Picture Window Replacement in Pittsburgh

A picture window is a large pane of fixed glass framed to show off a view and fill a room with light. Because it does not open, there is no sash, no balance and no crank, which means more glass, a slimmer frame and a tighter seal. Living rooms, dining rooms, stairwells and any room facing a yard, hillside or skyline are natural places for a picture window.

Our published range for quality vinyl double hung windows is $450 to $1,200 per window installed. Picture windows, especially large units, cost more than that standard range, and we price them at your free in home quote so the number reflects your exact openings, glass and trim.

Why Choose a Picture Window

• Maximum light and view. With no moving sash in the way, the glass area is as large as the opening allows.
• Excellent energy performance. A fixed window has no operating gaps to seal, so air leakage is minimal. Pair it with double or triple pane low E glass for a comfortable room all year.
• Low maintenance. Nothing to stick, crank or wear out.
• Clean, modern look. A large picture window becomes the focal point of a room.

Picture Window Combinations

Most homeowners want some fresh air in the room too, so picture windows are often paired with operating windows:

• Picture with casements on each side. A wide view in the center and crank out ventilation at both ends. See casement and awning windows.
• Picture with double hung flankers. A traditional look that fits brick and colonial homes. See double hung windows.
• Picture over awning. A big fixed pane with a short awning window below that can stay open in a light rain.
• Center of a bay. Most bay windows use a picture window in the middle. See bay and bow windows.
• Transoms and shapes. Fixed windows can also be made in arches, half rounds and other shapes above doors and windows. Specialty shapes are priced at your quote.

Replacing an Older Picture Window

Many homes in the Pittsburgh area still have their original large living room window. Over time the seal between the panes fails and the glass fogs, the frame may rot at the sill, and a single pane unit can make the whole room feel cold. Replacing it with a modern insulated unit fixes the fog and the draft while keeping the view. If a large flat window is no longer what you want, we can also talk about converting the opening to a bay or bow.

Glass Choices

A picture window is mostly glass, so the glass package matters more here than anywhere. Low E coatings reduce heat loss in winter and cut glare and heat gain on sunny walls. Triple pane glass adds comfort and quiet in a large opening. Tempered glass may be required where a window is close to a floor, door or stair, and we confirm safety glass needs for each opening at your quote. Our article on reading window energy labels explains the ratings.

Cost of Picture Window Replacement

One more benefit of a picture window is cost per square foot of glass. Because there is no operating hardware, a fixed unit delivers more view for the money than an operating window of the same size, which is why so many homeowners use a large picture window in the center and save operating windows for the spots where they really want airflow. At your quote we will lay out a few configurations for the opening so you can compare the look, the ventilation and the price side by side.

Price depends mostly on size and glass. A modest fixed window may fall close to our standard range, while large units, combinations with operating windows and specialty shapes cost more. We measure and price every picture window at a free in home quote. For the rest of your windows, the window price estimator gives a quick range.

Installation Done Right

Large glass is heavy, and a big opening needs to be square and well supported. We inspect the header and sill, decide between insert and full frame replacement, set and level the unit, insulate and seal the gap, and flash the exterior. Then we cap the exterior wood trim so there is nothing left to paint. Learn more about our process on the main window replacement page.

Why Homeowners Choose Bella for Windows

Bella Construction has worked on Western Pennsylvania homes since 1995 from our shop in Irwin. We have completed more than 10,000 projects, hold a 4.7 star Google rating and an A+ BBB rating, and we are licensed under PA050898. As a full exterior contractor with Owens Corning Platinum Preferred and James Hardie Master credentials, we handle the window and everything around it: flashing, exterior trim capping and the siding that ties into the opening. You get published pricing, a written quote and no pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do picture windows open?

No. A picture window is fixed glass. For ventilation it is often paired with casement, double hung or awning windows on the sides or below.

Are picture windows energy efficient?

Yes. With no operating sash, a picture window has very little air leakage. Double or triple pane low E glass makes it even more comfortable.

How much does it cost to replace a picture window?

It depends mostly on size and glass. Smaller fixed windows can be close to our standard range of $450 to $1,200 per window installed, while large units, combinations and specialty shapes cost more and are priced at a free quote.

Why is my picture window foggy?

Fog between the panes means the seal on the insulated glass has failed and moisture has gotten inside. The glass will not clear on its own, and replacing the unit restores the view and the insulation.

Can a picture window be combined with other windows?

Yes. Popular combinations include casements on each side, double hung flankers, an awning window below or a picture window in the center of a bay.