How much does a piece of glass cost?

Several years ago, I moved to a new home – downsizing. One of the items I kept was a bookshelf that had been my mother’s. It was designed as a combination of shelves and a holder for a large book – she had a dictionary on it. It had been in a library room we had with many Irish pictures. In my smaller home I only have a corner of a room as my library 😉but I wanted to keep the pictures of my Irish ancestors front and center.

The problem was that the glass insert in the top never made it to my new home. The people doing the packing must have thrown it away or something. But if I was going to display things, I had to put something in there to have a solid surface. For 3 years I’ve been using an old picture that sort of fit but didn’t go into the slot there. I really needed something different so I could use the full surface. So I decided to go on the hunt for a small grass piece that would go inside. It had to be not too thick, and fit specific dimensions and I didn’t want to spend a lot of money.

I found the perfect thing from Suncraft Millwork. The price was very reasonable, and I could choose the exact dimensions I needed. There were a few other similar items from other manufacturers, but I chose this one because of how they described their work, reviews from others and apparent value. Just over a ee week later I received my glass. It was packed very well to protect it and it was beautiful and fit perfectly! The attached picture shows how well it looks.

I highly recommend the work of Suncraft and will likely be ordering other glass pieces in the future from them.

If your window glass is chipped, broken, or cracked, it’s time to replace it for your family’s safety. New glass will also prevent your energy bills from increasing due to air leaks.

While the average replacement cost for an individual glass pane can vary greatly, the national average for this type of home repair settles around $300. Actual costs can range depending on the size, number of panes, and the type of window that needs replacing. Other factors, such as energy efficiency and glass type, can influence your home window replacement costs.

Keep reading to learn more about cost factors and average price points for each window type. If you feel you need to start from scratch, check out our best cheap windows guide.

If you’d like a professional opinion on your window repair needs, I recommend getting quotes from one of these providers:

What is the Average Cost for Window Glass Replacement?

The average window glass replacement cost can vary depending on two main factors: the type of glass you need and the type and size of the window itself. I’ve broken down average costs for both factors to help you get a general idea of the potential costs for glass replacement projects.

Cost for Window Glass Replacement by Glass Type

I’ve broken down the average costs of window glass replacement by type:

Window TypeCost Per WindowTempered Glass$200 – $550Laminated/ Insulated Glass$250 – $550Low-E Glass$400 – $800Frosted Glass$250 – $750Smart Glass$75 – $180 (per square foot)Krypton or Argon Glass$250 – $1,100

• Tempered Glass: Tempered glass is used for most residential applications on exterior windows. This glass is heat-treated and is rated at 4x the strength of standard glass panes. Such glass is designed to disintegrate when it breaks rather than shatter into large, potentially harmful shards.
• Laminated or Insulated Glass: Laminated glass is made of two or more panes of glass with a thin polymer layer at its center. This layer adheres to both panes and prevents shattering. These are also called double-glazed windows.
• Flat Glass: Flat glass — more commonly known as plate glass — is most often used for commercial applications. This is typically seen on storefront doors or large display windows.
• Low-E-Glass: Low-E glass — or low-emissivity glass — has a thin coating that reflects UV rays and infrared rays while allowing visible light in. Low-E coatings make for very energy-efficient windows and can dramatically reduce energy costs.
• Frosted Glass: Frosted glass is made by sandblasting or acid etching the surface of clear glass. These panes are opaque and are most common on interior windows between rooms. However, they do get some use on first-floor windows.
• Smart Glass: Smart glass windows are integrated with electrical components to switch between clear and tinted for privacy. These are among the most expensive windows to install and are usually reserved for limited commercial applications. Check out our guide on home window tints for more insight.
• Argon/Krypton Gas Glass: Double-pane windows will typically have a layer of insulating gas between the panes. This gas-filled layer can help to reduce your energy bills long-term. Of the two, krypton gas windows are the more expensive option. Some estimates show that krypton is 40% more expensive than argon.

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 standard 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 TypeCost Per WindowSingle-Hung or Double-Hung Window$300 – $700Sliding Window$150 – $800Picture Window$225 – $950Casement Window$125 – $1,100Skylight$900 – $2,200Storm Window$125 – $325Bay Window (3 individual panes)$500 – $3,500Bow Window (5 individual panes or more)$1,000 – $4,000

For assistance with installing any of the window types above, look into our top providers and get a free quote. If you find yourself in need of window screen replacement, you can also refer to our informative article on the cost of replacing window screens.

Find Window Cost Estimates In Your State

Broken Window Pane Replacement

• Single-pane Glass: Single-pane glass windows are typically used on exterior buildings or for structures that don’t require heating, like sheds or garages. They may also be used for more decorative interior windows. Average costs for such glass panes range between $75 and $300.
• Double-pane Glass: Double-pane glass is the most commonly used type of window for residential applications. The cost of window glass replacements is between $175 and $650 per window.
• Triple-pane Glass: Triple-pane glass is usually reserved for homes in more extreme climate zones and is among the most expensive residential glass you’ll find. Single window glass costs for such windows range from $400 to $800 for these.

Follow these links to learn more about our top window replacement professionals:

What are the Factors that Impact Window Replacement Cost?

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

Window Size and 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. For example, a large bow window requires far more glass than a small picture window. Another example is impact-resistant safety glass will have a higher per-square-foot cost than single-pane windows.

Window Frame Material

Similarly, the material of the window frame will impact the cost of replacement. For instance, vinyl window frames will usually be far more affordable than will wood frames or aluminum frames.

Labor Costs

Labor costs will range between $45 and $65 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.

I recommend getting a quote from a window professional before proceeding with any DIY repair attempts. At the very least, a trained eye will be able to fully appraise the damage and can let you know exactly what you should expect to pay. Locate a contractor near you to start your window replacement process.

Window Replacement

Window replacement typically costs between $400 and $1,000, depending on the type & material.

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Window Repair

Leak repairs may cost $50 to $150, while more critical issues like frame damage can cost up to $1,000.

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Energy Efficient Glass

Upgrading your home’s windows with double or triple-pane glass may range from $700 to $2,000+.

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How much does it Cost to Replace a Glass Door?

Glazed shower doors and sliding glass doors will come with a much higher cost-per-unit but often come with more straightforward installation, which can offer lower labor costs. Here are some sample ranges for glass door replacement pricing:

Door TypeCost Per UnitStorm Door$200 – $500Sliding Patio Door$200 – $1,500Shower Door (sliding or hinged)$500 – $1,500

Should I Have My Windows Replaced or Repaired?

This depends entirely on the scope of your window damage and the cost of a new window to match your existing window frame and home construction. High-end glass replacement is a huge homeowner expense that can exceed $2,000 per window.

In some cases, your window frame or window glass may not require a total replacement. Here, I’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 $150 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 I recommend getting quotes from a window installation pro before deciding.
• Condensation Between Double- or Triple-Pane Windows: This type of repair is fairly common. Condensation between pieces of glass doesn’t necessarily denote a broken pane. Rather, it can be a sign that a window’s seal is defective. In this case, you’ll be able to get away with repairing the seal around the window 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 typically cost between $50 and $150. 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 in 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.

Read also: Benefits of replacing your windows

DIY vs. Professional Window Glass Replacement Cost

Replacing your windows on your own may seem like a good way to cut costs, but going the DIY route may end up harming you more in the long run. If you don’t have experience installing glass, attempting to replace your own windows can lead to secondary structural damage, water leaks, poor energy efficiency, and money loss over time. Hiring a professional to handle your glass replacement also bundles a handful of extra costs, like dumping and haul-away fees, that you’ll be left to pay out of pocket if you go the DIY route.

If hiring a professional service for your window screen replacement isn’t within your budget, we’ve got you covered. Explore our comprehensive guide for detailed steps to successfully substitute a torn window screen on your own. With the right guidance, you can achieve cost-effective and satisfying results while improving the comfort and appearance of your space.

How Long Does Window Glass Replacement Take?

For smaller windows or minor repairs, it can take a professional as little as two hours to repace the glass in your current windows. If you are comfortable making DIY repairs, but don’t have professional experience, a minor repair to your window might take you the better part of a day.

Bigger repairs, or replacing the glass in large or custom windows can easily take one to two days, even with a professional in charge of the project, as the level of detail and labor required is far more significant.

So, What Should You Do Now?

When you’re in need of window repairs or replacement, you should make a checklist of all the materials you may need, including the type of glass, tools needed, other sealant materials, etc.

Then, I recommend getting quotes from qualified window installation professionals. Going through this process will help you to assess whether professional repairs are needed once you’ve independently assessed the damage and potential costs. Certain window repairs are within the average DIYer’s scope. However, they don’t come with any labor warranties, which many glaziers and contractors offer, a major benefit of professional window installation and repairs.

Collect quotes from top-rated, reputable window repair and replacement providers to get an idea of the cost of repairing windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many panes are in a window?

This will all depend on the types of windows you have in your home. Many energy-efficient windows have two or three panes interlayered with non-conductive gas for insulation. The most common residential window is a double-hung, with two panes.

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.

Can you buy window glass at Home Depot?

You can buy both window glass and full-size replacement windows at Home Depot. Though they are more known for whole windows, you should be able to find most types of glass, including those that are double-glazed, have a Low-E coating, and more.

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.

Is it cheaper to just replace glass in windows?

It’s almost always cheaper to pay to have the glass replaced in a window than to pay for a complete window replacement. The national average cost for window replacement is around $300, which is far cheaper than the cost to purchase and install a new window entirely.

Article Update Log

9/18/2023

Reviewed for accuracy, cost data, industry best practices, and expert advice by Amy DeYoung