While it may be necessary to replace your windows after many years, it can be a costly endeavor. While the price of window installation and repair may vary depending on the cost of living, the costs of the windows themselves can appear expensive.
Here are six reasons why windows can be expensive:
- Material Costs
- Installation
- Glass Composition
- Competition
- Inflation
- Labor Shortage
The rest of this article describes the various reasons why windows are so expensive, how to choose the right windows for you, and standard glass options to consider.
Contents
1. Material Costs
The materials required for window manufacturing vary depending on the type of windows needed. However, all materials come with a cost and impact the final price of the window.
The window framing, typically made of vinyl, fiberglass, or wood, contributes to the overall material costs. The costs may also depend on the type of window.
When choosing windows, you’ll need to select from various options, including double-hung, single-hung, specialty, and sliding or casement windows. Each type has its own costs due to the different materials used.
While framing can be expensive, the glass panes typically cost more. When it comes to glass panes, you’ll want to ensure they have adequate insulation. Choosing between single, double, or triple glazing will determine the costs. I will discuss glass costs in more detail later.
In recent years, material costs, especially wood costs, have increased. So, you’ll likely notice a price hike for wood-framed windows. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) states that plywood costs have skyrocketed by over 200% since April 2020.
How to Know Which Windows to Choose
With the multitude of options available to you, making a final decision can be overwhelming, and the cheapest option isn’t always the best.
Choosing windows that best suit your needs is crucial, so always consider the climate you live in.
It’s also important to look out for the Energy Star and NFRC labels as they guarantee that the windows are certified and energy-efficient, helping you save on heating and cooling costs in the long run.
2. Installation
The installation costs of windows are another reason windows are expensive. If you’re like most people, you don’t know how to properly install windows, so labor costs are incurred.
The costs depend on who you hire to install your windows. Some companies include the installation costs in the window price. While this means you won’t have to pay an additional provider, it tends to increase the window price.
On the other hand, you may be able to hire a contractor to take care of the installation. However, this will also cost you. According to the Remodeling Costs blog, expect to pay at least $200 in labor per installed window. So, the more windows you have installed, the more expensive the labor costs will be.
3. Glass Composition
The glass composition, or what glass is made of, and its benefits contribute to the high price of windows. Naturally, a certain window’s composition determines how expensive it is.
So, if you opt for a higher quality or more durable glass option, expect a more expensive window.
What are the most common glass options for windows?
With all the options available for glass panes, it’s not easy to choose the right one. So, what are the most common glass options for windows?
The most common glass options for windows include tempered glass and low-e glass. Tempered glass provides the greatest strength, making it very difficult to break, while low-e glass offers the best energy efficiency.
Although tempered glass and low-e glass are popular choices, there are various other options to consider. Each option, along with the chosen pane type, alters the price of the windows. While some are more expensive than others, they all contribute to the costly expenses of windows.
Below, I will go over other window options:
Tinted Glass – Tinted glass is an excellent option for those living in warm climates. The tint can help keep sunlight and UV light out of the house, reducing energy consumption by keeping the house cool. Tinted glass can also help retain heat in the house when it’s cold outside, making it very energy-efficient.
Low-Maintenance Glass – Low-maintenance glass is great for those who don’t want to constantly clean their windows. It’s also a perfect option for windows that are in hard-to-reach places. The coating allows the glass to resist harsh weather conditions and makes it highly durable – hence, it’s reliable and easy to care for.
Impact-Resistant Glass – Impact-resistant glass is excellent for homes that are frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes or strong winds. Although no glass is completely impervious to breakage, impact-resistant glass is the most durable, giving you extra security and peace of mind when facing a major storm.
4. Competition
When it comes to competition in any industry, it usually means trying to offer the lowest prices for the best quality of work. However, sometimes competition means having very similar prices to other companies.
When it comes to windows, companies are reluctant to offer “lowest price” deals. That’s because they often can’t afford it – all companies have to deal with both material costs and labor shortages, which I’ll cover below.
So, when a company sees others raising their prices, they recognize that they can make more money and follow suit. With rising storefront prices, companies demand higher prices.
5. Inflation
Inflation, or the rise in the general level of prices in the economy, is normal and occurs frequently. Unfortunately, when it comes to inflation, the price of various things, including windows, can increase – making them more expensive. While this is good news for businesses, it often hurts customers in need of new windows.
6. Labor Shortage
Labor shortage can occur at times due to economic cycles, natural disasters, or epidemics like COVID-19, which can put businesses in a bind. Labor shortage can lead to an increase in material costs, which we’ve already discussed, but it can also make things like window replacement more expensive.
Due to the lack of labor, companies often have to pay their employees more. Therefore, the price of windows increases to keep the profit margin the same.