Impact Window Cost: 2026 Price Guide

Impact and hurricane windows typically cost between $1,200 and $2,600 per window installed. That figure covers the impact-rated unit, labour, removal of the old window, and trim work, but the exact split is determined after a contractor inspects the existing opening. Because insert and full-frame replacement are priced differently, no single number should be treated as a quote until the frame condition is confirmed.

What Goes Into Impact Window Cost

Impact windows are priced as separate line items: the window unit, labour, removal and disposal, and interior or exterior trim. The unit itself carries most of the cost because it uses laminated glass, a reinforced frame, and hardware designed to resist wind-borne debris. Labour varies by region and by how difficult the installation is. Removal adds cost when the old frame must be cut out or when lead-safe practices are required in older homes. Trim is priced separately because some openings need new casing, stools, or exterior wrapping after the new window is set.

Insert vs Full-Frame Replacement

An insert replacement fits the new impact window into the existing frame, which keeps labour lower when the frame is sound and level. A full-frame replacement removes the window down to the rough opening and installs a new frame, which is necessary if the old frame is rotted, out of square, or not rated for impact loads. The choice is made after the frame is inspected, not before.

For context, a standard vinyl double-hung insert typically runs $350 to $800, while a full-frame replacement averages $550 to $1,100. Impact windows cost more than both because of the laminated glass and structural reinforcements required for hurricane zones.

Cost by Frame Material

Frame material changes both the price and the long-term maintenance profile. Vinyl impact windows are common in coastal markets because they resist corrosion and require little upkeep. Fiberglass impact windows generally cost $600 to $1,200 installed and offer strong thermal performance with minimal expansion and contraction. Wood or composite impact windows run roughly $900 to $1,800 installed and are often chosen for historic districts where appearance matters, though they require more maintenance in salt-air environments.

Here is how those ranges compare to the impact window estimate:

These are planning estimates, not quotes. A contractor must measure each opening and inspect the frame before issuing a firm price.

Specialty Sizes and Configurations

Large or unusually shaped openings cost more than standard rectangular units. Bay and bow windows, for example, can run $1,500 to $5,000 because they involve multiple units, structural support, and complex flashing. Picture windows may cost less per square foot than operable units because they lack locks and hinges, but impact-rated picture glass still carries a premium over standard glazing. Casement, sliding, and double-hung impact windows each have different hardware requirements that affect the final unit price.

How to Estimate a Whole-House Project

To estimate a full replacement, count the openings and decide which are inserts and which need full-frame work. For example, replacing ten windows with impact units at the midpoint of the range—about $1,900 each—yields a rough material and installation estimate of $19,000 before removal and trim are itemized. If four of those openings require full-frame replacement because of frame rot, add the difference between insert and full-frame labour for those four units. Removal and disposal are usually charged per window or per hour, and trim is billed by the lineal foot or per opening.

A simple arithmetic example: if labour is $150 per window, removal is $75 per window, and trim is $100 per window, the non-unit cost is $325 per opening. On eight windows, that adds $2,600 before the impact window units are even priced. This is why the final invoice can differ significantly from the unit-only range.

Glass-Only Replacement vs Full Window Replacement

Sometimes only the glass is damaged while the frame remains intact. Glass pane or insulated glass unit replacement typically costs $150 to $450. However, if the existing frame is not impact-rated, installing impact glass into it may not meet local wind-borne debris codes or insurance requirements. Window screen replacement runs about $100 to $350 and is a separate line item if screens are damaged during removal.

Local Factors That Move the Price

Wind-borne debris regions, such as parts of Florida and the Gulf Coast, often require impact windows or approved protective coverings by code. In those areas, demand and permitting can affect labour availability and pricing. Building codes may also require specific design pressure ratings, which influence which products qualify and how much they cost. Labour rates vary by metro area, and upper-story installations cost more than ground-floor replacements because of scaffolding or lift equipment.

Getting an Accurate Price

Start with a frame inspection. A reputable installer will check for rot, water intrusion, and squareness before recommending insert or full-frame replacement. Ask for a written estimate that separates the unit, labour, removal, and trim. Compare that against the cost of alternatives such as fiberglass or wood windows, and check whether your insurer offers a credit for impact-rated openings. For more background on overall project pricing, see our guide to window replacement cost, or browse style-specific pages such as bay window cost and bow window cost.