Exterior window wrapping, usually aluminum or vinyl cladding over existing wood trim, costs about $150-$500 per window, with an average near $300. Window size, trim condition, material, access, and the number of windows in the job drive the final quote; these prices do not refer to interior window film or tint.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One standard window | $150 | $300 | $500 | Exterior trim wrapping, installed |
| Per linear foot | $8 | $15 | $25 | Cladding and installation |
| 10-window project | $1,500 | $3,000 | $5,000 | Standard access and trim |
| Large or difficult window | $350 | $600 | $1,000+ | Oversized opening, repairs, or high access |
Assumptions: U.S. contractor pricing for exterior trim cladding, standard color coil stock, sound existing frames, and ordinary ground-level access.
What homeowners pay to wrap standard window trim
Most homeowners pay $150-$500 per opening to have existing exterior trim covered with formed aluminum or vinyl. A straightforward double-hung window with sound, accessible trim often falls around $200-$350. A large picture window, multiple trim layers, or a window on an upper story can cost substantially more.
For a typical house with 10 windows, a practical budget is $1,500-$5,000, with $2,500-$3,500 common when openings are similar and the crew can work continuously. Contractors may price by opening, by linear foot, or by a minimum service charge. Linear-foot quotes commonly work out to $8-$25 per foot installed, depending on material and detail.
Wrapping covers and protects the exterior trim; it does not replace a failed window, repair hidden rot, or guarantee that water leaks will stop. The quoted price generally assumes the existing frame is structurally sound and does not include major carpentry, painting, or interior work.
In some markets, “window wrap” can mean adhesive film applied to glass. That is a different service with different materials and pricing. A quote should specify whether it covers exterior trim, glass film, or both before prices are compared.
How aluminum coil, labor, and repairs shape the quote
Materials are only part of the installed price. A contractor measures each opening, cuts and bends coil stock to fit the trim, secures the cladding, seals appropriate joints, and finishes the corners. The labor and setup often outweigh the raw material cost on a small job.
| Quote component | Typical cost | What it covers | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum coil and fasteners | $25-$90 per window | Pre-finished stock, nails, and trim pieces | Size, color, and trim depth |
| Labor and forming | $100-$300 per window | Measuring, cutting, bending, fitting, and sealing | Usually 1.5-3.5 hours |
| Equipment and setup | $25-$100 per window | Brake setup, ladders, and job preparation | Often lower across larger projects |
| Rot or trim repair | $50-$250+ per opening | Small wood repairs before covering | Damage extent and access |
| Removal and disposal | $20-$100 per window | Taking off old cladding or loose trim | Amount and condition of old material |
Small projects can carry a minimum charge of roughly $250-$600, even when the per-window math is lower. Mobilization, measurement, and brake setup take time regardless of the number of openings.
Ask whether the estimate includes coil stock, corner finishing, sealant, minor prep, and cleanup. A low labor-only figure may exclude these items, while a higher all-in price may include removal or repairs. For estimating purposes, exterior-trim labor often equates to about $50-$100 per crew-hour, though the contractor’s full rate can include overhead and travel.
Why window size, trim depth, and access change the price
Window dimensions determine how much coil stock and detailed bending are required. A compact opening around 3 by 4 feet may fit the lower per-window range, while a 6-by-6-foot picture window can require more material, longer bends, and extra handling. Bay windows and grouped openings also need more intricate corners and transitions.
Trim width and depth matter as much as glass size. Flat trim under about 3 inches wide is generally faster to cap than trim 5 inches or wider, deep returns, decorative profiles, or several layers of molding. These details can add $50-$200 per opening, particularly when each piece needs custom forming.
Existing rot must be repaired before it is concealed. A small isolated repair may add $50-$250 per window; extensive sill or frame damage can cost $300-$800 or more and may make replacement a better choice. Wrapping over damp or decayed wood can trap damage rather than solve it.
Height and access can add 10%-30% to labor, or about $75-$300 per upper-story window, when ladders, staging, steep ground, or obstacles slow the crew. A window above a porch roof or behind landscaping may take longer than an equally sized opening at ground level. Custom colors, dark finishes, and uncommon coil profiles can also raise material costs or lead times.
When installation labor takes longer than one visit
A crew commonly spends 1.5-3.5 hours wrapping one standard opening, including measuring, forming, fitting, and cleanup. Time per window often falls on a larger, uncomplicated project because the crew can keep the brake and tools set up. A 10-window home may take one to two workdays, depending on access, trim complexity, and repairs.
For a small job, labor efficiency is limited by travel and setup. A contractor may charge a $250-$600 minimum or quote a bundled price rather than multiply a low hourly rate by a short visit. If a quote lists labor separately, ask how many crew members and hours it assumes. A two-person crew completing a window in less elapsed time does not necessarily mean fewer total labor hours.
Unplanned carpentry is the most common reason a simple wrap job runs over its expected schedule. Contractors may pause to replace soft wood, allow repair materials to set, or return with a different coil profile. Have the estimate state whether minor repairs are included, priced per hour, or handled only after approval.
How regional labor rates shift window-wrap estimates
Regional prices vary with contractor labor rates, housing conditions, weather, and demand. A standard opening in a lower-cost rural or Midwestern market may be priced near $150-$350. In higher-cost coastal cities and dense metro areas, the same work may reach $250-$600, especially when parking, travel, or upper-story access is difficult.
As a broad comparison, rural quotes may run 10%-20% below a national midpoint, while high-cost urban markets can run 15%-35% above it. These are planning ranges, not fixed regional price schedules. A suburban project with 10-15 windows can sometimes land closer to the average because setup costs are spread across more openings.
Compare local quotes for identical scope rather than relying on a national per-window average. Prices can also rise in storm-damaged areas or during busy exterior-renovation seasons, when crews have less availability. Request the same material, color, repair allowance, and access assumptions from each contractor.
Three sample quotes for different home window layouts
A useful estimate shows the number and type of openings, the cladding material, preparation, and any access charge. The examples below assume standard prefinished aluminum and no major hidden damage; local labor rates can shift totals.
| Project | Scope and unit rate | Labor assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bungalow | 6 standard windows at $220-$320 each | 12-18 crew-hours | $1,320-$1,920 |
| Two-story house | 12 windows at $250-$400 each, including some height access | 24-36 crew-hours | $3,000-$4,800 |
| Large custom openings | 8 mixed-size windows at $400-$700 each, plus $300-$800 repairs | 24-40 crew-hours | $3,500-$6,400 |
The bungalow example has fewer openings, but the per-window price may still reflect a minimum visit charge. The two-story example assumes ordinary ladder access rather than extensive scaffolding. The custom project includes larger openings and limited carpentry, which accounts for its higher unit rate.
Use each sample as a scope comparison, not as a guaranteed local bid. A quote should identify whether price is per opening or per foot and clearly separate repair work from cladding. If a contractor cannot inspect behind existing trim, the estimate should explain how hidden damage will be approved and billed.
Is aluminum wrapping cheaper than painting or replacing trim
Exterior aluminum cladding usually costs more upfront than repainting sound trim but can reduce routine repainting. Painting a typical window trim may cost about $75-$200 per opening, depending on scraping, repairs, and finish coats. Wrapping often costs $150-$500 per window, so the higher initial price is most defensible when the wood is sound and homeowners want a low-maintenance exterior surface.
Vinyl trim wrap can be a lower-cost material option, often around $125-$400 per standard opening installed, but availability, color selection, and durability vary by product and installer. Premium or custom-finished aluminum can reach $300-$700 per opening. These material choices should not be compared without checking thickness, finish warranty, and how corners and joints are formed.
Replacing exterior trim rather than covering it can cost roughly $300-$900 per window when removal, new boards, finish work, and disposal are included. If the frame or sill is badly rotten, replacement is often more appropriate than covering damaged material. Full window replacement is a much larger scope, commonly $600-$1,500 or more per unit installed, depending on window type and installation conditions.
Choose wrapping only when the underlying trim is dry and stable. Painting is usually less expensive for a short-term refresh, while trim replacement addresses deterioration that cladding cannot fix. Ask the contractor to document any soft wood before approving a wrap-only solution.
How to lower the price without skipping needed prep
Bundling windows is one of the most practical ways to reduce the per-opening expense. Wrapping 8-12 windows at once can spread measurement, travel, and brake setup across the job, while a single-window call may trigger a minimum charge. If several exterior trim tasks are planned, request a combined quote but keep each task priced separately for comparison.
Standard colors and profiles can cost less than custom finishes, and choosing a common coil color may avoid special-order fees or delays. Keep the scope consistent across bids: specify whether old wrap is removed, whether minor repairs are included, what areas are covered, and how cleanup is handled. A written allowance for concealed damage can prevent surprise charges.
Do not save money by covering rot or omitting necessary water-management details. Homeowners can reduce labor by clearing shrubs, moving outdoor furniture, and ensuring safe access before the crew arrives. They should not remove trim or attempt hazardous ladder work unless qualified; an incorrectly prepared surface can increase repair costs.
Get at least three itemized estimates and compare the per-window rate, total, material, repair allowance, and warranty terms. If one quote is far below the others, verify that it includes formed corners, fastening, sealing where appropriate, and disposal. A slightly higher complete quote may be less expensive than a base price with substantial exclusions.