Window Glass Replacement Cost

How Much Does Window Glass Replacement Cost?

On average, window glass replacement should cost between $280 and $325 per window depending on the extent of damage. Minor glass repairs can cost as little as $70, while total window glass replacements can cost as much as $800.

Your window glass replacement needs will depend on which elements of the window are impacted. The type of damage and extent of the damage will also affect the window glass replacement cost.

Other factors that can impact window glass replacement costs are:

• The window’s size.
• The type of window that needs glass.
• Any efficiency upgrades your glass needs.
• If you are replacing single-, double-, or triple-pane glass.

Let’s look at each of those elements below in addition to common glass replacements and glass repairs.

Full Window Pane Replacement Cost

An entire window glass replacement is sometimes unavoidable depending on the issue. When that happens, the cost can be upwards of $600 for a double pane full glass replacement, but that price can vary greatly depending on window dimensions.

Here are some of the most common reasons homeowners choose a full window glass replacement.

• Condensation between panes. If you have double- or triple-pane windows and notice fogging or condensation between the panes, it’s a sign that the seal has failed, and moisture has entered. This situation requires replacing the entire glass unit to restore insulation properties and visibility.
• Extensive damage. For windows with extensive damage—such as large cracks, holes, or multiple areas of breakage—a full replacement is often more practical and safer than attempting a repair or partial replacement.
• Energy efficiency upgrade. If your windows are old, single-pane, or otherwise not energy-efficient, replacing the entire glass with a double- or triple-pane option can significantly improve your home’s insulation and energy efficiency. This upgrade often involves full glass replacement to accommodate the different glass unit thickness and to ensure proper fitting within the existing frame.
• Compatibility and aesthetics. Sometimes, especially with older windows, finding a partial replacement glass that matches the rest of your home’s windows in terms of style, tint, and texture can be challenging. A full glass replacement ensures that the window maintains a uniform look and performance.
• Noise reduction needs. For homeowners looking to reduce noise from the outside, replacing existing glass with specially designed acoustic or laminated glass can provide a significant improvement. This often requires replacing the entire glass unit to ensure optimal performance.
• UV protection. Full glass replacements allow homeowners to upgrade to UV-protective glass, which can protect interior furnishings from sun damage and improve energy efficiency. This is especially beneficial in areas receiving high levels of sunlight.

Partial Window Pane Replacement Cost

In many cases, you can repair or replace a single pane instead of replacing all the glass in your window.

You can expect to pay about $70 per window to repair a cracked or otherwise minorly damaged pane. The average cost is about $150 to replace a single pane in an otherwise multi-pane window.. You can expect that price to increase by 15-20% for more efficient or stronger glass.

• Cracked window pane. Small, localized damage such as minor cracks or chips can be repaired by a homeowner or glazier quickly and inexpensively.
• Damage to a single pane. If only one pane of a double- or triple-pane window is damaged, replacing just the damaged pane might be possible.
• Some energy efficiency concerns. In cases where a specific pane is responsible for energy inefficiency (e.g., a single pane in a double-pane window has been replaced with non-energy-efficient glass), replacing just that pane with a more efficient one can restore the window’s energy performance.
• Matching appearance. When only one pane is damaged in a multi-pane window, and there’s a need to match the appearance closely with the undamaged panes, especially in terms of coatings or tinting, a partial replacement can help ensure consistency.

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Window Glass Replacement Cost by Window Type

As mentioned above, the cost of a window glass repair or replacement can vary depending on the type of window. A picture window, for example, tends to have a lot more glass in it than, say, an awning window does. Let’s look at average glass replacement costs for the most popular types of windows. Note that your final cost will depend on the size of your window, the type of glass you need, and local labor rates.

• Double-hung. These have two sashes that move up and down. Both sashes being operable can add to the complexity and cost.
• Single-hung. Similar to double-hung but with only the bottom sash operable, making them slightly cheaper to repair.
• Picture. These are large, fixed panes that offer a clear view and let in a lot of light. The cost can vary widely depending on size.
• Casement. Hinged at the side and open outward. The mechanism and size influence the cost.
• Bay. Extend out from the house and consist of a series of windows. Costs can be higher due to the size and complexity.
• Awning. Hinged at the top and open outward, offering good ventilation and protection from rain. Tend to be a smaller window type and thus more affordable.
• Sliding. Slide horizontally to open, with one or both sashes operable. Size and whether one or both sashes need glass replacement affect the cost.
• Skylight. Mounted in the ceiling, they can be fixed or operable. Accessibility and the need for special glass types can increase costs.

You can explore our guide to types of windows for more information on these and many other window types.

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Glass Replacement Types and Costs

Window size and style matters when it comes to glass replacement cost, but so does the glass type and quality. For example, energy efficient triple-pane windows cost the most to replace ($400 to $700 or more), while basic single pane windows cost the least to replace ($100 to $400 on average). Similarly, low-E glass can cost as much as $850 to replace, while tempered glass costs an average of $175 to $600 to replace.

Below you can explore the average cost to replace each type of window glass as of 2024.

• Single-pane glass. These windows only have one sheet of glass inside the frame. They are not suited to homes since they don’t insulate well but are good for sheds and garages.
• Double-pane glass. Two panes of glass are inside the window frame. Much more energy efficient than single-pane glass and better at reducing noise. Check out our guide to double-pane windows cost for more information.
• Triple-pane glass. Three panes of glass are inside the window frame. Triple-pane is the most effective at reducing noise, excellent for extremely cold climates, and quite expensive. Read more about triple-pane windows cost over at our guide.
• Low-E glass. A transparent coating is applied to the glass to help reduce infrared and UV light, protecting your furniture as well as keeping your room’s temperature more consistent. Our guide to low-E glass can tell you more.
• Gas-filled glass. Argon or krypton gas is between the panes of glass to help control heat transfer. We have a page devoted to insulated glass if you want to learn more.
• Laminated glass. Two layers of tempered glass with a layer of clear plastic film between them. This keeps glass from shattering into multiple pieces.
• Tempered glass. Thicker and stronger than ordinary glass. It is harder to break in addition to breaking into smaller pieces instead of larger and sharper pieces.
• Frosted glass. A coating applied to the glass that obscures the view into and out of the window while still allowing light in. It’s a type of privacy glass.

If you want more information on any of these, you can visit our guide to window glass types.

Repairing vs Replacing Window Glass

Not sure whether your window glass needs to be repaired or replaced? Here’s a quick look at some common scenarios and what to do.

Ignoring a window issue altogether can cause more issues and larger expenses over time, especially in the case of a failed seal or other types of water damage.

You can read our blog post on when to repair vs replace a window for more information,

Modernize recommends speaking with a professional to determine the cause of the window issue and what the correct solution is. They’ll be able to help you assess and decide how to proceed.

Other Window Repairs

In addition to repairing or replacing your glass, you may notice repairs are also needed to a different part of the window. Below you will find other common window issues and the average cost to fix them.

Repairing Window Seals, Sashes, and Tracks

All these issues relate to how a window opens and closes. These are all repairs a homeowner can typically handle on their own, but it is always wiser and easier to hire an expert when in doubt.

A sash cord repair should cost $100 or less per window including labor. Seal and track repairs should cost an average of $200 per window.

Broken Muntins or Mullions

A window’s broken, rotting, or splitting muntins and mullions — the mechanism that holds glass in a single pane — is typically an issue that can be repaired. If the putty has lost its stickiness, it can be replaced and re-secured.

This repair typically only costs about $20.

Broken or Damaged Window Frame or Window Casing

Damaged window casing can typically be repaired. Indicators that it’s time for a repair include if the wood is cracked, missing exterior casing, or rotting.

The average cost of window casing materials is about $1.50 per linear foot, while the average cost of labor and materials is about $8.25 per linear foot.

Water Leakage

Water leakage is not necessarily a sentence one way or another for repairing or replacing a window. It depends on the severity of the leak. Minor leaks can warrant a simple repair, while major leaks usually require an entire replacement. Reglazing a window can improve its insulation.

This typically costs $8 per linear foot.

DIY vs Professional Window Glass Repair

If you are sure your window does not need to be replaced entirely, then repairing a broken glass window should be handled with care to prevent injuries or further damage to the window.

The process typically entails removing a window’s glass, measuring the window, and cutting a new sheet of glass. The difficulty of the process can vary depending on the issue being tended to.

If you opt to do a DIY window glass repair, the replacement glass should cost between $3 and $12 per square foot. The price depends on if it’s single or double-glazed glass.

Still, the DIY route is not always best, and hiring a window glass repair contractor can have several benefits. A window contractor will come with all the right tools, can recommend glass types to improve the overall efficiency of your window, and can get the project done quickly. A professional repair can range between $200 and $800 depending on the window’s specs.

Saving Money on Glass Repairs

A window contractor’s peak season typically occurs in the summer months. Planning window projects by season and aiming to complete a replacement or repair during the winter months may help you save money. Of course, this isn’t always possible when you experience an emergency.  Speak to local window contractors about how timing might affect their quote.

To save money, you may also be able to work with a contractor to replace glass in a few windows at a time. For example, you could potentially do the work on one side of the house where you experience the most heat gain or loss, then wait to rebuild your finances to do further work. This requires a good look at your finances and talking with your contractor to find an appropriate solution. Ask a professional for the best options in your case based on your home’s specific needs.

Finally, check out our picks for the best window brands to get a sense of which brands have good quality window glass at a reasonable price. You can also explore our window replacement page to see more information on every facet of this home improvement project.

The Final Word on Glass Replacement

Whatever your situation, the best place to start with a window glass replacement project is contacting three to four local window contractors in your area to find the best price for your project. You can browse our contractor directory to see who is available and request free quotes, or you can have Modernize do the work for you. Click below and answer a few questions to be matched with up to four window pros.

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