Window replacement in Markham typically costs $600 to $1,200 per window installed. That covers the most common jobs I see: standard vinyl replacement windows with double or triple pane glass and professional installation. Across Canada, replacement windows run $500 to $2,500 installed depending on window style, frame material, and window size.
Edmunds Home Improvements has been doing home improvement work in Markham for over 30 years and we’ll share our experience with you in this article. Whether you’re looking to replace windows in one room or across your whole home, this guide walks you through replacement window costs and window prices so you know what you’re actually paying for.
York Region weather puts windows to the test. Freeze-thaw cycles, lake-effect snow from Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe, and humid summers all take a toll. The right window cost and style for a Markham home is not the same as what works in Vancouver or Calgary.
Window Replacement Cost in Ontario: What Markham Homeowners Actually Pay
Your window replacement cost depends on the window style, frame material, glass package, and installation method. GTA labour rates run higher than rural Ontario, and Markham sits in one of the busier contractor markets in the province.
Below is what replacement windows typically cost per window installed in Ontario. These prices include old window removal, the new unit, installation, insulation, and basic trim.
Window Type | Average Installed Cost (Ontario) |
|---|---|
Single-Hung | $600 to $950 |
Double-Hung | $700 to $1,000 |
Casement | $800 to $1,300 |
Awning | $700 to $1,200 |
Picture (Fixed) | $400 to $800 |
Sliding | $600 to $1,000 |
Bay or Bow | $2,000 to $5,000+ |
These are averages. Your final price will shift based on window type, glass upgrades, custom sizing, and whether the existing frame is in good shape. Comparing window prices from multiple contractors is the best way to get a feel for what your specific project will cost. | |
What Is the Average Cost of a Standard Replacement Window?
A standard vinyl replacement window in Markham typically costs $600 to $900 installed. That covers a mid-range double or triple pane unit in a common window size, with professional installation. Vinyl windows are the most affordable option in Canada. The average window costs here are for a single window, installed.
Fiberglass or wood frames push the cost to replace a window higher. Average window replacement costs depend on your installation type and glass package. The replacement window costs in the table above give you a starting range for budgeting.
Window Replacement Cost by Style
The window style you choose is one of the biggest pricing factors. Simpler designs cost less, while complex styles with crank hardware, multiple panels, or structural framing cost more.
Double Hung Windows ($500 to $1,000)
Double hung windows are one of the most popular window types in Markham. Both sashes slide up and down, and you can tilt them inward for easy cleaning. They work well in Cornell and Berczy Village where colonial and traditional styles are common.
The seal between double hung sashes is not as tight as a casement window. For Ontario winters, I’d recommend triple pane with Low-E coatings to offset that. If you have old windows with single pane glass, double hung replacements are a significant upgrade. Budget $500 to $1,000 per window installed.
Casement Windows ($500 to $1,000)
Casement windows crank open outward and pull tight against the frame when closed. The compression seal actually gets tighter when wind pushes against it, making casement windows one of the most energy efficient window styles for York Region homes.
I install a lot of casement windows in kitchens and bedrooms across Markham. They offer excellent ventilation and a clean sightline. Installed window cost runs $500 to $1,000 for a standard vinyl unit. If you’re comparing casement windows vs. double hung, the casement seals better against our winter weather.
Slider Windows ($500 to $1,000)
Sliders operate on a horizontal track. They’re simple, low maintenance, and work well where you don’t want a window swinging outward. I see a lot of slider windows in Markham basements and lower-level bedrooms where exterior clearance is limited.
Expect $500 to $1,000 per window installed for a standard vinyl unit. Sliders clean easily from inside, which is a nice feature for upper floors.
Awning Windows
Awning windows hinge at the top and tilt outward, so you can leave them open during light rain without water getting in. They’re popular for bathrooms, basements, and above kitchen counters. In Markham, installed cost runs $500 to $1,000 for awning units.
Fixed (Picture) Windows
Fixed windows (also called picture windows) don’t open at all. That makes them the most energy efficient window style since there are no moving parts and zero air leakage through the frame. They typically cost $400 to $800 installed. Picture windows are common in Cathedraltown’s newer builds, where homeowners use large oversized windows as living room feature walls.
Bay and Bow Windows ($3,000 to $5,000)
Bay windows use three panels set at angles. Bow windows use four or five panels in a gentle curve. Both project outward from the wall, adding interior space and natural light.
These are premium installations. Large windows like bay and bow styles require framing and support to be built out, and in older Markham homes structural reinforcement may be needed. Installed window cost runs $3,000 to $5,000 for a vinyl configuration. Oversized configurations in Historic Unionville homes can push above $5,000.
How Frame Material Affects Your Window Replacement Cost
Your choice of frame is the second biggest cost factor. For Markham’s climate, where temperatures swing from -20°C in January to 35°C in July, the thermal performance of your window frame matters for both comfort and energy efficiency.
Vinyl Windows (Most Affordable)
Vinyl windows are the most popular and affordable option in Canada. They offer solid energy efficiency, low maintenance, and long lifespan. The vast majority of residential window replacements I handle in Markham use vinyl.
Supply cost for vinyl windows runs $200 to $600 before installation, depending on window size and glass package. For most Markham homeowners, vinyl windows offer the best balance of window cost and energy efficiency.
Wood Windows
Wood windows deliver a classic look and excellent insulation. Supply cost runs $500 to $1,500 per window. The downside is maintenance: wood frames need painting or staining, and Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycling speeds up wear. I see wood windows most often in Unionville heritage restorations.
Fiberglass and Aluminum Frames
Fiberglass frames are durable, energy efficient, and resist warping. Supply cost runs $400 to $900 per window. Fiberglass is growing in popularity across the GTA for homeowners who want better performance without the maintenance of wood.
Aluminum frames are affordable but conduct heat readily. In a Markham winter, that means condensation. Vinyl windows outperform aluminum on energy efficiency at a similar price.
Retrofit Installation vs. Full Frame Replacement: Which Do You Need?
The installation method has a big impact on both cost and quality. The right choice depends on the condition of your existing window frames and how old your home is.
Retrofit (Insert) Installation
Retrofit installation means the new window slides into the existing frame. The old sashes come out, but the frame stays in place. This installation method is faster and more affordable. It works when your existing frame is square, level, and free of rot.
Many Markham subdivisions built in the 1990s and 2000s are good candidates for retrofit installation. Homes in Cornell and Berczy Village often have frames that are still solid. The trade-off is a slightly smaller glass area, but most homeowners barely notice the difference.
Full Frame Replacement
Full frame replacement removes more than just the sash or inserts, it also removes the entire window down to the rough opening. This installation method costs more, but it lets us inspect the framing, fix hidden water damage, and address hidden damage that can increase labor and material costs while installing fresh insulation for a tighter seal.
I recommend full frame replacement for older Markham homes, especially in Historic Unionville and areas with 1960s to 1980s construction. Standard window-for-window replacement does not require a building permit in Markham. Permits are only needed if you’re changing the window opening size or making structural modifications.
Window Installation Costs in Markham
Professional installation in Ontario typically runs $150 to $400 per window. The range depends on window size, accessibility, wall type, and how many windows you’re replacing. York Region labour rates sit slightly above provincial averages.
Most window installation projects take one to three days. Full frame replacements or brick exteriors take longer.
What Does Professional Installation Include?
A proper quote should cover:
Old window removal
New window installation
Spray foam insulation
Interior trim
Exterior caulking
Cleanup
At Edmunds, all of that is included.
Make sure you understand what the window installation process covers. Ask about disposal fees and whether insulation is part of the base price.
The Window Installation Process
The process starts with precise measurements. Custom-ordered replacement windows take 4 to 8 weeks to arrive. On installation day, my crews remove the old window, prep the opening, shim and level the new unit, apply spray foam, caulk the exterior, and finish the interior trim. We complete 4 to 6 installs per day for standard window sizes. Each set of new windows gets tested for smooth operation before we move on, similar to how our dedicated window replacement services in Markham are handled on whole-home projects.
Glass Upgrades: Double Pane, Triple Pane, and Low-E Coatings
The glass package is where energy efficiency gets decided. Double pane glass is the baseline. Triple pane adds a third layer and second insulating air space. Low-E coatings are thin metallic layers that reflect heat, keeping warmth inside during winter and outside during summer.
Upgrading from double pane to triple pane with Low-E and argon gas fill adds 20% to 30% to the window replacement cost. In York Region, the long term savings make this a cost effective upgrade. Triple pane with argon is becoming the standard for Markham replacement windows.
Single pane glass is outdated. If your home still has single pane windows, you’re losing heat and paying for it every month. Even basic double pane windows are a meaningful upgrade. Triple pane windows with Low-E and argon fill are the energy efficient products that deliver maximum energy efficiency for Ontario homes, and pairing them with a security and soundproofing glass upgrade can further boost comfort and security without a major cost increase.
Is Triple Pane Glass Worth the Extra Cost in Ontario?
Yes, for most Markham homeowners triple pane glass pays for itself through energy savings within 5 to 8 years. York Region gets lake-effect weather from Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe, meaning colder temperatures and more freeze-thaw cycling than inland areas. Triple pane with Low-E glass provides the best thermal barrier for these conditions.
I especially recommend triple pane for north-facing and west-facing windows, since those exposures take the most heat loss and wind chill. The upfront cost is higher, but if you’re replacing multiple windows the combined savings on energy bills add up fast.
Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Savings
New energy efficient windows can noticeably reduce your energy costs. ENERGY STAR Canada certifies windows that meet thermal performance standards for Canadian climate zones. Ontario sits in Zone 2, requiring better insulation than milder provinces.
Many older Markham homes still have original old windows from the 1970s through 1990s. Swapping old windows for new windows with modern Low-E glass can cut heat loss by 30% to 50%. The installation costs pay for themselves through lower energy bills.
The advantages of energy-efficient windows go beyond energy bills. New windows mean fewer drafts, less condensation, and more consistent room temperatures, especially during York Region winters.
Is It Cheaper to Replace All Windows at Once?
Yes, replacing multiple windows at once typically lowers the per-window cost by 15% to 25%. You save money on bulk material discounts, a single mobilization fee, and more efficient scheduling.
For a typical Markham 3-bedroom home with 20 to 25 windows, replacing them all at once can save $2,000 to $4,000 on the total cost versus doing them in batches. When you install replacement windows as one project, the overall cost comes down significantly.
If budget is tight, prioritize north-facing windows with the most heat loss, windows with failed seals (fogging between panes), and the rooms you use most.
Is It Cheaper to Replace a Whole Window or Just the Glass?
Replacing just the glass (an IGU replacement) can be cheaper short-term at $150 to $350 per unit. If the only issue is a failed seal causing fog and the existing frame is solid, glass-only makes sense.
If the frame is worn or leaking air, full window replacement is the better investment. When you replace windows entirely, you get a new frame, modern glass, and better insulation all at once. For most older Markham homes, the cost to replace a whole window is the more cost effective option. Our guide to window repair vs. replacement can help you decide.
What Time of Year Are Windows the Cheapest?
Fall and winter (October through March) are typically cheapest, with savings of 10% to 20% on your final price. Spring and summer bring higher demand, longer waits, and less room for discounts.
Many Markham homeowners wait until spring, which drives up prices across York Region. Modern techniques make winter window replacement safe and effective. We’ve been installing windows in winter for decades, and the off-season often gives you better scheduling too.
Hidden Costs That Can Increase Your Window Replacement Price
The sticker price on a quote is not always the final price. Depending on your window type and the condition of your home, a few common add-ons can push your window replacement cost higher.
Structural Repairs and Old Window Removal
When old windows come out, we sometimes find rotted framing or water damage. This is common in older Markham homes. Structural repairs add $200 to $500 per affected window opening. Old window removal is usually included in a professional quote, but confirm upfront.
Custom Sizing, Permits, and Other Add-Ons
Custom sizing adds 20% to 40% to the window cost because the unit must be fabricated to order. Permits in Markham run $50 to $200 if structural changes are involved, but standard replacement does not require a permit. Other add-ons include:
Interior trim replacement
Drywall patching
Specialty glass
Whole-House Window Replacement Cost in Markham
Here are ballpark numbers for whole-house projects based on homes in Markham. Replacement window costs vary by project scale, and homes with large windows will see higher window prices per unit. Total project cost depends on how many windows you’re replacing and what glass package you choose.
Home Type | Number of Windows | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
Small bungalow | 10 to 15 | $8,000 to $15,000 |
Medium detached (3-bedroom) | 15 to 25 | $15,000 to $25,000 |
Large 2-storey | 25 to 35 | $22,000 to $35,000 |
These assume mid-range vinyl replacement windows with triple pane and retrofit installation. | ||
Government Rebates and Financing Options for Window Replacement
Canadian homeowners may qualify for government rebates and financing when upgrading to energy efficient windows.
Canada Greener Homes Grant
The Canada Greener Homes Grant offered up to $10,000 toward energy efficiency upgrades, including ENERGY STAR-certified replacement windows. Availability may vary. You’ll typically need contractor invoices, proof of energy efficiency certification, and in some cases a pre-and-post energy audit. Our home renovation grant page has current information.
Ontario Provincial Rebates and Financing
Ontario has offered energy efficiency programs through Enbridge and local utilities. These change frequently, so check current availability before you start.
Some contractors, including Edmunds, offer financing options that let you spread the upfront cost over time while you start saving on energy bills right away.
DIY Installation vs. Professional Installation
DIY installation saves $150 to $400 per window in labour, but improper installation voids most warranties, creates air leaks, and can cut the window’s lifespan in half.
In Ontario’s climate, proper air sealing around the window frame is critical. Bad spray foam application or poor shimming leads to drafts, condensation, and water damage inside the wall.
When you hire a professional, ask for WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) clearance certificates and general liability insurance. A contractor without WSIB could leave you responsible if a worker is injured on your property. This is one of the most important steps in choosing a window installer.
How to Choose the Right Windows for Your Markham Home
Start with your home’s age, style, and the condition of your existing frames. Homes in Historic Unionville may benefit from wood-look frames. Newer builds in Cornell and Berczy Village work well with vinyl windows.
For York Region’s climate, I recommend triple pane glass with Low-E coatings for north and west-facing windows. Match the right window style to each room: casement for bedrooms and kitchens, picture windows for feature walls, sliders for basements. Your installation type (retrofit vs. full frame) is another detail worth discussing with your contractor.
Get at least three quotes. Compare the installation details and what’s included. Ask about WSIB coverage and warranty coverage for both the window unit and labour.
Get a Free Window Replacement Quote from Edmunds Home Improvements
If you’re a Markham homeowner thinking about replacing your windows, we’d be happy to take a look. Edmunds Home Improvements has been serving this area since 1947, and I’ve been working on homes across every Markham neighbourhood for over 30 years.
We offer free in-home assessments with a clear, written quote. If you have questions about replacement windows or want an honest opinion on the right windows for your home, give us a call at 905-472-0276 or visit edmundshomeimprovements.com.
Steve Gibson
President & CEO, Edmunds Home Improvements
Steve Gibson has over 35 years of hands-on experience in home renovation across
Markham and the Greater Toronto Area. As President and CEO of Edmunds Home
Improvements — a company serving the community since 1947 — Steve specializes in
roofing installation and repair, siding, window replacement and installation, and
door installation. A longtime local resident, he took ownership of Edmunds in 1989
and has built the company into one of the GTA’s most trusted exterior renovation
contractors. Edmunds is fully insured (WSIB and $5 million public liability) and
is a BBB Accredited Business and ENERGY STAR partner.
