Exterior window capping typically costs $150-$350 per window, with an average near $225 for standard aluminum-wrapped trim. Total price depends on window size, trim condition, access, local labor rates, and whether old material must be removed or repaired.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One standard window | $150 | $225 | $350 | Wrapping exterior trim in formed aluminum |
| Per linear foot | $6 | $9 | $14 | Price varies with trim detail and access |
| Eight-window project | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,800 | Standard-size windows, normal access |
| Large or complex window | $300 | $450 | $700 | Oversized openings or detailed trim |
What aluminum capping costs per window
For a typical double-hung window, contractors often quote $150-$350 to bend and install aluminum over the exterior trim. A basic opening with sound wood and easy ground-level access tends toward the low end; a large window or detailed casing can reach $500 or more.
A practical budget is about $225 per standard window, or $1,800 for eight. These figures assume painted aluminum coil stock, ordinary trim profiles, and no major carpentry. Vinyl or specialty-color coil, intricate profiles, and elevated access may raise the quote. Assumptions: U.S. contractor pricing, standard aluminum capping, normal access, and minor or no trim repairs.
How coil stock, bending, and labor shape the quote
Quotes combine metal, custom forming, installation, and any removal or repair. Labor is usually the largest share because each piece must be measured, cut, bent, fitted, and sealed around the opening.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum coil and fasteners | $30-$80 per window | Coil stock, nails, and compatible sealant |
| Labor and forming | $100-$220 per window | Measuring, bending, fitting, and installation |
| Old capping removal | $20-$75 per window | Taking off and disposing of existing wrap |
| Wood trim repair | $50-$250 per window | Small replacement or patching before covering |
| Access equipment | $75-$300 per job | Ladder setup or lift charge where needed |
Ask whether the quote includes removal, disposal, and wood repair. A low base price may exclude these tasks, while a bundled quote may include them. A common estimating range is 1-2 labor hours per standard window at roughly $50-$100 per hour, with minimum job charges possible.
Window size, trim condition, and coil thickness change price
Opening dimensions affect the amount of metal and the time needed to form corners and returns. A window under about 15 square feet with simple flat casing is typically less costly than a 25-square-foot picture window or a bay window with several angles.
Trim condition is another major variable. Sound, straight wood can be capped directly; soft or water-damaged wood should be repaired first, since covering decay can trap moisture. A common coil thickness is around .019 inch, while thicker stock or custom colors may add roughly 10%-25% to the material portion.
More than 20 linear feet of trim or a second-story opening can move a job above standard pricing. Steep ground, landscaping, storms, and unusually deep returns can also slow installation. Request a separate price for repairs rather than accepting a single unexplained allowance.
How long does capping eight windows take?
A two-person crew may complete six to ten straightforward windows in one day, including setup and cleanup. A single standard window generally takes about 1-2 labor hours, but removal, repair, or complex bending can extend that time. Contractors may use a minimum service charge of $250-$500 for small jobs.
Bundling several windows usually lowers the effective price per opening. One mobilization and coil setup can cost less than hiring a crew for one window at a time. Confirm the estimated crew size, labor duration, and whether the contractor will return if hidden rot is discovered.
Regional labor rates can shift the per-window estimate
Prices in dense Northeast and West Coast markets may run 10%-25% above typical Midwest or Southern estimates because of higher labor and operating expenses. Rural areas can be less expensive for labor but may have higher travel charges or limited contractor availability.
Use local written quotes rather than treating a national average as a guaranteed rate. For eight standard windows, a broad regional budget could be about $1,500-$2,300 in lower-cost markets and $1,900-$3,500 in higher-cost metro areas. Difficult access or extensive repair can exceed those ranges.
Aluminum capping compared with painting or wood repair
Painting existing trim may cost about $50-$150 per window when the wood is sound, making it a lower-cost choice that still requires periodic repainting. Replacing deteriorated trim can cost $200-$600 or more per window, depending on material and labor; capping alone does not fix structural damage.
Choose capping when the underlying trim is stable and reduced repainting is the goal. If wood is soft, swollen, or separating, repair or replacement should be priced first. Vinyl wrapping can be an alternative, but local availability and profile options vary, so compare material, finish, and warranty rather than price alone.
Removal and rot repairs add charges beyond basic wrapping
Existing wrap may need removal if it is loose, dented, or trapping moisture. Contractors may charge $20-$75 per window for removal, with disposal sometimes included. Small wood repairs often add $50-$250 per opening; extensive rot, sill replacement, or framing damage can cost several hundred dollars more.
Have the contractor inspect lower corners and sills before covering the trim. Those areas commonly show water damage first. Ask whether repair costs require approval before work proceeds and whether the quote includes caulking at joints and cleanup.
Keep the capping quote down by controlling scope
Group windows into one project, provide the number and approximate sizes of openings, and share photos of second-story access or damaged trim before requesting estimates. Compare at least three itemized quotes that specify coil material, color, removal, repairs, and warranty.
Skip premium colors and extra trim details unless they solve a real appearance or durability need. Avoid capping over questionable wood just to lower the initial bill; a modest repair now may prevent a larger moisture-related expense. Schedule non-urgent work when local contractors are less booked, while confirming that weather allows proper sealing.