Window Glass Replacement Cost

Window Glass Replacement Cost by Glass Type

We have categorized the average costs of window glass replacement by type:

Toughened Glass: Commonly used for exterior windows in residential applications, toughened glass undergoes heat treatment and boasts 4x the strength of standard glass panes. This type of glass is designed to disintegrate upon breaking, avoiding the formation of large, potentially dangerous shards.

Laminated Glass: This glass type consists of two or more panes with a thin polymer layer sandwiched between them. The layer adheres to both panes, preventing shattering.

Low-E Glass: Low-E (low-emissivity) glass features a thin coating that reflects UV and infrared rays while permitting visible light to pass through. These panes can substantially reduce energy expenses.

Frosted Glass: Created by sandblasting or acid etching a clear glass surface, frosted glass panes are opaque and commonly used for interior windows between rooms. However, they are sometimes utilized for first-floor windows as well.

Acoustic Glass:  This type of glass features a laminate construction with an interlayer that dampens sound waves. Acoustic glass is ideal for those looking to reduce noise from outside and within their homes. 

Double Glazing:   Double glazing essentially consists of two panes of glass with a gap in between – creating an insulating barrier. This type of window can effectively reduce heat transfer and noise pollution, making it ideal for those living in busy, urban areas. 

Broken Window Pane Replacement

Single-pane Glass: Single pane glass is the simplest form of window, consisting of just one pane of material. While this type of glazing doesn’t provide as much insulation or sound proofing as other options, it is the most budget friendly and cost the least to replace.

Double-pane Glass:  Double-pane glass is the more popular option for soundproofing and insulation. It consists of two panes of glass with a sealed gap in between, creating an airtight barrier which reduces noise pollution and keeps temperatures more consistent. This type of glazing is more expensive.

Window Glass Replacement Cost by Window Type

Each of the window types below will come with separate associated costs. The cost guide here shows pricing for materials and will not account for labor on a given window. Such services go for $45 to $65 per hour in most locations, with total installation time varying depending on window size and type. Older homes will often require more involved home improvement upgrades, as replacing old windows and window frames will sometimes need structural work. This could greatly increase repair costs.

Window Replacement or Repair: Deciding Factors

The decision to repair or replace your windows depends on the extent of the damage and the cost of a new window that matches your existing window frame and home construction. High-end glass replacement is a significant homeowner expense that can exceed $2,000 per window.

In some cases, your window frame or window glass may not require a total replacement. Below, we’ve listed some common damage types that might be eligible for window repair instead. Repairs will typically cost between $150 and $550 per window.

Broken Window Pane: This will come with the typical $250 to $550 price tag of average window repair costs. Broken glass on an individual pane will typically cost less than replacing the entire window, but we recommend getting quotes from a window installation professional before making a decision.

Condensation Between Double- or Triple-Pane Windows: This type of repair is fairly common. Condensation between pieces of glass doesn’t necessarily indicate a broken pane. Rather, it can be a sign that the seal in your window is defective. In this case, you’ll be able to repair the seal around the glass, which will cost between $80 and $200 if you go to a licensed professional.

Broken Muntins: Muntins are narrow strips of wood that separate different panes of glass within the same window. These are relatively cheap to repair and replace and will cost between $50 and $150 in most cases. Homeowners can save money by conducting this repair themselves if the damage is only superficial. Muntins on wood windows tend to be the easiest to replace or repair, as minimal materials and sealing putty are needed.

Broken Mullions: Mullions are wide pieces of wood that run vertically between windows and provide structural support around the frame. Considering the greater importance of mullions, these will be far more costly to repair. Expect costs to range between $250 and $600.

Elements Impacting Window Replacement Cost

The following are the main factors that are sure to impact window glass repair and replacement costs:

Window Size & Type: Material costs for such repairs will depend on how many square feet of glass you require, as well as the type of window you intend to repair or replace. Impact-resistant safety glass will have a higher per-square-foot cost than single-hung or single-pane windows. Similarly, vinyl windows will usually be far more affordable than wood frames or aluminum frames.

Labor Costs: Labor costs will range between $95 to $165 per hour in most locations. Depending on the scope of your repairs, a qualified glazier for your exact needs could end up costing even more.

Door Glass Replacement Cost

If you have broken glass in a door which needs replacing, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1500 for door glass replacement. The exact cost will be determined by the size and material of your door as well as the complexity of repairs required.

Here are some sample ranges for glass door replacement pricing:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you replace just one window? Yes. You can even arrange to have a single defective pane within a larger window divided by muntins replaced at a fairly reasonable cost.

How long does it take to replace window glass? Replacing window glass on a single window typically takes between two and six hours, depending on the scope of repairs needed.

How much should I budget for a window replacement? The national average cost for window replacement is around $300. However, your actual costs can range greatly between $200 and $2,000 or more, depending on window size, window type, and whether your damage is to the window itself or requires structural repairs.