After the initial thrill of purchasing your home, unpacking, and decorating, eventually, reality starts to set in: there’s a lot of upkeep that comes along with owning a home! From leaky faucets to chipped paint, you’ve got a lot on your plate to keep your house looking good and functioning correctly. One area that can be particularly stressful is if your wood windows start having issues. Wood windows are a beautiful accent in any home, but replacement can be expensive. In this short guide, we’ll cover how much it costs to replace your wood windows, as well as cost-effective alternatives to a full replacement. 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Wood Windows?

Wood windows typically run $600 – $2,000 to replace a single unit. The price depends on the size and style of the window. For example, casement windows are usually more expensive than double-hung. Another factor to consider is the current market demand for raw materials. With supply chain fluctuations, prices can go up or down at a moment’s notice and delivery may be delayed. If you’re starting a project to replace your wood windows, it’s important to factor in these variables. For most wood windows, the most cost-effective route will be to repair rather than replace them. In fact, we specialize in helping people repair their wood windows here at Fenster! (More on this a little later). 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace AND Install Windows?

When fully replacing windows, the materials aren’t the only cost unless you decide to go the DIY route. The labor to install windows will typically cost between $150-800 per window, around $40 per hour. An obvious, but important, note is that the more windows you are replacing, the higher your labor costs will be. 

How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Wooden Window Frame?

All in all, if you have to replace your wooden window and frame, you’ll be looking in the range of $3,000 – $13,000, depending on the scope of the replacement. Some homeowners find that once they start replacing wooden windows, they have to keep replacing all their windows so that the new ones don’t stand out like a sore thumb.

Are Wood Windows More Expensive To Replace?

It depends on the project. For example, the full-frame window replacement cost will typically be much higher than replacing just the parts that need it. For example, many of our customers report that their wood window replacement cost is 50-70% less expensive due to using our sash kits and replacements that are available at a fraction of the cost of a full-frame replacement. A bonus is that our components are easily matched to your existing windows so that you won’t have to worry about one window sticking out from the others.

Do I Need To Replace My Wood Windows?

Your first instinct when a wood window starts having issues like fogging or visible damage might be to replace it immediately. After all, replacing it seems like an “easy fix” at first. Plus, we’ve all heard the benefits of new windows, like energy efficiency which saves you money on your monthly bills. Sadly, replacing your window can be a struggle due to all the factors we’ve talked about above. Additionally, if you’ve had major water damage that has caused the frame to rot, you may have to go through with a full-frame replacement. Outside of major issues like this, the best course of action is to repair your windows for a cost-effective solution. 

Here is a short list of common wood window issues:

Repair

• Chipped or peeling paint 
• Broken glass
• Sash is damaged 
• Strips of wood that separate the glass are broken or damaged
• Drafty windows
• The window is difficult to open and close
• The window is fogging or collecting condensation
• Energy bills have increased

Replace

• Frame is rotted
• Extensive damage around the window

Here at Fenster, we specialize in window repair solutions that help you fix your windows without costly replacement units or installation fees. With our kits, you can simply replace the problematic pieces in your wooden window with newer components. We have a complete line of sash replacements, casement sashes, double-hung replacement kits, and window repair parts. Not sure which parts to order? We’ve got a comprehensive measuring guide that will help you feel confident in ordering the right parts for your projects.

Is It Worth Replacing Windows Before Selling a House?

Another common time to consider replacing your wood windows is right before selling your home. Ultimately the decision to replace your windows prior to placing your home on the market is up to you. Replacing windows can potentially boost the value of your home, but if they are already in good shape or at least functional, then spending that money elsewhere may give you a better return on your investment. This is especially true if you use the money to focus on areas of the home that need major repairs. However, if your windows need some TLC, it’s smart to repair them before listing to avoid any inspection issues that may raise a concern for the buyer. 

Should Wood Windows Be Replaced With the Same Material?

In general, yes. It usually takes a lot of money, time, and hassle to change the material of your windows, particularly if the frame is being replaced. While a full-frame wood window cost may seem high, keep in mind that wood windows are still considered the “gold standard” of window materials. This is due to their long-lasting performance and durability (30+ years) and attractive aesthetic. And, remember, with Fenster components, you can replace just the parts that are damaged. 

Should I Replace Wood Windows With Vinyl?

In our experience, wood windows are superior to vinyl and well worth the investment. It’s true that the initial cost of wood windows vs. vinyl is indeed higher. Vinyl windows are usually more inexpensive and can offer energy efficiency, low maintenance, and a fairly long life span. However, they usually have less design customization, may fade over time, are not environmentally friendly, and may have fine print and caveats. Wood windows are a traditional and beautiful touch to your home that will last a lifetime. 

There are two approaches to replacing wood windows with vinyl if you choose that route. The first is to put in a new construction window by removing the siding to expose the window frame and taking out the entire frame and components from the wall. Then you would put in a new vinyl frame and window. This is obviously quite expensive and time-consuming. The second approach is to use a window insert. This is essentially a framed vinyl unit that is smaller than the frame it is inserted into. They usually reduce glass openings by as much as 30%. There are also some instances where we’ve seen discount vinyl window companies hiding rotting wood under aluminum wrappings when installing window inserts, so watch out for this practice. 

Do They Make Wood Windows Anymore?

Yes, there are wood windows still being made. However, if you’re searching for wood window replacement, you may find that many of the wood window manufacturers of yesteryear have gone out of business or changed their product lines. Before you get too worried, it’s important to note that wood windows don’t really vary that much in how they are built or installed. The technology of wood window manufacturing really hasn’t changed drastically over the past fifty years. 

This means that for most wood windows, you’ll be able to find industry norms and guides for repairing or replacing. Cladding and weatherstripping, for example, are universal in nature. Our products here at Fenster are easy to use and will match almost all wood windows, especially if your home was built in the 1980s or 1990s. There may be some exceptions since the window industry is fairly complicated. If you have a window that is an unusual shape or size, custom-built, or modified, then our components may not work. We do not carry any original OEM parts from the manufacturer but rather make standardized components that fit a wide range of windows. 

Discover The Fenster Difference

We get it! Being a homeowner can be so stressful, especially when everything seems to be breaking all at once. Figuring out how to fix your damaged or stuck windows can feel overwhelming, and there are so many factors when making the decision to repair or replace them. We’re here to help you take the guesswork out of window repair. We have an extensive blog that gives you the tips and tricks you need, as well as video tutorials on how to replace parts. 

Not sure what parts you need? We’ve got a simple step-by-step process to help you determine the products you need. You can also explore our extensive sash catalog to find the style and specification you’re looking for. Once you’ve ordered and gotten your parts, you’ll find that Fenster products are easy to use and a snap to install! We love working with our customers—busy homeowners who take pride in fixing their windows and adding a little elbow grease to shine up their homes. We help you maintain the integrity and consistency of your home’s architectural design with parts that blend into your existing windows, rather than distracting from the curb appeal. 

From helping you understand window terminology all the way through to the final inspections, Fenster is with you every step of the way as you repair your wood windows. As an additional bonus, you don’t have to worry about history repeating itself. We’ve updated all of our replica window designs to look like the original without the design flaws or low-quality materials that contributed to the damage in the first place. Ready to get started? Experience the Fenster difference and request a quote today.