How Much to Replace Glass in Double Glazed Window
Updated: August 25, 2021
Reviewed by Cati O'Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor.
Written by HomeAdvisor.
2021 Notice: Material & Labor Prices are Surging
Demand for windows has grown over the past year. And, as a result, manufacturers are increasing materials prices. Prices have gone up 5% to 10% this year, and many parts of the country are experiencing long delivery times. If you're planning a window installation or replacement project, we recommend starting as early as possible in the season, preparing for potential price fluctuations, and allowing extra time to order materials.
Window Glass Replacement Cost
On average, the cost to replace a window pain costs between $180 and $404, 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.
On This Page:
- Window Glass Pane Replacement Cost Calculator
- Cost to Replace a Broken Window
- Double Pane
- Single Pane
- Bay
- Bow
- Average Price By Glass Type
- Cost to Replace Door Glass
- Front
- Sliding
- French
- Patio
- Storm
- Shower
- Factors Affecting Price
- Tips for Estimating Price
- Reasons to Replace Broken Glass
- Benefits
- Steps to Replace Window Glass in the Home
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 12,014 HomeAdvisor members in .
Window Pane Replacement Costs
| Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Single Pane | $50 - $75 |
| Double Pane | $100 - $300 |
| Bay Window (3 panes) | $500 - $1,000 |
| Bow Window (5+ panes) | $1,000 - $3,000 |
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
Standard single pane glass can be found for as low as $3 per square foot. After labor, the cost to replace a single pane falls in the $50 to $75 price range. These are your most basic windows, and are typically found in older homes.
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
| Type | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Tempered/Impact-Resistant | $12 - $14 |
| Laminated/Insulated | $10 - $20 |
| Thermopane/Thermal | $10 - $14 |
| Plate/Flat | $25 - $100 |
| Double-Glazed | $3 - $6 |
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
| Type of Door | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| Front Door | $100 - $500 |
| Patio Door | $150 - $300 |
| Storm Door | $150 - $275 |
| French Door | $200 - $450 |
| Shower Door | $500 - $1,800 |
| Sliding Door | $500 - $5,500 |
*Costs may vary based on size and usage
Find a Window Glass Professional
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.
"The main culprit of window failure is the sun. Sunshine causes 'solar pumping,' or a process where repeated heating (and then nighttime cooling) of the air between the glass panes in double- or triple-paned windows results in seal failure. Consider shading the south and southwest windows of your house with trees, awnings or pergolas to protect them."Cati O'Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor.
Benefits of Glass Replacement
Some of the advantages of replacing the glass in a window include an immediate solution to a broken pane, affordability and the opportunity to upgrade the window. Replacing the entire window, which includes the frame as well as the sash, will be a much lengthier process than simply replacing the pane. Plus, a simple glass replacement often costs less money than replacing the window. Even if the actual window is a specialty design, an older frame or anything else that may be pricey to replace, the glass should not be expensive unless it is a customized shape.
Over time, older windows may let in air from the outside and start to transfer temperatures, which reduces energy efficiency in the home. This is not only a problem for the environmentally conscious but also a problem for anyone seeing an increase in their monthly utility bills. Because there are so many different types of glass windows on the market, it is up to each homeowner to determine which type of glass is the best for their home. One of the advantages of glass replacement is that homeowners can upgrade to any of the following options:
- Low-E glass to minimize solar warming in the home
- Argon glass to increase energy efficiency
- Tempered glass to prevent future damage to the pane
- Designer glass for an attractive look
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.
Find a Window Glass Professional
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How Much to Replace Glass in Double Glazed Window
Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/doors-and-windows/replace-window-glass/#:~:text=Window%20Pane%20Replacement%20Costs&text=Most%20homeowners%20pay%20between%20%24100,than%20their%20single%2Dpane%20counterparts.