Blog>Cost Guides>How much does window frame repair cost?

Last updated: 31 May 2024

How much does window frame repair cost?

Do you have damaged window frames in your home? Keep reading to see what repairing your window frame will cost you.

How much does window frame repair cost?
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Fast Facts

  • On average, window frame repair in the UK costs around £107 - £310 per window

  • The cost of replacing window frames can range from £200-£400 for a small uPVC window frame up to £2,500-£3,000 for a large composite window frame

  • The total cost will depend on size and material of the frame, as well as the type and extent of the damage

Whatever type of window frame you have, window frame repair can get them looking as good as new.

Below, we've put together the average costs of window frame repair in the UK to help you plan your budget.

Cost to repair a window frame

Low costHigh costAverage cost
Wood frame repair£107£237£172
Vinyl frame repair£164£364£264
Aluminium frame repair£127£310£218
Frame removal costs£54£145£100
Window frame replacement cost£145£437£291
Trim repairs£36£255£145
Window frame repair hourly rate£47
Last updated: May 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

On average, you can expect to pay around £172to repair a wood frame and £264for a vinyl frame.

Window frame repair costs for aluminium frames are around £218.

To get a more accurate quote, you may need to ask the window frame repair specialist for their hourly rate. The average cost for this kind of work is around £47 per hour.

Once an expert has assessed the damage, they can estimate how long it'll take to repair and the cost of the materials needed.

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Wooden window frame repair cost

Wood window frame repairs cost £172 on average. This material is more likely to be affected by moisture, causing problems with mould, termites and eventually, rotting.

These kinds of wood frames are commonly replaced with lower-maintenance vinyl, aluminium, or composite wood that resists moisture and rot.

Vinyl window frame repair cost

Vinyl window frame repairs cost £264 on average. A repair specialist will patch and colour-match non-structural damage to vinyl window frames with gel.

Other repairs include broken flanges, tracks, holes, scratches, discolourations, and bent vinyl frames.

Repairing aluminium window frames

Aluminium window frame repairs cost £218on average. Broken frames are repaired by reglazing the frame with putty, replacing the sash, or cosmetic damages and scratches can be filled and repainted.

Newer aluminium frames have a thermal break, which reduces thermal transfer and improves energy efficiency.

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Factors affecting the cost of window frame repair

Window frame repair costs in the UK are determined by various factors:

  • Size of the window and frame

  • Material the frame is made from

  • The extent of the damage

  • Type of repair needed

As you'd imagine, the larger the window and the more complicated the repair, the more expensive the job will be.

Window frame replacement cost

Here are some average prices you can expect to pay to replace your window frame (including double glazing, installation and VAT):

Type of window600mm x 900mm900mm x 1200mm1200mm x 1200mm
uPVC£200-£400£500-£650£650-£900
Timber£800-£1,000£1,250-£1,400£1,350-£1,550
Aluminium£550-£750£650-£850£750-£1,100
Composite£800-£1,600£2,000-£2,500£2,500-£3,000
Last updated: May 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

If your window frame is beyond repair or the cost to repair it would be more than it's worth, you should consider replacing the whole frame instead.

The window frame replacement cost will depend on the size and material of the frame.

Need to replace windows in your home? Check out our guide on everything you need to know about replacing windows.

window frame replacement cost

Cost to replace rotted window frame

The cost of window frame replacement is around £145 to £437, not including the window.

For smaller trim repairs, you can expect to pay between £36 and £255.

You might also want to look into the cost of replacing the glass in the window if needed.

What is the cost of removing windows?

If your windows need replacing, the first step is to have the old ones taken out.

The average cost to remove old windows is £54 to £145 per window, including disposal fees.

This project includes removing the casing, exterior trim and siding, fasteners, frame, finishes, or hardware.

The benefits of repairing your window frame

  • It can be cheaper than getting new window frames installed

  • Many window frame cracks and other damage can be easily repaired from the outside - replacing the window would involve much more invasive and disruptive work

  • Repairing rather than replacing is the most environmentally friendly option

  • A good repair job could extend the life of attractive original and period window frames

Remember, you should always use an experienced professional for window frame repair and replacement.

Repairing a window frame requires skill, the right tools, and great attention to detail. If you attempt a DIY job, you could accidentally cause more damage.

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FAQs

When should a window frame be repaired or replaced?

It's a good idea to arrange repair work if you notice minor wood-rotting issues, sill cracks, air drafts, or if the sill or frame starts to come out from the wall.

Repairing damaged window frames and cracked caulking prevents rot, mould, water leaks, air drafts, and shrinkage. It also reduces the chances of needing replacement.

When should I replace a window frame?

You should replace window frames when they are leaking water, severely damaged by rot, causing foggy glass, or if the glass is broken.

Press a screwdriver into the wood to see if it goes in easily. If so, the wood is rotting and needs replacing.

Replacing the frames and windows with eco-friendly materials ensures lower energy costs.

How long does window frame repair take?

It mainly depends on the amount of damage to the frame and the repair work needed.

Smaller cracks can take just a couple of hours to repair, whereas bigger problems could take a few days.

It often depends on whether the issue can be addressed with the window frame in situ, or whether it needs to be removed and taken away to a specialist workshop for repair.

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