Aluminum is a popular window material option for homeowners because of its affordability, durability, and sleek modern appearance.
Other choices like vinyl are well-liked for residential windows and are typically less expensive than aluminum windows. But aluminum windows are often worth the price because of an expected life span of up to 50 years, depending on the quality of the material, brand, installation, and climate.
However, aluminum windows rapidly conduct heat — which is not ideal for your home’s energy efficiency. So, picking aluminum windows that have a thermal break is important for proper insulation and to reap the benefits of energy savings.
Are aluminum windows the best windows for your home? Keep reading to learn more about this modern, practically maintenance-free frame material, the average cost of aluminum windows, and what factors affect its bottom-line price.
Aluminum windows typically cost between $400 and $850 per window for materials and installation. But your specific costs will depend on several factors, such as window size, materials, shape, customization, and type.
Window QualityPrice RangeNational Average Cost Range$400 – $850Low-end Cost Range$200 – $400High-end Cost Range$900 – $1,500Premium Cost Range$1,500+Are you on the fence about replacing your windows? Watch this exclusive with Danny Lipford about the many benefits of window replacement.
Most aluminum windows fall within the average price ranges listed above, but prices fluctuate based on a window’s specs, especially size, and type. You can estimate more specific pricing for your aluminum windows by assessing the following factors:
Read Also: What Constitutes a Bay Window
According to the Clean Energy Manufacturing Analysis Center, the average cost for window replacement is between $200 and $980. However, the type of window desired dramatically affects the window price.
Read also: Review of Aluminium vs Vinyl
Here’s a look at the average price range based on different types of aluminum windows.
Here is a quick breakdown of the most popular window types, all of which can be built with aluminum frames.
Window Replacement
Window replacement typically costs between $400 and $1,000, depending on the type & material.
GET ESTIMATESWindow Repair
Leak repairs may cost $50 to $150, while more critical issues like frame damage can cost up to $1,000.
GET ESTIMATESEnergy Efficient Glass
Upgrading your home’s windows with double or triple-pane glass may range from $700 to $2,000+.
GET ESTIMATESWindow size dramatically affects the cost of any window. The bigger the window, the more you typically pay because the window uses more material and requires more labor to install. But standard-size aluminum windows may be cheaper than smaller ones that are custom-built or made in less popular sizes, so size isn’t always king when it comes to pricing.
My research found the following average costs for various aluminum window sizes, including customized options. The following prices don’t factor in additional costs like ENERGY STAR-recommended upgrades, such as double-pane glass or window glazing.
Aluminum Window SizeAverage CostSmall windows$130 – $310Medium windows$310 – $610Large windows$610 – $850Oversized and specialty windows $850+*These estimates include the average price for the window and installation.
Read also: Typical Sizes for Windows
Today’s Homeowner Tips
Larger windows are sometimes less expensive than smaller ones, but this often happens when more oversized windows are in a standard shape and size that manufacturers build in bulk. If possible, pick a standard-sized window. It will save you more money in customization and labor costs.Larger windows are sometimes less expensive than smaller ones, but this often happens when more oversized windows are in a standard shape and size that manufacturers build in bulk. If possible, pick a standard-sized window. It will save you more money in customization and labor costs.
Each window brand promotes unique products with different quality materials, energy-efficient features, and more. All of the elements affect overall replacement cost. While many popular window providers sell aluminum windows, the windows can have a dramatic price range. Some brands are almost always more expensive than their competitors.
Here are some aluminum window options and prices from reputable window providers.
Window BrandPrice RangeJeld-Wen$356 – $917Andersen Windows$329 – $1,100Marvin Signature Coastline (aluminum storm windows)$800 – $2,500Castle Windows$300 – $610Champion Windows $450 – $1,200*Prices based on listed prices from my independent research and from Lowes.com and Homedepot.com as of July 2023.
Multiple factors impact a window provider’s price points:
Read also: Vinyl vs. Aluminum Overview
On top of the baseline cost of new windows, you’ll want to budget for other things that can drive the price up during a window buying process: installation, customization, and additional energy-efficient features can add hundreds of dollars to the final price.
Plan for the following when creating your home improvement budget:
Compared to other window materials, aluminum is one of the most affordable materials for residential windows, with a typical price range of $400 to $850. See how it stacks up against other common window materials for standard residential windows.
Window TypeCostVinyl windows$200 – $600Aluminum windows$400 – $850Composite windows$400 – $1,100Fiberglass windows$750 – $1,100Wood windows$800 – $1,300Installing your new home windows will save you on labor fees, but it can also cost you more money over time. Many homeowners lack the proper tools and knowledge to create a tight window seal and install windows according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Without a tight seal, air will escape your home continually, driving up far more energy costs when cool air escapes your home during the summer and when warm air goes out in the winter.
A weak seal can also result in moisture problems, leading to mold and other issues that affect your family’s health. Lastly, if you install the window poorly, cracks, leaks, and gaps can hurt your home’s curb appeal.
A professional contractor guarantees to install your window correctly, leading to a better aesthetic and energy efficiency, and saves you the risk of injury — especially if you need a ladder to replace the window.
Read also: Guide for replacing aluminum with vinyl windows
Aluminum windows are a durable window frame material that can increase your home’s curb appeal, weather protection, and energy efficiency, especially when combined with a low-E coating or argon gas fill. While aluminum windows are more expensive than vinyl windows, their need for next to no maintenance and long lifespan often makes it a worthwhile investment for homeowners. You can further enhance your home’s curb appeal by opting for window awnings for your aluminum windows. If you’re wondering which awnings best suit your home, you might want to explore our article that outlines the best window awning options.
Now that you know the cost factors of aluminum windows, gather free quotes from multiple window providers. Fill out the quick form below to find local top-rated window companies.
Aluminum windows are stronger than less expensive alternatives like vinyl windows. Not only can aluminum windows withstand a greater impact from high winds or storms, but they also hold up better in extreme heat or cold as long as they have a thermal seal. The long lifespan and little-needed maintenance make aluminum windows a sound investment for most homeowners.
Aluminum windows enjoy a significantly longer expected lifespan than less durable windows like vinyl. Most aluminum windows will last at least 20 years, with some companies boasting that they last up to 50 years with proper care.
One disadvantage of aluminum windows is that they’re susceptible to corrosion. That’s why most aluminum windows are powder-coated — or painted — to decrease the risk of corrosion. Another disadvantage is that aluminum windows conduct heat quickly, increasing heat transfer into the home. A thermal seal usually remedies this issue.
Aluminum windows usually cost more than vinyl windows. However, both materials are more affordable than other types of windows. Fiberglass and wood windows will almost certainly cost more than low-maintenance aluminum window frames.