There are a lot of different reasons you might be thinking about replacing your brick home’s windows. Perhaps you’re looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal, or maybe you’ve recently noticed your energy bills are a lot higher than they used to be. You may have been thinking about replacing your windows for a while, but have worried that replacing a brick home’s windows might be exceptionally difficult (spoiler: it doesn’t have to be).

Whatever the reason, window replacement may be the solution. That can be expensive, so before you decide to take on the full frame window replacement cost, you’ll want to be sure that’s the best course of action—more cost-effective window replacement alternatives, for example.

In this post, we’ll help guide you toward the right solution for you, by answering a few main questions, including:

• How do you know if you need new windows?
• What’s the better option: full frame window replacement or retrofitting?
• Is it hard to replace windows in a brick house?
• How much does it cost to replace the windows in a brick house?

How Do You Know If You Need New Windows?

With the proper care and maintenance, wood and vinyl windows can both last a long time. Wood windows tend to last longer—20 years or more—with vinyl not far behind. Harsh climate and weather conditions accelerate the rate at which windows wear down, so that must also be taken into account. Especially if your existing windows weren’t installed perfectly, moisture could  reach the frame, leading it to weaken and rot over time. 

There are a lot of different reasons why a homeowner might identify the need to replace one or more of the windows in their home, from curb appeal to energy efficiency and more. 

Two of the biggest benefits to window replacement come in the form of energy savings and increased security:

• Energy efficiency: If your home feels drafty, there’s a good chance that your windows are losing their insulative properties. If you notice your energy bills rising, especially during summer and winter, it’s likely because your heating or cooling systems are having to work extra hard in order to keep up.
• Security & safety: When windows don’t operate properly, they can lead to safety issues. If you can’t lock them, for example, you could be susceptible to break-ins. Additionally, if windows don’t open well, you could be in real trouble in the event of a fire.

A few additional benefits of window replacement include the following:

• New windows can offer better noise reduction, keeping outside noise outside.
• Replacement windows can improve your home’s curb appeal and modernize its look.
• Newer windows tend to be easier to clean, and generally look nicer.

When in doubt, you can always ask a contractor to examine your home and assess your options.

What’s the Better Option: Full Frame Window Replacement or Retrofitting?

There are two main ways to go about replacing the windows in your home, whether it’s made of brick or any other material: full frame window replacement and retrofitting with an after-market replacement sash insert window. As you can likely guess based on the name, full frame window replacement involves the removal of an entire existing window or windows down to the studs before installing a new window into the opening. As such, it’s a more labor-intensive and costly process than retrofitting with a sash, which uses the existing frame without requiring removal. installs a new window into the existing frame (which is left intact).

When Is Full Frame Window Replacement Necessary?

If there is significant wear, rot, or other damage to the window frame and external wood components, then you may need to go with full frame window replacement. One advantage of full frame window replacement is that removing the existing frame can reveal damage you otherwise might not know about. For example, you or your contractor might find gaps around the old frame that will benefit from additional sealant and insulation. 

Full frame window replacement is also the best approach if the window is out of square, or you’d like to change the window’s size or shape to update the look of your home. With a brick home, though, it’s important to consider the fact that full frame replacement will mean some disruption to the window frame and trim elements. When masonry work is involved, this can get pricey.

What Is Retrofitting?

This approach involves installing new windows (sash, hardware, etc.) within existing frames. In addition to being an inexpensive alternative to full frame window replacement, retrofitting involves less-intensive construction for installation. The installation of a retro fit sash is merely transferring hardware from the old to the new. The existing frame and window trim can remain intact. This is a compelling advantage for owners of brick, stone, and stucco homes as the masonry won’t need to be disturbed.

Are Window Inserts Effective? 

Assuming the window frame is in good condition, window inserts are just as effective as full frame window replacement. Not only that, but they are more cost-effective and much easier to install.

Is It Hard to Replace the Windows in a Brick House?

To put it bluntly, it’s very difficult—and expensive—to replace full frame windows in a brick house. 

For one, it is impossible to properly secure, seal, and flash a new full-frame unit in a masonry wall without having to remove the surrounding material which greatly adds to the cost of the project. New windows are fastened to the wall via a nailing flange that runs the perimeter of the frame. It should also be noted that many installers skip this critical step, simply screwing the frame in through the jamb. This approach leaves exposed screws where they were not intended, and preventing proper sealing and flashing around the new unit.

How Do You Replace a Window in a Brick Building?

The windows in a brick house can be replaced by either full frame window replacement or retrofitting, no different from any other type of house. As described above, full frame window replacement involves more complex installation, similar to new window construction. Retrofitting involves fewer steps since the existing window frame remains in place. 

Do You Have to Remove Brick to Replace the Windows?

For proper installation, yes, for reasons we’ve described above. Thankfully, in many cases, it may not be necessary to remove any bricks in order to replace a window. The main reason you might need to remove brick is if you’re upgrading to a larger window, thereby making it necessary to remove bricks around the existing opening and window frame. 

Is It Possible to Add a Window to a Brick Wall?

Technically, yes, it is possible to add a brand new window to a brick wall. As you might expect, though, this process is neither easy nor cheap when compared to either type of window replacement. In fact, adding a new window or changing the size of an existing window frame are the only circumstances in which you encounter any difficulties unique to brickwork.

Is It Easy to Add a Window to a Brick Wall?

While replacing an existing window in a brick wall isn’t too intimidating, the level of difficulty that comes with adding a new window to a brick wall is a different story altogether. It requires specialized tools and labor to construct a new window opening. It’s considered a fairly major remodeling project, not appropriate for the average DIY-er.

Is It Expensive to Add Windows to Brick House?

Yes! Whether your home is made of brick or another material, adding new windows will always cost more than simply replacing an existing window—even if you pursue a full frame window replacement. It’s not just the windows themselves that are costly, but also the intensive labor and other materials required for quality installation.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Windows in a Brick House?

In this section, we’ll break down the cost to replace the windows in a brick house into three different categories of influencing factors:

• Whether you opt for full frame window replacement or retrofitting
• Whether you are replacing one window, or all of your home’s windows
• The replacement windows you select, home details, and labor costs

Full Frame Window Replacement vs. Retrofitting

Full frame window replacement costs more than retrofitting, primarily because the retrofitting  process requires fewer materials and less labor.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Full Window?

According to HomeAdvisor, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 and $10,000 to install a replacement window to a brick home. This cost range includes labor costs ($150 to $800 per window) and  the window itself ($300 to $800 per window). On average, vinyl windows cost $250 to $600 per window, while wood windows cost between $600 and $2,000 each. 

Extrapolating these numbers to estimate the cost of the full project, we consistently see whole house replacement project costs as high as $80,000-$100,000. Replacing with retrofit sashes, rather than full frame windows, is much more affordable, in the range of $20,000-$30,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Retrofit a Window?

According to Bob Vila, modern retrofit windows save homeowners 10-15% compared with full frame window replacements. That’s just the window components, though.

In reality, when all is said and done, you can expect a full house window replacement project to cost  50-70% more than retrofitting. This is mainly because retrofitting requires significantly less labor and time, with retrofitting saving homeowners as much as 50% in terms of the total investment. As a bonus, if you have some DIY experience, you may be able to save on the cost of professional labor even further by installing retrofit components yourself. 

Is It Cheaper to Replace All Windows at Once?

There are a couple different ways to answer this question. If your home’s windows are all showing their age, even if they don’t seem to need immediate attention, it makes a lot of sense to think about replacing them all at once. This approach is convenient, in that you can work with a single contractor and expect consistent results. The materials can all be purchased at once, which can provide cost savings, and the labor can be scheduled in advance which helps from a coordination and budgeting standpoint.

Other Factors that Impact Window Replacement Costs

Additional factors impacting the cost of window replacement include the following:

Size

While size matters less than factors like brand and design, it does play a role in what you can expect to pay. Larger windows—like those in living rooms—tend to cost more, and require much more intensive installation than smaller windows, like those in a bathroom. If you’re wanting to change the size of the window, it will increase the cost due to increased construction.

Type

Different types of windows come with different price points. Common window types like single- and double-hung windows cost between $150 and $650. Fixed or picture windows, as well as casement and sliding windows, cost anywhere from under $100 to $1,000. Egress, bay, and bow windows can cost as much as $2,500 each. 

Frame Material

Windows with vinyl frames, the most common material, cost between $250 and $600 to install. Wood windows, the second most common, cost between $600 and $2,000 each. Other materials include fiberglass ($600 to $900), aluminum ($400 to $1,200), and composite ($300 to $1,100). Here are some additional differentiators between wood and vinyl windows:

• Wood Windows: Cost a little more than vinyl windows, but last longer and offer better insulation. They are heavier than vinyl windows, with slightly higher labor costs to install. They’re also more customizable, as they can be painted or stained to update their look.
• Vinyl Windows: Tend to be cheaper than wood windows, with a lower up-front cost. They cost less to install than wood (with DIY installation possible), and require less maintenance than wood windows.

Glass Type

In most cases, if you invest in a better-insulated glass type it will pay for itself, over time, in the form of lower utility bills. Windows are rated by a “U-factor”, which quantifies how well the glass prevents heat loss.

Accessibility 

Generally, replacing 2nd and 3rd floor windows can be more complicated, and more expensive. They might also require more equipment, like scaffolding and ladders, increasing  both the cost and time involved.

Age of Home

In many cases, window replacement won’t cost more just because your home is on the older side. That being said, if any damage is encountered during the replacement process, then additional costs arise.

Do Replacement Windows Make a Brick Home More Energy Efficient?

In any discussion about window replacement cost, it’s also important to factor in the savings you stand to achieve with new windows, especially when it comes to heating and cooling expenses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.” This means that what you invest now in new windows will pay off in the near- and long-term, in the form of lower monthly bills.

Window Replacement Done Right

Replacing windows in an old brick house can be a bit of an investment, but the benefits impact your home’s energy efficiency, curb appeal, comfort, security, and more. At Fenster Components, we specialize in helping homeowners minimize wood window replacement cost through retrofitting. 

We aim to help homeowners understand their options when it comes time to replace their windows. We know that homeowners only have to consider window replacement every couple decades, if that. And we’ve been in the business for 20 years, perfecting our processes and creating a customer-friendly buying experience. Visit our website to learn more about our featured products, four-step ordering process, and more.