How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Glass Window Pane?

Window Glass Replacement Cost

On average, the cost to replace a window pain costs between $180 and $405, with most repairs averaging $274. Prices will range depending on your window style, the type of glass and labor costs.

Windows are an important part of any home: they let in the light, keep out the elements, and give you an extended view of the world. When the glass needs replacing, you must address the issue sooner rather than later. Not only can it impact the appearance of your home, it can make it less energy-efficient, which will raise your utility bill.

Window Pane Replacement Costs

Double Pane

Most homeowners pay between $100 and $300 for new glass in a a double-pane window. Single-hung options are the cheapest at $100 to $150 and double-hung windows cost the most at $260-$300. These windows are thicker and offer better insulation than their single-pane counterparts.

Single Pane

Bay Windows

For the standard three-pane window, replacement bay windows ranges from $500 to $1,000. The total price depend on the size and type of glass.

Bow Windows

The average five-pane window starts at about $1,000 for glass replacement. If the one in your home is particularly large, the rate may be closer to $3,000.

Average Price by Glass Type

Tempered Glass

• $12-$14 per square foot

• One of the hardest and strongest types of glass

• Less likely to cut someone if it breaks

• Cannot be cut without shattering

• More expensive than annealed glass

Laminated or Insulated Glass

• $10-$20 per square foot

• Holds up well under impact

• Blocks 99% of UV-light transmission

• Has sound-reduction properties

• The noise-reduction properties of laminated glass come from a specific amount of air space between the two panels, making it more difficult to install.

Thermopane or Thermal

• $10-$14 per square foot

• More energy-efficient than standard single-pane windows

• Reduces heating and cooling costs

• Moisture can build up between the glass panes, requiring the panes to be replaced.

Plate or Flat

• $25-$100 per square foot

• Flat, clear, and contains few irregularities

• Not as good of an insulator as other window glass options

• Can be easily scratched

Double-Glazed

• $3-$6 per square foot

• Reduces noise and heat transmission through the window

• Helps reduce energy bills

• Cannot be easily repaired, as disturbing the glass can break the airtight seal

• Higher initial cost

Shaw

• $10-$14 per square foot

• Energy-efficient with several weather-proofing features

• Easy to clean

• Made of 1+ movable panes

• Not as secure as other window types, making it easier for an intruder to enter

Door Glass Replacement Costs

*Costs may vary based on size and usage

Factors Affecting Price of Replacement

The cost of window glass replacement can vary based on dozens of different factors. Replacing a standard single pane of glass can be as cheap as buying a pane of glass. However, replacing all the window glass in the home and upgrading to a more energy-efficient version as well as hiring professionals to handle the job will be a lot more expensive.

The size of the glass being replaced will play a role in the total price, with the larger panes being more expensive. Custom glass will also be substantially more expensive. The type of glass is also important. Designer windows, low-E glass windows or any other upgrades may raise the final cost of replacement. Finally, it is important to note that a damaged frame that needs to be repaired or replaced will bring additional costs.

Tips for Estimating Glass Replacement Costs

Know Your Skill Level

If you've got plenty of home repair and do-it-yourself experience under your belt, you'll probably be able to handle doing the replacement yourself. However, it's important to recognize your limitations. If you've never really been the handy type, it might be best to hire a professional who knows exactly how to get the job done right.

Similarly, if you have only basic maintenance skills and are upgrading to more insulated or tinted glass that might require special installation, you should consult an expert first. Installing a window improperly can lead to poor sealing, drafts and gaps, or even cracking. Avoid causing problems (and even more expenses) later on by underestimating your abilities now.

Tools and Supplies

• Work gloves: $10

• Glass cutter: $5

• Razor blade scraper ($8)

• Paint: $10

• Putty: $12

• Paintbrush: $7

• Putty knife: $6

• Chisel: $12

• Glazier points: $5

• Pliers: $9

• Glass of proper size: $100-$630

If you're going the DIY route, in addition to the glass itself, you will need a variety of tools and supplies, including a glass cutter, razor blade scraper, and heat gun. Unless you have these supplies on hand, you can expect to spend another $100 to $200 on supplies alone. But if you believe you can do the job yourself and already have most of the materials on hand, you repair it for just the cost of the glass.

Shop Around

Plan to compare prices for both materials and labor. Online reviews can be an excellent resource to find out about prices and window glass installers in your area. Keep a running list of estimates you receive, then compare them with the customer feedback you've found. Remember: often, it's best to spend a little more money to make sure the job will be done correctly. Weigh the pros and cons of upgrading.

There's always going to be a "cheapest option", and window glass is no different. Consider, though, that the benefits of upgrading to more energy-efficient glass are often well worth the investment. Energy Star qualified windows can save the average homeowner up to about $465 a year in heating and cooling costs. Plus, it can make your home feel much more comfortable throughout the year.

Reasons to Replace Broken Window Glass

If the glass is beyond repair, replacement will be necessary. The most common reasons to replace window glass are because the pane is cracked, because the pane is no longer transparent or because the homeowner wants to upgrade to a more efficient type of glass.

Most glass replacements are done because a window has been damaged in some way, which could be due to a storm and high winds, a falling branch, or even a stray baseball during a neighborhood game. In some cases, the glass will appear milky, foggy or dirty and can't be cleaned. This could mean the window seals are blown. This condition happens with double- or triple-paned windows.

No matter how much the glass is cleaned, streaks, condensation or other marks remain. These imperfections can detract from the home's overall curb appeal and can ruin interior views to the outside.

Benefits of Glass Replacement

Steps to Replace Window Glass in the Home

Replacing the glass in a window doesn't always require professional assistance, but it may be best if there are several windows to fix, if the homeowner doesn't have the right tools, or if the window is unusually shaped.

The first step in the process will be to remove the broken or old glass. The trim of the frame may have to be removed in order to facilitate this step. This work has to be done safely with gloves and a small hammer as well as a rag to pick up the pieces of glass that fall in the process. After that, the frame can be cleaned and any old putty removed from the edges. If there is old caulk stuck to the frame, this must be scraped off to ensure a tight fit for the new piece of glass to be installed. Then, the replacement glass can be fitted into the existing frame. It must fit perfectly, or it will need to be cut with a glasscutter to be the right size.

Once in place, glazier's points, or small triangular metal pieces, can be used to hold the glass in the right spot. The next step is to apply a thin layer of putty to the edge of the frame where it meets the glass. The putty should be scraped so that it is completely flat and even. The putty can either be painted or covered with the existing layer of trim to match the rest of the windows in the home. If a homeowner has difficulty with any of these steps, a professional can be hired to replace the glass.