How much does it cost to replace a glass window pane?
How much does it cost to replace a glass window pane?
Window glass replacement costs $50 to $200 for a single pane and averages $200 to $600 for a double pane. Door glass replacement costs $150 to $600 for a front door, $200 to $1,200 for a patio door, and $250 to $600 per panel for a sliding door.
$3 – $12 cost per square foot (material only)
$150 – $500 window or door glass replacement cost (total)
Window glass replacement costs $50 to $200 for a single pane and averages $200 to $600 for a double pane. Door glass replacement costs $150 to $600 for a front door, $200 to $1,200 for a patio door, and $250 to $600 per panel for a sliding door.
Window Glass Replacement Cost
Window glass replacement costs $150 to $500 on average, with most repairs at $288. A broken window pane replacement costs $50 to $200 for a single pane and $200 to $600 for a double pane. Window glass prices are $3 to $12 per square foot, depending on if it's single or double glazed.
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Single Pane Window | $50 – $200 |
| Double Pane Window | $100 – $800 |
| Front Door | $150 – $600 |
| Patio Door | $200 – $1,200 |
| Sliding Glass Doors | $250 – $600 per pane |
For repairing extensive damage beyond the glass pane, installing replacement windows costs $400 to $1,000 per window, depending on the size, type, style, and frame material.
Average cost to replace window glass
| National Average Cost | $288 |
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,000 |
| Average Range | $150 to $500 |
Upgrading old single-pane windows saves 10% to 30% on energy bills.
Double-pane glass increases energy efficiency, home value, and soundproofing.
An entire window replacement costs 50% to 100% more than only replacing the glass.
Broken Window Pane Replacement Cost
The cost to fix window glass depends on the type of window and number of broken panes.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Pane | $50 – $200 |
| Double Pane | $100 – $800 |
| Picture Window | $300 – $1,000 |
| Bay Window (3) | $500 – $1,800 |
| Bow Window (4–6) | $1,200 – $3,000 |
*Includes materials and installation. Some contractors charge a $100 to $150 minimum.
Double-Pane Window Glass Replacement Cost
Double-pane window glass replacement costs $200 to $600 on average. Prices to replace dual-pane glass depend on the size, type (single or double-hung windows), glass thickness, and frame material.
Double-pane glass is the most common type of glass for residential windows.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Hung | $100 – $450 |
| Double Hung | $175 – $800 |
| Sliding | $150 – $600 |
Higher energy-efficiency and soundproofing than single pane windows
Saves 10% to 30% in energy costs when upgrading from single pane windows
Required to meet building code requirements in modern homes
Single-Pane Window Replacement Cost
Single-pane window replacement costs $50 to $200 on average, depending on the size and difficulty. Single-pane glass is common in older homes with aluminum or wood windows. Single-pane float, flat, or plate glass is the cheapest to replace but is easily breakable and the least energy-efficient.
| Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 SF | $50 – $80 |
| More than 1 SF | $100 – $200 |
Picture Window Glass Replacement Cost
Picture window glass replacement costs $300 to $1,000 on average, depending on the size, glass type, and style. Picture windows are large fixed panes with low profile frames to maximize the view and natural light.
Picture windows are common with flanker windows on each side to create a bay window.
| Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 2' x 4' | $150 – $400 |
| 4' x 4' | $250 – $550 |
| 5' x 8' | $400 – $1,000 |
| 8' x 8' | $600 – $1,500 |
Bay Window Glass Replacement Cost
The average cost to replace bay window glass is $500 to $1,800 for all 3 panes. Prices depend on the window sizes and type of glass. Modern bay windows have a large central picture window, and two angled side windows.
Bow Windows
Replacing all the glass panes in a bow window costs $1,200 to $3,000 on average, depending on the size and glass type. Bow windows are a connected set of 4 to 6 windows that curve outward and are often 8 to 10+ feet wide total.
Bow windows with attached seats should be checked for water damage, warping, pest infestation, or faulty insulation inside the window seat and frame.
Window Glass Prices
Glass prices range from $3 to $12 per square foot on average, depending on the type and application (door or window). Double-glazed glass costs $6 to $12 per square foot and is the standard glass used in modern homes to meet building codes.
| Type | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Single Plate | $2 – $7 |
| Double-Glazed | $6 – $12 |
| Triple Pane | $20 – $70 |
| Tempered | $8 – $30 |
| Laminated / Insulated | $10 – $25 |
| Thermopane / Thermal | $8 – $50 |
| Acrylic | $7 – $40 |
*Prices for materials only. Additional shipping costs may apply when ordering custom sizes or specialty glass.
Plate Glass / Single-Glazed Window Glass
Plate glass or single-glazed window glass costs $2 to $7 per square foot, not including labor to replace. Single-glazed windows are the cheapest type and were common in homes before the 1970s.
Easy to replace and readily available
Custom cutting is simple
Prone to condensation
Scratches and breaks easily
Doesn’t insulate enough for modern home building-code standards
Still used in garages, sheds, or uninsulated places
Double-Glazed Glass Panel Cost
Double-glazed glass panels cost $6 to $12 per square foot. Double-glazed glass is the most common choice for all home windows.
Reduces noise
Increases home’s value and curb appeal
Better insulation and energy efficiency for lower energy bills
Double glazing replacement is necessary for all glass damages
Higher cost upfront
Tempered Glass Cost
Tempered glass costs $8 to $20 per square foot for a single pane and $20 to $30 per square foot for double panes. Tempered glass is an impact-resistant safety glass that shatters in round cubes to reduce injury.
| Type | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Single Pane | $8 – $20 |
| Double Pane | $20 – $30 |
Four times stronger than annealed or untreated glass, but more expensive
Used in all-glass doors, sidelights, and windows near floors or walkway
Easier to install than laminated glass
Even minor damages require glass replacement
No cutting or drilling is possible after its heat treatment
Used for specific building codes and safety standards
Triple-Pane Glass Cost
Triple-pane glass costs $20 to $70 per square foot, depending on the brand and quality. Triple-pane glass is made up of three layers of glass and two air chambers for superior insulation in extreme climates.
Up to 20% more energy-efficient than double-pane glass
More noise reduction than double-pane windows
Increase a home’s value
Superior condensation resistance
Its extra weight can require structural reinforcement
Difficult installation that requires multiple contractors
Takes 10 to 25 years to recover energy saving costs
Laminated Window Glass Prices
Laminated window glass prices are $10 to $25 per square foot. Laminated glass is a shatter-proof safety glass with dual panes joined to a plastic inner layer.
High-energy efficiency with noise-reduction
Blocks up to 97% UV rays
Five times stronger than standard glass
Offers more security against theft
Blocks radiant heat and cold air while letting in natural light
Expensive, very heavy, and labor-intensive to replace
Used for shower doors, skylights, or hurricane zones
Thermal / Thermopane Glass Replacement
Thermopane window glass replacement costs $8 to $50 per square foot. Thermopane is the industry term for insulated glass units (IGU), also known as double-pane or triple-pane windows.
More energy-efficient than single-pane windows
Filled with air, krypton, or argon gas for superior insulation
Moisture between the glass panes causes fogginess
Any damage to the glass or seal negatively impacts performance
Acrylic Window Glass-Alternative Cost
Acrylic window thermoplastic costs $7 to $40 per square foot. This plexiglass (glass-alternative) is commonly used for sun rooms, skylights, shower doors, pool enclosures, and greenhouses.
More than 10 times stronger than glass
Lightweight and glare-resistant
Storm-resistant, impact-resistant, shatter-proof
UV resistant
Scratches easily
Reacts to abrasive cleaners
Low-E Replacement Glass Cost
Argon-filled insulated glass with a low-E coating costs $35 to $40 more per window than plain glass. A low-E coating comes standard in the majority of insulated glass.
Increases energy savings by 40% to 50%
Reflects heat while letting in natural light and reduces UV rays by 70%
Reduces condensation
May have either soft or hard coats
Hard coats on the outside are less effective and can develop a haze over time.
Soft coats on the inside are more efficient, nearly invisible, and only used inside double- or triple-pane glass.
Smart Glass Cost
Smart glass costs $70 to $150 per square foot installed and is a complete panel installed like traditional glass. Smart windows cost $25 to $150 per square foot with installation, depending on the application type. Smart glass, also called switchable glass, is a type of glass that changes from clear to frosted on demand.
Provides privacy on demand
Enhances energy efficiency by controlling light and heat
Reduces glare and protects against harmful UV rays
Higher initial cost compared to replacing windows with traditional glass
Requires electrical wiring and connection to a power source
Potential for electrical or mechanical failures over time
Door Glass Replacement Costs
Door glass replacement costs $150 to $600 for a front door, $200 to $1,200 for a patio door, and $250 to $600 per panel for a sliding door. Door glass repair prices depend on the size, type, location, and complexity.
| Door Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Front Door | $150 – $600 |
| Sidelight | $200 – $500 |
| Patio Door | $200 – $1,200 |
| Sliding Doors | $250 – $1,200 |
| French Doors | $200 – $500 |
| Storm Doors | $200 – $400 |
| Shower Door | $400 – $1,900 |
Front Door Glass Replacement Cost
Front door glass replacement costs $150 to $300 for small repairs, and $250 to $600 for larger or more complex oval or arched glass. Front door glass repair costs depend on the door and glass size, door type, and complexity of the window.
| Glass Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small | $150 – $300 |
| Large / Complex | $250 – $600 |
Sidelight Glass Replacement Cost
Sidelight glass replacement costs $200 to $500 on average. The glass panel is called the sidelight surround, and the molding or putty that holds it in place is also replaced. Signs a sidelight needs replacing is condensation between the panes (failed seal), flaky white material, and drafts.
Patio Door Glass Replacement Cost
Patio door glass replacement costs $200 to $1,200 on average. Prices depend on the glass dimensions, thickness, and type, and how many sections of glass are installed. Patio doors are typically either French doors or sliding doors with tempered glass.
Replacement Glass For Sliding Door Cost
Replacement glass for sliding glass doors costs $250 to $600 per panel for 6' panels, while larger sliding doors cost $800 to $1,200. Sliding-door glass replacement costs depend on the frame material, broken glass type, and job complexity.
Certain brands, high-end doors, or doors under warranty may require replacement by the manufacturer.
Replacement Glass For French Doors Cost
The average cost to replace glass in French doors is $200 to $500, depending on the glass size, type, and frame condition. Completely replacing all glass sections due to fogging or opaqueness costs $500 to $1,000 for two standard sized French doors.
Glass in French doors with flush-glazed glass panes integral to the unit cannot be replaced.
Storm Door
Storm door glass replacement costs $200 to $400 for materials and installation. Most storm doors use tempered glass for safety. Storm windows improve energy efficiency and protect the home from the elements.
Hurricane shutters cost $5 to $50 per square foot installed.
Glass shower door
Glass shower door replacement costs $150 to $300 on average, depending on the size, type, and style. Replacing the whole glass shower door costs $400 to $1,900, which is recommended if the door is old or has a damaged frame.
Most shower doors use laminated or tempered single-pane safety glass.
Glass Replacement Cost By Window Type
| Window Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Storm Window | $100 – $300 |
| Glass Block Window | $75 – $300 |
| Casement Window | $100 – $500+ |
| Skylight | $150 – $600 |
| Commercial Window | $500 – $2,000+ |
Storm Window Glass Replacement Cost
Replacing storm window glass costs $100 to $300 per pane, depending on the size and type. Fixed storm windows often have one large single pane of tempered glass, whereas others may have multiple sliding glass panes on several tracks.
Glass Block Window Repair
Glass block window repair costs $75 to $300 on average, depending on the size of damage, material, style, and location. Each replacement block costs $5 to $25 each, not including installation labor. For pre-built or readymade glass blocks that are damaged, the whole window may need replacing.
Casement Window Glass Replacement Cost
Casement window glass replacement costs $100 to $500 for an average 8- to 12-square-foot window. Larger or more complex glass replacements cost up to $1,000 for casement windows. Modern casement windows are always dual pane and often have low-E coatings.
Skylight Glass Replacement Cost
Replacing glass in a skylight costs $150 to $600 depending on the size, glass type, and accessibility. Complete skylight replacements cost $800 to $2,400 if the frame is too old or leaky to repair.
Commercial Window Glass Replacement Cost
Commercial shop window glass replacement costs $500 to $2,000 for a 6x8-foot window. Replacing glass in larger, more complex commercial windows costs $3,000 to $5,000 or more. Laminated, tempered, and tinted glass are the most common choices for commercial windows.
Home Window & Door Glass Repair Cost Factors
The cost of replacing window and door glass mainly depends on the opening size, type of glass, location, accessibility, and job complexity. The complete list of factors include:
Size of the pane (standard vs. custom)
Single, double or triple pane
Glass type (tempered, low-E, laminated)
Labor and glazier prices (heavy glass requires more people to install)
Window frame material
Window accessibility (ladder or scaffolding may be necessary)
Window location (basements, bathroom, bedroom, etc.)
Glass only vs. complete window replacement
Frame and other repairs
Labor & Glazier Prices
Labor costs $100 to $225 on average to replace window glass.
Glaziers or glass specialists charge a call-out fee of $100 to $150 for the first hour, plus $35 to $75 per hour afterward.
Most glaziers offer free estimates and serve a 20- to 50-mile radius.
The average time it takes to replace window glass is 60 to 90 minutes for removing the old glass, cleaning the area, and installing the new glass.
Emergency Window Glass Repair
Emergency window glass replacement costs $100 to $175 extra for after-hours house calls. Same-day glass replacements are available for standard glass types. For custom glass panels that may take 1 to 2 days for shipping, contractors board up any broken windows with wood.
Window Frame Repairs
Window frame repair costs $150 to $600 on average, depending on the condition, material, and size of damage. Window frames need to be in excellent condition to hold the glass in place and properly insulate. If the window frame and glass has significant damage, a full window replacement may be cheaper.
Reglaze Windows
Reglazing windows costs $100 to $300 per window or $3 to $10 per linear foot to remove old framing putty and apply new glazing. Window-sealing putty often cracks when exposed to the elements. Reglazing improves insulation, leak prevention, and window strength.
Glass Tinting
Home window tinting costs $6 to $15 per square foot or about $500 to $1,200 total on average, including the film materials and installation. Tinting windows lowers energy bills, increases privacy, reduces glare, prevents windows from shattering, and reduces UV exposure.
Estimating Glass Replacement Costs
Homeowners with DIY construction experience can replace single-pane glass in a small bedroom or bathroom window themselves. Experienced professionals should replace double-pane or larger windows to prevent poor sealing, drafts and gaps, and glass cracks.
How To Measure Glass For Window Replacement
Accurately measuring for replacement glass is essential to buy glass cut to size. Using a tape measure, record the following dimensions:
Width and height of the original glass pane
Thickness of the old glass
Next, round the width and length to the nearest 1/16 inch.
Subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements to account for contraction and expansion of the frame.
Use these measurements to buy glass cut to size at a hardware store.
Tools and Supplies
The tools and supplies required for DIY window pane replacement cost $35 to $85, not including the glass.
Tools and supplies needed:
Razorblade scraper
Pliers
Work gloves
Putty / Glazing material
Paint
Sandpaper
Paintbrush
Paint scraper or blade
Glazier points (optional)
How To Replace Window Glass
Homeowners with construction experience can learn to replace lightweight window glass with the right tools and if the frame doesn’t need repairs.
Follow these steps for replacing single pane glass:
Remove the old window pane and broken glass with gloves.
Clean all old caulk, putty, and old paint buildup from inside the frame.
Fit the replacement glass into the frame and secure it with glazing points, double-sided tape, or light caulking.
Apply the putty or caulk in the edges of the frame evenly.
After drying, paint the putty, or cover it with trim.
Always hire a professional for double pane windows to prevent insulation problems, window leaks, cracks, and other improper installation issues.
Reasons To Replace A Glass Window Pane
Aside from repairing broken window panes, there are several reasons to replace the glass in windows.
When To Upgrade Window Panes
Increase energy efficiency
Increase home value and curb appeal
Decrease noise pollution
Fix drafting, leaking, or condensation
Protect against UV rays
Old age (20+ years) or out of date
Improper locking or closing
Poorly insulating single pane glass
Glass scratches, screen-burn etching, cracks
Security upgrades for more durable tempered glass
While a glass replacement is cheaper, buying new windows might be best for extensive damage, or an old bay or bow window that’s often more expensive to repair.
Upgrading to Energy Efficient Windows
Updating single pane glass to ENERGY STAR rated dual pane windows saves $100 to $600 in utilities annually. About 25% to 30% of energy loss happens through thin glass panes and damaged or low-quality window frames. Experts recommend argon-filled insulated glass with a reflective Low-E coating.
For even greater energy efficiency, consider replacing aluminum window frames with wood, wood-clad, or vinyl (UPVC) sashes. Triple-pane glass insulates the best in extreme climates. Alternatively, adding storm windows and a solar film dramatically increases energy efficiency.
Window glass replacement FAQs
Can You Replace One Pane on a Double-Pane Window?
Both panes in a double-pane window must be replaced to maintain an airtight seal for energy efficiency. Damaged double-pane windows often need a full-window replacement instead of the glass only.
New dual-pane windows are customized to fit and sealed with argon gas between the panes for insulation.
Is It Cheaper To Replace Glass or Whole Window?
A full-frame window replacement costs 50% to 100% more than only replacing the glass. Glass-only replacement is recommended when the window frames are in good shape and a glass pane cracks, the sash is broken, or the window is foggy with condensation between the panes.
| Replace Glass | Replace Whole Window |
|---|---|
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Can A Cracked Window Be Fixed?
Replacing the glass is the only way to fix a cracked home window completely. While most cracks won’t immediately spread, quickly replacing the broken window glass prevents injuries and maintains energy efficiency.
To temporarily seal cracked windows:
Small Cracks – Clean the crack and apply superglue or shellac inside.
Large Cracks – Cover both sides of the crack with masking tape.
Severe Damage – Cover with a piece of plywood for extra security.
Hiring A Window Glass Repair Company
Before hiring a glazier or window repair company, plan accordingly, get multiple quotes, and know what questions to ask. For smaller window glass repairs, consider hiring a handyman.
Check the window manufacturer’s warranty and homeowner’s insurance for glass-replacement coverage.
Get at least three quotes to compare prices. You'll need the window size, type, and the number of panes to get an accurate estimate.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide or Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for longer than five years.
Ensure they completed at least 3 to 12 months of apprenticeship or obtained their glazing contractors license. In some states, only contractors' require licenses, not the glaziers who work for them.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Ask for a full itemized contract in writing in case of a dispute.
Ask for a clear written warranty on the glass and labor.
Avoid making large payments upfront and come up with a payment schedule for work completed.