Windows and doors are essential to any home. Not only do they significantly impact the look of our homes, they are also the keepers between the outside world and the inside of our homes. They also provide practical benefits such as keeping heating and air conditioning in and keeping harsh weather out. Due to the importance of windows and doors it’s no surprise they can come with high price tags to be replaced and installed. When done correctly by a professional, upgrading your windows and doors can result in a better functioning home. If you’re wondering how much new windows and doors cost for your home, read through this guide to find out.
Windows
Types of Windows and Their Costs
Windows are classified by how they operate. To help you decide which type of window is right for your home, consider the size and function you are looking for as well as the look of the window. Below are the most common types of windows installed.
Single-hung windows ($230-$460 per window)
- Classic, old-fashioned, vertically opening windows.
- Only opens at the bottom.
- Offers slightly better insulation but not enough to make a significant difference over others.
- Use on the ground floor only; cleaning on higher floors is dangerous as it requires leaning out of the window to reach the outside of the upper sash.
Double-hung windows ($395-$1000 per window)
- Both upper and lower sashes can be opened.
- Increased circulation occurs when lower and upper sashes are open.
- Cleaning on upper floors is safe and easy; both sashes usually lean inward.
Sliding windows ($430-$1500 per window)
- Includes two sashes — one sliding horizontally over the other, stationary sash.
- Sliders are often used for larger windows.
- Smaller sills and cases increase viewable area.
- Easily removed top pane makes for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Use on the ground floor only; cleaning on higher floors is dangerous as it requires leaning out of an unsecured window.
Casement windows ($360-$980 per window)
- Hinged to one side, opens like a door.
- Casement windows open via a crank that doubles as a lock, though many models offer separate locks for added security.
- Due to the crank mechanism, resists being blown open or closed by the wind.
- Casement windows provide maximum ventilation as the window can swing completely away from the frame.
Common Window Repairs & Their Costs
The average price of replacing a window can range from $400 to $900 per window. This price range is for windows of the same cut and size going into an existing and structurally sound frame on a ground floor. In a typical three-bedroom, single-story home with ten windows, the average cost is $3,900 to $9,200. This cost can easily double for a two-story home.
If your window frames must also be replaced, this is called a new construction window. This can increase the cost by as much as 50% to 100%. This then raises the average cost to approximately $6,500 to $52,000.
Other factors affecting cost include:
- The need to alter an existing frame
- Double or triple-glazed windows
- Insulating gases in double or triple-glazed windows
- Exterior dressing (decorative awnings, etc.)
- Remoteness of the job site location
- Time demands on the service professional
- Unforeseen structural deficiencies
Rotted Wood
Wooden windows are constantly exposed to the elements which can cause rotting. This is a fairly easy repair and requires the piece of rotted wood to be cut away. The missing piece can either be filled in with wood putty or the entire piece can be replaced with a new one. If you discover the wood is rotted due to termites, be sure to have an exterminator take care of the problem. If you just replace the wood without fixing the insect problem, you are only inviting the pests to continue living in your windows.
Broken Panes
If your window is made up of smaller panes, this is an easy fix. The pane can easily be removed and a new one can be inserted. If you feel confident in your DIY abilities, you should be able to handle this task yourself. However, if your window pane is larger, such as a picture window, be sure to hire a professional to do this for you as working with large panes of glass can be dangerous.
Broken Seals
This occurs in windows with insulated glass. Insulated glass works by having two panes with an inert gas between them for insulation. When the seal fails, this causes a “blown window.” If you notice clouding or moisture between the panes, call a professional to replace the seals and the gas.
Sticking
Sticking is common in wooden windows. This is due to wood expanding in humid climates. Paint can also cause windows to stick. Sliding windows can stick due to a build up of dirt in tracks. Both of these can be easily fixed by cleaning the window track or scraping away the paint.
Types of Window Frames and Their Costs
Aluminum and Metal (Average cost $500 to $1,500)
These frames tend to be strong and require little to no maintenance. They conduct heat rapidly and provide poor insulation. Adding a plastic strip between the inner and outer frame and sash creates a thermal break which fixes this insulation problem.
Composite (Average cost $1,300 to $2,000)
These frames are made from wood particles such as particleboard and laminated strand lumber. They are stable and have the same structural and thermal properties as those made from conventional wood but have a better resistance to moisture and rot.
Fiberglass (Average cost $265 to $1,100)
These frames are stable and provide better insulation than wood or uninsulated vinyl. This is because they have air cavities that prevent air from escaping.
Vinyl (Average cost $660 to $1,400)
Vinyl frames are low-maintenance and moisture resistant. The vacant cavities in the barriers prevent air from escaping which makes them a better choice over standard vinyl and wood frames.
Wood (Average cost $1,000 to $1,800)
Conventional wooden frames expand and contract depending on the weather, requiring a fair amount of maintenance. This can be somewhat reduced by installing aluminum or vinyl cladding.
Reasons to Repair
If you are able to repair a faulty window frame as soon as you notice the issue, this will greatly reduce the need to replace the entire window and its frame. If your wooden frame is cracked, this may lead to exposure to weather conditions. If your window frames are drafty, they should be repaired so that your home can reduce energy costs and be more eco-friendly. If your home has wooden window frames that you do not want to maintain, consider replacing them with a different material to save maintenance costs over time.
Common Repairs for Window Frames
Broken Frame
Wooden windows are constantly exposed to the elements which can cause rotting. This is a fairly easy repair and requires the piece of rotted wood to be cut away. The missing piece can either be filled in with wood putty or the entire piece can be replaced with a new one. If you discover the wood is rotted due to termites, be sure to have an exterminator take care of the problem. If you just replace the wood without fixing the insect problem, you are only inviting the pests to continue living in your windows.
Broken Sash Interlock
Having a broken sash interlock in your window frame greatly increases the chance of leaks and drafts. You can prevent water from entering your home and causing rot and mould by glazing the sashes.
Broken/Leaking Nail Fin
Nail fins are strips that are used to attach a window frame to a stud opening. Occasionally these fins can break or corrode and will need to be replaced.
Leaking Windows
Screws in a frame can corrode over time and may need to be replaced. Sometimes alarm sensors are placed on window frames which can cause damage. This issue can be fixed by moving the sensor and fixing the damaged frame area.
When to Replace Frames
If you find your window frame is seriously damaged, be sure to call a window professional to assess the situation and replace it. There are many reasons why you many choose to replace your frames. Perhaps you want to trade in your old wood frames for a low-maintenance solution like metal or vinyl. Doing so will also help to lower energy costs and make your home more eco-friendly.
Doors
Average Cost to Install a Door
There are a variety of factors associated with new door installation cost including labour, materials and supplies. Combined, these costs average between $530 to $1,100. Some door installation professionals may offer a discount for larger projects with multiple installations. Keep in mind that door installation professionals only supply the tools necessary for the job. You will be responsible for the costs associated with additional supplies and materials. These items include all mounting hardware, hinges, screws and threshold.
Average Door Installation Costs including Framing
Line Items | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Labour | $200-$400 |
Slab | $60-$530 |
Supplies | $130-$400 |
Jamb & Stop | $200-$400 |
Frame Construction | $265-$860 |
Total Cost | $900-$2,600 |
Cost to Install Interior Doors
Material type is one of the largest cost factors in installing a new door. Style and application also play a significant role in cost. Each material can come in a variety of styles, such as:
- Flushed
No designs, good for garages, back and side entries. - Paneled
Can have panels made of fiberglass or wood. - Arched
Has an arch-shaped design. - Glass
Has glass windows or insets. - Pocket
Slides into the wall. - Bifold
Folds in half,– used mostly in closets. - Bypass (or sliding)
Slides past an adjacent door, like sliding closet or patio types. - Decorative
Often with wood or metal scrollwork.
Average cost for door installation is $1,200. Most homeowners spend between $630 and $1,800. Replacing interior doors with an existing frame can cost anywhere from $130 to $1,300.
Wooden Door
Wood is a popular choice due to its wide variety of styles.
- Interior: $50 to $265
Comes in hollow and solid forms. - Engineered solid wood: $200 to $660
For exterior applications. - Exterior solid: $660 to $4,000
Unit prices depend on whether it is a single or double, has sidelights, a transom, glass, or internal miniblinds.
Steel Door
Steel is inexpensive and long-lasting. It can handle weather and security almost as good as fiberglass and wood, which come with higher price tags. It is prone to rust, scratches and dents.
- Standard door: $200 to $400.
With glass inserts: $400 to $1,600.
Wrought Iron Door
Wrought iron doors are more high-end and come with a higher price point. They commonly use a steel base with wood and wrought details throughout.
Standard door: $1,990 to $9,200.
Fiberglass Door
One of the best options for energy efficiency. Maintenance free, this style of door comes in both smooth and wood grain textures.
Standard door: $200 to $6,600.
Composite Wood Door
These doors are the most economical. They are made from manufactured wood that uses heat, pressure, glue and wood particles to create the door.
Composite and engineered doors: $50 to $660.
Aluminum Metal
Another popular choice that is commonly used for both interior and exterior doors.
Standard door: $132 to $2,600.
Exterior Doors
Cost to Install Exterior Doors
With so many styles to choose from, the price you will pay for an exterior door depends greatly on which kind you choose.
- The average cost for installing an exterior door is $1,200.
Standard single styles cost $200 to $800.
- Pre-hung styles are roughly $60 to $260 more than slab varieties but reduce labour costs by 30 to 50%.
Front Door Replacement Cost and Installation Prices
Material | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Steel | $200 to $1,800 |
Fiberglass | $200 to $2,600 |
Wood | $660 to $4,000 |
Any material with Sidelights | Add $900 to $4,000 |
Column | Column |
Fiberglass Entry Door
Fiberglass doors are a popular choice and can range greatly in price. This is because they can come in very basic and highly ornate styles. Fiberglass can achieve a wood-like look with minimal maintenance and increased durability. They also provide excellent insulation.
Basic – $200 – $530
- Pros: inexpensive, no rust, does not require paint.
- Cons: few decorative elements, few glass options, does not enhance curb appeal.
Decorative – $530 to $4,000
- Pros: no rust, a range of styles that add curb appeal, glasswork, panels.
- Cons: more detailed models are expensive.
Steel Front Doors
Steel is the least expensive door option but not as popular due to the harsh metallic look.
Basic – $200 to $400
- Pros: cheap, well insulated, some have glasswork.
- Cons: very basic, undecorated and usually unpainted.
Fire-rated – $265 to $660
- Pros: fire resistant for up to three hours, code compliant.
- Cons: needs regular painting and maintenance, no glass, can rust.
Fire-rated – $265 to $660
- Pros: several styles that add some curb appeal with glasswork.
- Cons: needs regular painting and maintenance, possible rust.
Wooden Front Doors
Wood is the most traditional option for exterior doors due to its customizable options. Wood doors require the most maintenance as they are prone to warping and rot.
Engineered – $265 to $660
- Pros: inexpensive, no rust.
- Cons: needs regular painting and maintenance, no decorative element, no glass, does not enhance curb appeal.
Decorative Solid – $660 to $6600
- Pros: no rust, assorted styles that add curb appeal, glasswork.
- Cons: needs regular painting and maintenance, more expensive.
Common Door Repairs
A squeaking or sticking door is a small but bothersome nuisance that you’re reminded of every time you open your door. While discovering the issue is not always a straightforward task, the good news is that fixing a door is not incredibly involved.
Sticking or Swelling
The most common cause of a sticking or swelling door is humidity and high temperatures. To fix this, simply sand down the portion of the door that sticks and causes friction. If you’re unsure where the sticking is coming from, try taking a piece of carbon paper and slip the paper in between where you think the issue is coming from. Open and close the door and the carbon paper will leave a mark on the door where it needs to be sanded. Be sure to seal the area with varnish after you sand so that there are no future problems.
Sagging
Occasionally a door will sag under its own weight which causes it to bind in the doorframe. The situation will continue to worsen over time unless it is corrected. If left untreated the door will be virtually impossible to open or close. Sanding the upper edge of the door is only a temporary fix that will not fix the sagging issue. If your door is sagging significantly, be sure to call a door professional to fix it.
Drafty Entry Door
A drafty front door is an unpleasant issue to have, especially in cold Canadian winter months. There are two options to fix a drafty door. Weather stripping can be installed along the perimeter of the door to help stop the drafts. A storm door can be added to your existing door which will greatly lessen the draft. As an added bonus, when the weather is warm a storm door can be fitted with a screen so that you can keep your front door open without letting in bugs.
While the cost of windows and doors can vary depending on the material and style you choose, the most important thing is to find a home service professional that you feel comfortable working with and bringing into your home. Whether you need to know how much replacement doors and windows cost or need brand new items added to your home, start on HomeStars and find the right pro to get the job done today.