saves on labor costs.

• Consider purchasing new window frames in the off-season. Spring and fall are the busiest seasons for window companies, so check prices in summer and winter for lower costs.

• Some window suppliers offer bulk discounts, so if you foresee necessary repairs in the next few years, repair or replace multiple windows at once.

• Consider long-term benefits for your windows and frames. Insulated windows have a higher upfront cost but can save you money in repairs, maintenance, and home energy costs.

• Contact multiple window replacement specialists to compare quotes.

• Check if your state or local government provides rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. They may offer programs for installing energy-efficient products that can help you save on repair costs.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.